Visit East Africa

East Africa is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations, bringing safari dreams to life with its sweeping plains, vast herds of wildlife, and flat-topped acacia trees etched into the imagination. It’s also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, and tropical forests that shelter awe-inspiring mountain gorillas—a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experience.

This extraordinary part of the world boasts four premier safari destinations:

Tanzania
Kenya
Uganda
Rwanda

Tanzania

Tanzania offers a mesmerising blend of rich cultural diversity, world-famous national parks, towering volcanic peaks, and stunning Indian Ocean beaches. Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Serengeti National Park and the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, revel in the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, and delight in the wildlife wonders of Tarangire and Manyara National Parks - including their famous tree-climbing lions. Top off your journey with the white sandy beaches and historical treasures of Zanzibar, making your holiday as diverse and breathtaking as the people and landscapes themselves.

Kenya

Kenya beckons you to witness the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, marvel at majestic elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, and gaze at the pink spectacle of flamingos on Lake Nakuru or Lake Naivasha. Venture into the vast wilderness of Tsavo National Park, where lions and lava flows await. Enjoy Nairobi’s vibrant Giraffe Centre, the heartwarming Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and the historic Karen Blixen Museum.

Uganda

Uganda invites you to trek through lush forests to encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, witness the thunderous power of Murchison Falls, and enjoy the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Discover the source of the Nile in Jinja, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of Kampala.

Rwanda

Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills, beckons you to trek through misty forests to meet mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, uncover the serene beauty of Lake Kivu, and explore the diverse wildlife of Akagera National Park. Stroll through the vibrant streets of Kigali, rich with culture and history, and pay a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Travel Africa will work with you to plan your perfect touring option around East Africa – be it a small group tour or privately guided safari in a single country or in any combination. We will then book your holiday for you – providing you with detailed itineraries and information sheets. Don’t forget we provide superb value for money due to our in-depth knowledge of the region and our direct contacts which cut out layers of commission. Look at our fabulous range of itineraries to give you loads of ideas and places to start from. And if you're tossing up between Southern and Eastern Africa - or planning to combine them - read our blog Southern vs East Africa: The Safari Showdown.

When to visit East Africa

East Africa has an equatorial climate with the coolest months June to October. The long rainy season is March to May with short rains November to December. December to March has hot and sunny days. The coast has a tropical climate - June to October being very pleasant and December to March being the hottest time of year.

Dry Season: This is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. Days are typically sunny and warm, with cooler nights, especially in highland areas like Kenya's central region and Tanzania's northern circuit.
Rainy Season: Expect lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists. The "long rains" from March to May can bring heavy downpours, particularly in the afternoon, while the "short rains" in November are lighter and more sporadic. This is an excellent time for bird watching and witnessing the calving season in national parks.

The migratory herds follow the rains through the Serengeti and Masai Mara Reserves. The rains do vary as does the migration. Generally from November to August the herds are working their way in an anticlockwise pattern through the Serengeti, migrating north back and forth across the Mara River from July to August and present in the Masai Mara from July to October.

Tanzania's highlights

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania's first and most famous park, the Serengeti, is renowned for its abundance of lion, cheetah and leopard. With wide-open plains and huge herds of wildebeest, spectacularly seen during the annual migration, the Serengeti is the eighth wonder of the natural world. As big as Northern Ireland the Serengeti is unequalled in its scientific value. Other animals found here include the elephant, rhino, buffalo, Thompson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, zebra, crocodile and many more. There are about 500 species of birds and more than 30 species of large herbivores. The Serengeti's low vegetation means that game viewing is relatively easy. It varies from open grass in the south, savannah with scattered acacia trees in the centre, hilly wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland and black clay plains in the west.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located west of the Great Rift Valley which runs from the Red Sea to Lake Nyasa in southern Tanzania and boasts the finest blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeological sites in Africa. African pastoralists co-operate with Tanzania's government bodies to help preserve the natural resources of the area and to ensure a fantastic experience for visitors. Ngorongoro was an active volcano some eight million years ago whose cone collapsed leaving a crater. Its spectacular setting and abundance of wildlife combine to make it one of the wonders of the world. The crater rim is wooded with mountain forest vegetation and the oval crater itself is 300sq. km in area. Most of the big five can be seen with birdlife including kori bustard, secretary bird, crested crane, marabou stork, goliath, heron, beautiful fish eagles, and thousands of flamingoes.

Tarangire National Park

Located just a few hours’ drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a perfect stop for safaris travelling through the northern circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses through the park, being the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. The landscape and vegetation is not found anywhere else in the northern safari circuit. The hilly landscape is dotted with vast numbers of magnificent Baobab trees, dense bush and high grasses. Breathtaking views of the Masai Steppe and the mountains to the south make a stop at Tarangire an incredible experience.

