Where to Go East of Africa

You can explore Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda on your East Africa tours.

Below are the top destinations to visit on your East Africa safari tour;

Tanzania Safari Tours

When you visit East Africa, don’t miss Tanzania, as it is one of the popular destinations that has it all. On your Tanzania safari experience within several national parks, expect to enjoy incredible wildlife sightings.

You can witness the great wildebeest migration between Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara, Kenya. If lucky, you can see these animals crossing the Mara River, which is exciting to see.

There is also Ngorongoro Conservation Area a great place to be, especially if you are wildlife lover.

Below are the top places to visit in Tanzania;

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

In northern Tanzania, you will find Serengeti National Park, which is one of the best national parks to enjoy on your Tanzania safari. It shares the great wildebeest migration with Kenya as the thousands of the wildebeest cross from Maasai Mara National Reserve through the Mara River to northern Serengeti as they look for pastures.

This park is a good wildlife gem, and best of sighting wild animals in Serengeti National Park is through game drives. A few of the animals to sight include Wild dogs, buffaloes, elephants, hyenas, zebras, elands, and many big cats.

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a must visit on your East Africa tours and it consists of the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a wildlife gem. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area will reward you with sightings of many animals.

The sought after to look out for within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area include lions, elephants, buffaloes, wild dogs, the black rhino, wildebeests, zebras, and others.

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

On the northern Tanzania safari circuit is Tarangire National Park near Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. It is one of the game parks offering wildlife viewing since it has large populations of elephants.

Animals like giraffes, hyenas, zebras, elands, and many others are some of the animals to see within Tarangire National Park.

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK

Lake Manyara Park is a top destination offering world-class game viewing when on your East Africa safari. Lake Manyara has tree climbing Lions and it is among the few national parks where you can see them others being in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.

On a walking safari, you can see the endangered Black rhino in big numbers when in this spot.

Kenya Safari Tours

Kenya offers experiences of the wildebeest migration on East Africa safari tours within Masai Mara National Reserve. Kenya offers up close views of giraffes at the Giraffe Manor, views of the Big 5, and hot air balloon rides.

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

East Africa safari adventures are amazing in the Mara Reserve, and it is popular reserve and a top destination to explore. You can enjoy endless plains with sightings of the Big 5 within Masai Mara.

The great migration is one of the highlights in Masai Mara Game Reserve and this involves the wildebeest crossing the Mara River to Serengeti Park.

Game drives are the best way to explore Masai Mara National Reserve, and the can enjoy views of rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and others on your East Africa safaris.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

In the Mount Kilimanjaro shadows is the Amboseli National Park having large Elephant herds. On East Africa safari trips in Amboseli, you can enjoy birding safaris since it has many birds.

If you want to enjoy cultural encounters for great experiences, then you can visit a community of the local Maasai.

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Lake Nakuru National Park has amazing wildlife species that gathers on Lake Nakuru. Those on East Africa safari trips can enjoy birding safaris in Lake Nakuru Park.

Uganda Safari Tours

Uganda shouldn’t be missed on your East Africa safari, as this country has amazing wildlife, including the Big 5, primates, and other unique animals, and this makes it a special safari destination.

The main highlight in this country is Mountain Gorilla trekking enjoyed within Bwindi and Mgahinga parks. Other mountain Gorillas can be trekked in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and in the Democratic Republic of Congo within Virunga Park.

You can visit Murchison Falls, the world’s strongest waterfall, in Murchison Falls National Park. Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park a wildlife spot having tree climbing lions, though you can also see them within Lake Manyara, making them the only national parks in East Africa having such lion species.

Gorilla tracking in Uganda is enticing, as it has half the population of the surviving mountain gorillas on earth and these are within Bwindi and Mgahinga. Other endangered mountain gorillas can be tracked in Virunga, Republic of Congo, and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.

One of the highlights is mountain Gorilla trekking that can’t be missed and you can see the endangered mountain gorillas within their natural habitat.

