{"id":9672,"date":"2019-08-22T15:05:44","date_gmt":"2019-08-22T15:05:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=9672"},"modified":"2025-09-16T11:50:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T11:50:10","slug":"an-east-africa-safari-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/an-east-africa-safari-guide","title":{"rendered":"An East Africa safari guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

East Africa, with its rolling plains, iconic wildlife and magical Out of Africa feeling, epitomises safari for many. The picture-postcard scenery is definitely a drawcard but it\u2019s also home to some of the continent\u2019s most majestic wildlife experiences: The Great Migration<\/a>, gorilla trekking<\/a> and the Big Five<\/a> to name a few\u2026 But let\u2019s go back to basics: what countries do we actually mean when we talk about East Africa? How should you start planning a safari to them, what should you do, and what sort of wildlife can you expect? Read on for our ultimate East Africa safari guide\u2026<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Track mountain gorillas in the lush forests of Rwanda. Credit: Bisate Lodge<\/p><\/div>\n

First things first\u2026<\/h2>\n

So, what do we mean when we use the term East Africa? Traditionally, the region refers to Kenya<\/a> and Tanzania<\/a>. Two of the most famous safari countries on the continent, both are iconic in their own right and very much the heart of East Africa. But today, East Africa will often mean Rwanda<\/a> and Uganda<\/a> too \u2013 both countries have become much more accessible in recent years and both are the home of incredible gorilla trekking<\/a> experiences. For the purposes of our East Africa safari guide, we\u2019ll be giving you hints and tips for all four of them.<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Explore the wildlife-dotted landscapes of the Masai Mara. Credit: Naibor Camp<\/p><\/div>\n

Kenya<\/h2>\n

If you want to talk classic safari destinations, there\u2019s no better place to start than Kenya<\/a>. A gem for both first-time travellers and those who have been on safari 50 times, Kenya is often described as Africa in a nutshell and it really does have a little bit of everything, from epic wildlife to pristine beaches and vast savannah to craggy mountains (the second highest in Africa<\/a> if we\u2019re being particular!). In Kenya, you\u2019ll most likely fly to the different parks and reserves but a little bit of driving is also possible \u2013 chat to us for details.<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Come face to face with gentle giants in Laikipia. Credit: The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille<\/p><\/div>\n

What should I see and do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Where would our East Africa safari guide be without a mention of the Masai Mara<\/a>. Famous the world over, this is the place to come to see the Big Five in Kenya<\/a>. It\u2019s also the home of the Great Migration<\/a> during which hundreds of thousands of wildebeest migrate from Tanzania<\/a> in search of fresh grass \u2013 and bringing with them plenty of drama and excitement! Then there\u2019s the conservancies of Laikipia<\/a> with its mix of world-class conservation and game viewing, Samburu<\/a> with its colourful warriors and walking safaris, and the views in Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Witness the greatest wildlife show on earth. Credit: Angama Mara Camp<\/p><\/div>\n

How do I do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to see the Great Migration<\/a> in the Masai Mara<\/a>, you\u2019ll have to travel between July and October (more about that here<\/a>) and our Classic Kenya<\/a> trip is the one for you. Thanks to its near perfect coastline and the beaches of Diani<\/a>, Msambweni<\/a> and Lamu<\/a>, Kenya<\/a> is also a great spot for some beachside R&R at the end of your safari \u2013 check out the All the Highlights<\/a> trip if that floats your boat. And if you\u2019d like to embark on something a touch more adventurous, how about exploring Matthew\u2019s Range<\/a> on the Wilds of Northern Kenya<\/a> trip or Meru<\/a> on the Road Less Travelled<\/a>?<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Explore the expansive Serengeti landscape. Credit: Dunia Camp<\/p><\/div>\n

Tanzania<\/h2>\n

Tanzania<\/a> is another one of those fabulous countries that has something to please everyone and despite being home to the kind of wildlife that\u2019s usually reserved for an Attenborough documentary, there are also plenty of hidden gems to discover on your own terms, without the crowds. Spicy Zanzibar<\/a> and her equally as pretty sister islands<\/a> are just off the coast if you fancy some cocktail-sipping, sunset-watching, chill out time and did we mention that the road network in Tanzania is pretty damn good, making this one of the best countries in East Africa for a driving safari<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Take a cruise along the Rufiji River. Credit: Lake Manze Tented Camp<\/p><\/div>\n

What should I see and do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tanzania<\/a> hosts the second stage of the Great Migration<\/a> alongside Kenya\u2019s<\/a> Masai Mara<\/a> and the Serengeti<\/a> is where you should head for if the wildebeest show is on your bucket list. This handy guide<\/a> features our favourite camps to stay at whilst you wait for the wildebeest. Neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater<\/a> is also a highlight of Tanzania (the wildlife is out-of-this-world phenomenal) and the surrounding mountains and valleys make for wonderful walking safaris<\/a>. Further south, the remote beauty of places like Katavi<\/a>\u00a0are not to be missed, and neither is a boat cruise<\/a> down the raging Rufiji River in the Selous<\/a> or a trip to Ruaha<\/a> for more walking<\/a> and to see 10% of the world\u2019s lion population in one, baobab-filled park.<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Experience the white beaches and sparkling waters of Tanzania’s islands. Credit: Manta Resort<\/p><\/div>\n

