Game viewing Safaris

East Africa is one of the world’s leading destinations for game viewing safaris. The region has got some of the world’s most iconic landscapes with a variety of wildlife. You can choose to visit all the 4 leading destinations including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda with each having the “Big Five,” and a unique flavour of wildlife interaction.

Game Viewing in Kenya

Kenya is one of the world’s premier wildlife viewing destinations. The presence of the “Big Five” in huge numbers coupled with a variety of other species in diverse ecosystems truly make Kenya a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Where to go for game viewing in Kenya?

Masai Mara National Reserve: Famous for the Great Migration (July–October), where over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River. It offers the highest density of predators, including lions and cheetahs, in an open savannah setting

Amboseli National Park: Best known for its massive elephant population and iconic background views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s flat plains make game drives and spotting wildlife remarkably easy.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy: This is a private conservancy located in the Laikipia region in central Kenya. It is the best place to see both black and white rhinos in Kenya. It also has a chimpanzee sanctuary and offers more flexible activities like night drives to see the nocturnals.

Samburu National Reserve: Located in the arid northern region of Kenya, it features the “Samburu Special Five,” which include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk, rare species not found in the southern parks.

Lake Nakuru National Park: A hotspot for birdwatchers, historically famous for its millions of pink flamingos, and one of the most reliable places to see leopards and both black and white rhino in Kenya.

Tsavo East & West National Parks: Together they form one of the largest protected areas in the world. Tsavo is known for its “red elephants” which are coloured by the local dust and rugged volcanic landscapes.

Selected game viewing safari in Kenya

Game Viewing in Tanzania

Tanzania is arguably the world’s best destination for game viewing, offering two distinct “circuits” that cater to different travel styles. Whether you want to witness the iconic Great Migration of wildebeest or explore a remote corner of the wilderness all to yourself, Tanzania has got you covered.

Where to go for wildlife viewing in Tanzania

The Northern Circuit

This is the most attractive and famous safari route in Africa. It is ideal for visitors who want high wildlife density and classic Tanzania landscapes. It features the following national parks;

Serengeti National Park: This hosts the beginning of the Great Wildebeest Migration. In January-March visitors can witness the calving season alongside high predator activity in the south of the park. June-July features the Grumeti River crossings of the animals while August-September presents the famous Mara River crossings in the north.

Ngorongoro Crater: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site famously known as a “natural zoo.” This is where you get the best chance to see the “Big Five” in Tanzania including the rare black rhino in a single day.

Tarangire National Park: Known as the “Land of Giants,” it features impressive herds of elephants and ancient, silhouetted baobab trees. It is spectacular to visit during the dry season of June-October.

Lake Manyara: Famous for its tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos lining the soda lake.

The Southern Circuit

This is an alternative to the Northern Circuit and ideal to travellers who prefer exclusivity and want to avoid the convoy or congestion of safari vehicles often seen in the north. Parks in the Southern Circuit offer offer a rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous National Park): One of the largest faunal reserves in the world. One of its most unique attractions is a boat safaris on the Rufiji River where you can see hippos and crocs, as well as walking safaris.

Ruaha National Park: One of the best places in the world to see predators. It holds 10% of the world’s lion population and is one of the best places to spot the endangered African Wild Dog.

Katavi National Park: One of the most remote and rarely visited national parks in Tanzania. During the dry season, hundreds of hippos and crocodiles cram into the remaining pools, creating a dramatic wildlife spectacle.