This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of Kenya and Tanzania safaris based on wildlife, best safari parks, Great Migration experiences, accommodations, costs, accessibility, and overall safari experience to help you decide which is the better African safari for you.

Wildlife & Safari Experience

Both Kenya and Tanzania boast an abundance of wildlife, but there are some key differences in species diversity, density, and accessibility.

Kenya’s Wildlife Safari Experience

Best for: Diverse wildlife encounters with easier accessibility
Best wildlife parks: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu

• Kenya’s Masai Mara offers some of the highest densities of big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) in Africa.
• Amboseli National Park is famous for its large elephant herds with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.
• Unique species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe can be spotted in Samburu National Reserve.

Tanzania’s Wildlife Safari Experience

Best for: Remote, untouched landscapes with vast wildlife populations
Best wildlife parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Selous

• Tanzania is home to the largest lion population in Africa, making it a prime destination for predator sightings.
• The Ngorongoro Crater offers a self-contained ecosystem with high chances of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
• Tarangire National Park is known for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.

Verdict: Draw

Tanzania is better for those who prefer a more secluded, wild experience.

Kenya is better for those who want to see wildlife quickly with easy accessibility.

The Great Migration: Kenya vs. Tanzania

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes migrate between the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) in search of fresh grazing lands.

Kenya’s Great Migration Experience (July–October)

• The Masai Mara offers the iconic Mara River crossing, where wildebeest risk their lives against crocodiles and predators.
• Wildlife is highly concentrated in smaller areas, making it easier to spot action-packed scenes.

Tanzania’s Great Migration Experience (December–July)

• The Serengeti hosts the calving season in Ndutu (January–March), where thousands of baby wildebeest are born, attracting predators.
• The migration is more spread out in Tanzania, covering vast landscapes.

Verdict: Kenya Wins for Migration Drama

Tanzania offers a more diverse migration experience throughout the year.

Kenya offers easier access to dramatic river crossings.

Safari Parks & Landscapes

Kenya’s Top Safari Destinations

• Masai Mara: Best for big cats & the Great Migration
• Amboseli: Stunning elephant sightings with Kilimanjaro views
• Samburu: Unique dryland species (oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich)
• Tsavo East & West: Less crowded, vast wilderness

Tanzania’s Top Safari Destinations

• Serengeti: Endless plains with predators and the Great Migration
• Ngorongoro Crater: A natural wonder with high wildlife density
• Tarangire: Large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees
• Selous & Ruaha: Remote, off-the-beaten-path wilderness

Verdict: Tanzania Wins for Variety & Vastness

Tanzania has larger, more diverse landscapes.

Kenya has more compact, easily accessible parks.

I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.

Ernest Hemingway

Safari Costs: Kenya vs. Tanzania

Kenya Safari Costs

Budget Range: $300–$800 per day
Luxury Range: $800–$2,500 per day

• Kenya generally has lower park fees and a wider range of budget-friendly accommodations.
• Masai Mara offers many lodges close to the park, reducing travel costs.

Tanzania Safari Costs

Budget Range: $400–$1,000 per day
Luxury Range: $1,000–$2,500 per day

• Tanzania has higher park fees and a more remote safari experience, requiring longer travel times.
• The Serengeti is vast, leading to higher fuel and logistics costs.

Verdict: Kenya Wins for Budget Travelers

Tanzania is more expensive due to larger parks and remoteness.

Kenya offers more affordable safaris.

Accessibility & Travel Logistics

Kenya’s Safari Accessibility

Easier to reach: Nairobi has two major airports (JKIA & Wilson) with direct flights to Masai Mara
Shorter driving distances: Most parks are closer to Nairobi
More safari lodges near the parks

Tanzania’s Safari Accessibility

Longer travel times: Serengeti is far from major cities, requiring flights from Arusha or long drives.
Some roads can be difficult in the rainy season.
Internal flights are more common due to the vast distances.

Verdict: Kenya Wins for Convenience

• Kenya is easier and faster to navigate between parks.
• Tanzania requires longer drives or domestic flights.

Cultural & Local Experiences

Both Kenya and Tanzania offer rich Maasai and local tribal experiences.

