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So, you still can’t choose between southern Africa and East Africa and you’ve narrowed down your search to South Africa and Kenya – two of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. One is home to Kruger National Park, a game reserve that’s bigger than some countries, and the other boasts the Maasai Mara, famed for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, throngs of predators, and the indigenous Maasai people.
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.
We’ve built thousands of bespoke itineraries for travellers over the years, and this is where it all starts. Ideally, we recommend spending some time in both countries to make the most of your time in Africa. However, we know that Kenya and South Africa are on different sides of the continent, so with that in mind, let’s equip you with everything you need to know about safaris in South Africa and Kenya, how they differ, and the types of experiences you can expect.
Quick Comparison: South Africa vs Kenya
Quick Comparison: South Africa vs Kenya
| 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
| 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.
Wildlife
| 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. Researchers estimate that there are more species of large mammals here than anywhere else in Africa – and plenty of them. In fact, there are over 1,500 lions here, as well as over 17,000 elephants and over 1,000 leopards.
Kenya doesn’t lack in this regard, either. The Maasai 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.
Best 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, so think about some of the other kinds of animals you’d like to see.
If You Want to See Lots of Elephants
As mentioned, Kruger National Park is home to over 17,000 elephants. Meanwhile, Kenya’s vast plains support a population of up to 37,000 of the world’s largest land mammals.
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 collection of private game reserves 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, meanwhile, has had a tumultuous history with lions in particular. Tsavo National Park was once home to the infamous “Tsavo Man-Eaters”, a pair of males that are said to have killed and eaten dozens of construction workers in 1898. Today, the remaining Tsavo lions are famous for another reason: many of the males lack manes entirely!
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
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.
Activities
| 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 |
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
| 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. |
Ready to Make Your Decision?
Both South Africa and Kenya provide exceptional safari experiences, but the right choice depends on what you’re after. 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.
