A region where vast savannahs meet volcanic highlands, wildlife coexists with ancient cultures, and tropical beaches rival some of the world’s best, East Africa offers an astonishingly diverse range of experiences that must be known fully to be appreciated. While Kenya and Tanzania often steal the limelight, the greater East African region is made up of several remarkable countries, each with marvels to behold.
If National Geographic and all your reading have only painted a picture of Maasai Mara and the Great Migration, we’re here to show you the vast beauty of East Africa and all it encompasses. Treat this as your cheat sheet – a safari playbook, if we could call it that. Starting off with a deep dive into the main players in East Africa, we’ll explore what makes each of them special, the top lodges that deserve a spot on your list, what to do and much more! Either way, we’ve got you covered from start to finish.
Understanding the East African playground
- Kenya: The ultimate all-rounder. Home to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli’s herds of elephants, the world’s last two northern white rhinos, and beautiful Indian Ocean beaches, Kenya provides a beautiful bush-to-beach experience, which is ideal for your first big ‘wow’ safari moment.
- Tanzania: Famous for the Serengeti and snow-capped, soaring Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is also home to the Ngorongoro Crater and the tranquil spice island of Zanzibar.
- Uganda: Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” and truly wild at heart, Uganda offers the chatter of chimps and low grunts of gorillas echoing through mist-shrouded rainforests.
- Rwanda: Land of a thousand hills – here, dramatic vistas are endless. With incredible wildlife across volcanoes, montane rainforests, and sweeping plains, Rwanda is best known for its mountain gorillas and endemic species in the Albertine Rift.
While Ethiopia does fall within the Horn of Africa region of East Africa, this blog does not cover Ethiopia as part of its recommendations.
When to go
For a destination that finds its way to most bucket lists, choosing the best season is always a priority to ensure you’re making the most of your time. You’ve probably always heard and understood best season = dry season. However, take it from the experts – if there are three things to look out for while planning the WHEN of your trip, it’s these:
Tip #1: The Migration period can see up to 80-85 vehicles at a single river crossing, making clear viewings difficult and diluting the overall experience.
Tip #2: Planning your month of travel smartly could mean saving a fair amount, which could be used toward additional experiences (eg: Visiting Kenya in its Green Season means better pricing, fewer vehicles and fewer crowds)
Tip #3: Due to climate change and shifting patterns, traditional seasons are less predictable. It’s worth knowing that Uganda’s ‘dry’ season can still mean just less rain, and sometimes, visiting Rwanda in April, during the wet season, can mean a better chance of spotting gorillas on the lower slopes, thus avoiding extra walking.
In conclusion, East Africa is a year-round destination, offering a variety of sights across seasons. Your ideal travel window depends on what you want to see, do and your budget.
Dry season (end June to October and December to February)
These months are ideal for game viewing across Kenya, Tanzania, and gorilla trekking in Uganda. July broadly marks the start of the Great Migration season in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
December – February – A second dry spell which marks calving season in Tanzania and good for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Wet season (March to May and November to mid-December)
March to end-May marks the period of long rains. While some camps close temporarily, others offer attractive pricing during this time. The lush, green landscapes are great for photographers.
November to mid-December sees the short rains and is still generally good for travel.
The Coast – December to March and June to October
These months are ideal to soak up the sun and take refreshing dips in turquoise waters.
How long for?
While we recommend nothing less than a week for each country, if you’re looking to combine two or more places, we recommend a minimum of 10 days.
- Kenya: 7–10 days for safari + Mombasa/ Diani Beach.
- Tanzania: 10–12 days for the northern safari circuit + Zanzibar.
- Uganda/Rwanda: 3–4 days for gorilla trekking. 5 days, if adding in cultural stops like Kampala and Kigali.
Important to note: While multi-country safaris are possible and encouraged, transit often requires charter flights and precise cross-border planning. Always talk to an expert to route your itinerary effectively.
How much?
Africa is more expensive than you think, and how much you spend largely hinges on your time of travel and where you choose to stay.
One tip that always works – if you have a smaller budget, consider fewer days, but good camps. Selecting a premium property always means better guides, location, food and accommodation standards, which all come together to define your experience.
Tip #2: Most lodges are small and fill up quickly.. Book in advance to benefit from a larger choice pool and attractive pricing. Booking as far out as 10-12 months in advance is common for East African holidays.
Average costs (per person, per night):
- Mid-Range: USD 400 to USD 600
- Luxury: USD 800 to USD 1,290 and upward
- Ultra Luxury: USD 2,000 and upward
- Gorilla Permits: Typically in Rwanda USD 1,500, Uganda USD 700 (per person, per trek)
- Beach Extensions: USD 200 to USD 300
Checklists beyond your packing list
In addition to all of your other planning, make sure you’ve factored in time for permits, mandatory vaccinations and post-shot recovery.
Mandatory and Recommended Vaccinations in East Africa by country:
- Yellow Fever: Mandatory for entry into Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (or if transiting through endemic areas). The yellow fever vaccination shot must be taken at least 10 days before travel for the vaccination to be valid.
- Malaria Prophylaxis: Recommended for travel in Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
- Tetanus: Recommended for Uganda and Rwanda.
Inbound Travel Insurance: Mandatory for entry into Zanzibar.
In addition to standard travel insurance you may have purchased for your holiday, starting October 1st, 2024, the Zanzibar government requires all visitors to have separate, inbound travel insurance.
Permits: Reserve your permit at least six to twelve months in advance for Uganda gorilla trekking permits during high season.
Where to stay
Choosing the right accommodation can make or break a once-in-a-lifetime safari. Here are some guidelines while choosing accommodation for key locations:
- Pick private conservancies and smaller camps for an intimate and more personalised experience.
- For a more authentic experience, consider wildlife conservancies in Northern Kenya or the southeast for a change. Lewa and Sarara offer opportunities to interact with the Samburu, experience a riding safari. Ol Donyo offers heli flights and e-bike rides, among other unique experiences.
- When choosing accommodation in Ngorongoro, your best bet is to stay on the crater rim.
- Kenya’s coast is far more unspoiled in comparison to Zanzibar – if you want a coastal experience, pick Kenya.
Kenya:
- Mara: Angama Mara, Mara Expedition Camp, andBeyond Kichwa Tembo Camp, Ishara Mara
- Laikipia: Segera Retreat, Kicheche Laikipia Camp, Ol Malo, Borana Lodge
- Diani: Alfajiri Villas, Swahili Beach Resort, Kinondo Kwetu
Tanzania:
- Serengeti: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Asilia Sayari Camp, Lemala Nanyukie
- Ngorongoro: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Manor At Ngorongoro, The Highlands by Asilia
- Zanzibar: Zuri Zanzibar, White Sand Villas, Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar
Uganda:
- Bwindi: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge
- Queen Elizabeth NP: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Rwanda:
- Volcanoes NP: Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Kigali: The Retreat, Heaven Boutique Hotel
What a 10-Day East Africa Circuit Could Look Like
Intrigued by all East Africa has to offer? If you’re looking at where to start your adventure, here’s our recommended route:
Kenya oriented: Nairobi – Lewa Conservancy – Ol Donyo – Mara
Kenya with Tanzania: Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire National Park – Serengeti – Mara – Amboseli – Nairobi
Kenya with Rwanda: Amboseli – Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
Optional Variations:
- Swap Tanzania for Uganda and go gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
- Add Rwanda for a shorter gorilla experience and some time in Kigali.
- End in Lamu (Kenya) for a quieter Swahili island escape.
Ready to uncover the best of East Africa? Let our experts curate your East African escape — tailored seamlessly for an unforgettable experience.