Incredible journeys await!
East Africa is packed with exciting safari destinations
An East African safari offers an exciting journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems on the continent. Covering Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, this vast region provides extraordinary opportunities to witness iconic wildlife, dramatic scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Each country presents its own unique experiences, ensuring that travellers encounter the full spectrum of Africa’s natural wonders. And Anderson & Harvey is ready to show you them all...
Kicking off in our "home country" of Tanzania, we love sharing the incredible wealth of natural wonders with your guests. Obviously, the Serengeti National Park is our flagship attraction. Synonymous with the Great Wildebeest Migration this vast, legendary savannah is home to enormous herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, as well as Africa’s top predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
The park’s diversity extends beyond the migration, with the central Seronera Valley offering year-round sightings of big cats, while the remote northern region presents dramatic river crossings at the Mara River. In the south, the Ndutu plains host the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators and creating unforgettable wildlife spectacles.
Adjacent to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater is a breathtaking natural wonder and a haven for wildlife. This ancient volcanic caldera, with its lush grasslands and permanent water sources, supports an astonishing density of animals, including the rare black rhino. Game drives here reveal a microcosm of East Africa’s wildlife, with elephant herds roaming beneath acacia trees and large lion prides patrolling the crater floor.
To the south, Tarangire National Park offers a different kind of spectacle, particularly during the dry season when vast herds of elephants gather around the Tarangire River. The park’s iconic baobabs create a striking landscape, and its diverse habitats support a wealth of wildlife, including large lion prides, leopards, and an impressive array of bird species.
Nearby, Lake Manyara National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions, flamingo-filled shores, and lush groundwater forests that provide sanctuary for elephants, primates, and a vibrant bird population.
Tanzania’s southern circuit offers an entirely different safari experience. Ruaha National Park, with its rugged terrain and baobab-studded landscapes, is home to the largest lion population in East Africa. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) provides a unique combination of land and water safaris, where travellers can cruise the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along its banks. These lesser-visited parks offer an immersive and untamed wilderness experience, perfect for those seeking a more remote adventure.
In Kenya, the Masai Mara remains a must-visit destination, offering some of the highest densities of big cats in Africa. The open plains, rolling hills and acacia-dotted landscapes set the stage for exceptional game viewing, whether during the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration or the quieter months when the resident wildlife thrives.
Beyond the Mara, the Laikipia Plateau presents a contrasting landscape of rolling hills and rocky escarpments. This region is a stronghold for endangered species such as black rhinos and Grevy’s zebras and offers a variety of safari activities, including horseback and walking safaris.
One of Kenya’s conservation success stories, Lewa Conservancy, is a prime location for those seeking an exclusive safari experience. This private reserve is home to a thriving population of both black and white rhinos, alongside Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and cheetahs. With a strong emphasis on conservation and community engagement, Lewa offers outstanding wildlife encounters in a pristine and less crowded setting.
For those drawn to towering peaks and ancient landscapes, Amboseli National Park provides an iconic safari experience beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, vast herds of elephants roam the dusty plains, their silhouettes framed against Africa’s highest mountain. Further afield, the arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve reveal a unique array of wildlife adapted to the harsh environment, including the odd-looking gerenuk, the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx.
Uganda is best known for its extraordinary primate experiences. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Tracking these majestic creatures through the dense jungle is an unforgettable experience, offering a rare opportunity to observe their complex social structures up close. In Kibale Forest, travellers can encounter habituated chimpanzees, whose playful interactions and high-energy movements make for an exhilarating trek.
Murchison Falls National Park combines classic big-game safari experiences with breathtaking scenery. The park is bisected by the Nile River, which cascades dramatically through a narrow gorge to form Murchison Falls. Boat safaris along the river reveal hippos, crocodiles, and elephant herds along the banks, while game drives across the savannah yield sightings of lions, giraffes, and buffalo.
Uganda is also a paradise for birding enthusiasts, boasting more than 1,000 recorded species, making it one of Africa’s top destinations for avian diversity. From the Albertine Rift endemics of Bwindi and Mgahinga to the vast wetlands of the Mabamba Swamp, the opportunities for birdwatching are unparalleled. One of the most sought-after sightings is the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, which can be spotted in the swamps and along the shores of Lake Victoria. Other notable species include the African green broadbill, the Great Blue Turaco, and the colourful Ross’s turaco.
Rwanda, often referred to as the "Land of a Thousand Hills", is an exceptional destination for those seeking both wildlife and culture. Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking, offering a chance to encounter these incredible primates in a mist-shrouded rainforest. Beyond gorilla encounters, Nyungwe Forest National Park provides superb chimpanzee trekking and the chance to walk along East Africa’s only canopy walkway, offering stunning views of the ancient rainforest.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, completes the country’s safari circuit. Once heavily poached, Akagera has undergone a remarkable transformation and now boasts thriving populations of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The park’s varied landscapes, from open plains to papyrus-lined lakes, provide excellent game-viewing opportunities, while boat safaris on Lake Ihema offer close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, including the iconic African fish eagle and the elusive shoebill stork.
For those looking to combine safari with relaxation, the Indian Ocean coastline provides a perfect contrast to the inland wilderness. Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Swahili heritage make it an ideal post-safari retreat. Further south, the remote islands of Pemba and Mafia offer exceptional diving and marine experiences, including encounters with whale sharks and vibrant coral reefs.
When you work with Anderson & Harvey, you're guaranteed the very best of each of these incredible destinations, with our team of talented travel designers creating bespoke, customised itineraries that take in as much, or as little as you need, ensuring your guests have exceptional safari experiences at every stage of their journey. Talk to us today to find out more.
