Best East African Safaris, Top Safari Destinations in East Africa- Where to Go for East African Safaris?
Ever wonder where to go on a trip? In this region, there are several countries, and each holds numerous wonderful attractions and activities most travelers are interested in!
Based on your safari interest, we are available to guide you on which destination to visit on safaris.
Here are the key East Africa safari tours.
A. Kenya Safari Tours, Kenya Tours
On the African continent, Kenya safaris rank as the best for wildlife viewing safari experiences as well as beach holidays. This lovely country boasts dozens of national parks as well as game reserves holding millions of classic game animals.
While on your East Africa safaris in Kenya, you’ll visit iconic safari destinations in Africa including the great Masai Mara National Reserve. This scenic park is known for its rich wildlife and Wildebeest’s great migration.
Not only is this country known for Maasai Mara but, it also features several national parks for wildlife viewing tours. Among these are Amboseli National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, and Tsavo East National Park, etc.
We advise our clients to at least visit the Giraffe Manor on their trip!
B. Tanzania Safaris and Zanzibar Holiday
Safaris in Tanzania are comparable to Kenya safaris! Both offer an unforgettable safari experience in East Africa.
Apart from Kenya, Tanzania is the only place to enjoy great wildebeest migration. It’s done in the vast Serengeti National Park– home to hundreds and thousands of game animals such as all the Big Five, big cats, among other rare wildlife species counting the Wild dogs.
Normally, Tanzania wildlife viewing safaris in Serengeti National Park are combined with tours in Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
On your Tanzania safari trips, expect to encounter most game animals of Africa including all the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Bush Elephant, and Rhino), etc.
Honeymooners & couples on Tanzanian safari trips shouldn’t miss a holiday vacation in Zanzibar.
C. Uganda Safaris, Uganda Tours
Although there are several safari activities in Uganda, most tourists undertaking East Africa safari tours are interested in its gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Uganda Gorilla safaris are among the rare and most thrilling adventures in Africa. This memorable adventure allows meet face to face with the incredible humanlike primates- the endangered Mountain gorillas in their scenic natural habitat.
Other notable wildlife safaris in Uganda include Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Kibale National Park, bird-watching expeditions, hiking Rwenzori snow-capped peaks, etc.
Never miss visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park on your Uganda safari holidays! Queen Elizabeth Park holds amazing wildlife such as the rare tree climbing Lions.
D. Rwanda Safari Tours, Rwanda Tours, Rwanda Trips
Just like Uganda safaris, Rwanda safaris are also renowned for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Volcanoes National Park.
More still, on your safari tour in Rwanda, you can enjoy golden monkey trekking, or chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Wildlife viewing is also possible in Akagera Park.
You shouldn’t end your Rwanda gorilla safari without a Kigali city tour! On this adventure, you’ll have a golden opportunity to explore Rwanda Genocide Memorial Centers to have an insight into the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda.
On your East Africa tour, it’s possible to have Rwanda and Uganda tours. Just email us, we are available to tailor your trip!
E. Congo Safaris, Congo Tours
Though not so visited by travelers, the Democratic Republic of Congo is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers.
This vast country offers travelers a chance to enjoy Mountain gorilla trekking tours in Virunga Mountain Park as well as Eastern lowland gorilla safaris in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
During your Congo holiday safaris, you can encounter several amazing East African primates as well as those of Central Africa such as Bonobos, and Owl faced Monkeys.
Best Safari Activities in East Africa- What Activities Can You Do on a Safari in East Africa?
There are several activities to do. However, wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara, and Queen Elizabeth National Park as well as gorilla trekking in Uganda Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park rank as the best.
Below is a detail of the top safari activities on your East Africa tours:
1. Gorilla Trekking, Trekking Mountain Gorillas
Trekking Mountain gorillas is an amazing experience that hardly misses on the bucket list of most travelers.
You can only track Mountain gorillas (the wild gorillas) in Uganda’s Bwindi & Mgahinga Park, Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda gorilla safaris and Rwanda gorilla tours are the best options for visiting Mountain gorillas- amazing gentle giants. You’ll enjoy watching endangered Mountain gorillas feeding, grooming, youngsters playing, etc. Get your camera ready!
Among others, during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, you can visit Queen Elizabeth National Park- the best area to see tree-climbing Lions in Africa. The other place to spot tree-climbing Lions is Lake Manyara National Park.
