Ultimate East Africa Safari Guide – Book Gorilla & Wildlife Tours

Ultimate Guide for Booking East African Safari Holidays

East Africa is located on the African continent and mainly comprises Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Congo, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

However, when people think of a safari to East Africa, the countries that commonly come to mind are Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

About East Africa

East Africa is renowned for its exotic wildlife, species endemic to the region, beautiful scenery, mountains, lakes, pristine wilderness, and much more, making it a top tourist destination worldwide.

Three of Africa’s highest mountains are found in East Africa, along with the world’s longest river, the largest tropical lake, the longest mountain ranges, the largest caldera, and significant anthropological sites regarding human origins.

The people of East Africa are some of the friendliest in the world, very welcoming to visitors. East Africa is also considered very safe for tourists.

What to Do in East Africa

Wildlife Safaris in East Africa

East Africa is one of the world’s top destinations for game viewing, with Uganda having 10 national parks, Tanzania 22, Kenya 24, and Rwanda 3.

Each park offers unique wildlife watching experiences, with most parks being home to the “big five,” and Uganda and Rwanda being known for their endangered mountain gorilla habitats.

Mountain Climbing Tours in East Africa

East Africa is a mountaineer’s paradise.

Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, while Kenya and Uganda host the second and third highest mountains, respectively.

There are also numerous other mountains to explore, such as the Virunga ranges, Mount Rwenzori, Mount Elgon, Mount Meru, and Mount Longonot.

Birding Safari in East Africa

East Africa has become a renowned birding destination, with over 1,000 species of birds recorded in the region, including some migrants from North Africa and Europe.

Birding can be enjoyed in almost all conserved areas of the region.

When to Visit East Africa

East Africa has an equatorial climate, and almost all the countries share the same kind of weather.

The region can be visited all year round, but the most favorable times for game viewing and mountain climbing are during the dry seasons.

During these periods, parks are dry, roads leading to national parks are in good condition, hiking trails are not muddy and slippery, animals congregate around water points, and the vegetation is not very thick, making it easier to spot wildlife.

The two best dry seasons for visiting are from June to August and from December to February.

For bird enthusiasts, the best time to visit most birding destinations in East Africa is from November to April when migratory birds from other parts of Africa and Europe are present.

National Parks in Uganda

Uganda is home to 10 national parks, namely: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Semuliki Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park.

Rwanda National Parks

Rwanda has four national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park.

Tanzania National Parks

Tanzania boasts 22 national parks, including Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Nyerere National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Burigi Chato National Park, Gombe Stream National Park, Ibanda-Kyerwa National Park, Kigosi National Park, Kitulo National Park, Mkomazi National Park, Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Rumanyika Karagwe National Park, Rubondo National Park, Saanane National Park, Saadani National Park, Ugalla River National Park, and Udzungwa Mountains National Park.

Kenya National Parks

Kenya prides itself on 24 national parks, including Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, Aberdare National Park, Meru National Park, Mount Longonot National Park, Central Island National Park, Hell’s Gate National Park, Lake Naivasha National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park, Sibiloi National Park, Malindi Marine National Park, Mombasa Marine National Park, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, South Island National Park, Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Kora National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, and Ruma National Park.

Getting a Visa

While traveling to East Africa, you can obtain a visa for a specific country you wish to visit.

However, if you are visiting Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, you can apply for the East African Tourist Visa, which is valid for multiple entries for tourism purposes only and is not valid for employment.

The East African Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days, is non-renewable, and the issuing country should be your starting point.

You will need a recent passport photo, a valid passport for up to six months, a yellow fever vaccination card, a national identity card, a travel itinerary, and a return ticket.

The visa fee is $100 per person, payable to the bank and non-refundable.

You can apply for this visa online and follow the procedures.

Most Popular East African Safari Parks

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania, is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world.

It is home to 70 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds.

The park hosts one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa and is among the 10 natural travel wonders of the world.

The park is renowned for its annual migration, where millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and gazelles move from the southern part of the park to the north, then cross into the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya in search of fresh pastures.

It is also one of the places with the largest populations of lions in the world.

The name “Serengeti” is derived from a local Maasai word meaning “endless plains.”

Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks

Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks, along with the nearby conservation areas, make up Kenya’s largest conservation area.

The parks are divided by the A109 road and railway.

Both parks derive their names from the Tsavo River, an important water catchment area for their wildlife.

Tsavo West boasts beautiful scenery of mountainous rocks, swamps, and springs that attract a lot of birds and is also home to a successful black rhino sanctuary.

Tsavo East is semi-arid and mainly dominated by savannah plains with a rich diversity, hosting a vast array of wildlife species including the African Big Five.

The Tsavo River is home to archaeological sites from the Stone Age period.

Tsavo conservation is one of the most visited areas in Kenya, renowned for excellent wildlife viewing and birding.

The parks are also famous for rock climbing.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most famous and visited national park in Uganda, situated in the western part of the country.

The park was established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, but the name was later changed to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II.

The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are not found anywhere else apart from Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a birder’s paradise with over 600 species of birds recorded, making it one of the top birding destinations in East Africa.

The park is home to over 95 species of mammals across the Ishasha and Kasenyi plains.

There are also several beautiful volcanic cones and craters in the park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most famous tourism destinations in the East African region.

The park hosts half of the population of endangered mountain gorillas that can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are several habituated mountain gorilla families that tourists can visit in Bwindi National Park on a daily basis, with 8 permits available per gorilla family visit.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park also offers visitors an opportunity to participate in gorilla habituation, which involves tourists joining researchers and rangers in the process of habituating mountain gorillas for about four hours per day.

Gorilla habituation is the process of acclimating mountain gorillas over a period of about 3 years until they are ready to be visited by tourists.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park are the only two national parks in East Africa where you can see tree-climbing lions.

The park is named after the great Lake Manyara found within the park, which attracts thousands of flamingos.

Lake Manyara hosts 670 species of flowering plants and 390 species of birds.

Lake Manyara National Park provides good wildlife viewing opportunities for travelers.

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is located just 7 kilometers outside Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

It’s the best option for a weekend getaway and for travelers who come to Kenya on a tight schedule but want to explore its pristine wilderness.

Nairobi is often dubbed “The world’s wildlife capital.”

Nairobi National Park was the first national park to be gazetted in Kenya in 1946.

Despite its proximity to the city, Nairobi offers unique wildlife viewing experiences, just like other Kenyan wilderness national parks, and is home to 400 species of birds recorded.

Nairobi is a major rhino sanctuary for breeding rhinos to be relocated to other national parks, and over 100 mammalian species reside in Nairobi National Park.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is renowned for its spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.

People often say that the views are in Kenya, but the mountain is in Tanzania.

Amboseli National Park is also famous for being the best place to view large herds of elephants up close.

East African Safari Safety Guidelines

East Africa is considered a very safe region to visit, but some areas, such as the Kenyan-Somali borders, must be avoided.

Nevertheless, all travelers must take safety precautions, just as they would in their own countries.

It is very important and crucial to follow the park rules and regulations while in national parks.

Do not wander off walking tracks alone, get too close to wildlife, or come out of your car during a game drive because anything unexpected can happen in the wilderness.

Avoid walking alone, especially in isolated places, especially late at night.

Watch out for pickpockets, particularly in the capital cities. Take very good care of your personal belongings and don’t expose your valuables in public.

Before venturing out of your hotel alone, ask your hotel manager if the place you’re going to is safe. Avoid using unregistered taxis at night.

People & Culture

East Africa is an ethnically diverse region with 56 tribes found in Uganda, 70 in Kenya, and 120 in Tanzania.

The people of East Africa primarily speak English, Kiswahili, and French as official languages, in addition to their tribal languages.

The people of East Africa are known for their hospitality, making the region a safe destination for tourists.

Young people are expected to respect their elders in East Africa.

Most elderly people have the right to discipline a child if they are wrong because it is believed that children are raised not only by their parents but also by the entire community.

Most East Africans shake hands or hug when greeting each other, typically with the right hand.

In East Africa, men are traditionally considered the head of the family and make many decisions concerning family matters, while women are mainly responsible for domestic affairs.

When on a tour in East Africa, it is better to ask for permission before taking photos of people.

