Four countries, four very different safaris, and the most rewarding region in Africa for combining gorillas, the migration and the Big Five.
East Africa is where the idea of the African safari was born. Within a single region you can track mountain gorillas in the forests of Uganda and Rwanda, watch the wildebeest migration cross the plains of Tanzania and Kenya, drift over the Maasai Mara in a hot-air balloon, and relax on the Indian Ocean coast afterwards. Each country has its own character, and combining two or more produces journeys of real variety.
This guide compares Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, explains how to choose between them, and shows how we link them into a single East Africa safari.
Quick FactsMountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, the Nile and a wide range of landscapes.
The Maasai Mara, Amboseli with Kilimanjaro views, conservancies and the Indian Ocean coast.
The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Zanzibar and remote southern and western parks.
Mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes, chimpanzees in Nyungwe and Big Five in Akagera.
If your first priority is gorillas, Uganda and Rwanda are the choices: Uganda offers more permits and a broad mix of other wildlife, while Rwanda is compact, polished and well suited to short trips. If your first priority is the Great Migration and classic big-cat safaris, Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti are the heart of the matter. Tanzania offers more space and diversity in the north and south, while Kenya offers shorter flights, a wider lodge range and conservancies.
If you are unsure, tell us what you most want to see, how many days you have and what pace you prefer, and we will recommend a route.
Uganda is the pearl for primates, with mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzees in Kibale and Kyambura, and golden monkeys in the Virungas. It also has savannah parks such as Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, where you can see lions, elephants, giraffe and the thundering Nile. Start with our Uganda destination guide and primate trekking pages.
Kenya’s Maasai Mara delivers some of the best predator viewing in Africa, with the migration arriving roughly from July to October. Amboseli offers photogenic elephants against Kilimanjaro, while Samburu and Laikipia reveal northern species. See our Kenya guide, Maasai Mara and Nairobi pages.
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara is one of the most famous safari routes on the continent, while the southern and western parks offer wilderness with few visitors. Read the Tanzania guide, Serengeti and Ngorongoro pages.
Rwanda has transformed itself into a conservation success story, with gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes, chimpanzees in Nyungwe and the revived Big Five in Akagera, all within a day’s drive of Kigali. See the Rwanda guide and 5-day Discover Rwanda safari.
A well-built multi-country safari balances travel time with wildlife. Common pairings are Uganda and Rwanda for gorillas and chimpanzees, Kenya and Tanzania for the Mara and Serengeti, and Uganda with Kenya for primates plus savannah. Our 9-day Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safari is a popular example. Cross-border logistics, visas and permits are part of our planning; check the entry requirements guide and always confirm current rules for each country before you travel.
The dry months from June to October suit most of East Africa, while gorilla trekking is possible year-round. See our best time to visit and Tanzania rainy season guides.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIt depends on your priorities. Uganda and Rwanda are best for gorillas, Kenya and Tanzania for the Great Migration and big cats.
Yes. Multi-country itineraries are common, though flights and border logistics need careful planning.
Ten to fourteen days works well for two countries; a single country can be done in five to seven.
June to October is the driest and most popular period, though gorilla trekking runs year-round.
Tailor-made trips let you choose parks, pace and accommodation. We design all journeys around your interests.
Tell us your dates and interests and we will build a multi-country route.
