Kenya vs South Africa: Where Should I Travel?

Kenya is in the eastern part of Africa. Its coastline is one of pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean and its interior is home to several magnificent safari destinations, including the iconic Maasai Mara. Kenya borders a handful of countries, such as the popular safari destinations of Uganda to the west and Tanzania to the south.

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, situated in the south-central part of the country, while Mombasa serves as its major port city. Kenya’s diverse geography includes the Great Rift Valley, highlands, arid regions, and lush forests, making it a land of striking contrasts and rich biodiversity.

South Africa is at the southern tip of the African continent and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, while the Indian Ocean runs along its eastern coastline. Land borders include Namibia to the northwest, Botswana to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. The kingdoms of Lesotho and Eswatini are surrounded by South Africa. The country’s diverse geography includes coastal plains, mountain ranges, and plateaus.

There are several factors to consider when looking at Kenya vs South Africa for your trip to Africa. It is good to know they share several similarities that make them equally attractive destinations.

Both offer you rich cultural experiences, wildlife adventures, and incredible natural beauty. Diverse landscapes stretch across the countries, resulting in fantastic panoramas and wildlife experiences.

Savannas, mountains, and coastlines provide a wide range of outdoor activities such as safaris, hiking, and beach adventures. Renowned for their wildlife, iconic national parks and reserves such as the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Kruger National Park in South Africa play significant roles in attracting travelers from around the world.

When considering a trip to Africa, you may wonder what the differences are between a Kenyan safari vs a South African safari. Kenya’s focus may be on presenting you with a longer safari itinerary and culturally interactive experiences, while South Africa is considered a destination for first-time safari-goers.

Kenya’s network of safari locations makes it popular with returning safari-goers, often combined with an idyllic escape to white sandy beaches along the country's eastern coastline. This makes Kenya a wonderful beach and bush destination.

South Africa offers a more diverse vacation, combining safaris with attractions like Cape Town and the wine regions. Spending time in South Africa will give you a variety of experiences that cover urban and rural adventures, with a diverse landscape to take in. If you are looking for a beach break after your South African adventure, you could take a flight to one of the nearby Indian Ocean Islands.

A Kenyan safari varies slightly from a South African safari regarding landscape, style of safari excursions, and cultural interactions. Both countries can offer you a “Big Five” safari experience. However, you would generally spend more time traveling the Kenyan safari circuit, while enjoying a shorter safari in South Africa.

Kenya is home to the Great Migration. When visiting, you can enjoy an atmosphere that mirrors the traditional image of safari – vast, open savannas and dense concentrations of wildlife. In South Africa, your game drives will take you through denser bushveld, with the opportunity to off-road for closer wildlife encounters.

Further contrasts include the style of vehicle used, with your game drives in Kenya conducted in closed 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs and your South African safari typically enjoyed in open-sided vehicles. In Kenya, you will be able to enjoy an authentic cultural experience with tribes like the Maasai, while South Africa’s cultural experiences tend to be more modern and urban-focused.

While Kenya and South Africa have made significant strides in eco-friendly tourism, Kenya generally stands out as the more eco-friendly destination. Many of Kenya’s conservancies and national parks prioritize sustainable practices and community involvement, with a keen focus on wildlife conservation.

Kenya’s eco-lodges and tented camps have minimal environmental impact, often utilizing solar power and other renewable energy sources. Kenya’s emphasis on low-impact safari experiences, such as walking safaris and the use of electric vehicles in some areas, contributes to its eco-friendly reputation.

South Africa’s larger-scale tourism industry and more developed infrastructure can sometimes lead to higher environmental impacts. However, the country does excel in certain areas of conservation, such as rhino protection, habitat restoration, and a vast number of wildlife rehabilitation centers. Eco-friendly lodges and community sustainability projects are other examples of South Africa’s eco-friendly efforts.

A safari in Kenya would be one of the main reasons you would visit, with a chance to witness the Great Migration of wildebeest in the Maasai Mara or explore the vast open plains of the celebrated national parks.

If you are seeking a more thrilling adventure, trekking up Mount Kenya is an incredible experience, rewarding you with an exceptional view. You can spend time in Nairobi exploring its urban charm or visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for the chance to “adopt” one of the animals.