2. Undertaking Game Drives- Wildlife Viewing
In Africa, East Africa offers the best option for game-viewing tours. But some of its safari destinations such as Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve can be compared to Kruger Park of Southern Africa.
On your safari vacation, undertaking wildlife viewing expeditions is the best way to enjoy incredible wildlife sightings.
Normally wildlife viewing is done by undertaking drives within the enormous endless plains on a safari vehicle. Adventurous travelers can enjoy horse rides, boat cruises, as well as game walking safaris, etc.
Night drives allow you to spot nocturnal animals. They are best done in Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park, and Lake Manyara Park.
You’ll look out for Lions, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, Zebras, Giraffes, Hyenas, Wild dogs, Hippos, Crocodiles, Gazelles, Wildebeests, Bushbucks, and Waterbucks, plus several beautiful bird species, etc.
Popular destinations for wildlife viewing on your East African safari vacation:
- Serengeti National Park
- Masai Mara- The Maasai Mara National Reserve offers the best wildlife viewing experience on the African continent.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Tarangire National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Tsavo East National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Aberdare National Park- holds the 2nd biggest population of the endangered Black Rhino
3. Watching the Great Wildebeest Migration
While on your East Africa safari holiday, watching the Wildebeest great migration phenomenon is only possible in Kenya and Tanzania i.e. Within Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park respectively.
The Wildebeest great migration is a rare breathtaking wildlife occurrence where millions of Wildebeests together with thousands of Zebras and Gazelles transverse Serengeti National Park plains to Masai Mara National Reserve. This movement is vice versa.
Wildebeests migrate in search of green pasture!
Predators such as Lions, Hyenas, Cheetahs, and leopards are common also as they always follow these herds targeting the weak and sick!
NB: Serengeti Park and Mara are the two national parks to watch Wildebeest migration.
4. Birding Safaris, Bird Watching
Tours in East Africa offers the best birding safaris on the African continent. In this birding paradise, you can spot various bird species such as the rare Albertine Rift Endemic species, forest birds, wading birds, acacia dwellings as well as migratory birds.
Usually, travelers on African birding safaris are interested in the Shoebill, African Green Broadbill, Great Blue Turaco, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Secretary bird, Double-toothed Barbet, Kingfishers, and Bee-eaters.
In most cases, birding is done by undertaking boat cruises, and walking safaris however, game drives are done in some areas for instance, in Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Serengeti National Park.
These are the key sites for birding safaris in East Africa:
- Serengeti National Park
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest- also known for tracking endangered Mountain gorillas in Uganda.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Amboseli National Park
5. Chimpanzee Trekking
Just like Mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking is another significant experience you must not miss on your East Africa safari tours.
On this expedition, you’ll visit chimps- amazing man’s close cousins in their natural environment. You’re limited to one memorable hour watching as these intelligent apes take their daily activities.
Uganda chimpanzee trekking tours offer the best expeditions in Africa.
6. Mountain Hiking Adventures
The fact that East Africa holds various mountains ranging from snow-capped block mountains to dormant volcanoes and active volcanoes, it’s a great destination for mountain climbers in Africa.
Key sites for mountain hiking tours in East Africa are:
- Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) in Tanzania- holds Africa’s highest point.
- Mount Kenya (5,188m) in Kenya
- Rwenzori Mountains (5109m) in Uganda
- Congo Nyiragongo Volcano (3,470m)- It’s an active volcano summited with the world’s largest lava lake.
Most travelers supplement wildlife safaris for example, in Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and Queen Elizabeth National Park on top of their hiking expeditions.
Other Amazing Safari Activities in East Africa
- Cultural tours (community visits)
- Walking safaris- are prominently done in Hell’s Gate National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Aberdare National Park.
- Trekking Golden Monkeys for instance, in Uganda’s Mgahinga Park and Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
- Hot air balloon rides in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park
- Undertaking city tours
- Snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing on clear waters of Zanzibar. You can go ahead and explore Stone Town.
Packing List For African Safaris – What to Pack For Your African Safari in East Africa?
These are crucial on any safari trip in Africa:
- A good camera
- Binoculars- aid you in viewing distant features for instance while on Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro hike.
- A light backpack- keeps your daily essentials safe.
- Sunscreens
- Insect repellents
- Sunglasses– protect your eyes in the dry season in areas like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Masai Mara National Reserve.
- A rain jacket– protects you in case rain finds you in the jungle as you track the endangered Mountain gorillas.
- Comfortable hiking shoes– so ideal on walking safaris, Mountain gorilla trekking, as well as mountain hiking tours.
