EAST AFRICA DESTINATIONS

Our Destinations In East Africa

Explore spectacular wildlife destinations in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. From Great Migration to mountain gorillas.

Explore by Country

Showing all 29 destinations across East Africa

Samburu National Reserve
Northern Kenya

Samburu National Reserve

Best wildlife viewing during dry season. Limited water sources concentrate animals around remaining waterholes.

Unique arid reserve along the Ewaso Ng'iro River famous for the Northern Five (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich), red-dust elephants, big cats, and rich Maasai culture. Excellent dry-season game viewing and hot-air balloon safaris.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Northern Five species
  • βœ“Maasai cultural visits
  • βœ“Desert landscapes
  • βœ“Hot air balloon safaris
Amboseli National Park
Southern Kenya

Amboseli National Park

Park may close during heavy rains. Check status before booking. Respect wildlife viewing guidelines.

Iconic park famous for huge elephant herds, dramatic Kilimanjaro backdrop, and large lion prides. Offers excellent game viewing, Maasai village visits, night drives, and birdwatching in swamps and open plains β€” easily accessible from Nairobi.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Largest elephant population
  • βœ“Kilimanjaro views
  • βœ“Maasai villages
  • βœ“Night game drives
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Southwestern Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Gorilla permits must be booked in advance. Only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day.

UNESCO World Heritage rainforest protecting nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas. World-class gorilla trekking, Batwa cultural experiences, excellent birdwatching (over 350 species), and primate viewing in dense, ancient afromontane forest.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Mountain gorilla trekking
  • βœ“Rainforest walks
  • βœ“Batwa pygmy culture
  • βœ“Bird watching
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Western Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Boat cruises operate year-round but best wildlife viewing in dry season. Chimp permits required.

Diverse park famous for tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, Kazinga Channel boat safaris filled with hippos & birds, chimpanzee tracking, and the dramatic Ishasha sector. Excellent big cat sightings and birdlife (over 600 species).

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Tree-climbing lions
  • βœ“Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • βœ“Kob migration
  • βœ“Chimpanzee tracking
Serengeti National Park
Northern Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Peak migration season requires advance booking. Ngorongoro Crater nearby offers additional safari options.

UNESCO World Heritage site and classic safari destination famous for the Great Migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest & zebra, dramatic river crossings, huge lion prides (3,000+), Big Five, and endless plains.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Great Migration
  • βœ“Big Five
  • βœ“Endless plains
  • βœ“Hot air balloon safaris
Masai Mara National Reserve
Southwestern Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve

Migration peaks July-September. Book early for prime season. Community conservancies offer authentic cultural experiences.

Kenya’s premier reserve connected to the Serengeti. World-famous for dramatic wildebeest river crossings during the Great Migration, Big Five viewing, black rhino protection, rich Maasai culture, and over 500 bird species.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Big Five
  • βœ“Maasai culture
  • βœ“River crossings
  • βœ“Bird watching
Tsavo East National Park
Kenya

Tsavo East National Park

Known for red elephants due to volcanic soil. Part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem.

Massive 13,747 kmΒ² park known for huge herds of red-dusted elephants, maneless Tsavo lions, vast savannahs, the Yatta Plateau (world’s longest lava flow), and the Galana River. Classic big-game viewing in remote arid wilderness.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Red Elephants
  • βœ“Volcanic Landscapes
  • βœ“Night Safaris
Tsavo West National Park
Kenya

Tsavo West National Park

Home to black rhinos. Underground river system creates natural springs.

9,065 kmΒ² park with diverse landscapes, Mzima Springs (hippos & crocodiles), black rhino sanctuary, volcanic features, and the Tsavo River. Offers game drives, rock climbing, guided walks, and excellent big-game viewing.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Galana River
  • βœ“Rhino Sanctuary
  • βœ“Mzima Springs
Lake Nakuru National Park
Kenya

Lake Nakuru National Park

Flamingo numbers vary seasonally. White rhino sanctuary nearby.

