The East African Safari Guide

The East African Safari Guide 

East Africa is an incredible region with rolling plains, iconic wildlife, and a magical Out of Africa feeling that many people associate with safari. East Africa’s postcard-perfect scenery is undeniably appealing, but the region also offers some of the continent’s most majestic wildlife experiences.

The Great Migration, gorilla trekking, and encounters with the Big Five, among other things, attract visitors from all over the world to East Africa.

So what exactly do we mean when we talk about East Africa? How do you begin planning a safari to them, what should you do, and what kind of wildlife can you expect?

This blog provides more information about an East Africa safari.

Traditionally, the East Africa region includes Kenya and Tanzania, the continent’s most well-known safari destinations, both iconic in their own right and at the heart of East Africa. However, today, East Africa includes Rwanda and Uganda. These two countries, which have become more accessible in recent years, offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences.

Uganda

Uganda is a stunning destination on an East Africa Safari; it is home to half of the world’s surviving gorilla population and Africa’s largest chimpanzee population.

Uganda offers a variety of bucket-list experiences, including gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, and golden monkey trekking. These Uganda primate experiences will allow you to interact with fascinating primates. You can also go on traditional game viewing safaris in Uganda’s wildlife safari destinations.

What To See and Do?

Gorilla trekking is the most popular safari activity in Uganda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the best place to find these primates. Tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda has the advantage of lower permit costs than in Rwanda.

If you’re visiting the gorillas in Uganda, you might also want to see the chimps in Kibale, and adrenaline junkies can add white-water rafting and bungee jumping in Jinja. For nature lovers, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park to see tree-climbing lions and other storybook animals.

Travelling around Uganda involves a combination of vehicles and plains; the distances can be long, but they are always broken up with plenty of stops and made more enjoyable by the breathtaking scenery.

On an East African safari, try Primates of Uganda, which includes visits to Kibale Forest for chimps and Bwindi for gorillas. If you want to get off the beaten track, visit Kidepo Valley National Park. Uganda Trip is one of them.

Kenya

Kenya is a classic safari destination, and there is no better place to have an Africa safari than Kenya. This beautiful country is a must-see for both first-time visitors and those who have been on safari many times before.

Kenya, often referred to as Africa in a nutshell, has it all, from epic wildlife to pristine beaches and vast savannah to craggy mountains, including Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak. Most visitors to Kenya will fly to the various parks and reserves, but driving is also an option.

What To See and Do?

The East Africa Safari Guide is incomplete without mentioning Masai Mara. This world-famous reserve is the place to go to see the Big Five in Kenya, as well as the Great Migration, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeests migrate from Tanzania in search of fresh grass, bringing with them a lot of drama and excitement.

There are conservancies such as Laikipia, which offers a combination of world-class conservation and game viewing, Samburu, which features colourful warriors and walking safaris, and Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills, which offer breathtaking views.

If you want to see the Great Migration in Masai Mara, you must travel between July and October. Our Classic Kenya Migration Safaris are ideal for you; simply select one.

Kenya’s near-perfect coastline, as well as the beaches of Diani, Msambweni, and Lamu, make it a great beach destination to cap off your safari.

Tanzania

Tanzania is another incredible safari destination in the world. Known as the “Capital of Safari,” this fabulous country has something for everyone and is home to a variety of wildlife species that are usually reserved for an Attenborough documentary. There are also plenty of hidden gems to discover on your own time and without the crowds.

If you’re looking for a tropical beach experience, Zanzibar and her equally beautiful sister islands are just off the coast. You can sip on a cocktail, watch the sunset, and relax on the white sand beaches.

Tanzania is one of the best destinations in East Africa for a driving safari.

What to See and Do?

Tanzania, along with Kenya’s Masai Mara, hosts the second stage of the Great Migration, and if seeing the wildebeest show is on your bucket list, head to the Serengeti.

The neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater is also a highlight of Tanzania, with incredible wildlife and beautiful mountains and valleys that make for great walking safaris. Further south, the remote beauty of places like Katavi is unmissable, as is a boat cruise down the raging Rufiji River in the Selous or a trip to Ruaha for more walking and to see 10% of the world’s ion population in a single, baobab-covered park.

Tanzania has four distinct areas. The first is the North Safari Circuit, which includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks. For the best route up here, consider a Tanzania Great Migration Safari, which may also include some beach time along the Indian Coast.

Explore the southern region of Tanzania to reach Ruaha and Selous. The Wild West takes you on a journey through Katavi to Mahale, where you can interact with chimps up close.

Rwanda

Rwanda is fast becoming one of the traveler’s favourite countries to visit. This beautiful country has a turbulent past that should not be avoided, but today it is full of beautiful smiles and warm-hearted people.

Rwanda is an excellent East Africa Safari Destination because of its misty forest gorilla park and Volcanoes National Park, as well as breathtaking scenery and national parks that rival any other in the region.

What To See and Do?

Volcanoes National Park should be on everyone’s itinerary in Rwanda. Almost always shrouded in mist, it is a magical place where you can trek with mountain gorillas, see golden monkeys, and even elephants.

Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park and go hiking with the chimps who swing loudly from the trees.

However, Rwanda is more than just its primates. Visit the genocide memorial in Kigali, relax on the shores of Lake Kivu, or participate in a groundbreaking conservation project and game viewing in Akagera National Park.