01 · WILDLIFE
Big Five Safaris
Search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across some of East Africa's most celebrated wildlife reserves and national parks.
Discover the wildlife, landscapes, national parks, cultural experiences and coastal escapes that make East Africa one of the world's most diverse safari regions.
East Africa offers some of Africa's most remarkable safari experiences. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda each have their own wildlife, landscapes and cultural attractions, while Zanzibar and other Indian Ocean destinations provide exceptional beach and coastal experiences.
From the Maasai Mara and Serengeti to Uganda's mountain gorillas, travelers can build an itinerary around wildlife viewing, the Great Migration, primate trekking, cultural experiences, mountain adventures and relaxing beach holidays.
Compare the region's leading safari destinations and choose the country that best matches the experience you want to create.
Escape to paradise with stunning beach holidays, safaris, tours and cultural excursions across the Indian Ocean’s top destinations.
You will enjoy different types of Kenya tours and safaris depending on your budget and number of days you want to tour the country.
About Tanzania safaris, destinations and how to book tours
Uganda Destinations, the tours and the country attractions
Each safari country offers a different combination of wildlife, landscapes and travel experiences.
| Country | Best known for | Major destinations | Particularly good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Big Five wildlife, Maasai Mara and Great Migration | Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Lake Nakuru and Mount Kenya | Classic safaris, first-time visitors, families and wildlife photography |
| Tanzania | Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Great Migration | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Mount Kilimanjaro | Wildlife safaris, migration experiences and northern-circuit itineraries |
| Uganda | Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and diverse wildlife | Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls | Gorilla trekking, primate experiences and adventurous safaris |
| Zanzibar | Tropical beaches, island culture and coastal experiences | Zanzibar beaches, Stone Town and surrounding islands | Safari-and-beach holidays, relaxation and coastal escapes |
East Africa makes it possible to combine different wildlife and travel experiences within one customized itinerary.
Search for lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino across some of East Africa's most celebrated wildlife reserves and national parks.
Follow one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife events through the Kenya–Tanzania ecosystem, depending on seasonal animal movements.
Uganda provides exceptional opportunities to experience mountain gorillas and chimpanzees alongside traditional wildlife safaris.
Add meaningful cultural encounters and local experiences to a safari itinerary rather than focusing only on wildlife viewing.
From Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro to Uganda's dramatic landscapes, East Africa offers much more than game drives.
Extend a wildlife safari with time on Zanzibar or another Indian Ocean destination for a relaxing coastal finish.
Combine Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and coastal destinations into a customized itinerary based on your available time, interests, preferred accommodation and safari priorities.
Plan Your East Africa SafariQuick answers to common questions about choosing a safari country and combining destinations.
The main safari countries in East Africa are Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Kenya is especially well known for the Maasai Mara and Big Five safaris, Tanzania for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and Uganda for mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking combined with wildlife safaris.
Both Kenya and Tanzania offer exceptional wildlife safaris. Kenya is particularly famous for the Maasai Mara, while Tanzania is known for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and northern-circuit safari destinations. The better choice depends on your preferred destinations, travel dates, itinerary and safari priorities.
Yes. Uganda combines traditional wildlife safaris with some of Africa's most sought-after primate experiences, including mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls are among its important safari destinations.
Yes. Kenya and Tanzania can be combined into a multi-country East Africa itinerary. The ideal route depends on your available time, selected parks, border arrangements and the type of wildlife experience you want.
Yes. Zanzibar is a popular coastal extension for travelers who want to combine a Tanzania wildlife safari with beaches, island experiences and cultural activities.
East Africa is best known for exceptional wildlife safaris, the Great Migration, Big Five viewing, mountain gorilla trekking, dramatic landscapes, cultural experiences and Indian Ocean beach destinations.