Have you also considered South Africa?
I'd think (not sure) that South Africa would be best for your num 5 and just as good as the other 1-4.

regards -tom

I agree with Tom. With such questions it seems like neither K nor T is suitable for you.

1) Cheaper air? Assuming from the States, is to South Africa, time-of-year dependent, but generally more "deals" to SA.

2) Cheaper cost of traveling? From where to where? Airport to hotel? Or game parks/reserves? Beach? Self-drive or inter-country flying? Or using an outfitter to provide such services?

3) Better beaches? If from the States, we have some of the best, most nearby (East Coast, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Hawaii, etc._ and relatively easy to get to. But if between Kenya or Tanzania... pretty much the same, depending on which areas of either's coastal area.

4) Safer? All countries have their crime, but rarely are tourists targetted nor harmed whether in East or South Africa. These countries are politically stable, as far as "there's no war" but all have their corruption and inept officials.

5) Easy to travel around? If on your own, as self-drive... definitely South Africa.

When do you plan to travel? How many days? What is your purpose/interests... Cities, safari or beach? What kind of budget (per person) are you working with, as all of these countries have seasonal pricing.

First trip to AFRICA for a family: SOUTH AFRICA is the country to go!

You'd have a great time in South Africa, but since you asked about Kenya vs. Tanzania.

1) Kenya
2) Kenya
3) no knowledge but I agree with Sandi
4) I view them the same but US State Dept has advisory on Kenya
5) same for Kenya/Tanzania, but as others stated to drive yourself, I'd choose South Africa over either Kenya or Tanzania. (I've never done self drive in any of the countries though.)

How old are your kids? We just came back from a spectacular first-time family safari in Kenya (with teens) - stayed at the authentic, eco-friendly, super-fun Porini camps. Our boys have now been to six continents and they rated this as one of their favorite vacations, if not their best ever. If you're set on a self-drive safari, it will not work, but it is stellar on every other level - top wildlife viewing, incredible cultural encounters, iconic vistas, etc. And there are bargains to be had. My one regret is that we did not have time for a beach.

Cheaper airfare: Kenya
Consideration: the cost of visas fees:
Kenya: single entry visa $25 per adult, free for children under 16 years of age.
Tanzania $100 per person.

Beaches: both about the same. In Tanzania you will probably hit Zanzibar, so go to the east/earth-eastern part of the island for best beaches.
In Kenya, south of Mombasa to Diani area.

1.) Cheaper airfare (in general) Kenya, into NBO

2.) Cheaper cost of travelling I think probably Kenya depending exactly when and where you travel

3.) Better beaches (Kenyan coast vs. Zanzibar, etc) From what I've heard this could be a draw. I've only been to Zanzibar--beautiful.

4.) Safer (both in terms of crime and political stability) Not sure. Maybe Tanzania by a hair.

5.) Easier to travel around independently, better public transport, more developed roads
First time safari trip to Africa? I would say this largely depends on how intrepid your family is and the other types of self-drives you've done. I don't think either would be easy though both would probably be fantastic.

Another thing to consider is the time of year you want to travel, should you want to see the Migration herds. Most of the year, they are in the Serengeti (Tanzania), but cross the border into the Masai Mara (Kenya) for a few months.