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.


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East Africa has long been at the pinnacle of safari experiences, famed for its iconic wildlife, vast savannahs, and dramatic landscapes. But for the discerning traveller seeking a deeper, more tailored connection with nature, specialised safaris provide a whole new level of adventure. From wildlife photography and birding to walking and women-only safaris, these immersive journeys allow guests to explore the region's natural wonders in ways that go far beyond the traditional game drive.
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Gorilla trekking is the ultimate bucket-list experience. For anyone seeking a profound connection with nature, few experiences can rival a face-to-face encounter with the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. In the mist-shrouded heights of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, these magnificent creatures roam freely in their natural habitat. But which is the most suitable for your guests? What's the terrain like? What does it cost? We've come up with this handy guide to help you navigate the pros and cons...
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The Great Wildebeest Migration remains one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth, a perpetual cycle of movement across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, spanning two countries and dictated by seasonal rainfall and the endless search for fresh grazing. However, experiencing it without the crowds requires careful planning. By choosing remote lodges, prioritising private conservancies, and opting for exclusive guided experiences, your guests can witness this epic journey in its purest form. Let's find out more...
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For travellers seeking a Tanzanian safari, the northern circuit—with its iconic Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park — often dominates itineraries. Yet, hidden in the south and west lies a collection of lesser-visited parks offering equally thrilling and arguably more exclusive adventures. Mahale Mountains National Park, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), and Ruaha National Park form the backbone of Tanzania’s southern safari circuit, a region rich in biodiversity and raw wilderness. Together, these parks provide an alternative to the bustling north, offering intimate wildlife encounters, diverse landscapes, and an unfiltered connection to nature.
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Walking safaris are a dream for seasoned safari enthusiasts seeking a closer connection to the East African wilderness. Tanzania quietly stands out with some exceptional options for keen walkers, whether as a complement to the traditional safari activity offering or as a dedicated, multi-day safari. Indeed, being on foot in wild Africa is one of the best, most immersive safari experiences you can have, so let's find out more about walking on the wild side...
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When the drama of the river crossings in the north of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara National Reserve in neighbouring Kenya has subsided and the Great Wildebeest Migration heads south, a different facet of this circular spectacle unfolds in the wide grasslands of the southern Serengeti... It's here that the wildebeest stop to feast on fresh grass and give birth in their hundreds of thousands, filling the plains with an abundance of new life. This is calving season - and here's why it should be on your safari itinerary...
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An East African safari is an adventure like no other, and being well-prepared can make all the difference to your guests. From the thrill of spotting big game to the serenity of a stunning sunset, a safari in East Africa can be a life-changing experience.
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