The East African region is the haven of jaw-dropping wildlife experiences. The region offers more than just wildebeest experiences in Serengeti National Park of Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve of Kenya, gorilla trekking adventures in Uganda and Rwanda. With ample time at hand, travelers can explore the sweeping plains dotted with several animal species, relishing mind-blowing boat rides, getting treated to world-class hospitality from the different cultures you will come across, in addition to the unrivaled natural beauty left behind by the stunningly verdant scenaries as well as the tranquil white sand beaches. Taste some of the region’s mouth-watering dishes as well as fresh beverages such as African coffee and spiced African tea.
From unmatched wildlife viewing experiences, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee and golden monkey trekking, cultural experiences, adrenaline activities, culinary tours, honeymoon trips to discovery of East Africa’s history, the East Africa safaris are one of the most fulfilling trips of a lifetime. These safaris involve visits to Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Congo and Tanzania for different safari experiences.
The thrilling Rwanda safaris blend mind-blowing adventures with safaris in remarkable land of a thousand hills. Right from the Capital City (Kigali) to the different safari destinations, these trips are bound to make your East African safaris memorable. Visit the sweeping plains of Akagera National Park for the big five game (African bush elephants, Black rhinos, Cape buffaloes, leopards and lions), Masai giraffes, Dik-dik, impalas, warthogs, olive baboons, Defassa waterbucks, Topis, black and white colobus monkeys, common elands, Klipspringers, lesser kudu and many others
Enjoy adventurous on-foot chimpanzee treks and canopy walks through one of the oldest surviving lowland rain forests (Nyungwe) in the African Continent with options of seeing magnificent waterfalls, encountering some of the 13 primate species and several animals that call the forest home. Visitors are also offered the opportunity of creating unforgettable memories in the presence of beautiful and peaceful mountain gorillas as well as the frisky golden monkeys within Volcanoes National Park. Don’t leave magical Rwanda without exploring some of its fresh water bodies that include Kivu, Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo and many others in addition to the jaw-dropping landscapes as well as interacting with the warm and friendly local communities.
Kenya’s magical and unstoppable Masai Mara National Reserve is the main safari destination for Kenya safaris and is popular for being the setting for breathtaking great wildebeest migration between the months of June and October each year. For this experience, travelers get the chance to witness the life and death struggles in the magical Mara River crossings combined with battles with predators patrolling the banks of the River.
However, there is more to this Reserve than just the migration because significant populations of lions, cheetahs, Masai giraffes, Defassa water bucks, sable antelopes, impalas, leopards, lesser and greater kudu, Lichtenstein’s hartebeests, giant elands, Topis, caracals, black-sided and side-striped jackals and many others are also likely to be spotted. Highlights of classic Kenya safaris also encompass the stunning Amboseli National Park for its free ranging elephants as well as views of Mount Kilimanjaro in neighboring Kenya.
Samburu and Buffaloes Springs Wildlife Reserves as well as Mount Kenya and Elgon National parks offer nothing below spectacular. Also included on classic Kenya safaris are encounters with mind-boggling Masai cultures. Holiday makers are guaranteed of thrilling honeymoon experiences, some of the best family safaris, comfortable accommodation in sumptuous and Colonial-style Lodges among others.
Wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking are the two main adventures that describe phenomena Uganda safaris. The extraordinary Bwindi National Park is haven to the iconic mountain gorillas, with growing populations attributed to tireless efforts of Uganda Government (through Uganda Wildlife Authority), local communities and International Conservation Organizations. Gorilla trekking is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most extraordinary and memorable wildlife experiences with close encounters with the Giant Apes in their natural environment. Besides the mountain gorillas, big game safaris are undertaken in Murchison falls, Kidepo Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Parks while on-foot chimpanzee treks are relished in Kibale Forest National Park among other beautiful places.
Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar Island, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park are the top safari destinations explored during incredible Tanzania safaris and interestingly, they are all in the northern circuit thus making them accessible during the same trip. The likes of Tarangire National Park, Katavi National Park, Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are found in the less-explored southern circuit and visitors looking for seclusion during Tanzania safaris choose them.
If your idea of an incredible Tanzania safari is about enjoying an off-the-beaten track experience into the African wilderness, then you need to try out the pristine Mahale Mountains, Lake Tanganyika and Gombe Stream National Park for numerous chimpanzee populations as well as wide range of butterfly species.
Adventure seekers are offered the highest free-standing mountain in the whole World (Mount Kilimanjaro), referred as the “roof of Africa”. Still on unforgettable Tanzania safaris, add the Tropical Islands of Zanzibar through exciting activities such as dhow cruises, spice tours, scuba diving, snorkeling, historical and cultural tours, to mention but a few.
On top of being the second largest African country, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers some of the most rewarding safari experiences. The two Eastern gorilla species (mountain and Eastern lowland gorillas) are encountered during Congo safaris at the most affordable rates, compared to its counterparts (Uganda and Rwanda).
Take a flight into Goma International Airport and in a couple of minutes be at the iconic Virunga National Park for the mountain gorilla treks or take a road trip from Kigali City to Bukavu town then to Kahuzi-Biega National Park to undertake lowland gorilla trekking tours. The gorilla tours in Congo combine well with Mount Nyiragongo hikes (to see the World’s largest Lava Lake) as well as trips to Uganda and Rwanda.
Some of the things you need to pack for your East Africa safari are lightweight rain jacket, camera with extra batteries and memory space, pair of binoculars, insect repellent, sunglasses, comfortable hiking boots, long cotton socks, waterproof day-pack, safari hat, re-usable water bottle, healthy energy-giving snacks, warm sweater, pairs of shorts, long and short sleeved shirts for different activities, sandals for relaxing around the Lodges/Camps, swimsuits and so much more.
East Africa safaris are enthusiastic traveler's dream but to avoid the flooded white sand beaches as well as challenging wildlife viewing experiences, it is important to be at the right safari destination at the perfect time. However, there is no particular perfect time to undertake East Africa safaris because there are several dry and wet seasons, with several merits and demerits. The time you choose to undertake the safari will however not affect the tourist activities because animals can be encountered all year round.
However, visitors that make trips between the months of December and March are advised to undertake East Africa safaris within Serengeti National Park (peak of calving season), Uganda’s Bwindi and Rwanda’s Volcanoes for gorilla trekking adventures with easier treks through drier forest paths, Lake Nakuru National Park of Kenya for birding, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar Islands among others.
Travelers that visit East African from April to June should be prepared for long rains but can explore the Central and southern parts of Serengeti, the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area for high concentration of big game, to mention but a few.
East Africa safaris from July to October are marked by mild temperatures as well as amazing dry season wildlife viewing experiences and is perfect for witnessing the wildebeest migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. You can also add Mount Kilimanjaro hiking, tours of Zanzibar Islands as well as Savannah destinations across the East African region.