Below are all the details you need to know about the East African safari holidays!

Great Migration Tours 

The great migration tours are among the best East African safari experiences enjoyed by travelers on East African vacations.

These tours often involve witnessing the great migration of wildebeests as they cycle through Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, driven by seasonal rains and the search for greener pastures.

The great wildebeest migration happens in two periods, i.e.,

• Calving season from January to February in Southern Serengeti National Park
• Dramatic River crossings and northern animal movements in July to October, with peak drama in the Maasai Mara National Reserve around August – September

It is worth noting that the dry season from June to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources as the vegetation thins, making sightings easier.

Gorilla Trekking Tours 

Gorilla trekking tours are among the best East African safari experiences enjoyed by travelers on East African vacations.

These gorilla trekking tours are done in gorilla parks

• Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
• DR Congo’s Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park

Trekkers follow professional trackers through challenging and sometimes slippery forest paths to spend one hour observing a habituated gorilla family of the endangered mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas.

The terrain can be demanding, but the reward of seeing eye-to-eye contact with these gentle giants is absolutely incredible.

The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February in Rwanda and January to February and June to September in Uganda for easier trekking conditions.

Travelers are required to get gorilla permits well in advance, often 3-6+ months, during the peak season.

The gorilla permits in these nations cost around

• USD 200 -400 in the DR Congo
• USD 600 -800 in Uganda
• USD 1,500 in Rwanda

The fees from these gorilla permits help fund conservation efforts and support local communities near the gorilla parks.

Chimpanzee Trekking Tours 

Chimpanzee trekking tours are among the best East African safari experiences enjoyed by travelers on East African trips.

These chimpanzee trekking tours are done in wildlife safari parks

• Uganda’s Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, and Queen Elizabeth NP
• Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains NP and Gombe Stream NP
• DR Congo’s Virunga National Park and Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Trekkers follow professional trackers through challenging terrains and sometimes slippery forest paths during chimpanzee tracking activities to spend one hour observing a habituated group of the endangered eastern chimpanzees.

The challenging terrain can be demanding, but the reward of seeing the playful chimpanzees is absolutely amazing.

The best time to go chimpanzee trekking is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February for easier trekking conditions, i.e., drier trails and better visibility.

Travelers are required to get chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance, often 3 -6+ months, during the peak season.

The permits for tracking chimpanzees in these nations cost around

• USD 100 -200 in Tanzania
• USD 100 – 400 in the DRC
• USD 150 – 300 in Uganda
• USD 100 – 200 in Rwanda

The fees from these chimpanzee permits help fund conservation efforts and support local communities near the safari parks.

East African Birding Tours 

The East African birding tours are among the best East African safari experiences enjoyed by travelers on East African trips. These tours are enjoyed by keen birders or bird enthusiasts who partake in bird-watching activities.

Birding tours in East Africa offer access to over 1000 bird species, including rare specialties and Albertine rift endemics in top destinations and birding hotspots across the East African region.

Some of the top birding hotspots and destinations include

• Uganda’s over 34 IBAs (important birding areas) like Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi National Park, Queen Elizabeth NP, Budongo Forest, etc.
• Kenya’s Lake Nakuru NP, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Kakamega, and Arabuko Sokoke forests
• Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Mountain, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, etc.
• Rwanda’s Nyungwe NP, Akagera NP, Rugezi wetlands, Volcanoes National Park, etc.
• DR Congo’s Virunga NP, Kahuzi Biega NP, etc.
• Burundi’s Kibira NP, Ruvubu NP, and other areas

Some of the commonly spotted species in these countries include

• Shoebill Stork
• Flamingos (greater and lesser)
• African Green Broadbill
• Green-breasted Pitta
• Great Blue Turaco
• Rwenzori Turaco
• Kivu Thrush
• Secretary Birds
• Ostriches
• Congo Peafowl
• African Pitta
• Regal Sunbird, and many others

These popular birding tours in Africa are often done all year round during the dry season (June to September and December to February) for easier forest trails and visibility.