Rift Valley UNESCO site famous for massive flamingo flocks on the alkaline lake, southern white & black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, and over 400 bird species. Panoramic views from Baboon Cliff and excellent birdwatching.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Flamingo Populations
  • βœ“Rothschild Giraffes
  • βœ“Lake Views
Aberdare National Park
Kenya

Aberdare National Park

Tree hotel accommodation. Misty mountains and moorlands.

Mountainous park (767 kmΒ²) rising to 4,000 m with bamboo forests, waterfalls, misty moorlands, bongo antelopes, black rhinos, and over 250 bird species. Famous for tree hotels and dramatic highland scenery.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Bamboo Forests
  • βœ“Waterfalls
  • βœ“Bongo Antelopes
Nairobi National Park
Kenya

Nairobi National Park

Only park where you can see The Big Five from the city center.

Unique urban national park just 7 km from Nairobi city center. Offers Big Five viewing (including black rhinos), famous elephant orphanage, and classic safari experience within sight of skyscrapers.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Urban Safari
  • βœ“Black Rhinos
  • βœ“Animal Orphanage
Hell's Gate National Park
Kenya

Hell's Gate National Park

Only park in Kenya where cycling is permitted on established tracks.

Dramatic volcanic park with deep gorges, hot springs, geothermal activity, and red cliffs. Unique in Kenya for allowing cycling, motorcycling, and walking safaris among lions, leopards, and zebras.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Gorges
  • βœ“Geothermal Activity
  • βœ“Cycling Safaris
Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park

Largest national park in Uganda. Nile River safaris available.

Uganda’s largest park (3,893 kmΒ²) along the Victoria Nile. Famous for the powerful Murchison Falls, boat safaris, Big Five wildlife, huge hippo & crocodile populations, and over 450 bird species including shoebills.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Murchison Falls
  • βœ“River Safaris
  • βœ“Bird Species
Kidepo Valley National Park
Uganda

Kidepo Valley National Park

Most remote park in Uganda. Requires special permits for access.

Remote, rugged northeastern park with dramatic valleys, savannah, and Mount Morungole foothills. Exceptional wildlife diversity including lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, and over 480 bird species.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Remote Wilderness
  • βœ“Diverse Wildlife
  • βœ“Valley Landscapes
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Uganda

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Third highest mountain range in Africa. Challenging treks available.

UNESCO World Heritage site with Africa’s third-highest peak (Margherita 5,109 m), glaciers, alpine moorlands, bamboo zones, and rare species including chimpanzees, forest elephants, and the Rwenzori turaco. Famous for challenging treks.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Glaciers
  • βœ“Alpine Vegetation
  • βœ“Rare Wildlife
Lake Mburo National Park
Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park

Only park in Uganda where zebras can be seen. Excellent for bird watching.

Compact savannah park with Lake Mburo, large zebra herds, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and over 300 bird species. Excellent for boat safaris, walking, and birdwatching β€” the only Ugandan park with reliable zebra sightings.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Zebra Herds
  • βœ“Bird Species
  • βœ“Boat Safaris
Kibale National Park
Uganda

Kibale National Park

Highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Chimp permits required.

Premier primate destination with the highest density and diversity in East Africa β€” 13 species including habituated chimpanzees, red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys. Lush rainforest, excellent chimpanzee tracking, and birdwatching.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Chimpanzee Tracking
  • βœ“Primate Species
  • βœ“Rainforest
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Smallest national park in Uganda. Part of Virunga Conservation area.

Smallest Ugandan national park in the Virunga Mountains. Protects mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys. Offers gorilla trekking amid bamboo forests, volcanic peaks, and stunning views across Rwanda and DRC.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Mountain Gorillas
  • βœ“Golden Monkeys
  • βœ“Volcanic Peaks
Aruu Falls
Uganda

Aruu Falls

Day trip destination from Kampala. Cultural performances available.

