East And Central Africa

A favorite for first-time safari-goers, East Africa offers a bit of everything:

Excellent Game Viewing

No matter which game parks you visit, you are likely to see a wide array of game in larger numbers than almost anywhere else. For those of you who are as fascinated and perplexed by the great migration of the zebra and wildebeest as the scientific community, this phenomenon can be seen in Kenya and Tanzania most of the year. In general, from late July through September the migration can be seen in Kenya’s Masai Mara before the animals move south into the Serengeti plains of Tanzania, where they ultimately congregate and bear their young in January and February. The entire herd then begins its return to the Masai Mara through the southern plains of the Serengeti, then into the western corridor before moving north across the river into Kenya. Some travelers complain of the crowds in East Africa, but Kenya’s Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti constitute the greatest wildlife habitat on the planet. If you really can’t stand sharing it with other people, the answer is a pricier, custom tour featuring luxury tenting, private camps, or country houses, and visits to some of East Africa’s underused national parks and reserves. Uganda and Rwanda in Central Africa offer gorilla trekking and a rougher safari experience for the adventure-seeker.

Accessibility

Many of East Africa's National Parks and safari highlights are accessible by both road and air, making it an easy region to navigate. For those who prefer travel by air, an efficient network of local scheduled flights link the different regions. If joining a small group, road safaris can be excellent value for those on a budget. The roads are rough, so travelers with back problems would do better to fly.

Gorgeous Landscapes

The extraordinary diversity of East Africa's landscape is not to be missed! From the snow-capped majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, to the fantastic Ngorongoro Crater and savannah plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti, this corner of the continent boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. It is the Africa of your imagination, and has been a classic safari destination for decades, not only for the wildlife but also because of her sweeping, rugged, powerful beauty.

Fascinating Culture

Africa is not just about the animals, it is also about her people, which makes her an eternally beautiful, fascinating, and magical continent. Nowhere else can you witness so readily the tribal cultures of the Masai and Samburu peoples, vividly clothed and beaded in traditional garb, living the way they have for centuries. A friendly "Jambo" will elicit a ready smile and wave, and ample opportunity to learn about and share in another culture.