If you are seeking a leisurely escape on an idyllic beach, you can spend time on Diani Beach near Mombasa or travel further along Kenya’s eastern coastline. The beautiful hotels tend to have an array of engaging water sports or white-sand beaches.

From unforgettable safaris in renowned protected areas like the Kruger National Park or when touring one of the private game reserves in the country, you can discover South Africa in a different way. Consider a hike through the gorgeous Panorama Route in the Tsitsikamma Forest or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Exploring South Africa’s Garden Route will lead you to the quaint towns of Knysna and the beach destination of Plettenberg Bay. If traveling inland, you can take a tour of the Cango Caves and find your way down to the coastal town of Hermanus for its famous whale-watching season.

Discover the beautiful Cape Winelands, explore Cape Town on foot, and enjoy a scenic drive along the peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope. Visit the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains in the KwaZulu-Natal province, spend time swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, or embrace a cultural experience with time in Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum or the Cradle of Humankind.

How you travel to Kenya or South Africa can impact where you choose to visit. Both countries offer numerous flight options, with South Africa generally having a slight advantage in terms of direct flights from the USA. Major cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town have more frequent direct connections from various cities in the United States, which can simplify your travel logistics.

Both countries are accessible from the USA, but South Africa may be easier to reach due to its greater number of direct flight options and shorter travel times overall. In contrast, if you are looking to fly to Kenya, most flight options will require one or more layovers, typically in European or Middle Eastern hubs. These may include Amsterdam, London, or Doha.

Also key to consider when deciding whether to visit Kenya or South Africa is that you will be required to obtain a tourist visa before you visit Kenya. Spending time in Kenya may also require a yellow fever vaccination.

Safety concerns when considering Kenya or South Africa differ. In Kenya, security is visibly enforced in public spaces like shopping malls and markets. Travelers are also encouraged to exercise caution when exploring public places within the cities if not touring with a local guide.

While petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in urban areas like Nairobi and Mombasa, the safari destinations are generally considered safe. Safari destinations are situated in remote places that enhance your security and you will be aware of any possible health risks in your safari areas before arriving, allowing you to plan accordingly.

South Africa presents different safety challenges, primarily related to crime, which can range from petty theft to more serious offenses. While crime is more prevalent in townships that are generally away from the tourist route, it can affect urban areas like Cape Town and Johannesburg. As with Kenya, you will find a sense of peace and calm in the South African wilderness, giving you a feeling of security when embarking on your South Africa safari. The option of malaria-free safaris, well-developed infrastructure, and diverse attractions make South Africa a very popular tourist destination for safari and beyond.

• Classic safaris on vast open plains and rugged settings, where wildlife numbers are prolific; ideal if your main focus is to see wildlife
• A tour combining a safari adventure with rich cultural experiences, including spending time in an authentic Maasai village during your safari
• Witnessing the Great Migration and river crossing of thousands of wildebeest and zebra from July to August and September to October
• Combining a Kenyan safari with other East African adventures, such as visiting Tanzania or embarking on a gorilla-trekking tour in Uganda or Rwanda
• A beach and bush adventure, with the option of a short flight to Mombasa and the eastern coastline, or traveling to Zanzibar in Tanzania

• A diverse vacation that combines wildlife encounters with cosmopolitan attractions and scenic coastal drives
• A family or first-time safari experience, or if you have a preference for more luxurious accommodations, with the option of malaria-free game reserves
• Discovering the outstanding Cape Winelands on visits to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
• Visiting the beautiful city of Cape Town, where activities such as hiking Table Mountain  or taking to the trail at the Cape of Good Hope are possible
• Combining your safari with a trip along the popular Garden Route, thereby experiencing the beauty of South Africa’s outstanding scenery for a more well-rounded adventure
• Connecting to the idyllic Indian Ocean islands, which include Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the outer islands off Mozambique

With two striking African destinations to choose from, your choice may depend on your preferences for wildlife viewing, comfort levels, and overall trip goals. Whether you are planning to visit Kenya during the Great Migration or looking to split your time between experiencing wildlife, visiting scenic cities, and sipping wine in South Africa, you will find either option will fulfill your travel dreams.

For more information on planning your trip, find inspiration from our Kenya safaris and tours or South Africa safaris and tours. For more ideas on what to see and do in either country, explore our Kenya safari guide and South Africa travel guide.