Tanzania after Kenya?

Apologies for the rather strange question. I hope it will become clear! I've recently spent a month in Kenya ... great. Loved the safari, but what was really really great was getting to Lake Turkana - fascinating, unique experience. I guess it's the getting off the more regular touristy bits which appeals to me (68 and still backpacking). My question is really, will Tanzania be more of the same .... can I get to places with a bit of a wow factor yet accessible to a backpacker. Any recommendations? (I may be spoiled by my recent travels - Ethiopia, Bolivia..... have a look at my Flickr account https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmawer/albums/ )

Many will disagree with my opinion, but I didn't like Tanzania. The country doesn't seem to care about individual travellers, and why not when they have so many fly-in/fly-out who are happy to pay through the nose. Price gouging of tourists (happens anywhere, yes) was extreme, and the attitude of people in the service industry was poor. I would go back to Kenya tomorrow. Much easier for self-drive safaris, hiking in certain NPs, and people much better.
Favourite place by a mile was Usumbara mountains for multi-day hiking. The people that ran the hikes and the villagers on the route were what made it.
Tracking chimpanzees also an outstanding experience (soured by the Tanzanian habit of telling us we need to tip). Expensive, but special.
Ngogorogo safari you will see a lot of wildlife, but you will pay a fortune for a few short hours in the crater.

Go south and get away from money-minded touts. I spent 6 weeks in southern Tanzania in 2015 and didn't find any of the difficulties mentioned above.
Kitulo NP, way up in the mountains between Iringa and Mbeya is worth a visit, as much for the stunning scenery on the way there as for the park itself, which at this time of the year should be full of flowering orchids. (I can PM you contact details for the one official park guide if you want them).
Then head for the Southern Highlands around Tukuyu, and Lake Nyasa. Lots to see and do there.
Go across to the coast (hard travelling, but interesting) to Mikindani for relaxing, and up to Lindi for stunning, deserted beaches and Kilwa Kisiwani to see the remarkably well-preserved ancient city ruins.

I'll be in Kenya in January - glad to hear you enjoyed it! Is there public transport all the way up to Lake Turkana, Loyangalani side?

You've confirmed my suspicions ... thanks. I think my real trouble is I've been spoiled. I thought about the Ngogorogo crater area, but the prices seem crazy when I've recently wandered volcanoes in Indonesia. I'll either go back to Kenya or wander further afield.....

Thanks for that info. As for Loyangalani, yes, it's a lot easier than LP makes out (although i gether there is a new version). I initially headed off to Maralal which seemed the most direct route. But there I stopped, unable to go further. (If you've money you can take a 4WD of course - beyond my budget.) BUT Maralal is lovely place and the people are great. You can get there in a long day by taking a matatu to Nyahururu. A bus leaves there at 1.00 is for Maralal getting there in the evening. Dusty. Not many (any?) tourists, so make an interesting place to go wandering. However, to get to Turkana it's better to go to Marsabit. Matatu to Isioli then on to Marsabit. All surfaced roads now and fast. Down by the filling station at Marsabit, a bus runs daily? (some dispute about this as some reckon it misses the odd day!) to Loyangalani. I didn't take it going as it leaves at 4.00pm and I didn't fancy what was essentially a night bus. it gets in at 1.00? 2.00? am. I got a lift with an american couple living locally who took the North Horr route. I shared petrol costs. (I was actually offered other lifts from people staying at the something? grand hotel..... I can dig the name out if you like ... cheap and clean.)However, coming back I took the bus as it leaves at the civilized hour of 9.00 am. It was a great journey!!! Bus run by 3 Somalis who kept me the front seat and sent me off to have another coffee before the bus left, shared their camel milk with me etc. etc. I don't think they see tourists.
Do have a look at my pictures of both areas on Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmawer/albums
Stayed at 'Shade Palm hotel' (something like that). The whole experience was great.
Let me know if you need more info.

Thanks John, that's very helpful - and great photos!
I was in Turkana 20 years ago, visited Loyangalani on an organised trip from Nairobi, and Kalekol, on the other side, by public transport.
I'll be in Kenya for 6 weeks, but have more time than money - and the prices I've seen in guide books and on-line look completely stupid. I'm hoping by spending my time in the west and north it might be possible to have a good time on a small budget, otherwise I'll cross to either Uganda or Tanzania, both of which I know are very affordable.

Don't be put off Tanzania, it really is lovely, just keep away from safariland....

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