An East Africa Safari Guide –What to know and Where to go
East Africa is an incredible region with rolling plains, iconic wildlife and Magical Out Africa feeling, epitomizes safari for many. East Africa’s picture-postcard scenery is definitely a drawcard, also the region is home to some of the continent’s most majestic wildlife experiences.
The Great Migration, Gorilla Trekking and the Big Five encounter among others are the reasons to why visitors from the world come to East Africa.
So what do we actually mean when we talk about East Africa? How should you start planning a safari to them and What should you do, and What sort of wildlife can you expect?
This blog details more about an East Africa Safari
Traditionally, East Africa region refers to Kenya and Tanzania, these two are the most famous safari countries on the continent, both iconic in their own right and very much the heart of East Africa. But today, East Africa means Rwanda and Uganda too. These two countries have become more accessible in recent years are home to the incredible gorilla trekking experiences.
Here is a hint and safari tips for all these four countries.
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 gen for both first –time travelers and those who have been on safari over and over again.
Often described as Africa in a nutshell, Kenya has a little bit of everything, from epic wildlife to pristine beaches and vast savannah to craggy mountains including the second highest mountain in Africa – Mount Kenya. In Kenya, you will most likely fly to the different parks and reserves but a little bit of driving is also possible.
What to See and Do?
East Africa Safari Guide is never complete without mentioning Masai Mara, this world famous reserve is the place to come to see the Big Five in Kenya and is also home of the Great Migration during which hundreds of thousands of wildebeests migrate from Tanzania in search of fresh grass and bring with them plenty of drama and excitement.
There are conservancies like Laikipia with its mix of world-class conservation and game viewing, Samburu with its colorful warriors and walking safaris, and heavenly views in Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills.
How to Do It?
If you would liketo see the Great Migration in Masai Mara, you will have to travel between July and October. Our Classic Kenya Migration Safaris are perfect for you, you can choose from one of them.
Thanks to Kenya’s near perfect coastline and the beaches of Diani, Msambweni and Lamu, Kenya is also a great beach destination with some of the best beaches in the world to mark the end of your safari.
Tanzania
Tanzania is another one of incredible safari destinations in the world and normally referred to as the Capital of Safari, this fabulous country has something to please everyone and despite being home to the various species of wildlife that are usually reserved for an Attenborough documentary. There are also plenty of hidden gems to discover on your own terms and accords, without crowds.
The spicy island of Zanzibar and her equally pretty sister islands are just off the coast if you are looking for a tropical beach experience, sip on some cocktail, watch the sunset, chill out on the white sand beaches among others.
Tanzania is one of the best countries in East Africa for a driving safari.
What to See and do?
Tanzania hosts the second stage of the Great Migration alongside Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti is where you should head for if witnessing the wildebeest show is on your bucket list.
The neighboring Ngorongoro Crater is also highlight of Tanzania is home to out of the world and phenomenal wildlife and the surrounding mountains and valleys make for wonderful walking safaris. Further south, the remote beauty of places like Katavi are unmissable and 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 one, baobab-filled park.
How to do it?
Tanzania has four different areas, the first is the North Safari Circuit featuring the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks. Try a Tanzania Great Migration Safari for the best route up here, perhaps add some beach time at the Indian Coast too.
Head off the beaten track in Southern Tanzania around the southern section of Tanzania to Ruaha and Selous. The Wild West offers you a journey through Katavi to enjoy up-close and personal chimpanzee experiences in Mahale.
Uganda
Uganda is an impressive destination on an East Africa Safari, this beautiful country is home to half of the world’s surviving gorilla population and the largest population of chimpanzees in Africa.
Uganda has a list of bucket-list experiences including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking. On these Uganda primate experiences you will have an encounter of 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 most-sought after safari activity in Uganda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the prime destination to track down these primates, the advantage of tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda is the reduced cost of the permits compared to Rwanda.
If you are visiting the gorillas in Uganda, you may also like to visit the chimpanzees in Kibale, for adrenaline junkies you may add on white-water rafting and bungee jumping in Jinja. For nature lovers, head for Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot tree-climbing lions and other storybook wildlife.
How do I do it?
Traveling around Uganda is combination of vehicles and plains, the distances can be long but they are always broken up nu plenty of stops and made enjoyable by the dazzling scenery.
On an East Africa Safari, try Primates of Uganda and visit both Kibale Forest for the chimpanzee and Bwindi for the gorillas. If you would like to get off-the-beaten track to Kidepo Valley National Park. Uganda Trip is one of you.
Rwanda
Rwanda is fast becoming one of the traveler’s favorite countries to visit, this beautiful country has a turbulent past which is not to be shied away from but today you it is full of beautiful smiles and warm-hearted people’
Misty forest gorilla park – Volcanoes National Park, breathtaking scenery and national parks that rival any others in East Africa make Rwanda a great East Africa Safari Destination.
What to See and Do?
Volcanoes National Park should be on the must-visit list of all travelers in Rwanda. Almost always shrouded in mist, it is a magical place where you can trek with mountain gorillas and see golden monkeys and even elephants.
Head to Nyungwe Forest National Park and hike with the chimpanzees that swing loudly from the trees. But there really is more to Rwanda than just the primates. Visiting the genocide memorial in the capital – Kigali, chilling out on the shores of Lake Kivu, or getting involved in the ground – breaking conservation project and game viewing in Akagera National Park – Akagera National Park.