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers– ideal on Mountain gorilla trekking expeditions
- Travel documents. a valid passport
Best Time to Visit East Africa- What Is the Best Time to Visit East Africa?
You can visit East Africa at any time of the year. But a dry season- June to October and December to February (peak season) offers the best experience for wildlife viewing tours for instance, in Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
In this period, most trails in game parks and game reserves are dry and it’s always easy to spot game animals around water points. Note that several national parks are usually crowded with tourists.
Bird lovers should explore this region from April to November.
What Is the Best Month to Go to East Africa? – What Is the Rainy Season in East Africa?
Dry months (June-October and December-February are the best months to explore East Africa. Most trails in national parks like Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Tarangire National Park, and Amboseli National Park are dry.
November-October and March-May is the rainy season in this region and most national parks are crowd-free. This can also be the ideal season for budget travelers in Africa as some lodges give out discounts to guests.
African Safari Cost- How Much Is a Safari in East Africa? | How Much Would It Cost to Go on a Safari in Africa? | How Much Would a Tour of Africa Cost? | How Much Does an African Tour Cost?
Do you ever wonder about East African safari prices or how much does an African safari cost? There is no fixed cost for a safari in Africa!
The cost of any trip is influenced by several factors including the duration of your trip, activities you’ll do, accommodation you wish to use, your group size, as well as the means of transport you wish to use, etc.
What Is the Average Cost of an African Safari Trip? | What Is the Minimum Price for the African Safari?
An average safari in Africa costs around $125 to $1,500 per person each day.
- A budget African trip costs: Around $150 per night for each person
- Midrange trip is around $350 per person each day.
- A luxury African trip costs $750 each person per night
Why Is Kenya Safari So Expensive? | Why Are Africa Tours So Expensive?
In comparison with other safari destinations such as Europe, Asia, as well as the US, African safaris are a bit expensive!
Probably, this is due to:
- Lack of adequately developed infrastructures like airports, highways & railways lines, hotels, safari lodges, and much more.
- Complicated logistics in Africa raise transportation fees.
- Several remote parks. Access to these areas is not easy and this makes it expensive.
We are available to organize a trip that suits your safari budget!
Which African Safari Is Cheapest?
South Africa, Namibia, as well as Kenya, are considered the cheapest safari countries in Africa. Others are Uganda, Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
On your Zimbabwe trip, you’ll have spectacular views of Victoria Falls. These lovely falls (Victoria Falls) are the largest waterfalls in the world.
Budget Safaris in East Africa- How to Travel in East African Countries on Budget?
Budget safaris in East Africa are ideal for travelers with a fixed budget but interested in undertaking safari holidays in Africa.
Below is how you can enjoy affordable East Africa safari holidays:
- Use budget lodges more than luxurious lodges.
- Travel in a low season
- Undertake a group safari- it allows sharing.
- Go for camping instead of a lodge or hotel.
- Choose short trips.
- Book your trip with local tour operators rather than international travel agencies.
- Try to avoid extra activities such as hot air balloon rides, as well as helicopter tours.
East African Travel Tips- What Do I Need to Know Before Going on an African Safari?
For successful East Africa tours, we always advise our clients to do the following:
- Purchase travel insurance– helps in case of any mishap happening!
- Book a trip with a trustworthy tour operator– Will always ensure that you have a notable trip.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Don’t move with large sums of money- It can attract criminals to you.
- Never leave your valuables unattended!
- Only take bottled water. Tapped water is not safe.
- Put on eco-friendly clothes i.e. brown, grey and khaki they are so ideal in case of dust.
- Tip moderately following the service offered to you i.e. A safari guide can be given about $10 and above a day.
- Respect the African culture!
Best East Africa Tour Packages, East Africa Vacation Packages, East African Safari Holidays
Since we are experts in organizing East Africa tours and holidays, we always try our best to offer our clients the best experience on their trips!
These are our popular East Africa safari tour packages:
- 3 Days Tanzania Safari Tour – Serengeti Park
- 3 Days Tanzania safari Tour – Explore Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- 3 days Kenya wildlife tour – Amboseli National Park
- 6 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari Holiday
- 6 days Rwanda Primate Tour
- 10 Days Trip in Kenya
- 10 days Rwanda safari Trip
- 10 Days Rwanda Uganda Tour
- 12 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari
- 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
Top Tour Companies to Book Your East Africa Safaris With
These are some of the best safari companies in Africa to travel with on your amazing safari vacation.
