Top Safari Destinations in East Africa

Discover the Premier Safari Destinations in East Africa – Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda

Embarking on an African safari is a dream for many travelers, and East Africa stands out as a captivating region with a myriad of off-the-beaten-track destinations. In this blog post, we unveil the top safari destinations in East Africa that should undoubtedly be on your African safari itinerary.

East Africa unfolds a classic and once-in-a-lifetime experience—an “Out of Africa” safari that encompasses rich wildlife diversity, expansive rolling hills, vibrant grasslands, and encounters with the colorful Masai and Samburu warriors. The region boasts cozy safari lodges and luxurious tented camps, all complemented by the warm hospitality of locals and excellent infrastructure, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for every visitor.

Two of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations, Kenya and Tanzania, call East Africa home. Add to this the chance to witness mountain gorillas in the wild within the rainforests of Uganda and Rwanda, along with the allure of tropical beaches in Zanzibar.

Kenya: The Great Wildebeest Migration and Maasai Mara

Kenya takes pride in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, where the spectacular wildebeest migration, a thunder of hooves, unfolds from July to November annually. Yet, the reserve boasts a diverse resident wildlife population throughout the year. Kenya’s safari highlights extend to Amboseli and Lake Nakuru reserves, and the country can be seamlessly combined with mountain gorilla trekking, visits to tropical islands, and Tanzanian safaris.

Tanzania: Maasai People and the Great Wildebeest Migration

Tanzania, home to iconic safari destinations like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, forms the Northern safari circuit. This region offers some of Africa’s best Big 5 game viewing and wildebeest migration experiences. For an off-the-beaten-track adventure, the exotic Mahale Mountains along Lake Tanganyika showcase chimpanzees and clouds of butterflies. Tanzania boasts both the wildebeest migration in Serengeti and Africa’s highest peak, the snow-capped Kilimanjaro. It seamlessly pairs with mountain gorilla tracking, beach getaways, and safaris in Kenya.

Uganda: Gorilla Tracking and Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a sanctuary for half of the world’s endangered Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla tracking in Uganda stands out as one of Africa’s most unique and unforgettable experiences—encountering wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The country is also celebrated for bird watching, on-foot chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, and unique combination safaris featuring the big five game in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.

Rwanda: The Easiest Gorilla Trekking Trails in Africa

Fly into the capital, Kigali, and within hours find yourself in the emerald world of Volcanoes National Park. This tropical rainforest is home to several mountain gorilla families, and while there, don’t miss the milk bars and the poignant genocide memorial site in Kigali city. Gorilla tracking in Rwanda seamlessly combines with the big five and wildebeest migration experiences in Tanzania and Kenya, plus idyllic beach holidays.

In conclusion, if you’re returning to East Africa for a second safari and missed gorilla tracking on your initial trip, Trek Africa Expeditions highly recommends exploring Uganda or Rwanda for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We guarantee gorilla permit availability. For assistance, reach out to one of our safari managers with your intended travel dates. Your East African adventure awaits!