Are you thinking of going on a bucket list safari trip to East Africa and need some help planning? I’ve got you covered! Let’s face it, planning an East Africa safari can be an adventure in itself — it’s overwhelming, to say the least. This guide connects you to all the tips and tricks you need to plan an unforgettable and bucket list trip. Let’s make your safari epic!
So, whether you want to see the “Big Five” of Africa, view sunsets over the Serengeti, or just vibe on Zanzibar’s sandy beaches, this is the place. Here’s your one-stop guide to all our safari planning posts to make your trip epic!
Explore East Africa: Start Here
East Africa is synonymous with unforgettable safaris, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural richness. But you might not know where to begin. That’s okay — I didn’t either. This quick-start guide is a crash course on how to start planning your first safari. I recommend starting here:
Top Destinations for Your Safari Adventure
Kenya: From the iconic Maasai Mara to the stunning Amboseli National Park, explore Kenya’s wildlife and diverse ecosystems.
Tanzania: Experience the wonders of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar.
Uganda & Rwanda: These East African countries are known for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
When to Visit: Best Times for a Safari
Planning your safari around the seasons can make all the difference. As the old saying goes, timing is everything. Whether you’re after the Great Migration, baby animals, or fewer crowds, I’ve got you covered.
East Africa’s safari seasons are tied to its weather, and knowing when to visit can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Dry Season (June – October):
- What’s Awesome: This is the prime time for game viewing. Animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot. Plus, the Great Migration river crossings in Kenya and Tanzania happen around this time—an absolute must-see.
- Crowd Level: High. It’s peak safari season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.
- Weather: Sunny and dry, with cooler mornings and evenings.
Wet Season (November – May):
Weather: Expect some rain, especially in March and April. It’s warm, but rain can make some roads tricky.
What’s Awesome: The landscapes turn lush and green, creating beautiful backdrops for photos. Birdwatching is phenomenal as migratory birds arrive. The calving season (January – February) in Tanzania means plenty of baby animals and predator action.
Crowd Level: Low. You’ll have more space to yourself, and accommodations may offer discounts.
When did we go? We visited in March – and more specifically, we visited March 3 – March 23, starting in Kenya and ending in Uganda. Despite this being the “rainy season” we only had one day that was truly affected by the rain; it was during our time in Ngorongoro Crater — we had heavy thunderstorms and had to cut our time short. Otherwise, the weather was fantastic and we didn’t experience any. Crowds were low — especially in Tanzania. We were often the only people at our safari lodge, which I didn’t exactly like, but you can read more about it below, in my accommodation reviews for the lodges.
Budgeting & Accommodation Tips
I wrote about every single place we stayed at during our three week adventure in East Africa. While there are many, many different lodging options from which to chose, you can get a good feel of what to expect at your accommodation while on safari, especially if you go with a mid-range style lodging option, like we did. Here are all of the posts for our safari lodge reviews on this site:
Uganda Safari Lodges
Kenya Safari Lodges
Tanzania Safari Lodges
Safari Planning Resources / Safari Logistics
Ensure you’re fully prepared for your trip with practical advice, including how to chose a tour guide for your safari. Also learn about necessary visas, currencies, transportation, and vaccinations to help simplify your safari planning process (this travel advice is US-Citizen specific).
What else to do in East Africa?
Safari doesn’t have to be the only thing you do on your trip to East Africa! After all, you traveled a long way to get here — make the most of it by including these activities during your time.