How do I do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

To make things easy for our East Africa safari guide, we\u2019re going to think of Tanzania<\/a> in four different areas. First up is the north, featuring the Serengeti<\/a>, Ngorongoro<\/a> et al. Try the Best Tanzania Great Migration safari<\/a> for the best route up here \u2013 and perhaps add some beach time at the coast too. Our trip Off the beaten track in Southern Tanzania<\/a> does exactly what it says on the tin and takes you around the southern section of the country to Ruaha<\/a> and Selous<\/a>, whilst The Wild West<\/a> will have you journeying through Katavi<\/a> and enjoying up-close-and-personal chimpanzee experiences<\/a> in Mahale<\/a>. If you fancy donning your driving gloves, we\u2019ve got that covered right here<\/a> too.<\/p>\n

\n
\"General\"General<\/figure>
Design your own trip<\/div>\n Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n
Design a trip<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n
\"East<\/a>

Immerse yourself in the enchanting forest setting of Volcanoes National Park<\/p><\/div>\n

Rwanda<\/h2>\n

Rwanda<\/a> is fast becoming one of our favourite countries to visit \u2013 and we\u2019re not just saying that for the East Africa safari guide! The country\u2019s turbulent past is not to be shied away from but today you\u2019ll find a country that\u2019s full of smiles and warm-hearted people, gorilla-packed forests<\/a>, scenery to take your breath away and more recently, national parks to rival any others in East Africa. Our piece of advice? Don\u2019t listen to those who say Rwanda isn\u2019t for first-timers or indeed a good place for a safari. They\u2019re wrong!<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Trek the mountains of Rwanda for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. Credit: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge<\/p><\/div>\n

What should I see and do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Volcanoes National Park<\/a> should be on all travellers must-visit list in Rwanda<\/a>. Almost always shrouded in mist, it\u2019s a magical place where you can trek with mountain gorilla<\/a> and see golden monkey and even elephants. If that doesn\u2019t give you your primate fix, then head to Nyungwe Forest National Park<\/a> and hike with the chimpanzee that swing (loudly) from the trees. But there really is more to Rwanda than just its furry primates (as this article<\/a> will tell you). How about visiting the genocide memorial in the capital, Kigali<\/a>, chilling out on the shores of Lake Kivu<\/a>, or getting involved in the ground-breaking conservation projects (and game viewing) in the country\u2019s newest and most exciting park, Akagera<\/a>?<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Take in the views of Rwanda’s glistening Lake Kivu<\/p><\/div>\n

How do I do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Getting around Rwanda<\/a> usually involves a little bit of flying and a little bit of driving. Be prepared for some long and dusty journeys in some cases \u2013 but the rewards at the end are always worth the bumps. A good starting point for Rwanda is The Full Works trip<\/a>, and for maximum wildlife-watching, don\u2019t be shy to add a stop in Akagera<\/a> too. Rwanda has good transport links with Kenya<\/a>, Tanzania<\/a> and Uganda<\/a> so if you\u2019d like to combine gorilla trekking with a classic Big Five safari, try A Rwanda and Tanzania combination<\/a> (this will also give you some beach time in blissful Zanzibar<\/a>) or Wildlife in Uganda<\/a> to mix and match your animals\u2026<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Get up close with the gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Credit: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp<\/p><\/div>\n

Uganda<\/h2>\n

Last but not least for our East Africa safari guide is Uganda<\/a>. A relatively-recent addition to the safari scene, what the country lacks in roads and restaurants is more than made up for in bucket-list experiences. Gorilla trekking<\/a> may have put Uganda on the travel map, but delve deeper and you\u2019ll find diverse experiences, rugged and remote safaris and a whole host of fascinating primates, all in one emerald-green bundle.<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Explore the lush, chimpanzee-filled Kibale Forest<\/p><\/div>\n

What should I see and do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll start with the big one: gorilla trekking<\/a>. In Uganda<\/a>, the prime destination to track down the primates is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest<\/a> and a real bonus of trekking here is the vastly reduced cost of the permits compared to Rwanda<\/a> (we run through the other differences in this article here<\/a> if you need some help deciding).\u00a0 If you\u2019re visiting the gorillas, you may also like to visit the chimpanzees in beautiful Kibale<\/a>, whilst adrenalin-junkies might like to add Jinja<\/a> to their itinerary for a spot of white-water rafting<\/a> and bungee jumping. Nature-lovers should head straight for Queen Elizabeth National Park<\/a> to spot tree-climbing lions<\/a> and other storybook wildlife.<\/p>\n

