7 Things You Should Not Miss on a Safari in East Africa

7 Things You Should Not Miss on a Safari in East Africa

East Africa is a magical place with some of the best safari experiences on the continent  adventures that will leave you breathless and memories that last a lifetime. The region offers remarkable wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes, from towering mountains and lush tropical forests to the legendary Big Five and the rare great apes.

Words alone can’t fully capture the magnificence of East Africa’s safaris. Here are the seven most unforgettable experiences you can have in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

1. Big Five Game Viewing Safaris

The Big Five  lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino  are the icons of African wildlife. Originally named by hunters for being the most challenging animals to hunt on foot, today they are the stars of conservation and ecotourism. Seeing them in the wild is an exhilarating experience that draws visitors from all over the world.

Where to See Them:

• Kenya: Masai Mara (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard) and Lake Nakuru (rhino). Other hotspots include Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Laikipia Plateau, Amboseli, Samburu, Buffalo Springs, Shaba, and Meru.

• Tanzania: Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area  both outstanding for year-round sightings, with Ngorongoro offering almost guaranteed rhino encounters.

• Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (for rhino tracking).

• Rwanda: Akagera National Park in the northeast is the country’s only Big Five reserve.

2. Wildebeest Migration Safaris

Often called “The Greatest Show on Earth”, the Great Migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, traverse the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya). The migration follows the rains, with predators like lions and crocodiles in hot pursuit.

Best Times & Places:

• Masai Mara, Kenya (July – October): Witness the dramatic Mara River crossings.

• Serengeti, Tanzania (January – March): Calving season, when over 500,000 wildebeest are born.

The sheer scale of the event, combined with predator action and sweeping landscapes, makes it a must-see.

3. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Standing at 5,895 m (19,341 ft), Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak  and a bucket-list challenge. While you don’t need technical climbing skills, physical fitness, determination, and proper acclimatization are essential.

Current Facts (2025):

• Routes take 5–10 days depending on your pace and chosen trail.

• Costs range from $2,000–$3,500, including park fees, guides, porters, and camping/lodge stays.

• Park regulations require you to climb with a licensed guide and ranger.

Popular routes include Machame (most scenic), Marangu (hut accommodation), and Lemosho (longer but excellent for acclimatization).

4. Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda

Mountain gorilla trekking is one of the rarest and most moving wildlife encounters on Earth. Fewer than 1,100 gorillas remain, found only in the forested highlands of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo.

Where to Trek:

• Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

• Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park.

Updated 2025 Permit Prices:

• Uganda: $800 per person (previously $700).

• Rwanda: $1,500 per person.

Permits are limited and must be booked months in advance. Treks can last 2–6 hours, and you’ll spend a magical hour with the gorilla family once found.

Experiya Tour Company can arrange everything  permits, transport, accommodation  ensuring a smooth experience.

5. Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Chimpanzees share about 98.8% of our DNA, and trekking to see them in the wild is a fascinating, high-energy adventure. Uganda’s Kibale National Park is known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” with over 1,500 chimps and 13 other primate species.

Updated 2025 Permit Prices:

• Kibale National Park: $250 per person (previously $200).

• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: $300 per person (full-day experience).

Treks usually start early in the morning and can involve following chimps over several kilometers. The habituation experience allows you to spend much more time with them.

6. Beach Holiday in Zanzibar

After days of game drives and treks, nothing compares to unwinding on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches. The island offers turquoise waters, coral reefs, spice plantations, and a rich blend of African, Arab, and European influences.

Highlights:

• Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Snorkel or dive at Mnemba Atoll.

• Visit spice farms and enjoy fresh seafood.

Whether you’re a honeymooner, family traveler, or solo adventurer, Zanzibar is the perfect safari ending.

7. Watching the Tree-Climbing Lions

One of East Africa’s rarest wildlife sights is a pride of lions lounging high in the branches of a fig or acacia tree. Found in only a few places  notably Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda) and Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania)  these lions defy expectations with their climbing skills.

The Ishasha location pairs beautifully with a trip to Bwindi for gorilla trekking, just 65 km away.

A Safari in East Africa

From the mighty Big Five to mountain gorillas, wildebeest migrations to tropical beaches, East Africa is the world’s most complete safari destination.

Planning such an adventure can be complex, but Experiya Tour Company specializes in creating seamless, personalized safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. We handle all logistics  permits, transport, guides, and accommodation  so you can focus on the adventure.

Email: info@experiya.com to request a free safari quote today and start your journey to the wild heart of East Africa.