Lake Manyara National Park

Located beneath the spectacular cliffs of the Manyara Escarpment, on the edge of the Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, incredible bird life and breathtaking views. Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem with incredible diversity including its famous tree-climbing lions, elephants and large troops of baboons. Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife with more than 400 recorded species. Highlights include thousands of pink-hued flamingos on their perpetual migration.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is an icon for the compelling beauty of East Africa. It is the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising a breathtaking 5,895 metres from the surrounding coastal scrubland. Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits with an incredible diversity of plant, animal and bird life, including a winter wonderland of ice and snow lining the roof of the continent. Depending on your fitness levels and preferences there are a range of different routes to the summit on offer - either staying in huts or camping, all with guides.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. Located in the Indian Ocean Zanzibar is set like a jewel in tranquil coral waters, only 20 minutes flight from Dar es Salaam. Its name evokes a romantic if fraught past. To these shores came Summerians, Assyrians, Hindus, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Arabians, Chinese, Malaysians, and the Portuguese, sailing in on monsoon winds. Turbulent histories, exotic spices, sandy beaches and hospitable people ... this is the enchantment of Zanzibar.

Kenya's highlights

Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is a world-renowned safari destination in Kenya offering an unparalleled wildlife experience with its vast savannahs teeming with lions, elephants, and wildebeests. Famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River, the reserve also showcases the rich culture of the Masai people. The Masai Mara is a breathtaking blend of stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park, situated at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in southern Kenya, is a picturesque wilderness renowned for its stunning vistas and iconic elephant herds. Enjoy breathtaking views of Africa's highest peak towering over the savannah, while encountering a diverse array of wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. Explore the park on thrilling game drives, guided walks, or cultural visits to Maasai villages, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the region. With its majestic landscapes and abundant wildlife, Amboseli offers an unforgettable safari experience in the shadow of Kilimanjaro

Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha

Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha are located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, and are stunning sanctuaries renowned for the vibrant pink flamingos that flock to their shores. Marvel at the spectacle of thousands of flamingos painting lakes in shades of pink, while also encountering other bird species such as pelicans and marabou storks. Explore Lake Nakuru's diverse landscapes, from the shimmering lake to acacia woodlands and grassy plains, are home to a variety of wildlife including rhinos, giraffes, and lions. Embark on a boat safari on Lake Naivasha to explore its calm waters and encounter a wealth of birdlife, including African fish eagles and pelicans.

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo National Park is one of Kenya's largest and oldest national parks, renowned for its vast landscapes and abundant wildlife. Tsavo East is known for its open savannahs, red elephants, and the striking Yatta Plateau, while Tsavo West boasts diverse habitats including volcanic cones, swamps, and the Mzima Springs. Visitors can enjoy thrilling game drives to spot lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos, as well as birdwatching, hiking, and exploring landmarks like the Mudanda Rock and Shetani Lava Flows.

Uganda's highlights

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is a lush, mountainous sanctuary renowned for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to trek through dense forests and encounter gorillas in their natural habitat. Besides gorilla trekking, Bwindi is rich in biodiversity, home to various bird species, primates, and exotic flora, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nestled in the heart of Uganda's Great Rift Valley, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a breathtaking mosaic of savannah, wetlands, and lush forests. Renowned for its incredible biodiversity, the park is home to over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species, including tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and hippos along the Kazinga Channel. Embark on game drives, boat safaris, and chimpanzee treks, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains and the shimmering crater lakes. A true gem for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park, nestled in northwestern Uganda, is a captivating wilderness where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge to create the spectacular Murchison Falls. Embark on thrilling safari adventures to witness the park's diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and an array of bird species. Cruise along the Nile to marvel at hippos, crocodiles, and the breathtaking scenery along its banks. With its dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the raw power of the Nile, Murchison Falls National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa's natural wonders.

Rwanda's highlights

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, nestled in the misty mountains of northwestern Rwanda, is famous for its majestic mountain gorillas and striking volcanic landscapes. This park, part of the Virunga Massif, offers the unforgettable experience of trekking through dense forests to observe gorillas up close. Beyond gorillas, visitors can explore vibrant wildlife and hike the scenic trails of ancient volcanoes. Volcanoes National Park is a captivating blend of adventure, wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park nestled in the northeast of Rwanda, is a mesmerizing mosaic of savannah, wetlands, and woodlands, offering a diverse array of wildlife experiences. Here, visitors can embark on exhilarating game drives to spot iconic African species such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos, amidst stunning landscapes that stretch to the horizon. Beyond the savannah, the park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 500 bird species calling it home. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, culture, and adventure in Akagera, where every moment is a journey into the heart of Africa's wild spirit.

Kigali

Kigali is the vibrant capital of Rwanda. It is a city of contrasts blending modernity with traditional charm amidst lush hills. Known for its cleanliness and safety, Kigali offers visitors a welcoming atmosphere to explore its cultural heritage, bustling markets, and lush greenery. Discover the poignant history of the country at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, wander through colorful craft markets, or savour the flavors of Rwandan cuisine at local restaurants. With its warm hospitality and cosmopolitan vibe, Kigali invites you to experience the beating heart of Rwanda.

East Africa Itineraries