The Best East African Safari Tours

By Ariadne van Zandbergen

East Africa is home to an incredible number of iconic safari destinations. The Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Nakuru National Park … and the list goes on. And then there are the bucket-list highlights, such as gorilla trekking and the wildebeest migration. Making sense of how it all fits together and what can be done on a standard trip can be overwhelming, though. Luckily, SafariBookings has got you covered with a great selection of tours to fit everybody’s needs. Browse our favorite East African safaris to get inspired.

9,466 East African Safaris

1. Northern Circuit Safari in Tanzania (Including Serengeti)

Wildebeest migration

Days: 4 to 7 days
Parks: Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater

If you’re looking for an action-packed safari with lots of variety, look no further than Tanzania’s Northern circuit. Just a short drive out of the gateway city of Arusha is Lake Manyara National Park, a scenic little gem in the Rift Valley. It’s known for tree-climbing lions, and the birdlife is phenomenal. Next you’ll spend a couple of nights in Serengeti National Park. The endless plains are dotted with big herds of grazers, and predators are never far off. You might also have a chance to see the great migration, Africa’s most impressive wildlife spectacle. On your way back to Arusha, you’ll descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. The forested crater rim creates a perfect backdrop for all the wildlife drama that unfolds on the crater floor. You’ll see more animals here in one day than you might have thought possible, including the endangered black rhino.

930 Northern Tanzania Safaris

2. Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar beach

Days: 6 to 14 days
Parks: Nyerere (Selous) National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater

Tanzania offers the perfect safari-and-beach combo. Most popular is a safari in Tanzania’s Northern circuit (see above), followed by a tropical Zanzibar beach holiday. The island is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and Stone Town, the historic part of Zanzibar city. There’s plenty to do in Zanzibar. Recommended day trips include snorkeling on colorful offshore coral reefs, and spice tours into the island’s rural interior. Alternatively, for a quick safari add-on to a Zanzibar tour, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is a great option. Here you can pack a lot into a short stay. Activities include game drives, walking safaris and boat cruises on the mighty Rufiji River.

226 Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar

3. Masai Mara Safari in Kenya

Great Migration of the Wildebeest, heading out looking for water

Days: 3 to 5 days
Parks and reserves: Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park

For incredible wildlife viewing in a classic African setting, you can’t go wrong with a Masai Mara safari. Come here from August to October and you’ll have a chance to see one of the biggest wildlife spectacles on earth: the great migration. On a 4- or 5-day safari you can make an overnight stop at Lake Nakuru. This scenic Rift Valley lake is known for its incredible birdlife and seasonal flocks of flamingos. It is also a great place to see white and black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, hippos and a variety of antelope.

717 Masai Mara Safaris

4. Kenya Safari & Beach Time

Sunbeds on the beach

Days: 6 to 14 days
Parks and reserves: Masai Mara National Reserve, Tsavo West National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park

Kenya is the perfect destination for a classic bush-and-beach holiday. You’ll spend a couple of days exploring the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve. The open savannah is perfect for quality sightings of lions and cheetahs. If you’re lucky you might even see a hunt. You’ll only need a short stay in the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park to see rhinos and a variety of other wildlife. To round off the safari, you’ll visit Amboseli National Park for inspiring close-ups with elephants and views of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. Time permitting, you can add on a few days in Tsavo (East and West) for a true wilderness experience and a chance to see unusual antelope, such as gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx. Finally you’ll head to the coast to spend a few days relaxing at one of Kenya’s idyllic beaches – the perfect way to end a holiday.

151 Kenya Safari & Beach

5. Uganda Safari & Gorilla Trekking

Silverback mountain gorilla

Days: 3 to 5 days
Parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

A Uganda gorilla trekking safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla isn’t only exhilarating, it’s also deeply moving. After an early breakfast you’ll head out with your ranger into the depths of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a true jungle wonderland. Following the gorillas’ tracks on slippery forest paths can be challenging, but the reward is an hour in the company of these gentle giants. On a 5-day trip you can either end your tour with a few days at Lake Bunyonyi or Queen Elizabeth National Park. The former is best if you want to wind down from your gorilla trek in a pretty spot that’s ideal for walking, swimming and canoeing. The latter if you want to track chimpanzees and enjoy a classic savannah safari with a chance to see elephants, buffalo and possibly even tree-climbing lions.

427 Uganda Safari & Gorillas

6. Gorilla & Chimp Trekking in Rwanda

Mountain gorilla family with silverback

Days: 3 to 5 days
Parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park

Walk in the footsteps of world-renowned primatologist Dian Fossey on a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari. You’ll be staying just outside Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains. This is where Dian Fossey first habituated gorillas in the 1960s, and it is arguably still the best place in the world to see these gentle giants. Other activities here include golden monkey trekking, hiking to the original gorilla research camp and, for the very adventurous, summiting one of the Virunga volcanoes. On a 5-day trip you can also include a visit to Nyungwe National Park, one of the most beautiful rainforests in East Africa. A suspended canopy walk offers a unique bird’s eye perspective of the forest environment. You’ll have the opportunity to see several of the 13 primate species present in Nyungwe, including chimpanzees.

147 Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps