Our Essential Guide to East African Safaris

Kenya is often the first place that comes to mind when people dream of a safari. Famous for the Maasai Mara and the spectacle of the Great Migration, it offers so much more beyond this. From Amboseli, with its elephant herds framed by views of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the arid landscapes of Samburu and the impressive conservation work on the Laikipia Plateau, each region feels unique. Add to this the vibrant culture of the Maasai and Samburu people, and Kenya delivers a classic yet varied safari adventure.

Highlights

• Kenya is home not only to thriving populations of the Big Five, but also to a number of rare and unique animals. Travellers to conservancies in northern Kenya may encounter the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.
• Lodges across Kenya offer a wide variety of activities beyond game drives, ranging from walking and horseback safaris to the chance to join rangers on anti-poaching training, or to visit local communities and learn about their heritage and traditions.
• Private conservancies that border the Maasai Mara are strictly controlled, ensuring visitors enjoy uncrowded wildlife sightings in the Greater Mara.
• Direct flights to the Seychelles make Kenya an excellent choice for a luxury safari-and-beach combination.

Points to Note

• During the Great Migration and peak season, the Mara can be very busy, and river crossings are likely to be incredibly crowded. The influx of visitors to Kenya at this time also means higher numbers across other regions.
• Kenya is a vast country, and driving distances can be lengthy. The light aircraft network makes it possible to fly between destinations to save time, but this does add cost, and we know small planes aren’t for everyone!

Tanzania is safari on a grand scale. Home to the Serengeti, it offers vast open plains where the Great Migration plays out in dramatic river crossings, calving season, and endless herds on the move. The Ngorongoro Crater adds a unique twist, a natural amphitheatre packed with wildlife, while southern parks like Nyerere and Ruaha provide a more remote, off-the-beaten-track experience. With its sheer size, variety of landscapes, and true sense of wilderness, Tanzania has so much to offer.

Highlights

• Witness the Great Migration, following the herds as they move through the Serengeti over the course of the year. Our favourite time of year is the wildebeest calving season in the southern plains, which happens between January and March. 
• Tanzania is home to dramatic landscapes such as the Ngorongoro Crater, the Great Rift Valley, and Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as remote parks like Rubondo Island, Mahale National Park, and Saadani National Park, each offering diverse experiences.
• The “Southern Circuit”, which includes Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks, provides exceptional wildlife encounters, unique lodges, and remote wilderness which makes it perfect for those seeking to escape the crowds for a more authentic safari.
• Speaking of authenticity, Tanzania offers a number of remote expedition camps and intimate migration camps that foster a true sense of exploration and connection with the wilderness.

Points to Note

• With over 20 national parks, many of which are remote and harder to access, domestic travel can be lengthy. To get the most out of Tanzania, it is worth taking your time and spending a week or longer on safari.
• It is important to choose your lodges and camps carefully, particularly in the Serengeti. Parts of the national park can be very busy, so well-trained guides who know the quieter areas, along with camps in more remote locations, can make a real difference to your experience. Witnessing the Great Migration river crossings can be extremely crowded, and we would not recommend travelling to the Serengeti during this period. 

Rwanda offers a very different safari experience to its East African neighbours. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” its lush, mountainous landscapes are most famous for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Beyond gorillas, Nyungwe Forest is home to chimpanzees and diverse birdlife, while Akagera National Park has re-emerged as a Big Five safari destination thanks to reintroduction and conservation programmes.

Highlights

• Gorilla trekking is a bucket-list experience for many, and with good reason. Spending time in the presence of the majestic mountain gorilla is truly unforgettable.
• Alongside gorillas, Rwanda is also home to a wide variety of primates, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, and baboons.
• Rwanda is a compact country, and it is easy to travel by car. With relatively short distances between parks and reserves, you can experience much of the country in a short time.
• With convenient connections to both Tanzania and Kenya, Rwanda can easily be combined with a classic East African safari.

Points to Note

• Gorilla trekking permits are expensive, and much of the accommodation in Rwanda is on the luxurious side, which makes it a relatively costly destination overall.
• This is not a “traditional” safari experience like that of Kenya or Tanzania, with vast reserves filled with the Big Five. Instead, expect unique wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.