It is considered rude to take photos without the locals’ permission.

East Africa offers a variety and richness in cuisine, with many tribes having their own staple foods.

Most traditional costumes in East Africa express the identity of a specific ethnic group.

However, decency is encouraged in public areas, especially for women; it is advisable to dress modestly when visiting villages.

Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in East Africa.

Couples planning to visit the region for a safari are advised to be discreet and not show excessive affection, such as kissing, in public.

East Africans have a love for their traditional music, and experiencing this is one of the highlights you shouldn’t miss while on a trip to the region.

Each tribe has unique music and dances that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Most Popular East African Safari FAQs

Below are some of the most popular East African safari questions and answers.

• What are East African safaris? East African safaris are wildlife and adventure trips in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda to explore animals, nature, and culture.
• Which countries are best for East African safaris? The best countries for East African safaris are Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. These countries have the best wildlife parks and safari lodges.
• Why are East African safaris popular? East African safaris are popular because they offer amazing wildlife, friendly people, and many national parks with beautiful nature.
• What animals can I see on East African safaris? You can see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and mountain gorillas during East African safaris.
• What makes East African safaris special? East African safaris let you see the Big Five animals, gorilla trekking, bird-watching, and mountain climbing in one region.
• When is the best time to go on East African safaris? The best time for East African safaris is during the dry seasons, from June to August and from December to February.
• Can I go on East African safaris in the rainy season? Yes. The rainy season is good for bird-watching and offers lower prices for safari tours.
• What are the best national parks for East African safaris? The best safari parks include Serengeti in Tanzania, Masai Mara in Kenya, Bwindi in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
• What is special about Serengeti National Park? Serengeti National Park is famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains.
• What can I see in Masai Mara during East African safaris? You can see the Big Five animals and watch the wildebeest migration between Kenya and Tanzania.
• What makes Bwindi National Park important for East African safaris? Bwindi is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, and visitors can enjoy gorilla trekking safaris there.
• Can I go gorilla trekking on East African safaris? Yes. Gorilla trekking is possible in Uganda’s Bwindi and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
• Are there bird-watching safaris in East Africa? Yes. East African safaris offer great birding experiences with over 1,000 bird species across the region.
• Where can I climb mountains on East African safaris? You can climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kenya in Kenya, and Mount Rwenzori in Uganda.
• What are the highest mountains in East Africa? Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Mount Rwenzori are the three highest mountains in East Africa.
• How many national parks are in East Africa? East Africa has over 60 national parks across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
• What is the East African Tourist Visa? The East African Tourist Visa allows travelers to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with one visa valid for 90 days.
• How much does the East African Tourist Visa cost? The visa costs $100 per person and is valid for tourism only, not for work.
• What do I need to apply for the East African Tourist Visa? You need a valid passport, a photo, a yellow fever card, travel details, and a return ticket.
• Are East African safaris safe? Yes. East African safaris are safe when you follow park rules and use licensed safari companies.
• What safety tips should I follow during East African safaris? Avoid walking alone, stay inside the car during game drives, and keep valuables safe.
• How are the people in East Africa? People in East Africa are very friendly, respectful, and welcoming to visitors on safari.
• What languages are spoken during East African safaris? English and Kiswahili are widely spoken, and guides in safari parks often speak several languages.
• What kind of food is available on East African safaris? You can enjoy both local and international food such as rice, chapati, grilled meat, and tropical fruits.
• What cultural experiences can I enjoy on East African safaris? You can visit local villages, meet the Maasai, learn traditional dances, and experience East African hospitality.
• Are East African safaris good for families? Yes. Many safari lodges and parks welcome families with children and offer safe, guided tours.
• Can I book luxury lodges for East African safaris? Yes. There are many luxury safari lodges and camps offering comfort, great service, and wildlife viewing.
• What clothes should I pack for East African safaris? Pack light clothes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes for game drives or hikes.
• How do I prepare for East African safaris? Book early, get your visa, take travel insurance, pack wisely, and choose a trusted safari company.
• Why should I choose East African safaris? East African safaris give you the chance to see amazing wildlife, explore nature, enjoy culture, and make unforgettable memories.