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Home » East African Safaris, East African Safari Tours, Best East Africa Safari Tour Destinations

East African Safaris, East African Safari Tours, Best East Africa Safari Tour Destinations

East African safaris/safaris in East Africa take you to top East African safari tour destinations that offer the best adventures that a traveler can ever have on their unforgettable safari in East Africa.

A safari to East Africa features some of the best East African tourist destinations like national parks/game parks and game reserves that protect the most sought-after wildlife species in the African continent, including the big five.

Famous destinations in the Eastern African continent for these safaris include Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Maasai Mara/Masai Mara National Reserve, Arusha National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo East, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Amboseli National Park, Tarangire National Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Volcanoes Park.

However, the most famous highlights of this region include the great migration and the Mountain Gorilla trekking safaris. Thus allowing you to watch amazing animals such as Wildebeests, Giraffe Manor, Antelopes, Elephants, Zebras, and big cats like Lions, Leopards, and Civets, etc.

Other amazing East Africa safari adventures include wildlife safaris on game drives, beach holidays, cultural safaris, walking safaris, birding safaris to watch various bird species, hot air balloon safaris, nature walks, city tours, historical tours, etc.

The major countries to explore for your East Africa safaris include Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

These tours will thus take you to the best UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-famous physical features like Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Kenya, and coastal places like Stone Town in Zanzibar, etc.

Prepare to explore East Africa tours today!

Why Visit East Africa

East Africa offers the best wildlife for example game viewing in Masai Mara National Reserve, walking safaris, authentic cultural experiences, and exploring the Indian Ocean. The African bush is generally rich in amazing wildlife for thrilling experiences during your tour.

Discover East Africa

East Africa offers the very best for every traveler during their trips so they can enjoy the most of a safari experience.

From the endless plains in Tanzania (Serengeti National Park) and Kenya (Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve) to the beautiful Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, you will enjoy thrilling adventures that bring you closer to the wildlife of the country.

The serene coastal beaches of the Eastern African continent are also an adventure that lasts in your memories for a lifetime.

Highlights on an East Africa Safari

Below, we look at the best highlights for your East African safari tours.

Big Five Safaris in East Africa

East Africa is famous for the big five safaris that will allow you to watch the rare but most sought-after species, for example, the Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Buffaloes, and Elephants.

Among the best places to watch these big five animals in East Africa include Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve.

The Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest Migration is a great sight to behold as it is mentioned to be among the natural wonders of the world, among others like Victoria Falls.

This Wildebeest Migration harbors the greatest animal migration sight in the world, where millions of Wildebeests, Zebras, and various Antelopes move between Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara National Reserve crossing water bodies like the Mara River to look for food.

Walking Safaris in East Africa

There are various walking safaris in East Africa to allow you to explore the rich wildlife. Walking safaris in East Africa are famous in Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, and Bwindi Impenetrable NP, among other famous places to go for your tours.

Trekking up Mountains in East Africa

Travelers trek the mountains of East Africa to experience the Mountain climbing of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzori Mountain, Mount Kenya, etc.

However, these trekking experiences in the mountains of East Africa are usually done to trek the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the highland forests.

The two national parks in Uganda for Gorilla trekking are Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. In Rwanda, this adventure occurs in Volcanoes National Park, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it occurs in Virunga National Park.

Beach Safaris in Africa

Beach safaris in East Africa lead you to the coastal regions for example Kenya and Tanzania on the beautiful islands and beaches.

Cultural Tours

East Africa tours also boast rich and unique authentic culture among the local people for example the Masai of Masai Mara reserve in Kenya and the Karamojong and IK tribes of Uganda, among others.

Best East African Safaris

East Africa Safaris

Discover your most preferred East African safari today for an exceptional experience in one of the countries as discussed below.

Tanzania Safaris

Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Island | Tanzania Safaris Tours

The Tanzania safari and Zanzibar Island are the two most popular safari destinations to visit during your East Africa tours. This country is one of the best destinations to visit in East Africa for wildlife, especially on game drives, beach safaris, and historical tours.

Encounter the incredible wildlife sightings in Tanzania where you will explore the beautiful dolphins as they swim with them.

Discover other most popular destinations in Tanzania like the Serengeti National Park, Selous NP, Lake Manyara NP to watch the tree climbing Lions, Lake Natron, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, among others.

Northern Circuit Safari in Tanzania, including Serengeti National Park

The Northern circuit of Tanzania is indeed an amazing place to experience incredible wildlife sightings, especially the great migration.

This touristic region famously spans Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park which is home to the rare tree climbing Lions.

This area is also great for birding safaris as there are many birds found in this region for your amazing tours.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the Northern Circuit is one of the most amazing destinations to visit in the country. Ngorongoro Conservation Area contains the Ngorongoro Crater which is the largest caldera in the world.

Before it erupted, the Ngorongoro Crater floor in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is believed to have been higher than Mt Kilimanjaro.

The different attractions to see at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area include the various animals, birds, and the Olduvai Gorge among others.

