East Africa Safari Destinations

The Serengeti, home to the other half of the Great Migration, is known for its sweeping savannahs and incredible biodiversity. It’s one of Africa’s most iconic parks and offers year-round wildlife viewing.

Best Time to Visit: June to October, with migration peaks in July and August
Highlights:
Endless Plains: Watch lions, cheetahs, elephants, and wildebeest on the expansive savannah.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: View the migration and other wildlife from above.
Luxury Lodges: Stay in exclusive camps like Four Seasons Serengeti or Serengeti Under Canvas.
Ideal For: Big Five fans, photographers, and first-time safari-goers.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera and a haven for diverse wildlife. Its unique ecosystem supports a high density of animals, making it an ideal location for spotting the Big Five.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with peak wildlife viewing from June to October
Highlights:
Big Five: Spotting the Big Five is almost guaranteed here.
Unique Ecosystem: Experience diverse landscapes within a compact area.
Scenic Views: The crater rim offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Ideal For: First-time safari-goers, families, and those on limited time.

Famous for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is a must-see destination for wildlife lovers. It’s one of the best places in Africa to photograph elephants up close.

Best Time to Visit: June to October and January to February
Highlights:
Elephant Herds: Amboseli is known for its iconic elephant population.
Kilimanjaro Views: Capture breathtaking shots of wildlife with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.
Cultural Encounters: Visit local Maasai communities.
Ideal For: Photographers, elephant enthusiasts, and cultural explorer

Bwindi is famous for its mountain gorillas and is one of the few places on earth where you can go gorilla trekking. The park’s dense forests and misty mountains create an enchanting environment for wildlife adventures.

Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February
Highlights:
Gorilla Trekking: Spend a life-changing hour with a gorilla family.
Bird Watching: Home to over 350 bird species, including rare Albertine Rift endemics.
Cultural Experiences: Interact with the Batwa pygmy community.
Ideal For: Wildlife lovers, adventurous travelers, and bird watchers.

Volcanoes National Park is another top destination for gorilla trekking, offering a luxurious and immersive experience. The park, located in the Virunga Mountains, is also home to golden monkeys and offers stunning hiking opportunities.

Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February
Highlights:
Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking: Trek through misty mountains to encounter endangered gorillas and playful golden monkeys.
Dian Fossey’s Legacy: Visit the Karisoke Research Center and learn about Dian Fossey’s work.
Luxury Lodges: Stay in eco-lodges like Bisate Lodge and Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
Ideal For: Luxury travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation-minded travelers.

Now known as Nyerere National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an off-the-beaten-path safari experience with unique opportunities for river safaris and walking safaris.

Best Time to Visit: June to October
Highlights:
River Safaris: Spot hippos, crocodiles, and bird species on the Rufiji River.
Diverse Wildlife: See African wild dogs, lions, elephants, and leopards.
Secluded Camps: Enjoy intimate and eco-friendly camps like Sand Rivers Selous.
Ideal For: Experienced safari-goers and adventure seekers.

Known for its tree-climbing lions and stunning flamingo-filled lake, Lake Manyara is a small but diverse park that makes a great addition to a Northern Tanzania safari circuit.

Best Time to Visit: June to October for game viewing; November to April for bird watching
Highlights:
Tree-Climbing Lions: Spot lions lounging in trees, a rare behavior in Africa.
Flamingo-Filled Lake: During certain seasons, flamingos create a pink hue over the lake.
Diverse Birdlife: Lake Manyara is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Ideal For: Bird watchers, photographers, and travelers on a Northern Circuit safari.

One of Uganda’s most popular parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions, diverse birdlife, and scenic landscapes.

Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February
Highlights:
Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha: Unique lion sightings in the Ishasha sector.
Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel: See hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.
Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy views of lakes, savannahs, and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, and those seeking diverse ecosystems.

Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park and remains a hidden gem, offering remote and exclusive safari experiences with a variety of wildlife.

Best Time to Visit: June to October
Highlights:
Big Cat Sightings: Ruaha has a high concentration of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Diverse Ecosystems: The park has both miombo woodlands and open savannahs.
Walking Safaris: Enjoy guided walking safaris for an up-close view of nature.
Ideal For: Big cat enthusiasts and those seeking a quieter safari experience.