Also when in Uganda, you can trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest Park during walking safaris and enjoy birding safaris with views of many bird species.

Rwanda Safari Tours

Rwanda offers outstanding East Africa adventures and you can enjoy exploring Volcanoes National Park to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

This park has many endangered Mountain Gorillas making 12 habituated families to see for a better experience and others are wild Gorillas. Rwanda also has Nyungwe Forest Park offering chimpanzee trekking to tourists on East Africa safari trips.

Tourists can go to Lake Kivu for a boat cruise after enjoying primate safaris in the two national parks of Nyungwe and Volcanoes. Later, you can go for animal viewing in Akagera Park on Rwanda safaris.

Rwanda truly offers Chimpanzee trekking, Gorilla tracking, the canopy walk, visiting Lake Kivu, birding safaris, and Golden Monkey trekking.

Highlights on an East Africa Safari

There are a number of highlights that you can’t miss on an East Africa safari trip and some of these highlights include;

Big Five Safaris in East Africa

The Big 5 include the Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard, and these were taken to be challenging to hunt on the African continent. On your Big Five safari within the Savannah National Parks, you can see other different animals.

Primate Safaris in East Africa

This part of Africa has several primates that you on your safari and you can mostly find these in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. During Mountain Gorilla trekking, you can meet Gorillas.

In the tropical rainforests, travelers can also meet Golden Monkeys and other monkey species and enjoy chimpanzee trekking.

Walking Safaris in East Africa

You can explore the African bush when you go through acacia trees on walking safaris in East Africa. Going out to explore the African bush on foot is thrilling, even though game drives are fast when it comes to viewing wildlife species.

Walking safaris require some fitness and there is no need to worry as they are safe since you are escorted by ranger guides who track the wild explain sightings in details within game reserves and parks.

Trekking up Mountains in East Africa

There are many mountains that you can hike, valleys, and rocky ridges on your East Africa safaris. Rwenzori Mountains, Mount Kenya, and Mt Kilimanjaro are among the best mountains that you can hike.

This is a great adventure offering fueling experiences when on East Africa safaris.

The Best Time for East Africa Safari Tour

East Africa welcomes travelers all year throughout but the best time for safari activities is in the dry months as the tracks can be dry making animal sightings easy and quick.

If you want to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas during Gorilla tracking, then the best time is within the dry season or dry months. This time is also good for game viewing, hiking tours, visit beaches, and thrilling nature walks.

November, October, September, August, and July are the best months for experiencing the great migration during East Africa safaris within Tanzania and Kenya.

If lucky, you can see the wildebeest crossing the Mara River from endless plains of Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park in the dry season.

What is the Best Month to Go to East Africa? | When is the Best Month to Travel to East Africa?

The dry months of the year are the best to enjoy East Africa safaris. These months are also the high spell for tourism seeing off many tourists in this region.

The best months visit are February, January, August, June, July, November, and December which is the dry season.

Tourists can also enjoy Gorilla trekking in Virunga of Congo, Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, and Bwindi to see the endangered Mountain Gorillas within these months.

You can visit Tanzania and Kenya to witness the great migration which one of the highlights of most safaris.

EAST AFRICA IN JANUARY

This the rainy season in Kenya but expect high temperatures and this is good for wildlife viewing as there skies are mostly clear. On the other hand, it is the off season of the Tanzania safari though you can enjoy the calving season since it is happening.

In January within Uganda and Rwanda, expect thrilling Mountain Gorilla trekking.

EAST AFRICA IN FEBRUARY

It is still the calving season and there are many calves born in Serengeti National Park.

When going for a tour in East Africa, expect to find many migrant birds and this month is good for Mountain Gorilla trekking as you get to meet the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.

EAST AFRICA IN JUNE

June is a dry month offering you incredible wildlife sightings in Serengeti National Park with a lot of relaxing options at Zanzibar. You can also enjoy Mountain Gorilla trekking as it is the best way of seeing Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.