Additionally, bird spotting can also be done during the wet seasons (March to May and October to November), which are perfect times for spotting the migratory birds and breeding avians.

The birding permits in the East African nations often cost around USD 200-500 per person per day for midrange options and around USD 600 -1000 per person per day for luxury options.

East African Cultural Experiences 

The remarkable cultural experiences held in the different East African Nations are among the best African safari experiences enjoyed by travelers on East Africa tours.

These offer tourists who engage in cultural visits and community tours a deep immersion into the cultural heritage and traditions of several ethnic groups.

Some of the popular ethnic groups to visit in the different nations in East Africa include

• Tanzania’s Maasai Warriors, Chagga people, and Hadzabe Community
• Kenya’s Maasai people and Samburu warriors
• Zanzibar’s Swahili people
• Uganda’s Batwa, Bakiga, IK, Karamojong, and Bakonzo people
• Rwanda’s Batwa people
• DRC’s Batwa pygmies

Visitors on East Africa tours can partake in several activities, including

• Traverse local markets
• Partake in traditional cooking sprees
• Visit workshops for carving and beadwork engagements
• Tour local schools
• Visit traditional Bomas
• Join evening storytelling by the elders around campfires
• Attend festivals and ceremonies like the Kwita Nzina ceremony.
• Go hunting for honey gathering in the forests, etc.

These East African cultural experiences are often combined with wildlife tours for a good balance of nature and human connection.

Big Five Safari Game Drives and Wildlife Safaris in East Africa 

The East African wildlife tours and big five game drive safaris are among the best safari experiences done by most travelers on East Africa tours.

These wildlife safaris and game drives done in several East African safari destinations offer adventurous travelers an opportunity to see some of the best animal species in Africa.

Some of the popular tourist destinations to visit to enjoy these tours include

• Uganda’s Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kidepo Valley NP, etc.
• Kenya’s Masai Mara, Amboseli, Nairobi National Park, Samburu Game Reserve, etc.
• Tanzania’s Tarangire, Nyerere, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
• Burundi’s Ruvubu and Rusizi National Parks
• Rwanda’s Akagera National Park
• DR Congo’s Garamba National Park

Some of the unique wildlife species seen by travelers on these tours include

• The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes)
• Cheetahs
• Giraffes
• Tree-climbing lions (Queen Elizabeth NP in Uganda and Lake Manyara NP in Tanzania)
• Hippos and other animals

All these animal species are best seen during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February, when the hot weather conditions force them to come out to drink some water around the watering holes, hence the optimized sightings.

It is worth noting that most East Africa tour packages and itineraries often combine standard game drives with guided walking safaris and cultural tours.

East African Beach Holidays 

The East African beach holidays are among the most amazing safari excursions to enjoy during East Africa tours.

East Africa offers adventurous travelers some of the best beach holidays across the pristine white sand beaches and the turquoise Indian Ocean waters in some of the best coastal destinations.

Some of these land, coastal beaches, or destinations include

• Zanzibar’s Kendwa beach and Nungwi beach
• Kenya’s Diani beach, Watamu beach, Mombasa beach, and others
• Tanzania’s Pemba Island, Lamu Island, etc.
• Burundi’s Lake Tanganyika sand beaches, like Saga beach
• Uganda’s Ssese Islands and Lake Victoria beaches.

These beach and coastal destinations offer travelers several water sports and activities to enjoy, such as

• Scuba diving
• Sport fishing
• Snorkeling
• Swimming
• Immersion in the Swahili culture
• Insights into the lives of people along the shores and the fishing villages, etc.

Exploring these coastal and beach destinations is best done during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February for warm beach holidays and optimal sunny weather.

Most itineraries, including strenuous activities like mountain hiking or gorilla trekking, often include these beach holidays for travelers to unwind and relax.

