E A S T   A F R I C A   F A C T S   A N D   I N F O
East African safari highlights include the annual Great Migration

 
 
F A C T S   A N D   I N F O
 

Wildebeest Great Migration

The Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic story. It takes place within Kenya and Tanzania and is the greatest wildlife show on earth. Between the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change and the circle of life and death continues. Predators follow the Wildebeest Migration closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike weak prey as they make their way into different territories.

The precise timing of the Wildebeest Migration changes annually and it is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event. The calving season takes place in the Serengeti between the months of January and mid-March before the Wildebeest Migration begins heading towards the western Serengeti in June. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. There are a few excellent camps in this area where you can stay to witness this natural phenomenon. If you are in the Masai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November. Between December and January the wildebeest gradually begin their migration back towards the Serengeti

Safaris in East Africa

Safari in East Africa are slightly different from other countries in Africa. In most instances you will be met by your safari guide at the airport and they will drive you on a circuit – involving several destinations, staying at lodges for 1 or 2 nights before moving on to the next area. Fly in Safari are available but due to the long distances these are expensive and tend to be geared towards the luxury market. Safaris are either scheduled or non scheduled.

The safaris and rates featured on our site are usually scheduled safaris with fixed departure dates. They run for a minimum of 2 guests, so this means that you will be joining other people on the same tour. A scheduled safari is ideal if you enjoy meeting new people and travelling as a small group.

Scheduled Safaris

The safaris and rates featured on our site are usually scheduled safaris with fixed departure dates. They run for a minimum of 2 guests, so this means that you will be joining other people on the same tour. A scheduled safari is ideal if you enjoy meeting new people and travelling as a small group.

Private Tailor-made Safaris

Flexibility is the keyword when it comes to private tailor-made safari travel and tours. Using the scheduled safaris as a guideline, planning a tailor-made safari is easy. You can ask us to make it longer, shorter, upgrade to a 4x4 vehicle or even depart on a different day of the week. Anything is possible - all you need to do is ask us.

Weather

January & February
A great start to the year and Tanzania's prime game viewing time. Also a perfect time to take a Zanzibar holiday, especially if you enjoy diving. Lake Manyara hosts a variety of bird and animal species. The Serengeti and Selous are teeming with wildlife. It's a good time to visit Uganda before the onset of the Long Rains

Mid March to May
This is the Long Rain season in Tanzania and Uganda and this is not the time to go Gorilla Tracking. Kenya usually experiences Long Rains from April to June, but don't be put off: safaris are still good in Serengeti, Lake Manyara and the Masai Mara. Zanzibar is not at its best at this time of year

June to September
You are looking good in Zanzibar and this is the driest time in Uganda. The Wildebeest Migration heads away from the Serengeti. By the end of August the Masai Mara is teeming with wildlife. Consider climbing Kilimanjaro or lazing on one of the Kenya beaches. Tarangire and the Selous are very enjoyable now.

October to December
The Rift Valley Lakes entertain a host of birds and wildlife. Short Rains in Kenya and Uganda mean you can expect afternoon thundershowers. It’s a popular season to visit Zanzibar. The migratory animals are now returning to the Serengeti making it the perfect time for safari travel.



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map of East Africa
Explore the crater
Explore the crater
Watch the migration
Watch the migration
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking
Great lodge getaways
Great lodge getaways
Giant Boababs
Giant Boababs
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