Best 5 East Africa Safaris For First-Timers
Are you planning your first African safari, East Africa – the birthplace of safaris is an ideal destination for beginners. The continent has stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and expert guides, offering an incredibly relaxed introduction to the region.
Explore East Africa’s amazing destinations like Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, or unwind of the beautiful island paradises like Zanzibar.
If you are ready to book you East Africa Safari, the region is the birthplace of the safari, a Swahili word meaning “journey”. Forget everything shown in old movies, modern safaris are all about responsible, exciting encounters with incredible wildlife.
East Africa has all you need to make your first time safari amazing, from stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, knowledgeable guides and welcoming local people. When looking for a perfect safari for your first Africa Adventure? Think Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania or even the beautiful island paradise like Zanzibar. Embark on game drives to see animals roaming the vast plains, or trek through lush rainforest to spot the rare and endangered mountain gorillas.
The pleasant climate makes it possible to plan your East African adventure any time of the year.
Here are our favorite Best 5 East Africa Safaris For First-Timers
-
Kenya & Tanzania’s Iconic Migration Safari|9 Days, 6 Destinations
This classic East Africa Safari is a perfect choice for first-timers. For the ultimate wildlife spectacle, aim for a safari between July and November. This is when the iconic wildebeest migration reaches its peak. During July and August, massive herds thunder into Kenya’s Masai Mara, braving the treacherous Mara River Crossing – a sight that will take your breath away.
This 9 Days East Africa Safari Adventure will leave you in awe of East Africa’s wonders. Start your adventure in Kenya’s Masai Mara, then journey south into Tanzania, exploring the iconic Serengeti, the picturesque Lake Manyara, and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater. Expect incredible encounters with the big five and the unforgettable sight of the wildebeests and zebra migration surging across the Serengeti-Mara Triangle.
Highlights
- Spectacular day and night game drives to find the “Big Five” game (lion, leopard, buffalo, hippo, leopard and rhino) and some of other interesting wild game.
- Stay in the best safari camps and lodges
- Witness the biggest wildlife show on earth, the Great Migration of wildebeests accompanied by zebras and gazelles
- Nature walks, native encounters, captivating African stories and delicious cuisine.
This 9 Days East Africa Safari is perfect for couples, honeymooners, families and groups.
-
Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas, Kenya & Tanzania’s Wilderness Game | 14 Days, 8 Destinations
This East Africa Safari combines three countries, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and is highly recommended for your first African safari. This two weeks all-inclusive safari is a perfect introduction to East Africa’s stunning diversity. From the lush rainforests of Uganda to the sweeping savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania, you will experience unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural exchanges.
The highlight of this safari package is trekking through misty jungles to see Africa’s majestic mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a moment you will cherish forever.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Cultural encounter with Batwa Pygmies of Bwindi Forest
- Guided nature walks across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Game drives to seek out the magnificent Big Five in the savannah plains, day game drives and night game drives to find the elusive nocturnal animals
- Flights & 4×4 vehicle transfers between destinations
- Stay at best selection of safari camps and lodges
This 14 Days East Africa Safari is perfect for couples, honeymooners, families and couples
-
Rwanda Gorillas and Serengeti Wildlife Safari | 12 Days, 3 Destinations
This unforgettable 12 Days East Africa Safari includes three bucket-list experiences in one trip, trekking to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, witnessing the vast Serengeti plains teeming with wildlife, and exploring the majestic Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda. Discover the city’s vibrant culture and sobering history before venturing into the misty rainforests of Volcanoes National Park. Here you will go on a gorilla trek and come face-to-face with a majestic gorilla family – a moment that will change your lodge forever.
Next, fly to the heart of the Serengeti and be swept away by the sheer scale of the Great Migration. Then descend into the wildlife haven of Ngorongoro Crater before your final departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is an East Africa Experience you will never forget.
Highlights
- Rwanda’s Kigali Capital, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s genocide history and culture
- Meet the magnificent giant mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park
- Connecting small flight between Kigali and Serengeti
- Intercept the predictable path of the great migration in Serengeti
- Game drives to seek out the Big Five game in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Stay in exclusive camps and safari lodges carefully selected for you
- Transportation, meals, and lodging all taken care of by us
This 12 Days East Africa Safari is best for couples, friends, honeymooners, families and groups
-
Uganda’s Equatorial Wilderness & Primates Road Safari | 12 Days, 5 Destinations
This 12 Days Uganda Adventure offers an unforgettable mix of savannah and rainforest wilderness. This is an ideal trip for those experiencing their first safari, showcasing the best of Africa’s wildlife in forest and savannah.
During this safari, you will travel along the country’s most popular safari circuit. Starting from Entebbe, you will take the western route to explore Lake Mburo National Park, a small but impressive national park, before venturing into the mountain jungles of Bwindi Impeetrable Forest. Following an exciting gorilla trekking experience, you will embark on a canoe and hiking adventure before heading north to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savannah plains for game drive and boat safari. The journey will then take you to Kibale Forest, the primate capital, before concluding with a visit to the magnificent Murchison Falls National Park.
Highlights
- 4×4 safari cruiser road trip transfers between destinations. Look out for undualing scenery as you drive across the countryside
- Chimpanzee trekking and see other twelve primates in Kibale Forest National Park
- Game drives and boat safaris to seek out the big game and small game animals on the savannah plains
- Mountain gorilla encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Meet the local Batwa pygmy community in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Guided nature walks
This 12 Days Uganda Adventure is best for solo travellers, couples, families and group travellers.
-
Gorilla Encounter, Serengeti Big Game and Zanzibar Holiday | 16 Days, 4 Destinations
Embark on a journey into the forests of Volcanoes National Park for a thrilling encounter with wild gorillas in their stunning alpine forests. This incredible experience begins in Kigali, the vibrant capital city of Rwanda. From here, you will transfer to the gorilla jungle to meet these majestic primates up close and personal.
Next, you will journey to Ngorongoro Crater, where you can unwind and savor the breathtaking scenery on safari drivers. The Serengeti plains are a must visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts in Tanzania, home to a wide variety of iconic animals that make this adventure the best safari in African for first-timers. You will have a few days to explore and witness the starts of the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration.
Finally, your East Africa Safari Adventure concludes on the idyllic island of Zanzibar, where you can indulge in a luxurious, exclusive retreat in a secluded, untouched paradise.
Highlights
- Enter through Kigali, Rwanda’s capital and exit through Zanzibar
- Local flight between Kigali and Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Unforgettable mountain gorilla encounter in Volcanoes National Park
- Watch the wildebeest migration drama unfold on the savannah plains
- Relax in a truly remote and exclusive white-sand paradise of Zanzibar Island
In conclusion to Best 5 East Africa Safaris For First-Timers, the above packages are tailored to offer you the best safari experience in East Africa.