OTHER SAFARI EXPERIENCES

·         Mountain Climbing	·         Nyiragongo Hiking excursions
·         Volcano Boarding	·         Adventure Sports like white water rafting
·         Hot air balloon safaris	·         Sport Fishing Excursions
·         Guided walking safaris	·         City tours in bustling cities
·         Golden monkey trekking	·         Primate and monkey watching safaris
·         Canopy walks	·         Boating trips
·         Camping trips	·         Horseback riding safaris
·         Mountain Biking tours	·         Bush Dining Experiences to savor local cuisine (breakfast and dinner)

Many tour operators offer tailor-made tours customized to the interests of the travelers!

Why Choose East African Tours? 

Many African safari enthusiasts choose East African tours for several reasons, including.

•       Year-Round Seasonal Accessibility

Most travelers choose East African holidays because all throughout the year, whether in the dry or rainy seasons, East African nations offer the most thrilling safari experiences.

•       Wide Range of Safari Experiences

East African nations offer a wide range of unique safari experiences in the diverse landscapes, from the vast plains and volcanic craters to misty rainforests and lakes.

Travelers can enjoy activities like guided walking safaris, classic game drives in open-sided 4WD vehicles, gorilla trekking, cultural immersions with the Maasai communities, hot air balloon rides, boat cruises, etc.

•       Unique Biodiversity

The East African region hosts unique biodiversity, including the endangered gorillas in DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda; Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino); rich birdlife, etc.

Additionally, the region also hosts the greatest wildlife show on earth, the annual wildebeest migration involving over 1.5 million wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and other ungulates.

•      Easy Travel Logistics

Most tourists choose East Africa safari excursions because traveling between these nations is quite easy with the available domestic flights and land border crossings between them.

All travelers need to obtain the required visas, have yellow fever vaccination certificates, and plan these journeys with reputable tour companies.

Choose East Africa tours today for the most memorable African safari experiences!

Major East African Nations with Popular Destinations Where East Africa Tours Are Held 

Some of the fascinating East Africa safari experiences are held in East African nations and their tourist destinations below.

Uganda 

Uganda, ‘the Pearl of Africa,’ is one of the East African nations visited by tourists seeking unique East African vacations.

This nation has several habitats ranging from the vast lakes and lush rainforests to the savanna plains that host a wide variety of fauna species.

It shines with cheap gorilla safaris, boat trips, chimpanzee tours, and unique game drives in its safari parks like

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK 

Nestled in western Uganda near the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, which covers ~1,978 square kilometers, is popular for hosting over 600 avian species, huge elephant herds, vast hippo concentrations, and the rare tree-climbing lions in its diverse ecosystems.

These can be seen by tourists who partake in safari activities like

• Safari drives
• Bird spotting
• Lion tracking
• Game spotting
• Boat cruise safaris along the Kazinga Channel, etc.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK 

Found in southwestern Uganda near the Rwanda border, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a UNESCO site), which spans ~321 square kilometers, is famous for being home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, 350+ bird species, and other animals in its dense rainforests.

All these highlights can be seen by travelers who choose to engage in activities like

• Mountain gorilla tracking to see over 25 gorilla family troops
• Birdwatching
• Guided forest hikes
• Local Community tours

KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK 

Perched in western Uganda near Fort Portal town, Kibale Forest National Park, which spans ~795 square kilometres, is popularly known as the primate capital of the world because of its huge primate diversity, including over 1,500 chimpanzees, 12+ other primate species, 375 bird types, etc.

All these attractions can be seen by safari goers who participate in

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Chimpanzee Habituation
• Bird observation
• Forest walks, etc.

MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK 

Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park covers ~3,840 square kilometers, making it Uganda’s largest park, which is famous for the dramatic Murchison Falls, elephants, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and many other species found in its habitats.

Visitors on Uganda safari tours can see all these tourist attractions if they join in

• Safari drives
• Boat safaris
• Top of Falls Hikes, etc.

Rwanda 

Rwanda is one of the East African nations explored by tourists seeking unique East Africa tours.

The Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda, is renowned for offering premium safari experiences, especially its gorilla safaris in unique habitats surrounded by the Virunga Mountains.

