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So, you’ve narrowed down your safari search to Kenya vs South Africa – two of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. For those beginning to get to know the African continent and top safari destinations, Kenya is not in South Africa – it’s an East African country with a wealth of magical safari experiences that sets it apart from South Africa.
Both countries boast several remarkable national parks and game reserves, and both have cultural heritages that tell enthralling stories – some dark, some beautiful. In fact, they share more similarities than differences, but when it comes to climate, cuisine, and diversity of activities, there’s lots to compare. Keep reading to explore this, including Kruger National Park vs Masai Mara.
We’ve built thousands of bespoke itineraries for travellers over the years. Ideally, we recommend travelling from Kenya to South Africa to spend time in both countries. Let’s equip you with everything you need to know about Kenya vs South Africa safaris, how they differ, and the types of experiences you can expect.
Kenya vs South Africa Safaris
| South Africa | Kenya | |
| Top Safari Destination | Kruger National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Mapungubwe National Park, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve, Tswalu Desert Reserve | Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo (East and West) National Parks, Nairobi National Park |
| Peak Seasons | May-July | June-October |
| Activity Highlights | Big Five Safaris, Stargazing, Snorkelling with Whale Sharks, Desert Driving, Walking Safaris, Cheetah Tracking | Big Five Safaris, Walking Safaris, Cheetah Tracking, Mount Kenya, Snorkelling |
| Iconic Wildlife | The Big Five, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, African Wild Dog, Whale Shark, Great White Shark, Whales, Spotted Hyena, Zebra, Meerkat | The Big Five, Cheetah, Blue Wildebeest, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, African Wild Dog, Spotted Hyena, Zebra, Nile Crocodile, Whale Shark, Whales, Nile Crocodile |
Climate in Kenya and South Africa
| South Africa | Kenya | |
| Rainy Season | October-April (North), May-September (Western Cape) | March-May; November-December |
| Dry Season | May-September (North), October-April (Western Cape) | June-October; January-March |
| Best Time for Game Viewing | Dry season | Dry season |
In both South Africa and Kenya, the weather is predictable, especially when trying to plan around the rainy season – but why is that important? Well, during the dry winter months, there’s less vegetation around, making it much easier to spot wildlife in the bush. Furthermore, animals tend to congregate around water sources, so you’re virtually guaranteed to see game at waterholes and rivers.
Keep in mind that South Africa’s southern regions have dry summers and wet winters instead. The best time to visit Cape Town, for example, is during the peak of summer in December and January. However, northern wilderness areas like Kruger National Park will be hot, wet, and humid during the same period of time, making combination trips difficult. If you do plan to pair a South African safari with a visit to the Western Cape, consider visiting during “cusp” seasons in autumn and spring.
Kenya has dry and hot regions, especially along the borders with Ethiopia and Somalia. In contrast, high mountains like Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon can be bitterly cold. Many of the country’s major cities are over 1,000 m above sea level, meaning they experience dramatic temperature swings each day. Meanwhile, the climate along the coastline is tropical, bringing rain and heat for much of the year. This is a key difference to consider when comparing a safari in Kenya vs South Africa.
Wildlife Found in Kenya and South Africa
| South Africa | Kenya | |
| Notable wildlife | Mountain zebra, southern right whale, great white shark, Cape fur seal, cheetah, zebra, blue wildebeest, spotted hyena, African wild dog, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, giraffe, whale shark | The Big Five, cheetah, zebra, blue wildebeest, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, spotted hyena, African wild dog, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, giraffe, whale shark, striped hyena, dugong, African wolf, tree pangolin, giant pangolin |
| Notable Birds | Bearded vulture, mangrove kingfisher, African penguin, Knysna turaco, Cape sugarbird, African fish eagle, martial eagle, secretarybird | Shoebill, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, lilac-breasted roller, pink-backed pelican, hamerkop, secretarybird, Taita falcon, southern ground hornbill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, bearded vulture, greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, kori bustard |
Down south, Kruger National Park is world-renowned for its vast landscapes and dense concentrations of wildlife, including the famed Big Five. When it comes to Kruger National Park vs Masai Mara, Kruger is renowned for its reliable Big Five sightings, including rhinos. With healthy populations of big cats, too, safari-goers have a good chance to see all of the Big Five animals.
