The ultimate East Africa safari guide
Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve
One of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, The Great Migration, unfolds here. Every July, millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River, journeying south to Tanzania’s Serengeti in search of fresh pastures, only to return to the Maasai Mara in October. Watching this awe-inspiring scene—where animals gather in colossal numbers at the riverbanks, braving the perilous waters and evading hungry crocodiles—is an experience you’ll never forget.
While April to May and November to December are the "wet" seasons, characterized by frequent heavy rains, the wildlife remains magnificent and well worth the visit.
Accommodation: We stayed at Lenchada Tourist Camp, where we enjoyed a safari tent equipped with a private bathroom and a thatched roof. Evenings were particularly cozy, spent in the common dining area savoring homemade meals and sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
Lake Nakuru
If you want a little change of scenery, the Lake Nakuru National Park might be right for you. The lush vegetation and shiny lake surface are the perfect environment to observe a great variety of birds (especially flamingos) and continue with some big five spotting. If you're particularly lucky, you might get the chance to spot some white rhinos basking in the sun or grazing on the edge of the lake - a rare sight that you won't forget!
Accommodation: Our home for the night was the Lanet Matfam resort, which spacious and comfortable rooms, a pool with poolside bar, and a bar to spend the night with fellow travelers.
Tanzania
Tarangire National Park
Home to one of Tanzania's most thriving lion populations, Tarangire National Park is a favorite among travelers. This incredible park offers the chance to spot big cats, hippos, elephants, monkeys, and zebras, all set against a backdrop of majestic baobab trees and a variety of other flora.
Accommodation: The best option is to stay in the village of Mto wa Mbu, which serves as an ideal base for trips to both Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park. The village offers a range of lodges and accommodations to suit various budgets, along with shops where you can stock up on essentials you may have forgotten to pack.
Serengeti National Park
If you ever watched The Lion King and dreamt of visiting the landscapes from the movie, you can't miss the Serengeti. This is THE safari park par excellence, and with its variety of landscapes, wildlife, and experiences, it will surely stay with you for long - if not for a lifetime.
The park is immense and is usually visited over multiple days, split into the North bordering with Maasai Mara, the plains in the Central Serengeti, and the rocky Eastern section. Each area hosts a wide array of animal and plant species and will offer sunsets and sunrises like nowhere else.
For an extra adrenaline rush, you can also book a hot-air balloon trip at sunrise to have a bird's eye view on the boundless savannah plains and observe the marvelous choreography of wildebeests' and zebras' herds from above.
Truly a one-of-a-kind experience!
Accommodation: Depending on the grade of comfort you'd like, you can choose between a wide array of options. The down-to-earth camping experience might be less comfortable, but surely a more budget-friendly option; otherwise, if you wish to have your own private bathroom and a real bed, there are plenty of lodge options to choose from.
In any case, don't be scared if you hear a zebra grazing outside your tent or the eery laugh of hyenas in the distance: remember that the savannah becomes particularly alive at night!
Ngorongoro Crater
This is probably the most unique park you could visit in your East Africa trip. On top of the crater, you will have a breathtaking view of its valley: an ecosystem which includes plains, forests, a huge lake and rocky areas. However, it's descending its sides that you get a real idea of the actual vastness of the area.
Here, you have the chance to see a huge variety of land and water wildlife, get stuck within a herd of zebras and wildebeests, experience high-adrenaline hunting sessions, and enjoy the elegant moves of flamingos and other birds.
Accommodation: In this park you will have a lot of accommodation options to choose from: from convivial tented camps to fancy lodges, each pocket size can find something. Don't forget though to bring heavy clothes for the night, since it can get quite chilly up there.
To recap
- Best time for a safari: The best months for a safari are July to early October and December to early March;
- Packing essentials: Don't forget to pack a camera, power bank, adapter, light clothes for the day and warm clothes for the night, toiletries (including toilet paper if you choose the camping option) and essentials;
- Beware of dust: Remember that it gets pretty dusty out there, so bring something to protect your electronics (and preferably avoid wearing white!);
- Healthcare considerations: It's strongly recommended to consult your travel doctor to know if you need any vaccination or a malaria prophylaxis
A safari is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and being well-prepared is the key to making the most of it! While it can be tiring, you’ll return home with unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever—and, if you’re anything like me, an irresistible longing to go back one day.
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