Lake Manyara National Park 

The Lake Manyara NP is a unique place to watch the tree climbing Lions as they lounge lazily on the acacia trees and the large herds of Elephants on the plains. Additionally, the Lake Manyara shores boast a rich bird species for incredible birding tours by various tourists especially during a boat cruise.

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania

Tarangire National Park is an amazing wildlife destination in Tanzania, popular for protecting one of the largest Elephant populations.

The Tarangire National Park is also home to various other animals including Zebras, Gazelles, Buffaloes, and Hartebeest, among others.

Zanzibar Stone Town Tour

This tour in the coastal Zanzibar will lead you to the historical trails to explore former places for the sultans, and the slave trade and to watch the architectural designs of Stone City.

Other tourist destinations to visit in Tanzania include Arusha National Park.

Kenya Safaris

Below are the best safaris in Kenya.

Masai Mara Safari in Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve is home to one of the best wildlife experiences in the African continent. Maasai Mara National Reserve is famously a home that harbors the great migration that occurs between the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara protected areas.

This great migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve involves the Wildebeests, Zebras, and various Antelopes moving between Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara Wildlife Reserve as they cross the Mara River to look for food.

Likewise, discover various birds at the Maasai Mara National Reserve during your birding safaris. Birds spread along the plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and as far as the Mara River.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is an amazing tour destination, famed for protecting large herds of Elephants, Hippos and Buffaloes. At Amboseli National Park, you will also enjoy watching other animals for example the Secretary bird, Fish Eagle, and Vultures, among others.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Depending on your package, a Kenya safari will also lead you to Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru National Park is a famous place for watching the Flamingos that flock to the place seasonally. At Lake Nakuru National Park, you will also get the chance for game viewing of the Hippos, Giraffes, and the endangered Black Rhino, among others, especially on a boat cruise.

Apart from Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park, other destinations to explore on your Kenya safari include the Aberdare National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy where you will watch the highest number of the endangered Black Rhino, Tsavo East National Park, etc.

Uganda And Rwanda Safaris

East Africa Safaris

Let us look at the amazing safaris in these countries below.

Primates of Uganda and Rwanda Tour

East protects some of the rarest and most sought-after primates of the world for example the endangered Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys, among others.

Uganda and Rwanda in particular protect the highest number of these primates to watch during their East Africa safari tours.

Where to Meet the Endangered Mountain Gorillas in East Africa

The endangered Mountain Gorillas are explored in Uganda’s two national parks which are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda at Volcanoes National Park.

The Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stay in the four sectors of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo which collectively harbor 20 habituated Gorilla families. Wild Gorillas are usually not trekked because they are not used to human presence.

To trek the endangered Mountain Gorillas in any of these sectors, you will need a Gorilla permit that costs $ 700 for foreign nonresidents, $ 600 for foreign residents, and $ 250,000 for East Africa citizens.

Bwindi Impenetrable NP harbors the best primate tours during your East Africa safari tours to experience on your tours. Additionally, the place is suitable for incredible birding safaris as it protects about 24 Albertine Rift endemics and other most sought-after bird species.

Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is the only destination for Mountain Gorilla trekking in Rwanda. To trek with the endangered Mountain Gorillas in this park, you will need a Gorilla permit which is purchased from the Rwanda Development Board at $ 1500 for foreign nonresidents.

Apart from Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP, other tours to have in Rwanda include Chimpanzee tracking, tracking Monkeys, visiting the Genocide sites, a relaxation experience at Lake Kivu for a boat cruise, and other cultural safaris, among others.

The other destinations to meet the endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat are Virunga National Park found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda Safari and Gorilla Trekking

Mountain Gorilla trekking in Uganda is the highlight of Uganda safaris and meeting the gentle giants is such an unforgettable experience that will take you deep into the pristine and ancient jungles of either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Uganda Gorilla trekking trips are usually combined with safaris to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the home for tree climbing Lions and they usually end in Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful place to have your scenery and canoeing adventures.

Other Primates to Watch in East Africa in National Parks

Chimpanzees: You can trek habituated communities of these amazing East African primates majorly in Uganda’s Kibale National Park and Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest NP.

Golden Monkeys: Trekking a habituated group of these East African primates can be done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Different Monkey Species: There are various monkey species to watch in the several national parks during your East Africa safari and some of them include L’Hoest Monkeys, Red Tailed Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, etc.

Planning Your Safari: Things to Know

There are many things to consider when planning for your trip to the Eastern African continent. Among them are the general costs of the trip, the best season to visit, what to pack, and what to wear for your East Africa safari tours.

The Cost of Your East African Safari

General costs of your tour will usually depend on the number of days on the East Africa safari, park entrance fees, meals, accommodation costs, the number of activities that you plan to do, the season that you plan to visit, etc.

National Park Entrance Fees

The park entrance fees are charged daily in all the several national parks or game reserves during your East Africa safari tours. Thus, making the East Africa safari more expensive during the trips.

Season of Visit

The dry season of December to February and around June to September is the best time to experience amazing East Africa safari tours. However, it is also the high season when costs for many services are higher compared to the wet season where most services are cheaper.

