Quick answer
An East Africa safari combines the Great Migration in Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, often finishing on Zanzibar's beaches. The best time is June to October. Our East Africa trips start from US$1,150 per adult for Kenya's Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara.
- Best months
- Jun – Oct
- River crossings
- Jul – Oct
- Trips from
- US$1,150
- Main gateways
- Nairobi, Kilimanjaro
- Gorilla gateways
- Entebbe, Kigali
- Pairs with
- Victoria Falls
Tanzania safaris
Tanzania is East Africa's biggest safari country, home to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. The northern circuit fits into 7 to 10 days and ends easily on Zanzibar.
- Serengeti: the Great Migration year-round, calving in the south from January to March
- Ngorongoro Crater: one of the best places in Africa to see black rhino
- Best time: June to October; January to February for calving
Kenya safaris
Kenya's Masai Mara is the northern end of the Great Migration, with the most famous Mara River crossings from July to October. Lake Nakuru adds flamingos and rhino, and Amboseli has elephants below Kilimanjaro.
- Masai Mara: big cats year-round, migration July to October
- Lake Nakuru: Rift Valley lake with rhino and birdlife
- Best time: July to October; January to February is also dry
Uganda gorilla trekking
Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds almost half of the world's mountain gorillas. Treks last from one to several hours, and permits are limited each day, so book early. Kibale Forest adds chimpanzee tracking.
- Best time: June to August and December to February, the drier months
- Gateway: Entebbe, then a road transfer or light aircraft
Rwanda gorilla trekking
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is the quickest way to the gorillas, about two to three hours by road from Kigali. Permits cost more than Uganda's, and lodges are among the best in Africa.
Zanzibar beaches
Zanzibar is the classic way to end a Tanzania safari: a short flight from the Serengeti or Arusha to white-sand beaches, Stone Town and spice tours. The 10-day Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari below includes it.
The Great Migration month by month
| Months | Where the herds usually are | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – Mar | Southern Serengeti and Ndutu | Calving season, predator action |
| Apr – May | Moving north-west through central Serengeti | Long rains, fewer visitors |
| Jun – Jul | Western Corridor, Grumeti River | First river crossings |
| Jul – Oct | Northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara | Mara River crossings |
| Nov | Heading south again | Short rains begin |
East Africa trips
Combine East Africa with Victoria Falls
Regional flights link Victoria Falls with Nairobi and Johannesburg, so you can pair the Masai Mara or Serengeti with a few nights at the falls and a Hwange or Chobe extension. We plan both ends from Victoria Falls.
East Africa safari FAQs
When is the best time for an East Africa safari?
June to October, the long dry season. Mara River crossings usually happen July to October.
Is Kenya or Tanzania better for a safari?
Tanzania has more space and variety; Kenya is more compact and better value. Both share the Great Migration.
Can I combine East Africa with Victoria Falls?
Yes. Flights connect Victoria Falls with Nairobi and Johannesburg.