EAST AFRICA IN JULY

The great migration usually starts in July and you can witness the Wildebeest crossing from Masai Mara to Serengeti.

EAST AFRICA IN NOVEMBER

Expect little rain or sometimes none, and this makes it the best time for tracking primates that is Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking within Rwanda.

The endangered Mountain Gorillas can be near making treks short but be mindful when moving on the trails as they can be slippery since they be muddy.

EAST AFRICA IN DECEMBER

It is towards the calving season in Serengeti National Park and the Wildebeest begin moving towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

December is also the festival season and you can enjoy your early Christmas when you go in Rwanda and Uganda for Gorilla trekking.

What to Wear on an East African Safari Tour?

There is a specific wear you can put on your safaris which includes;

1. Layers, especially long-sleeved trousers and shirts
2. Comfortable shoes
3. Sunglasses
4. A hat or cap
5. Sweaters
6. Gloves
7. Scarf
8. A rain jacket or poncho

What to Pack on Safaris in East Africa?

For East Africa safaris, here are some of the things to pack;

1. A good camera
2. Travel documents
3. Day backpack
4. Binoculars
5. Insect Repellents
6. Sunscreen

Accommodation on Your East African Safari Tour

You don’t need to worry about accommodation when coming for East Africa tours as this region has many facilities ranging from budget, midrange, and luxury lodges.

Luxury Accommodation

These are top lodges for high-end travelers and sometimes they can be 5 star facilities. They are luxurious lodges mostly located in the tranquil environment of the park surrounded by African wilderness.

They have air conditioning, comfortable beds, a balcony, hot showers, sometimes a butler, bathtubs, a good internet connection, and more.

Midrange Accommodation

Midrange facilities offer amazing facilities and amenities though don’t equal to those of luxury facilities. The prices of midrange lodges are slightly lesser than those of the high-end facilities.

Budget Accommodation

These are for those traveling on a limited budget or traveling on a shoe string. They have limited facilities and best for solo travelers.

Best East African Safaris

Below are best East Africa trips;

Northern Circuit Safari in Tanzania (Including Serengeti)

The northern circuit offers the best safari tour adventures since it has many spots to visit. There is Lake Manyara outside of Arusha and it is blessed with a variety of wildlife including tree climbing Lions and a profolic birdlife.

There is Serengeti National Park where you can spend a few nights and explore the endless plains as you get close encounters with grazers and it offers opportunities of enjoying the annual wildebeest migration.

The northern circuit is also home to the Ngorongoro Crater and on its crater floor, is the endangered Black Rhino.

Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Island

This tour consists of Nyerere Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, and Serengeti Park and on the crater floor, there many views of animals. You can bath in the presence of Dolphins in Zanzibar, relax on the beaches, and engage in a spice tour.

On this safari, you can enjoy a boat cruise along the Rufiji River and engage in walking safaris.

Masai Mara Safari in Kenya

This is full of wildlife viewing in Lake Nakuru National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve and this tour can be from 3 to 5 days. Within this time, you can get to witness the great migration.

At Lake Nakuru, you can spend at least a night and you can see several bird species, big cats, and white black rhinos.

Kenya Safari and Beach Time

On this tour, you will explore Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo West, Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo East. You can cover more days in Maasai Mara National Reserve.

You can get views of Elephant herds, Cheetahs, and Lions within Amboseli National Park. You can enjoy Tsavo West and Tsavo East with a true wilderness experience.

Uganda Safari and Gorilla Trekking

You will enjoy Gorilla trekking safari tours in Uganda and it can be a short adventure between Queen Elizabeth National Park known for having tree climbing Lions and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

On your Gorilla safari, you are permitted to be in the presence of a Gorilla family for 1 full hour.

Gorilla and Chimp Trekking in Rwanda

This trip can start from 3 days and beyond within Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest. You can get sightings of other East Africa primates and the endangered Mountain Gorillas within Volcanoes National Park as you sleep just besides the Virunga Mountains.