It shines with high-quality fauna encounters, amid excellent infrastructure and a strong eco-tourism focus in safari destinations like

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK 

Perched in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is popularly known for being the only home of endangered mountain gorillas in the country, with over 12 gorilla troops, golden monkeys, and Virunga volcanoes among other attractions like over 300 birds, Dian Fossey’s grave, etc.

All these tourist attractions can be seen by travelers who join in safari experiences like

• Mountain gorilla trekking (Rwanda gorilla permits cost USD 1,500)
• Virunga Volcano Hiking
• Golden monkey trekking
• Batwa Cultural Tours
• Bird watching, etc.

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK 

Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park, covering ~1,122 square kilometres, is famous for being Rwanda’s only savanna park that is home to reintroduced animal species such as the lions and rhinos, among other Big Five species like the buffaloes, leopards, and elephants; over 500 avian species, etc.

These safari highlights can be seen by adventurous travelers who partake in

• Safari drives
• Boating excursions on Lake Ihema
• Birding
• Guided bush walks, etc.

NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK 

Situated in southern Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park, which covers ~1,019 square kilometers, is known for being home to over 13 primate species, including colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, etc., canopy walkways, and unique flora.

Nyungwe’s safari highlights can be seen during safari activities like

• Chimpanzee tracking
• Birding
• Colobus monkey trekking
• Nyungwe canopy walks, among others

Kenya 

Kenya is one of the East African nations traversed by tourists seeking unique East African holidays.

Considered to be the birthplace of modern safari tourism, Kenya offers classic game viewing experiences, including the great migration in the Maasai Mara, among other highlights, surrounded by unique Mount Kilimanjaro backdrops, diverse landscapes, and rich Maasai culture.

Kenya safari excursions, combining coastal relaxation with cultural encounters and thrilling game spotting, are ideal for first-time safari enthusiasts.

The key destinations include

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE 

Perched in southwestern Kenya near Tanzania, the Masai Mara National Reserve, covering ~1,510 square kilometers, is popularly known for its high predator density (big cats) and for being the northern stage of the great migration.

Travelers can expect to see the wildlife species, dramatic landscapes, and avian types of the Masai Mara National Reserve if they partake in

• Great migration viewing to see the dramatic Mara River crossings
• Cultural visits with Maasai warriors
• Hot balloon rides
• Bird observation, etc.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK 

Nestled in southern Kenya near Tanzania, Amboseli National Park, covering ~392 square kilometres, is renowned for large elephant herds with stunning Mount Kilimanjaro backdrops, 400+ avian species, among other things to see.

All these tourist attractions in Amboseli can be seen by travelers who choose to partake in

• Safari drives
• Photography against the stunning mountain backdrop
• Birding, etc.

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK 

Situated in central Kenya in the Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park, spanning ~188 square kilometers, is renowned for its rich birdlife, including seasonal flamingo flocks, the Big Five, and Lake Nakuru (soda lake).

The key Lake Nakuru NP highlights can be seen by travelers who join safari excursions like

• Birdwatching
• Safari drives
• Photography, etc.

Tanzania 

Tanzania is one of the East African nations visited by tourists seeking unique East African vacations.

With varied ecosystems from the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park, Tarangire’s baobabs, and vast UNESCO sites, Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife experiences and shows on earth, making it a top choice for classic safari enthusiasts.

The popular travel destinations include.

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK 

Located in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, covering approximately 14,750 square kilometers, is popularly known for its endless plains, which define this UNESCO site, and for being the heart of the annual wildebeest migration.

With accessible year-round game viewing in the Serengeti National Park, peaking with river crossings, especially July to October in the north, travelers can see all the stunning attractions of this wild fauna haven by partaking in Tanzania safari excursions like

• Great migration viewing
• Safari drives in the Serengeti plains
• Bush dining and champagne breakfasts
• Hot Balloon rides
• Birdwatching, etc.

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA (HOME OF THE NGORONGORO CRATER) 

Found in northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a year-round destination for safaris in East Africa covering approximately 8,292 square kilometers, is famously known for its collapsed volcanic caldera (Ngorongoro Crater), creating a self-contained ecosystem with dense fauna.