Kenya doesn’t lack in this regard, either. The Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park are two of the world’s premier safari destinations for seeing predators up close. And, during the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, visitors can witness lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and monstrous crocodiles feasting on what can only be described as nature’s equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet!
South Africa’s long coastline makes it a remarkable ocean safari destination. In places like iSimangaliso Wetland Park, you can snorkel with whale sharks and go on a bush safari on the same day! Kenya, meanwhile, boasts spectacular Indian Ocean beaches where you can snorkel among colourful reefs and see dolphins and whales from epic boat cruises.
South Africa vs Kenya: Safari Destinations
| South Africa | Kenya | |
| Bush Safaris | Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve | Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo (East and West) National Parks, Nairobi National Park |
| Desert Safaris | Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, Tswalu Desert Reserve, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | |
| Marine Safaris | Table Mountain National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary | Watamu and Malindi, Mombasa |
If You Want to See the Big Five
There’s no clear winner between South Africa and Kenya here. Both regions are home to multiple Big Five reserves and offer incredible safari experiences. South Africa, particularly the Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves like Sabi Sands and Timbavati, is famous for its high-density wildlife and the incredible consistency of Big Five encounters.
“Our South African safari exceeded expectations. We saw the Big Five on more than one occasion! The guide and tracker were very knowledgeable and we also were able to go on a bush walk and learn more about our surroundings.” – Rob, United Kingdom
Kenya is also a Big Five safari destination, with vast savannah landscapes creating a classic safari experience.
“In Masai Mara, we have numerous stories that will bring us laughter for many years to come. The safari tour driver, Dennis, was the real star of the trip. He ensured that we saw as many animals as possible, including the Big Five within the first two drives.” – Zack, United States
If You Want to See Big Cats
You can see lions, leopards, and cheetahs in both South Africa and Kenya. However, when it comes to leopards, it’s hard to beat Kruger National Park – and Sabi Sand Game Reserve, in particular. This private game reserve borders the western side of Kruger, and many consider it one of the best places in southern Africa to see these big cats in the wild.
Kenya is a top destination for big cat safaris, as it has impressive populations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. While the open grasslands of the Masai Mara are perfect for cheetahs, leopards are found in places with denser vegetation, such as Samburu.
If You Want to See Birds
Kenya is a premier destination for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 1,100 recorded species thanks to its varying habitats that range from savannahs and forests to wetlands and high-altitude mountains. Renowned birding hotspots include Lake Nakuru, famous for its vibrant flocks of flamingos, and the Kakamega Forest, home to unique species like the great blue turaco and Turner’s eremomela.
But if you thought South Africa might be the lesser birding experience, think again. It’s actually a birder’s paradise with approximately 850 bird species, many of which are endemic or near-endemic to the region. Kruger National Park is a notable destination, hosting over 500 species, including the sought-after southern ground hornbill and martial eagle. Meanwhile, in coastal areas like the Western Cape, you’ll get the chance to observe seabirds like albatrosses and petrels.
If You Want to See Marine Life
South Africa is one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations. Each year, countless southern right whales and humpback whales migrate along the southern coast, making their way northward to their breeding grounds. If you’re brave enough, you can also go shark cage diving with great white sharks in the Western Cape, or go scuba diving with tiger sharks, whale sharks, and hammerhead sharks in iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Activities in Kenya and South Africa
| South Africa | Kenya | Both Regions | |
| Safari Activities | Camel safaris | Big Five safaris, Great Migration safaris, photographic safaris, walking safaris, birding, horseback safaris, mobile camping, hot air balloon safaris | |
| Fun Activities | Beach holidays, shark cage diving, wine tasting, multi-day hikes | Climbing Mount Kenya and the Aberdares | Bush walks, hiking, fishing, stargazing, beach holidays, snorkelling |
| Cultural Activities | Apartheid history tours, township tours | Malindi tours, Maasai village visits | Cultural tours, village visits, food tours, positive impact safaris |
Going on safari is all about wildlife, but you can combine your game viewing with plenty of other exciting activities. In some cases, you can even enjoy a safari from above.
What are the Pros and Cons of Each Region?
| Pros | Cone | |
| South Africa | Diverse landscapes, from lush Afromontane forests to the arid Richtersveld desert. Excellent game reserve infrastructure, especially in national parks and private game reserves. Great for self-drive safaris. Coastline makes marine safaris possible. Easy transfers from major cities. | The best wildlife viewing is seasonal. Some areas can only be accessed by boat (Gombe Stream National Park). Bookings must be made well in advance as spaces are often limited, especially for the Great Migration. Typically more expensive than Kenya. Wilderness areas are more spread out, meaning more travelling. |
| Kenya | Diverse landscapes from deserts to deltas. Excellent infrastructure and a wide range of accommodation options. High concentration of wildlife with fewer tourists in some parks. Seasonal flooding means plenty of water-based activities. | The best wildlife viewing is seasonal. Bookings must be made well in advance as spaces are often limited, especially for the Great Migration. |
Safety
- Southern Africa and East Africa are generally safe for tourists, particularly in well-established safari destinations like South Africa and Kenya. However, it is always advisable to follow local guidelines and travel advisories.
- Safari lodges and parks have stringent safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of guests, including guided game drives and secure accommodations.
- South Africa’s urban areas may have higher crime rates, so travellers should take standard precautions and stay vigilant.
Cuisine in Kenya and South Africa
| South Africa | Kenya |
| South Africa’s diverse cultural history is reflected in its culinary experience. Here, food has been influenced by various cultures, from Malaysia and Indonesia to India and Portugal. South African cuisine includes dishes like biltong (dried cured meat), boerewors (farmers’ sausage), and bobotie (a spiced meat dish with a custard topping). The braai is the quintessential South African meal. Essentially, it involves grilling meat over coals, but it’s also about the social gathering that comes with it! Safari lodges typically provide a range of gourmet meals, often incorporating local flavours and ingredients. | Kenya’s culinary heritage is as diverse as its many communities, which include both indigenous and immigrant peoples. Ugali is a staple here, too, as is nyama choma (grilled meat). Seafood is popular in coastal areas and in communities that border lakes. Sukuma wiki is a simple dish of greens is another staple shared with Tanzania and other countries around the Great Lakes. |
Travelling from Kenya to South Africa
Intrigued by both Kenya and South Africa? Discover Africa can arrange for you to go from the Masai Mara to the Kruger with ease. The logistics of going from Kenya to South Africa are surprisingly straightforward, with the journey centred around a direct international flight.
After witnessing the frenzy of the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, you can hop on a flight from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. There are daily flights between these two destinations. After landing in South Africa, it’s a short flight to Hoedspruit or Skukuza to enjoy the peace and exclusivity of one of the private concessions in the Kruger, such as Sabi Sands.
Safari expert, Vihann Van Wyk, advises travellers to not rush the journey. “I recommend three days in the Masai Mara and three days in the Kruger, at least. On route, you can stay in Nairobi and Johannesburg for one night each to acclimatise.”
A perfect safari route through southern and eastern Africa, Vihann says, is to “…do a big circuit of Kruger, then Victoria Falls, before heading to East Africa to explore the Masai Mara, then the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. You’ll then end up at Kilimanjaro Airport to start your journey back home.”
Ready to Make Your Decision?
When it comes to Kenya vs South Africa, both safari destinations have a lot to offer travellers in terms of incredible reserves, parks, and wildlife populations. If you’re looking for well-established infrastructure, the option for self-drive safaris, and a variety of landscapes, South Africa is a great choice. You can explore vast game reserves like Kruger National Park and even combine your safari with city stopovers or a coastal holiday.
However, if you’re drawn to a safari that combines stunning savannahs with rich cultural experiences, Kenya might be more suitable. The Masai Mara National Reserve offers world-class wildlife viewing, particularly during the Great Migration, while Kenya’s emphasis on community-based tourism provides opportunities to engage with local cultures, such as the Maasai people. With its well-developed safari infrastructure, Kenya ensures a seamless adventure, offering both iconic wildlife encounters and immersive cultural interactions.
Whichever destination you choose, you’ll come to appreciate why both South Africa and Kenya are among the best safari spots in Africa. When you’re ready to plan your adventure, speak to one of our expert Safari Travel Planners, and we’ll help create your perfect itinerary.
