Tanzania vs. Kenya: dilemma
 

I recently found the following quote on a travel operator/agent's website. I am sure it is just market mombojumbo, but do you have any comments?
" It is important to note that we believe the quality of the overall safari experience along with the abundance and diversity of wildlife is generally more rewarding and greater in Tanzania."

Personally, I seem to be much more drawn to the type of smaller camps/lodges in Kenya which apper to have less of a mass market orientation and where one can do walks and other activities...I don't see as many options like Serian, Shampole, or Loisaba in Tanzania. I am planning to travel in late May, which would dictate that I should be in Northern/Western Serengeti....but I am really more attracted to some of the accomodation options in Kenya. Any thoughts on my dilemma?
Thanks

Cruisinred,

End may...you may be better off in the central serengeti. No small luxuary camps there...........

Masai Mara is good game viewing year round. Remember, you can go off-road in the mara and all resident game dont migrate.

For Tanzania, if you are considering small camps, maybe the CCAfrica Tanzania under canvas option is suitable for you.

Hari

I am pretty sure the quoted agent has a close bond with a Tanzania outfitter and does not specialize in Kenya? Anyway, the word "generally" makes the statement pretty generic so it is neither right nor wrong!

I think one can have the same high-quality safari experience in either country if you plan it right.

In Tanzania recent tendency is still to open more special camp sites INSIDE the parks and the top-end outfitters are offering wonderful and more exclusive mobile tented experiences.

The new Nomad mobile camp INSIDE Tarangire brings a brand-new, upscale look to the mobile tented experience!
Tanzania walking safaris have not been promoted as much as it should - simply because only a few people are doing it. But when they do it, it is the real thing - the walking safaris in Katavi, Tarangire and Selous for example are true walking safaris amongst cats, elephants, buffalo and other big game.

Grumeti Reserves offer three of the first upscale choices that compare with some of the private concessions adjacent to parks in Kenya.

In Kenya, most of the mobile and tented experiences are OUTSIDE the parks it seems (remember I am just a semi-educated observer). Walking and cultural activities are heavily promoted because they have no choice! How else will you get clients to stay 2 hours outside the Masa Mara for example?

But when is a walking safari in the greater Mara merely a bush walk? When the little Maasai kids are either running behind you or looking at you from a hill a few hundred yards away!

So one has to keep everything in perspective when you are comparing Kenya and Tanzania properties. I think a luxury 4-tent camp INSIDE the Serengeti compares rather well with an 8-tent camp OUTSIDE the Masai Mara! And a small luxury tented camp INSIDE Ruaha is hard to top during prime season!

Tanzania has plenty to offer away from the tourist circuits as well. Chada Katavi for example INSIDE Katavi offers an exclusive experience not easily matched elsewhere. And Greystoke in Mahale.

These are just my perspectives! I don't like to match the two countries like a heavyweight fight!

I think it is better to choose a travel time, think about interests, choice of accommodations and budget and then choose a safari based on these parameters and not the country! Sometimes your safari will be in Kenya, sometimes in Tanzania, sometimes in both! That's the beauty of East Africa!

Cruisinred,

We had this discussion a few months ago about Kenya vs. Tanzania, and if I remember correctly, it actually came out in a tie !! Those who had been to both countries were completely split as to which they preferred.

It sounds as though people normally prefer whichever one they visited first.

I guess you never forget your first one!

I'm in agreement with CHSL (Eben for those who don't know).. the writer has a specific interest. I'd feel the same if someone wrote a similar statement about Kenya. Both countries have plenty to offer, the reason one of the first questions is "when do you plan to travel" which would determine the recommendations from posters.

For end-May, it's difficult to say. The parks in the south are closed till June 1 or June 15.

As to the Serengeti, the wildebeests may be in the south or central Serengeti... probably not west till end-first week June, earliest. If you're looking for lux, consider Nomad's or CCA Under Canvas for a few days. Grumeti Reserves is an option, but these properties are very expensive ($850 to $1,500/nt/person).

Then having spent a few days in the Serengeti, consider, as we did last year, head to Kenya, where you can visit at Elsa's at Meru or at Loisaba, Starbeds or Sabuk in Laikipia. From here you can fly to the Mara where most all the small camps will have plenty of space available.

I've found game viewing is always good in/around the Mara... not the migration in any way, but there are more than enough animals inside the Triangle and on the outside conservation properties.

If Shompole is a consideration, this would be an ideal time to visit and it can be combined with the Mara (though the flight between the two can be stiff).

There are options if you realize that unless your time is unlimited, you may not be able to visit all of the places on your wish list. Sadly, mine never is, so I return the following year.

Eben

please name the 3
"Grumeti Reserves offer three of the first upscale choices..."

thanx in advance
aby

aby

Sabora Plains & Faru Faru & Sasakwa. The idea being that these are on a private concession that borders a national park. These are some of the first exclusive lodges/camps that extend the boundaries of the parks in Tanzania - much like some areas in Kenya and South Africa.

Actually Klein's Camp was first! Their private concession is smaller but it has very good wildlife and now that they have a seasonal setup there (6 tents) it compares well with the camps in the greater Mara.