East Africa’s headline attractions are spread across two countries, Tanzania and Kenya, but the two classic itineraries are simple: a northern Tanzania safari followed by Zanzibar, or a Kenyan safari followed by a beach stay at Diani. Both work well in 8–12 days and keep flights to a minimum.
The parks
Serengeti, Tanzania. The plains stretch across roughly 30,000 square kilometers, and resident wildlife is excellent all year: lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and huge herds of zebra and wildebeest. The famous migration moves in a loop through the ecosystem, so where you stay depends on the month. The central Seronera area is reliable year-round for big cats.
Maasai Mara, Kenya. The northern extension of the Serengeti, smaller and easier to reach from Nairobi by a 45-minute flight or a six-hour road trip. It’s best known for the Mara River crossings, which usually run between July and October, but it also has some of Africa’s best lion and cheetah viewing at any time of year. Staying in a private conservancy next to the reserve means fewer vehicles at each sighting and the option of walking and night drives.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. A collapsed volcano about 260 square kilometers in area, with high concentrations of wildlife on the floor. The black rhino is the main draw, along with lions, hippos and flamingos in the soda lake. Vehicles go down early in the morning, and the crater gets crowded by mid-morning. A half-day descent is enough for most people.
Amboseli, Kenya. Smaller and flatter, famous for large elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The mountain is often cloudy by midday, so go for early morning drives. Amboseli suits a short trip of two to three nights.
Zanzibar and Diani. After the dust of the parks, the Indian Ocean is a relief. Zanzibar has Stone Town’s old alleys, spice farms and long beaches on the north and east coast. Diani, south of Mombasa, has white sand and calm water and is easy to reach from Nairobi. Both have good diving and snorkeling, and both are most comfortable outside the long rains.
Two itineraries
Tanzania, 9–12 days: Arusha, then Tarangire or Lake Manyara for a night, two nights near the Ngorongoro rim, three nights in the Serengeti and finally a flight from the Serengeti to Arusha and on to Zanzibar for three or four nights. The internal flights from small airstrips are the main cost, but they save hours of driving.
Kenya, 8–10 days: Fly into Nairobi, spend a night there and visit the Giraffe Centre or the elephant orphanage. Then take a short flight or drive to the Maasai Mara for three nights, move on to Amboseli for two, and finish with three nights at Diani. If you’re short on time, the Mara and Diani alone make a satisfying trip.
Planning tips
- Operators. Most visitors book a package through a registered operator, with a private vehicle and guide. Look for companies with recent reviews, clear park-fee breakdowns and proper safari vehicles with pop-up roofs.
- Park fees. Fees in both countries are high and rise regularly. Ask your operator what’s included, and keep some cash for tips (typically a daily amount for the guide and a smaller one for the camp staff).
- Migration timing. Don’t promise yourself a river crossing. They are unpredictable, and even in peak months you may wait a day or two. Our best-time guide breaks the calendar down.
- Early starts. Game drives leave around dawn, when animals are most active and the light is soft. Midday is for resting at camp.
- Fewer flights. Linking the parks by road in Tanzania can mean long, bumpy days. If your budget allows, pay for a bush flight or two.
- Health. Check vaccination and malaria advice with a travel clinic well before departure. Carry repellent, wear neutral colors and bring a warm layer for early drives.
East Africa is easiest to enjoy when you pick one country and give each park two or three nights. For more ideas, read our must-see guide to East Africa or the wider Africa travel guide.
Background reading: Serengeti.