Number of Activities to Do

While some activities are more expensive than others, the number of activities to do on the trip will determine the cost of your East Africa safari as more activities mean more costs.

Choice of Accommodation

The accommodation choice during your East Africa safari determines the cost of your tour as the luxurious lodges are usually more expensive than the budget accommodations.

How Much is a Safari in East Africa? | How Much Does an African Tour Cost?

East Africa tours cost about $125 to $1500 per person every night, depending on the above factors.

The Best Season to Visit East Africa | What is the Best Month to Go to East Africa?

The dry season that runs from around December to February and June to July is the best time to visit East Africa and have an amazing wildlife experience during your trip.

East Africa in February

February is a very fruitful month for visiting the protected areas because it is part of the dry season that gives maximum experiences for travelers.

Additionally, at Serengeti National Park, you will watch over 4000 animals born to join in the captivating great migration/great wildebeest migration.

February is also an amazing time to watch the migrating birds from Europe in many tourist destinations, thus giving you incredible birding safaris.

The month also favors sandboarding trips and game drives that will allow you to watch different animals including big cats in their natural habitat during your African safari tours.

Therefore this is the most amazing time to come for a trip, although tourists, especially solo travelers should follow important safety precautions.

Other best months to come to Uganda for a safari are February, March, June, July, and August.

What to Carry for Your Safari in East Africa

Below, we look at some of the most important things to carry for your East Africa safaris.

  • Travel documents
  • Travel Insurance
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • A pair of binoculars
  • Water bottle
  • Notebook and pen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen

What Should You Wear for Your East Africa Safaris

It is best to wear the right attire for your trip for example long trousers, long sleeves, and comfortable sturdy shoes, among others.

These help to keep your body covered so that you are safeguarded from insect bites, allergic plants, and the changing weather conditions whether warm or cold.

The Best Safari Packages for your Safaris in East Africa

Below are some of the best packages that can be customized for your tours and experiences for your East Africa safaris.

a)    18 days East Africa safari – Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Zanzibar

b)    10 days East Africa safari – Wildlife, Primates, Coastal beach tour

c)     9 days Kenya Tour– Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park

d)    9 days Tanzania Northern Circuit – Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area

e)     8 days Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Victoria

f)      7 days Tanzania – Serengeti National Park (Great Wildebeest Migration), Ngorongoro Crater Stone Town in Zanzibar, Zanzibar Beaches

g)    5 days Wildlife Safari and Primates in Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

African Safari FAQs

  1. How Much Should You Tip a Safari Guide?

Tipping a safari guide is usually between $10 to $15 per person per trip.

  1. Which Country has Better Safaris, Kenya or Tanzania? | Is Safari Better in Tanzania or Kenya?

Both Kenya and Tanzania provide amazing East Africa safaris due to their rich wildlife encounters. However, a Kenya safari is usually cheaper while Tanzania is a great destination for luxury tours.

  1. How Many Days Do You Need for East African Safari?

Travelers spend about 3 days up to more than 30 days on an East African safari. However, about 5 to 15 days are great to give you a general overview of the Eastern African region.

  1. Why is Kenya Safari so Expensive? | Why are Africa Tours so Expensive?

Kenya and some African countries are expensive because of various reasons including visiting in the high season which comes with more expensive costs for services like accommodation compared to the wet season.

Other factors making a Kenya tour expensive include among others the daily park entrance fees paid before you enter a park, and the many activities that you wish to do during the trip, among others.

  1. What is the Best Country in Africa to Go on Safari?

Each country in this continent provides unique safari experiences and visiting each will give you exciting and memorable adventures. However, some of the countries considered the best to visit in the African continent include Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Botswana in Southern Africa.

  1. What is the Average Cost of an African Safari Trip? | How Much Would it Cost to Go on a Safari in Africa? | How Much Would a Tour of Africa Cost?

The average cost of a safari in the African continent is about $ 125 to $ 1500 per person every day depending on various factors like the season of visit, choice of accommodation, whether you are traveling in a group or you are among solo travelers and number of days spent on the East Africa safaris, among others.

  1. What is the Best Country to Visit in East Africa?

The best countries to visit in this region are Kenya and Tanzania. However, visiting Uganda and Rwanda is also rewarding.

  1. What are the Best Safaris in Tanzania and South Africa?

Both Tanzania and South Africa provide the best experiences for your tour, leading you to the best wildlife destinations where you will watch the big five animals.

Both countries will provide you with tangible wildlife experiences in open endless plains and you will also have amazing coastal adventures that will take you to the most pristine beaches of the continent.

East Africa safaris provide some of the most thrilling experiences to have during your tours in the African continent. Enjoy the fascinating views of unique wildlife species in the several national parks/game parks and reserves like the Maasai Mara National Reserve, especially on the open endless plains, explore the rich cultures, and also have an amazing coastal experience on the beaches and highlands.

Inquire with us today and book East Africa safaris for an amazing experience.

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