Best Time to Visit East Africa Safari
East Africa is one of the best safari destinations in the world, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences. Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration, trekking with gorillas, or spotting the Big Five, knowing the best time to visit East Africa Safari will help you plan the perfect trip. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, along with the top parks and wildlife you can expect to see in each country.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Tanzania is a top safari destination, home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. The best time to visit for an East Africa Safari depends on what you want to experience.
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season, best for wildlife viewing) and January to February (calving season in the Serengeti).
Where to Go:
Serengeti National Park – Famous for the Great Migration and big cats.
Ngorongoro Crater – A natural wonder with high chances of spotting the Big Five.
Tarangire National Park – Known for its large elephant herds.
Lake Manyara National Park – Home to tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
Wildlife to See during your safari in Tanzania: Lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, giraffes, and more.
View all Our suggested Tanzania tours and safari itineraries
Best Time to Visit Uganda
Uganda is famous for its gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Kibale’s chimpanzees. The country also offers classic East Africa Safari experiences with abundant wildlife.
Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February (dry seasons, best for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris).
Where to Go:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Best for gorilla trekking.
Kibale National Park – Home to the highest concentration of chimpanzees.
Queen Elizabeth National Park – Offers tree-climbing lions and boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel.
Murchison Falls National Park – Great for game drives and the powerful Murchison Falls.
Lake Mburo National Park – Best for walking safaris and zebras.
Wildlife to See during your safari in Uganda: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, and over 600 bird species.
View all Our suggested Uganda tours and safari itineraries
Best Time to Visit Rwanda
Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, with lush landscapes and incredible primate trekking experiences.
Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February (dry seasons, ideal for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris).
Where to Go:
Volcanoes National Park – Best for gorilla trekking and golden monkeys.
Akagera National Park – A rising Big Five destination with game drives and boat safaris.
Nyungwe Forest National Park – Offers chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk.
Wildlife to See during your safari in Rwanda: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and various bird species.
View all Our suggested Rwanda tours and safari itineraries
Best Time to Visit Kenya
Kenya is a classic safari destination, offering stunning wildlife spectacles and the Great Migration.
Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season, best for general safaris) and July to September (Great Migration in Maasai Mara).
Where to Go:
Maasai Mara National Reserve – Famous for the Great Migration and Big Cats.
Amboseli National Park – Best for views of Mount Kilimanjaro and elephant herds.
Lake Nakuru National Park – Home to flamingos and rhinos.
Tsavo National Parks (East & West) – Best for remote, rugged safaris.
Samburu National Reserve – Home to unique species like Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich.
Wildlife to See: Lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, and giraffes.
View all Our suggested Kenya tours and safari itineraries
FAQs About East Africa Safari
When is the best time to visit East Africa Safari?
The best time for an East Africa Safari is generally during the dry seasons (June to October and December to February) when wildlife viewing is at its peak.
Where is the best place to see the Great Migration?
The Great Migration can be seen in Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) from December to July and in Maasai Mara (Kenya) from July to September.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking?
The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February.
Is an East Africa Safari safe?
Yes, East Africa is safe for safari travel. Reputable tour operators, such as Mond Safaris, ensure well-organized and secure experiences.
What should I pack for an East Africa Safari?
Essentials include light breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, binoculars, and a good pair of hiking boots for gorilla trekking.
Plan Your East Africa Safari with Mond Safaris
Are you planning an East Africa Safari or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? The team at Mond Safaris is ready to help you create the perfect trip!
📧 Email: info@mondsafaris.com 📱 WhatsApp: +256781751104