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Africa Safaris Tours
More FAQs ABOUT SAFARI Holidays in East Africa
1. What Is the Best Country in Africa to Go on Safari? | Which Country Has Best Safari in Africa? | What Is the Best Country to Visit in East Africa?
Most travelers choose Tanzania as the best country not only for African safaris but worldwide! It holds one of the best destinations to see unique wildlife species, especially for travelers interested in the Big Five.
The world-renowned national parks in Tanzania are Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Parks. The crater floor of Ngorongoro crater is dotted with beautiful acacia trees.
2. Kenya Vs Tanzania- Is Safari Better in Tanzania or Kenya? | Which Safari Is Better Kenya or Tanzania?
Both Kenya and Tanzania are incredible safari destinations on your East Africa safari tours therefore, there’s no wrong answer! Note that Kenya safaris are a bit cheaper however, you’ll enjoy classy game drives in all countries.
All these countries hold wonderful safari destinations. In Kenya, you’ll find Maasai Mara National Reserve (wildebeest great migration site), and Lake Nakuru National Park.
3. How Many Days Do You Need for East African Safari? | How Long Should You Spend on a Safari?
We don’t have specific days set for our clients undertaking East Africa safari tours. However, note that more days offer a broader diversity of wildlife!
Our responsive team is available to guide you on the duration of your trip based on your interest and budget.
4. Top Wildlife Destinations in East Africa- Where Can I See Wildlife in East Africa?
Though there are several destinations to watch wildlife in East Africa, from experience we recommend these:
- Serengeti National Park
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Amboseli National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara Park
5. What Animals Can I See in East Africa? | What Wild Animals Attract Tourists in East Africa?
These are the popular animals you’ll look for in the region:
- Lions
- Cape Buffalos
- African Bush Elephant
- Leopards
- Rhinos
- Hippos
- Giant Crocodiles
- Hyenas
- Wild dogs
- Several Antelopes
- several primates such as endangered Mountain gorillas, Chimps, and Golden Monkeys
Ngorongoro Crater Area, Masai Mara, Serengeti Park, Amboseli National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara Park, and Lake Nakuru Park are some of the best destinations to spot game animals of East Africa.
6. Are Trips in East Africa Safe? | Is It Safe to Travel in East Africa? | Is Africa Safe to Visit | Is Africa Safe for White Tourists?
Do you ever wonder what is the safest African trip? 99% of holidays in East Africa are safe! For instance, while on your wildlife viewing expeditions-walking safaris, or gorilla trekking tours, for instance, you’ll be escorted by armed park rangers. Also, your private safari driver guide will make sure that you’re safe.
We advise you also to be vigilant of your surroundings and properties! Solo travelers should avoid walking at night in lonely places.
7. What to Expect from an African Safari?
The expectations of your safari vacation should be in line with the kind of trip you’re taking.
If you’re coming for a wildlife trip, be expectant to spot most game animals of Africa such as the Lion, large herds of Buffalos, Elephants, Giant Hippos on a boat cruise, Rhinos, herds of Zebras, Wildebeests, Antelopes plus several bird species.
The killer views of the African golden landscape will also amaze you!
8. What Is the Top Feature in East Africa Safari?
Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda or Rwanda as well as wildlife viewing tours in Serengeti or Masai Mara of Kenya make the top highlight of most safari tours.
You shouldn’t also miss visiting Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara Park, Tarangire National Park as well as Amboseli National Park. All these are great sites for world-class viewing tours!
9. Why Do People Visit Eastern Africa? | What Makes East Africa Special? | Why Do People Visit Eastern Africa?
Are you wondering why tourists come to East Africa for safaris? This region holds numerous world-class game parks with rich wildlife and offers remarkable game viewing tours. Among these include the great Serengeti Park, Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara Park, etc.
Also, it’s only in this region that you can enjoy Mountain gorilla safaris in Africa.
In conclusion, if coming for African safaris, you shouldn’t look any further, but to come for East Africa safaris! These tours hold an array of safari activities ranging from wildlife viewing, Mountain gorilla tracking, birding tours, horseback riding, boat cruise tours, mountain hiking expeditions, and beach tours to mention but a few.
Choose To Travel with Us on Your East Africa Safari Vacation for a Wonderful Experience!
Over 300 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor
Over 50 excellent reviews on Safaribookings.
Over 50 excellent reviews on Safaribookings.
12+ years of experience.
Best price guarantee.