Despite efforts to encourage travellers to focus on single-country trips, multi-country itineraries remain dominant in East Africa. Itineraries often combine Kenya and Tanzania, and sometimes extend into Uganda or Rwanda. While popular, these trips come with logistical and cost challenges.
“Getting to Africa is a major commitment in time and cost,” explains Onne Vegter, Founder and MD of Wild Wings Safaris. “Many of our clients see it as a once-in-a-lifetime trip and want to maximise it by seeing as much as possible.”
“There’s been a steady increase in bookings for cross-border safaris that include Kenya (Maasai Mara) and Tanzania (Serengeti) – especially during the Great Wildebeest Migration season (June-October),” notes Josphat Malombe Muli, CEO of Phil Travel Safaris in Nairobi.
“Many travellers want the full migration experience, and combining both countries gives them the best chance to witness river crossings, predator action and open plains drama.
“A Kenya-Tanzania itinerary allows them to experience the Maasai Mara and Serengeti – two of the most iconic parks on the continent. Despite sharing the same ecosystem, each offers a unique wildlife and cultural experience. The Mara is known for its concentrated game viewing, especially around the Mara River during the Great Migration, while the Serengeti boasts vast open plains and a more remote feel in parts.”
Uganda adds another dimension: culture and gorilla trekking. “The cultural experience in Uganda is raw and authentic. You get to interact with communities and gorilla trekking remains unmatched,” says Bainito Musumba, Sales Manager: East Africa for Private Safaris.
Despite their appeal, cross-border safaris face significant challenges. One of the main issues is cost. Park fees are charged per country, and border crossings often involve expensive flights and visa fees. “Unless a traveller has more than 10 days and a flexible budget, it can be logistically complex,” says Vegter.
Border delays, especially at points like Isebania or Namanga, can eat into safari time. There’s also the issue of cross-border vehicle access. Most Kenyan-registered vehicles cannot operate inside Tanzania’s Serengeti, and vice versa, requiring tour operators to swap vehicles at the border.
Visas are another hurdle. “While the East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, Tanzania isn’t part of the agreement. The lack of a unified visa policy complicates itineraries and deters some travellers,” explains Muli.
The tour operators recommend a streamlined border process for faster, more predictable border crossings at popular points would save time and improve the traveller experience.
“The East Africa Tourist Visa should also be expanded to include Tanzania as this would remove a major bureaucratic barrier and encourage more seamless travel,” says Vegter.
“Clearer information on transit visa validity and yellow fever requirements would also help travellers plan better and reduce confusion,” he adds.