Spectacular waterfall on the Nile River near the source at Lake Victoria. Features cascading waters through lush greenery, picnic areas, and cultural performances. Perfect for day trips from Kampala.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Waterfall Views
  • βœ“Cultural Performances
  • βœ“Picnic Areas
Siipi Falls
Uganda

Siipi Falls

Widest waterfall in Uganda. Hiking and swimming available.

Stunning three-tiered waterfall in the Bugoma Forest, offering hiking trails, swimming opportunities, and birdwatching. Features the widest waterfall in Uganda with a 100-meter drop.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Multi-tiered Falls
  • βœ“Hiking Trails
  • βœ“Birdwatching
Ziiwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
Uganda

Ziiwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch

World's largest captive rhino breeding herd. Conservation-focused experience.

Conservation success story housing the world's largest captive breeding herd of Eastern Black Rhinos. Features rhino tracking, wildlife safaris, and education about conservation efforts.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Rhino Conservation
  • βœ“Wildlife Safaris
  • βœ“Education Programs
Kafu River
Uganda

Kafu River

Part of Budongo Forest ecosystem. Excellent for birdwatching.

Scenic river in Budongo Forest offering boat cruises, birdwatching, and chimpanzee viewing opportunities. Known for its biodiversity and peaceful atmosphere.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Boat Cruises
  • βœ“Chimpanzee Viewing
  • βœ“Bird Species
Tarangire National Park
Tanzania

Tarangire National Park

Excellent for elephant viewing. Dry season concentrates wildlife.

Known for massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal Tarangire River. Dry season concentrates thousands of zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo. Excellent elephant viewing and diverse birdlife.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Elephant Herds
  • βœ“Baobab Trees
  • βœ“Seasonal Rivers
Lake Manyara National Park
Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Famous for tree-climbing lions.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for tree-climbing lions, groundwater forest, alkaline lake with huge flamingo flocks, hippos, and diverse birdlife. Compact park with dramatic escarpment views and excellent game viewing.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Tree-Climbing Lions
  • βœ“Ground Water Forest
  • βœ“Alkaline Lake
Selous Game Reserve
Tanzania

Selous Game Reserve

Largest game reserve in Africa. Walking safaris permitted.

One of Africa’s largest protected areas (~50,000 kmΒ²) with the mighty Rufiji River, miombo woodland, wetlands, and vast wilderness. Excellent for boat safaris, walking, big game, wild dogs, and elephants.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Rufiji River
  • βœ“Wildlife Reserve
  • βœ“Diverse Ecosystems
Gombe National Park
Tanzania

Gombe National Park

Only accessible by boat. Small park but rich in primate research history.

Tiny 35 kmΒ² park on Lake Tanganyika made famous by Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research. Offers exceptional chimpanzee tracking, primate viewing (baboons, colobus, red-tails), and rainforest walks in a remote setting.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Chimpanzee Research
  • βœ“Lake Tanganyika
  • βœ“Rainforest
Mahale Mountains National Park
Tanzania

Mahale Mountains National Park

Only accessible by boat or light aircraft. Very remote location.

Remote western park on Lake Tanganyika with the largest known population of eastern chimpanzees. Offers exceptional chimp trekking in montane rainforest, stunning lake & mountain views, and very low tourist numbers.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Chimpanzees
  • βœ“Lake Tanganyika
  • βœ“Mountain Views
Akagera National Park
Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Only savannah park in Rwanda. Excellent for boat safaris.

Rwanda’s only savannah park with Big Five (lions, rhinos, elephants reintroduced), wetlands, lakes, and the Kagera River. Excellent boat safaris, birdwatching, and classic East African game viewing experience.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Savannah Wildlife
  • βœ“Akagera River
  • βœ“Bird Watching
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Tanzania

Stone Town, Zanzibar

UNESCO World Heritage site. Rich history of Arab and Swahili cultures.

UNESCO World Heritage historic core of Zanzibar City. Blends Arab, Swahili, Indian & European architecture with carved doors, spice markets, old fort, slave trade history sites, and vibrant seafront culture.

Key Highlights:

  • βœ“Arab Architecture
  • βœ“Spice Markets
  • βœ“Cultural Heritage