Adventure tours: Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal vs. African Safari (Tanzania, Serengeti)

Quick Verdict

The Everest Base Camp Trek is ideal for adventure seekers looking for a challenging trek with stunning mountain views and cultural experiences. The African Safari is better suited for those interested in wildlife viewing in a vast landscape with varying levels of physical activity.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek, while the African Safari is generally easier and focuses on wildlife viewing.
EBC Trek requires a higher level of physical fitness and carries a significant risk of altitude sickness.
African Safaris offer a range of accommodation options, while EBC Trek primarily utilizes teahouses.
Both experiences offer well-organized itineraries and knowledgeable guides.
The best time to visit EBC is during Spring and Autumn, while African Safaris are best during the dry season.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal	African Safari (Tanzania, Serengeti)
Name	Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal	African Safari (Tanzania, Serengeti)
Trek/Safari Duration (Days)	12-14 days (can range from 4 to 21 days)	1-day trips to 7-10 days or more. A 3-5 day safari is a popular starting point.
Difficulty Level	Intermediate to Advanced	Generally considered easy, with options for walking safaris.
Accommodation Type	Teahouses/lodges, Luxury lodges, Camping	Lodges, tented lodges, and tented camps.
Altitude Sickness Risk	High	Generally a low risk in the Serengeti. Consider acclimatization if your itinerary includes the East African highlands.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities	Limited	Exceptional wildlife viewing, including the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Physical Fitness Required	Moderate to High	A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Safaris often involve long game drives.
Guide-to-Client Ratio	Varies, e.g., 1 guide per party, 1 Sherpa assistant for every 4 trekkers, assistant guide for every 3-6 clients	Information on specific guide-to-client ratios can vary depending on the tour operator.
Included Meals	Breakfast in Kathmandu, three meals a day on the mountain (from teahouses)	Many safari packages include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Transportation Provided	Round-trip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, ground transportation to/from Ramechhap (if necessary)	4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs are commonly used for game drives. Fly-in safaris utilize small chartered planes.
Permits and Visas Required	Nepal visa fee, Sagarmatha National Park Permit, Local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee, TIMS card	Park fees for non-citizens are charged per person, per day. Adults (16+ years) pay $60 USD; children (5-16 years) pay $30 USD; and children (0-5 years) are free.
Best Time to Visit (Season)	Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)	The dry season (late June to October) is often recommended for optimal wildlife viewing. January to February is excellent for witnessing the wildebeest calving season.
Price Range (USD)	USD 1,200 to USD 8,500 (average: $1,450 to $2,750)	Budget safaris can start around $200-$350 per person per day. Mid-range options range from $450, while luxury safaris can cost $600+ per person per day, and even upwards of $1,500 per night. A one-week safari in Serengeti National Park can cost between $2,500 USD (budget) and $7,500 USD (luxury).
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

EBC Trek: USD 1,200 - USD 8,500, High Altitude Sickness Risk. African Safari: USD 200 - USD 1,500+ per day, Exceptional Wildlife Viewing.

Pros and Cons

Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

Pros:

Breathtaking landscapes
Cultural experiences
Sense of accomplishment
Well-organized itineraries including acclimatization days
Knowledgeable and helpful guides

Cons:

Challenging and physically demanding
High altitude sickness risk
Basic accommodation in teahouses
Unexpected costs (travel insurance, visa fees, trekking equipment, personal expenses)

African Safari (Tanzania, Serengeti)

Pros:

Exceptional wildlife viewing
Vast landscapes
Overall safari experience
Well-organized itineraries
Smooth travel arrangements

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

User Experiences and Feedback

Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal

What Users Love

Reaching Everest Base Camp
Witnessing the views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks
Generally feel safe and secure with experienced guides

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The Everest Base Camp trek is considered challenging and physically demanding, especially due to the altitude gain.
Accommodation ranges from basic teahouses to more luxurious lodges.
Guides are generally knowledgeable and helpful, trained to identify altitude sickness and provide assistance.
Itineraries are generally well-organized, including acclimatization days to help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
The EBC trek is highly recommended for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and sense of accomplishment.

African Safari (Tanzania, Serengeti)

What Users Love

Guides are often praised for their knowledge, experience, and ability to spot animals.
Food quality is generally rated positively, with many safaris including provided meals.
Reviewers frequently mention feeling safe and secure.
Many reviewers highlight well-organized itineraries and smooth travel arrangements.
The Serengeti is highly recommended for its exceptional wildlife viewing, vast landscapes, and overall safari experience.

Common Complaints

Park fees are a primary cost.
Tipping is customary.
Confirm inclusions to avoid surprises.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Memorable moments include witnessing the Great Migration, spotting specific animals (especially the Big Five), and cultural experiences.