In Rwanda, you can as well enjoy other activities like Golden Monkey trekking which gives you opportunities to see Golden Monkeys in bamboo regions of the Virunga Mountains.

You can hike one of the Virunga volcanoes and trek East Africa primates in Nyungwe Forest like Chimps.

Zanzibar Stone Town tour

On your tour, our expert guide will take you through the stone town and other parts of Zanzibar. You can adventure the historical buildings and also explore different markets.

7 Tips for Going on Safari in East Africa

The to know tips before coming for a safari include;

1. Book with a dependable tour operator
2. Charge your camera
3. The roads are dusty, particularly in the game parks
4. Purchase travel insurance before coming for a safari
5. Put on layers
6. Listen and follow the guide’s instructions
7. Drink plenty of water

African Safari FAQ

How Much Would a Tour of Africa Cost? | How Much Does An African Tour Cost? | How Much Would it Cost to Go on a Safari in Africa? | How Much is a Safari in East Africa?

A trip costs from $130 and $1600 per night per person. Budget safaris costs from $150 per person per night, midrange costs $360, and luxury start from $ 800.

Solo travelers can be charged more since they pay for everything though you can save by joining a group tour as expenses are shared among travelers.

What is the Average Cost of an African Safari Trip?

The average price of a tour in Africa is mostly from $130 to $1600 per day per person. This cost is mostly inclusive of transport, meals, and accommodation at your safari camp.

How Many Days Do You Need for East African Safari?

Those planning for a trip East of Africa should know that there is no exact number of days as it can start from 3 days and beyond. The little days, the fewer destinations you will visit.

With the number of days you spend in the region, you can visit,

1. Serengeti National Park
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve
3. Lake Nakuru National Park
4. Amboseli National Park
5. Hell’s Gate National Park
6. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area
7. Arusha National Park
8. Tarangire National Park

Why is Kenya Safari so Expensive?

The whole point is that you the park entry fees are high and you have to pay them on a daily, lodges are costly, all activities are paid daily, and the vehicle is paid for every day.

The trips are expensive because everything is paid for every day.

What is the Best Country in Africa to go on Safari?

The best nation-state to go on a safari in Africa is Tanzania as it has many game reserves and several national parks.

Some of the parks to visit are;

1. Serengeti National Park known for the annual migration
2. Tarangire National Park
3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Is Safari Better in Tanzania or Kenya?

We recommend that you visit both Kenya and Tanzania as they offer thrilling safaris. They both share the great migration where animals migrate from Serengeti National Park to Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Kenya is home to the Masai warriors meaning it offers enticing culture experiences more than Tanzania.

Kenya and Tanzania have other national parks that you can explore apart from Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East, Mount Kenya, Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Aberdare National Park are within Kenya.

Within Tanzania, you will visit the crater floor of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which has amazing animals, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park, and Lake Manyara.

If you are traveling on budget, then you need to visit Kenya since it is more budget than Tanzania which is more of a luxury safari destination.

What is the Best Country to Visit in East Africa?

If you are planning to come for East African safari tours, you should know that Tanzania is the best country to be.

Within this country, you can visit,

1. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
2. Tarangire National Park
3. Serengeti National Park

Why are Africa Tours So Expensive?

African trips are costly as lodges are costly since there are remotely located meaning that they put in a lot to offer services, the park fees are high and paid every day, you have to pay for everything, and most trips are paid in foreign currency, especially US dollars.

In conclusion, East Africa safaris offer unique experiences when you visit the different national parks like Serengeti, Lake Nakuru National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park fond of the tree climbing Lions, Aberdare National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, etc.

If you are looking for an outstanding safari experience, you can combine East Africa safari tours with southern Africa tours with visits to the Victoria Falls which are one of the world’s natural wonders.

Inquire For the Best East African Trips