Where to Go on an African Safari

Where to Go on an African Safari, Africa, a continent larger than China, Europe, and the United States combined, offers diverse and awe-inspiring safari experiences. Deciding where to go is the first step in planning your journey, with both Eastern and Southern Africa offering unique wildlife and landscapes.

East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda

East Africa is famed for the expansive grasslands of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and the Great Migration, where over 1.3 million wildebeest, alongside zebra and gazelles, traverse the savannahs, pursued by predators. This region offers an extraordinary mix of habitats and unforgettable wildlife spectacles.

Key highlights include the flamingo-filled soda lakes of Nakuru and Manyara, the elephant-rich baobab forests of Tarangire, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, towers over the region, while the dry scrub forests of Samburu offer yet another distinct ecosystem.

Wildlife safaris in East Africa provide close-range game viewing from safari vehicles on unsealed park roads. While off-road and night drives are prohibited in most national parks, private conservancies—particularly in Kenya—allow these experiences. Walking safaris with Maasai guides offer a chance to explore the wilderness on foot, immersing yourself in Africa’s untouched beauty.

Cultural experiences abound, with opportunities to interact with tribes like the Maasai, Samburu, and Hadzabe hunter-gatherers. A hot air balloon ride over the savannah is an unforgettable way to witness the landscapes and wildlife. Additionally, Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences, and the Indian Ocean islands, like Zanzibar, provide a serene retreat after your safari.

• Key Features of East Africa Safaris

  • Wide open spaces with diverse Rift Valley landscapes.
  • Massive herds of wildebeest and zebra during the Great Migration.
  • Two dry seasons (June–October, January–March) and two wet seasons (April–May, November–December).
  • Kenya: Private wildlife conservancies with open 4WD vehicles.
  • Tanzania: Safaris in closed 4WD vehicles with open rooftops.

  Whether exploring vast plains or secluded forests, East Africa offers an unmatched blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.