Kenya’s Cultural Experiences

• Interactions with Maasai warriors in Masai Mara
• Visits to Samburu tribes for unique traditions
• Nairobi’s urban culture, museums, and history

Tanzania’s Cultural Experiences

• Authentic Maasai villages in Ngorongoro & Serengeti
• Cultural visits to Hadza Bushmen & Datoga tribes in Lake Eyasi
• Zanzibar’s Swahili culture & spice farms

Verdict: Tanzania Wins for Cultural Diversity

• Tanzania offers deeper, more immersive cultural experiences.
• Kenya provides easier access to Maasai culture.

Recommendation:

• Choose Kenya if you want a shorter, budget-friendly safari with great wildlife encounters and easier travel logistics.
• Choose Tanzania if you want a more immersive, diverse, and remote safari experience, with vast landscapes and deep cultural interactions.

Whichever you choose, both Kenya and Tanzania offer unforgettable African safari adventures!

In this guide, we’ll discuss why you should take photos of your important travel documents, which documents to photograph, where to store them securely, and extra tips for protecting your information.

Why Taking Photos of Important Documents is Essential

Losing important documents while traveling—such as your passport, visa, or travel itinerary—can be a nightmare. Having clear, accessible digital copies can help you:

Prove your identity in case of loss or theft
Speed up the process of getting replacements
Provide proof of reservations, tickets, and bookings
Ensure you have backup information in case of emergencies

Real-life examples where digital copies can save the day:
Lost Passport? A digital copy helps when reporting the loss to the embassy.
Missed Flight? Having your e-ticket stored in your phone can assist in rebooking.
Medical Emergency? A photo of your travel insurance can speed up hospital procedures.

Important Documents to Photograph

Before you leave, ensure you take clear and legible photos of the following essential travel documents:

Identification & Travel Documents

Passport: Take a photo of the photo page and any relevant visa pages.
Visa: If traveling to a country that requires a visa, capture a clear image of your visa stamp or electronic visa confirmation.
Driver’s License/ID Card: Useful for domestic travel or renting a car abroad.
Student/Work ID: May be needed for discounts or verification purposes.

Transportation & Booking Confirmations

Flight Tickets & Boarding Passes (digital or printed copies)
Hotel Reservations & Airbnb Bookings
Train/Bus Tickets
Car Rental Agreements

Financial & Insurance Documents

Credit & Debit Cards: Front and back (hide or blur CVV for security).
Travel Insurance Details: Policy number, coverage, and emergency contact numbers.
Emergency Contact List: Including banks, insurance providers, and embassy details.

Health & Medical Records

Vaccination Certificates (e.g., COVID-19, Yellow Fever, etc.)
Medical Prescriptions & Doctor’s Notes
Emergency Contacts & Allergy Information

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Benjamin Franklin

Where to Store Your Digital Copies Securely

Taking photos is just the first step. Storing them safely and ensuring they are accessible but secure is crucial.

Safe Storage Options

Cloud Storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) – Accessible from anywhere.
Secure Email Folder – Email copies to yourself for easy retrieval.
Password-Protected USB Drive – Keep a copy in your luggage.
Encrypted Apps (1Password, LastPass, Google Keep) – For storing sensitive details securely.
Offline Storage on Your Phone – Save files in a locked folder for easy access without internet.

Where NOT to Store Your Digital Copies

Public computers or shared Wi-Fi networks
Unsecured phone galleries (without encryption or password protection)
Writing down sensitive details in notebooks that can be lost

Extra Tips for Document Safety While Traveling

Use a VPN when accessing cloud storage or email from public Wi-Fi.
Watermark personal copies with “COPY” to prevent misuse if stolen.
Share access with a trusted family member for emergencies.
Keep printed copies in separate locations (e.g., one in your bag, another in your hotel safe).
Set up phone security (Face ID, fingerprint, password) to protect stored photos.

Taking photos of your important travel documents only takes a few minutes, but it can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Whether you lose your passport, need to prove a booking, or require medical details in a foreign country, having digital copies ensures you’re always prepared.

Before your next trip, make it a habit to photograph, store, and secure your important documents. A little preparation goes a long way toward a safe and stress-free journey!

This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Cambodia in August, from the weather to the best islands to visit and essential travel tips.

Weather in Cambodia in August

August is part of Cambodia’s rainy season (May to October), bringing warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rain showers. However, these rains often come in short, heavy bursts, usually in the afternoon or evening, leaving plenty of time to explore during the day.