Some of the unique wildlife and other attractions in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area include the Big Five, on the crater floor, Olduvai Gorge, and endangered black rhinos, among others.

Tourists can see all these highlights of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area by joining activities like

• Safari drives
• Game spotting of over 25,000 animals
• Ngorongoro Crater visits
• Maasai cultural experiences
• Olduvai Gorge Tours, etc.

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK 

Situated in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park, spanning ~ 2,850 square kilometers, is popularly known for its huge baobab trees, elephant herds, the Tarangire River, and other diverse animal species.

All these Tarangire attractions can be seen by travelers who partake in

• Game viewing
• Safari drives
• Guided walking tours
• Bird spotting, etc.

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK 

Located in northern Tanzania, Manyara National Park, covering ~ 330 square kilometres, is a compact park known for its tree-climbing lions, hippos, flamingos, groundwater forests, L. Manyara etc.

All this stunning biodiversity and highlights can be seen by tourists who partake in activities like

• Birding
• Canoeing
• Safari drives, etc

Democratic Republic of Congo 

The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the East African countries visited by tourists seeking unique East African trips.

DRC offers travelers raw adventurous tourism in the most unique landscapes, such as in the Virunga Massif amid active volcanoes, dense rainforests, and the Congo River.

Exploring the DR Congo is best suited for experienced travelers led by reputable tour operators due to the ongoing security challenges in some regions.

Key destinations include

VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK

Perched in Eastern DRC near Rwanda, in Goma town, Virunga National Park (UNESCO site) covering ~7,800 square kilometers and is famous for being the only home of endangered mountain gorillas in the DRC; it has two active volcanoes (Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira), chimpanzees, over 700+ bird species, etc.

All these Virunga NP highlights can be seen by travelers who partake in activities like

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Nyiragongo Hiking
• Birding
• Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Visits, etc.

KAHUZI BIEGA NATIONAL PARK 

Nestled in eastern DR Congo near Bukavu, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, spanning ~ 6,000 square kilometers, is popularly known for being the primary home of the endangered eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas), Mount Kahuzi and Biega, stunning birds, and other primates.

All these can be seen during safari excursions in Kahuzi Biega NP, including

• Eastern lowland gorilla trekking
• Guided forest hikes
• Mountain climbing
• Birding, etc.

Burundi

Burundi is one of the East African nations explored by tourists seeking unique East Africa tours.

Burundi is an emerging tourist destination centered close to Lake Tanganyika, the world’s second deepest freshwater lake.

This East African country, Burundi, offers off-the-beaten-path safari experiences such as boat cruises, fishing excursions, wildlife encounters, etc., to visitors seeking authentic cultural and lakeside experiences with minimal tourism crowds.

Key tourist destinations include the following:

RUVUBU NATIONAL PARK 

Situated in northeastern Burundi, Ruvubu National Park spans approximately 508 square kilometers, making it Burundi’s largest park. It is known for being home to primates, buffaloes, elephants, the River Ruvubu, and others.

These tourist attractions can be seen during

• Canoeing
• Safari drives
• Hiking tours
• Game spotting, etc.

KIBIRA NATIONAL PARK 

Located in northwestern Burundi, Kibira National Park, spanning ~ 400 square kilometers, is known for hosting stunning biodiversity, including chimpanzees, 200+ avians, and tea plantations.

All these can be seen during Burundi safari tours when partaking in activities like

• Guided nature walks
• Birding
• Cultural Tours, etc.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is another of the East African countries visited by tourists seeking unique East African holidays or Zanzibar tours.

This nation, considered part of Tanzania, serves as the perfect beach extension and unwinding tourist spot after any East Africa safari or Zanzibar tour.

With pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town’s winding alleys, Zanzibar offers some of the most unique East African safari experiences, perfect for travelers seeking beach vibes like

• Spice plantation tours
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Cultural tours

OTHER POPULAR DESTINATIONS

Kenya   Tsavo NP consisting Tsavo East and Tsavo West Nairobi City Mount Kenya Nairobi National Park Buffalo Springs Game Reserve Shaba Game Reserve Ol Pejeta Conservancy Reteti Elephant Orphanage	Tanzania   Mount Kilimanjaro Nyerere NP (Selous game reserve) Ruaha NP Lake Tanganyika Mahale Mountains NP Gombe Streams NP Mikumi NP Katavi NP
Uganda   Uganda National Museum Kampala Jinja Lake Mutanda Lake Victoria Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Kidepo Valley National Park Lake Mburo National Park Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Kasubi tombs Rwenzori mountains Mount Elgon NP	Rwanda   Gishwati Mukura NP Kigali Genocide Memorial Centers Kigali City Buhanga Eco Park Musanze Caves Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo
Burundi   Rusizi National Park Gishora Drum Sanctuary Bujumbura city Source Du Nil	Democratic Republic of Congo   Kinshasa City Maiko NP Upemba NP Garamba NP Salonga NP
Zanzibar   Nungwi and Kendwa Beaches Stone Town Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park Spice Plantations Prison Island Foradhani Night Market

These East African nations offer the perfect avenues and tourist places where the most outstanding East Africa tours take place!

OTHER AFRICAN DESTINATIONS

• Lake Malawi In Malawi
• Cape Town vineyards
• Okavango Delta In Botswana
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Kalahari Desert
• Table Mountain, Cape Town
• Sossusvlei sand dunes
• Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
• Robben Island Cape Town
• Kruger National Park in South Africa

Combine your East Africa safari excursions with visits to any of these tourist places on the African continent for the most memorable experiences!

World Class Accommodation in East Africa 

Travelers on safaris in East Africa can stay at various safari lodges, camps, hotels, and guesthouses during these trips for the most comfortable stays.

The available accommodations in East Africa often offer services and amenities based on the chosen tier or service level, i.e.

1. Luxury accommodation offers guests unique services and amenities like spa treatments, conference facilities, private plunge pools, private butlers, all-inclusive East African adventure packages, etc., at costs that average USD 500+ per person per night.
2. Mid-range accommodation often offers guests amenities that are fairly priced and mid-luxury levels, like outdoor swimming pools, private decks, and good meals, among other things, at average costs that range from USD 200 to 500 per person per night.
3. Budget accommodation in East Africa often offers amenities suitable for budget-conscious guests, backpackers, or self-drive tourists, such as shared bathrooms, dorm stays, communal meals, etc., at average prices that range from USD 5 to 150 per person per night.

Liaise with a good travel agent to help you secure the best accommodation for your stay in advance, especially during the peak tourist seasons!

Average Costs to Incur on Safaris to East Africa 

The average costs and money spent by most travelers on East African trips depend greatly on factors like travel styles, destination, and safari duration, among other things. These costs include

DESCRIPTION	COSTS PER PERSON
Park Entrance Fees	USD 30-100
Gorilla Permits	USD 200- 1,500
Additional safari Activities	USD 30- 500
Budget Trips	USD 150 -500 per day
Midrange Tours	USD 500-1000 per day
Luxury Safaris	USD 1,000-3,000+ per day

For the best prices and safari deals, work hand in hand with reputable African safari experts!

Best Time to Travel to East Africa for Safari Excursions | What Is the Best Month to Go to East Africa? 

East Africa is a year-round destination in Africa, which makes travel and safaris easy to conduct.

However, the most recommended or optimal time to travel to East Africa is during the dry seasons that fall in the months of June to October and December to February.

These drier periods offer the best conditions, characterized by clear blue skies, thin vegetation, and sunny weather, perfect for outdoor activities like game spotting as animals flock to watering holes, gorilla trekking, and walking safaris because of the drier trails.

Additionally, the great migration in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem also happens during this dry period (July to October), when travelers can witness the dramatic river crossings from Kenya’s Masai Mara to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, which is the most visited park for viewing migrating wildebeest and ungulates.

Alternatively, it is worth noting that the wet seasons that run from March to May and November to December also offer lush landscapes, though with slippery trails, good conditions for birding, fewer crowds, and discounted lodges.