\"East<\/a>

Face the thrilling rapids of Jinja. Credit: Wildwaters Lodge<\/p><\/div>\n

How do I do it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Travelling around Uganda<\/a> is similar to Rwanda<\/a> and you\u2019ll probably find yourself in a combination of cars and planes. Again, the distances can sometimes be long but they are always broken up by plenty of stops and made enjoyable by the dazzling scenery. Now for trips: if you\u2019ve got primates on the brain, try Primates of Uganda<\/a> and visit both Kibale<\/a> for the chimpanzee and Bwindi<\/a> for the gorilla. If you\u2019d like to get off-the-beaten track to Kidepo Valley<\/a>, this trip<\/a> is the one for you, whilst the Source of the Nile<\/a> will take you right to where the name suggests. But what if you\u2019re hankering after some sun lounging, preferably on a white sand beach and the Indian Ocean lapping at your toes? Well, of course we can do that \u2013 it\u2019s right here<\/a>!<\/p>\n

\n
\"Wizard\"Wizard<\/figure>
Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n
Start the wizard<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What to know and where to go<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":9674,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112,173],"tags":[3214,4697,2855,4502,52,3985,923,3523,3437,3001,3308,4696,3792,3046,1572,3007,125,72,3000,4699,2989,2998,3311,3733,135,4124,3483,3737,4125,4695,123,3451,3006,84,921,3454,87,4698,91,92,96,141,4161,1374,110],"class_list":["post-9672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-safari","tag-african-wildlife","tag-akagera","tag-angama-mara","tag-beaches","tag-big-five","tag-big-five-safari","tag-bisate-lodge","tag-boat-trips","tag-bwindi-impenetrable-forest","tag-chimpanzee","tag-diani-beach","tag-driving-safari","tag-dunia-camp","tag-east-africa","tag-gorilla-trekking","tag-jinja","tag-katavi","tag-kenya","tag-kibale-forest","tag-kidepo-valley","tag-kigali","tag-lake-kivu","tag-lamu","tag-mahale-mountains-national-park","tag-masai-mara","tag-matthews-range","tag-meru","tag-mountain-hikes","tag-msambweni-beach","tag-naibor-camp","tag-ngorongoro-crater","tag-nyungwe-forest-national-park","tag-queen-elizabeth-national-park","tag-ruaha","tag-rwanda","tag-sabyinyo-silverback-lodge","tag-safari","tag-sanctuary-gorilla-forest-camp","tag-selous","tag-serengeti","tag-tanzania","tag-the-great-wildebeest-migration","tag-the-volcanoes-national-park","tag-uganda","tag-zanzibar"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAn East Africa safari guide - Timbuktu<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How should you start planning a safari to East Africa? 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From what to expect to how to get around, read on for our ultimate East Africa safari guide\u2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/an-east-africa-safari-guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Timbuktu\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/timbuktutravel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-08-22T15:05:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-16T11:50:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/timbuktutravel.imgix.net\/2019\/08\/0-mara_plains_camp_Images-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&ixlib=php-3.3.1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1407\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"938\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Katie Jacholke\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@timbuktu_travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@timbuktu_travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Katie Jacholke\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/an-east-africa-safari-guide#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/an-east-africa-safari-guide\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Katie Jacholke\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/cd85523c29f813c05c03532d439e22c9\"},\"headline\":\"An East Africa safari guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-08-22T15:05:44+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-16T11:50:10+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/an-east-africa-safari-guide\"},\"wordCount\":1866,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/an-east-africa-safari-guide#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/cdn-cgi\\\/image\\\/quality=50,format=auto\\\/https:\\\/\\\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\\\/2019\\\/08\\\/0-mara_plains_camp_Images-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"African Wildlife\",\"Akagera\",\"Angama Mara\",\"Beaches\",\"Big Five\",\"Big Five Safari\",\"Bisate Lodge\",\"boat trips\",\"Bwindi Impenetrable Forest\",\"chimpanzee\",\"Diani Beach\",\"Driving safari\",\"Dunia Camp\",\"East Africa\",\"gorilla trekking\",\"Jinja\",\"katavi\",\"Kenya\",\"Kibale forest\",\"Kidepo Valley\",\"Kigali\",\"Lake Kivu\",\"Lamu\",\"Mahale Mountains National Park\",\"masai mara\",\"Matthew\u2019s Range\",\"meru\",\"mountain hikes\",\"Msambweni Beach\",\"Naibor Camp\",\"ngorongoro crater\",\"Nyungwe Forest National Park\",\"Queen Elizabeth National park\",\"Ruaha\",\"Rwanda\",\"Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge\",\"Safari\",\"Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp\",\"Selous\",\"Serengeti\",\"Tanzania\",\"the great wildebeest migration\",\"The Volcanoes National Park\",\"Uganda\",\"Zanzibar\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Planning Guides\",\"Safari\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/an-east-africa-safari-guide\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/an-east-africa-safari-guide\",\"name\":\"An East Africa safari guide - Timbuktu\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/an-east-africa-safari-guide#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/an-east-africa-safari-guide#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/cdn-cgi\\\/image\\\/quality=50,format=auto\\\/https:\\\/\\\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\\\/2019\\\/08\\\/0-mara_plains_camp_Images-masai-mara-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-08-22T15:05:44+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-16T11:50:10+00:00\",\"description\":\"How should you start planning a safari to East Africa? 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