What to Expect:

• Temperature: 25°C – 33°C (77°F – 91°F)
• Rainfall: Frequent showers, particularly in the afternoons
• Humidity: High (around 80%)
• Sunshine: Intermittent sunny spells between showers

Despite the rain, August is a fantastic time for nature lovers. The countryside is lush and green, waterfalls are at their peak, and the temples of Angkor Wat look even more mystical in the moody, misty weather.

There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Island Hopping in Cambodia: Best Islands to Visit in August

Cambodia’s coastline is home to beautiful islands, offering pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical retreats. While the monsoon season brings rougher seas, several islands remain accessible and enjoyable.

Koh Rong – The Party & Adventure Island

Best for: Backpackers, nightlife, and adventure seekers
Koh Rong is Cambodia’s most famous island, known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and adventure activities. While some boat services may be limited due to rough waters, you can still visit by speedboat from Sihanoukville.

• Things to Do:
  • Explore Sok San Beach (quieter, with powdery white sand)
  • Try bioluminescent plankton night swimming
  • Go zip-lining or jungle trekking

Weather Tip: Be prepared for occasional rain and choppy boat rides; avoid small long-tail boats in rough seas.

Koh Rong Samloem – The Tranquil Escape

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and those seeking relaxation
A quieter alternative to Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem is known for its peaceful vibe, crystal-clear waters, and soft sandy beaches.

• Things to Do:
  • Lounge on Saracen Bay Beach
  • Snorkel or dive at Lazy Beach
  • Kayak through the mangroves

Weather Tip: Some boat transfers may be delayed due to storms, so check schedules in advance.

Koh Ta Kiev – The Off-the-Grid Hideaway

Best for: Backpackers and nature lovers
This lesser-known island offers a rustic, off-the-grid experience with eco-lodges, no Wi-Fi, and a strong connection to nature. It’s a great choice for travelers looking to disconnect.

• Things to Do:
  • Hike through the jungle trails
  • Camp under the stars
  • Visit the glowing plankton at night

Weather Tip: Bring waterproof gear, as heavy rains can make dirt paths muddy.

Koh Thmei – The Wildlife Lover’s Paradise

Best for: Bird watchers and eco-tourists
Located in Ream National Park, Koh Thmei is a paradise for wildlife lovers, home to exotic birds, dolphins, and untouched beaches.

• Things to Do:
  • Spot rare bird species in the mangroves
  • Explore the secluded beaches
  • Kayak along the coast

Weather Tip: Since the island has limited facilities, check accommodations in advance.

Travel Tips for Visiting Cambodia in August

Pack for the Rain

Since August is a wet month, pack light, quick-dry clothing and waterproof essentials:
Rain jacket or poncho
Waterproof bags for electronics
Lightweight clothing to deal with humidity
Good hiking sandals or waterproof shoes

Be Flexible with Plans

Heavy rains can sometimes cause delays in transportation, especially ferries and flights. Have a flexible itinerary and allow extra travel time.

Take Advantage of Fewer Crowds

August is considered Cambodia’s low season, which means fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. This is a great time to enjoy famous spots like Angkor Wat and the islands without crowds.

Consider Mainland Attractions Too

If boat rides become difficult due to rough seas, explore Cambodia’s mainland attractions:

• Angkor Wat: The temples look stunning with rain-kissed stones and dramatic clouds.
• Kampot: Visit pepper farms and cruise down the river.
• Battambang: Enjoy art, culture, and the famous Bamboo Train.

Book Accommodations with Good Infrastructure

Choose hotels or resorts with reliable drainage, backup power, and good shelter from storms, especially on the islands.

Should You Visit Cambodia in August?

Pros:
Lush green landscapes and waterfalls at their best
Fewer tourists and cheaper prices
Angkor Wat and temples are less crowded
Great for nature and eco-tourism

Cons:
Some islands and remote areas may be harder to access
Afternoon rains can limit outdoor activities
Boat schedules may be unpredictable due to rough seas

Cambodia in August offers a unique mix of lush scenery, cultural treasures, and tropical island escapes. While the rainy season brings challenges, it also enhances the country’s natural beauty and provides a more serene experience away from peak tourist crowds. Whether you’re island hopping, exploring ancient temples, or indulging in Khmer cuisine, your Cambodian adventure in August can be unforgettable—with the right preparation!