Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda
The countries of East Africa are well known for their abundant wildlife that roam the wide-open savannah grasslands characteristic of the Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Every time we go there, we are blown away by the number of lions, leopards, cheetah, giraffe, impala and more playing out daily dramas of predator and prey. Most famous of all is the constant Great Migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra driven by seasonal rain patterns in Kenya and Tanzania. The fertile savannahs are just one part of a diversity of habitats in this region: thick and verdant jungles in Uganda and Rwanda are home to colobus monkeys and mountain gorillas, massive baobab forests and marshes in Tarangire lure elephants from the surrounding areas, while the enormous and wildlife-filled caldera of Ngorongoro Crater is home to the reclusive rhino.
A maze of established gravel tracks inside national parks allows for exceptional, up-close wildlife viewing in safari vehicles. Although off-road and night driving is not allowed in most national parks, it can be done on private reserves and concessions like those that are more widely available in Kenya. Bush walks with Maasai guides leading the way are permitted in some areas and offer the opportunity to leave the vehicle behind and experience the African wilds on foot. Opportunities for meaningful and authentic cultural interactions offer guests a glimpse into the lives of local tribes such as the Maasai, Datoga, Samburu, Batwa, and Hadza hunter-gatherers. Some of our most memorable adventures have included trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to be face-to-face with silverback mountain gorillas and standing on top of the ice-clad summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa at 19,340 feet. Wildlife safaris in Rwanda and Uganda offer the chance to encounter over 10 different species of primate and prolific birdlife. Safaris anywhere in East Africa are easily connected with extensions to Zanzibar or Pemba, the spice islands, where you can wash off the safari dust in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.
Key Characteristics of Safaris in East Africa
- Wide-open savannahs and the diverse landscapes of the Rift Valley
- Dense populations of wildlife and enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra
- Two peak seasons: January to early March (short rains) and June - October (dry)
- Safaris in closed 4WD vehicles with open rooftops except for fly-in camps
- National parks allow for excellent game driving (and walking in some places)
- Numerous opportunities for cultural encounters with local people
- Private reserves adjacent the Maasai Mara in Kenya allow options for night drives, bush walks and off-road driving
- Easy extensions to gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda or the beaches of Zanzibar and Pemba
Top experiences
- Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater game drives and photo safaris
- Meet the Maasai
- Mountain Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda
- Climb Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya
- White sand beaches of Zanzibar and Pemba (home of the Underwater Room)
- Massive herds and migrations of wildebeest and zebra seen from a hot air balloon
Itinerary suggestions for an East Africa safari adventure:
Classic Tanzania Safari: Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, walking with Maasai, bow and arrow hunting with Hadza. Perfect for couples and families alike.
Luxury Tanzania and Kenya: This combines the best that Tanzania and Kenya have to offer including Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Addin gorilla trekking in Rwanda as the perfect punctuation and cross-section of the best East Africa has to offer.
Classic Uganda Gorilla Safari: Chimpanzees, crater lake hikes, boating and tree-climbing lions before trekking to spend time with endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
Interested in Southern Africa? Check out Where should I go on safari? Southern Africa
Considering a Family Safari? Check out Where should I go on safari? Special notes on guides, and family travel
Ready to plan your adventure or have any questions? Ask me - I’ve been there!
Your friendly Africa safari expert,
Chris Moriarty
