Kenya wins for dry-season safari plus a value beach on the same trip; Tanzania (specifically Zanzibar) wins for the whitest sand and the clearest water. Both coasts reach 31-32°C by day with 28°C sea in December, so the decision rests on rainfall in November, hotel prices, how easy it is to add a safari, and how much beach time you want. This page is a winter sun comparison, so for park-by-park safari detail see our Kenya vs Tanzania safari guide. All prices are approximate as of 2026.
Verdict Table
| Factor | Kenya | Tanzania (Zanzibar and coast) | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| December coast day | 31-32°C | 31-32°C | Draw |
| Sea temperature | about 28°C | about 28°C | Draw |
| November rain | 110mm, showers | heavier, late-season rains | Kenya |
| February weather | about 33°C, 25mm | about 33°C, drier than Nov | Draw |
| Beach hotel price | USD 100-200 pp full board | USD 150-300 pp | Kenya |
| Beach quality | Diani, Watamu, Lamu | Nungwi, Paje, Kendwa | Tanzania |
| Safari add-on | Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, 45-60 min flights | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, longer flights | Kenya |
| Flights from Europe | NBO and MBA, direct from London | ZNZ via hubs, some charters | Kenya |
| Entry rules | eTA, USD 30 | e-visa, USD 50 | Kenya |
Weather, Month by Month
December through February are dry on both coasts. The north-east kaskazi monsoon brings a breeze, and day temperatures sit at 31-33°C. The key difference is November: Zanzibar’s short rains tend to peak late and can bring heavier, longer storms, while Kenya’s coast is showery but eases from mid-month. Diani’s sea is calmer in the mornings because of its fringing reef, and Zanzibar has tidal flats on its east coast that leave beaches shallow at low tide, which is why Nungwi and Kendwa in the north are preferred for swimming. See Kenya in November and our winter sun guide for all four months.
Beaches
Kenya has long, reef-protected beaches. Diani is the broad all-round choice, Watamu has the best snorkelling in the Marine National Park, and Lamu is car-free with dhows. See Diani Beach, Watamu and Lamu. Seaweed and lines of coral rubble appear at some stretches, and beach vendors are a feature you will need to manage politely.
Tanzania’s Zanzibar has whiter sand and bluer shallows, notably at Nungwi and Kendwa, plus Stone Town for history. Resorts are pricier and the east coast tidal range is large. Mafia Island and Pemba are quieter options for divers.
Safari Add-On
This is Kenya’s strongest argument. A Nairobi arrival can reach the Masai Mara in 45 minutes by light aircraft, with dry-season game viewing from December to February, and then fly to Ukunda for Diani. Mara fees are approximately USD 200 per non-resident adult per day to December, approximately USD 100 per day from January to June (confirm on the Kenya Wildlife Service website). Tanzania’s Serengeti is exceptional in January and February, when wildebeest calve in the southern plains, but it involves longer transfers and higher park fees, and Zanzibar is a separate flight. See Masai Mara in December.
Cost
Beach hotels in Kenya start lower. Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa runs from approximately USD 120-200 per person full board, and The Sands at Nomad from approximately USD 280-500 a night. Zanzibar’s comparable resorts run from approximately USD 150-300 per person. Flights from the UK to Nairobi or Mombasa are usually cheaper than to Zanzibar, especially in the Christmas fortnight, when prices rise on both. Our flights to Kenya guide and Kenya budget guide give cost ranges.
Entry Requirements
Kenya requires an eTA, approximately USD 30 as of 2026, applied for online before departure; see our Kenya visa guide and the official eTA portal. Tanzania requires an e-visa for most nationalities, approximately USD 50 (check the immigration site before you travel).
Combining the Two
If both are on your list, fly Nairobi to the Mara, then Mombasa to Zanzibar. Our Zanzibar extension from Kenya guide covers routes and costs.
Our Verdict
Choose Kenya if you want a safari and a beach in 7-10 days, a lower hotel bill and easier flights. Choose Tanzania if beach quality is the priority and you can accept pricier hotels and a wetter November. For a first winter-sun trip we would pick Kenya, with Diani as the base, and add the Mara. See Christmas in Kenya 2026 for festive pricing, and browse Kenya tours or Diani tours.