Travelers are strongly advised to book permits and lodges in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid missing out, and if traveling during the rainy season, then packing the right gear is needed.

Travelling To East Africa 

Traveling to East Africa is considered one of the easiest and most fun experiences.

Most tourists fly into major airports and hubs like Kigali International Airport, Entebbe Airport, Dar es Salaam or Arusha airports, or Nairobi Airport and later transfer to the respective destinations.

Regional flights by a few operators in the East African nations connect to smaller park airstrips like those in the Serengeti National Park, Maasai Mara, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, etc.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Book guided tours with 4×4 safari vehicles through reputable tour agencies
• Combine road transfers and short flights to get a feel of what each mode of transportation offers during multi-country trips
• Use reputable tour operators for the entire trip for safe travels in countries like the DR Congo, where security concerns prevail.

Packing List for Safaris to East Africa 

Tourists on East African vacations are strongly encouraged to pack and carry the following clothing and essentials below,

Lightweight, neural clothing	Long-sleeved shirts
Log trousers/pants	Rain gear (rain jacket or poncho)
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes	A sun hat and sunglasses
Insect repellent	Sunscreen
Birding binoculars	A camera with zoom lens
Walking stick for gorilla treks and hikes	Packed lunch
Energy bars	Reusable drinking water bottle
Gardening gloves	Waterproof daypack
Basic medications	Travel documents
Travel insurance	Money and credit cards

Consider suggestions from your travel agency to avoid carrying excess luggage!

Reputable East African Travel Agencies | Who Is the Best Tour Company for Africa? 

Some of the best travel agencies offering the best Africa safaris to East Africa include

• Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
• Wild Gorilla Safaris
• Safari Uganda Safaris
• A Uganda Safari
• Uganda Birding Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking Uganda
• Gorilla Safari Rwanda
• Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris
• Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
• Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours
• Africa Safaris Tours
• Gorilla Safaris and Tours
• Kenya safari Tours
• Tanzania Safaris and Tours
• Africa Safaris Tours

These safari companies offer guests some of the best East Africa safari packages.

Commonly Asked Questions About East Africa Tours 

1. How Much Does a Trip to Africa Cost? | What Is the Average Cost of an African Safari Trip? 

The average cost of a trip to Africa often ranges between USD 2000 and 20,000, depending on the travel destinations, safari duration, travel styles, additional activities, and other factors.

Always remember to use reputable Africa safari tour agencies to get the right quotes and information.

2. Is South Africa or East Africa Better for Safari? 

Both South Africa and East Africa offer some of the best safari experiences not found in either region, so the choice on which African region is better depends on the traveler’s interests.

South Africa shines with Kruger National Park and its Big Five, private reserves, and easy travel logistics, though it is quite expensive.

East Africa shines with the great migration, gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, etc., not found in South Africa.

3. What Is the Best Country to Visit in East Africa? 

All East African nations are good to visit because they offer some of the best safari experiences, so the question of which is better depends on the traveller’s needs, i.e.

• Uganda shines with unique gorilla trekking in two national parks
• Tanzania boasts unique safari parks like the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar
• Kenya boasts the Great Migration
• DR Congo has active volcanoes and unique gorilla tours
• Rwanda shines with unique gorilla encounters, cultural tours, etc.

4. Which Country in East Africa Is the Safest? | What Is the Safest African Country to Visit for A Safari? 

Rwanda, ‘the land of a thousand hills,’ is generally speaking often considered the safest country to visit for an amazing tour in East Africa.

5. What Is the Top Feature in an East African Safari? 

The annual wildebeest migration is often considered the highlight of any East Africa adventure, where tourists get to witness firsthand as the wildebeests migrate from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti seeking seasonal pastures.

6. What Part of Africa Is Best for Safaris?

The eastern part of Africa is the best region for African safaris on the whole African continent.

Don’t miss out on the fun; call or email us your African safari experts, and let us tailor the best East African safari packages for you to explore this part of the African continent firsthand and create lasting memories!