-1.png?width=2000&height=714&name=East%20African%20Experience%20Co.%20(2)-1.png "East African Experience Co. (2)-1")
Pic: Elewana Sand River
Planning Guide Contents
1. When To Travel
2. Where to Travel
3. Budgeting
4. Activities
5. Crafting Your Itinerary
6. Pre Departure
1. When to Travel
The safari areas in East Africa are located near the equator, often at high altitudes. This results in minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year, providing a pleasant climate in most safari destinations all year round. The seasons are mainly influenced by rainfall patterns and the movements of the Great Migration. In general, the safari year can be divided into four seasons, characterised by alternating dry and rainy periods. While East Africa receives two rainy seasons, travel is possible all year round with some caution needed during April and May.
Low Season: 01 Apr - 31 May
Mid Season: 01 - 30 Mar & 01 Nov - 15 Dec
High Season: 16 Dec - 29 Feb, 01 Jun - 31 Oct
Please note that seasonality for some lodges may differ slightly.
Long Dry Season (June - September)
Peak season in East Africa offers warm days, cool evenings, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for wildlife viewing. This is when the wildebeest and zebra herds of the "great migration" concentrate in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Rates are highest during this time, but for travellers seeking a diverse safari experience beyond river crossings, other timeframes offer significant advantages.
Short Rains (Mid October - Mid December)
Mid-October to mid-December brings periodic afternoon thunderstorms to East Africa, creating beautiful scenery and great photographic opportunities. The famous African rains tend to be short in duration and not too disruptive. This time offers a more private safari experience with lower tourist volumes, better rates, and the possibility of seeing migration herds and river crossings in the Serengeti. It is my personal favourite period of travel in the region.
Short Dry Season (January - March)
As we move through December, East Africa transitions into its short dry season. Temperatures remain warm and comfortable until late March, when the long rains begin. Although there are no wildebeest river crossings, there is plenty of action and high predator activity. It is also an excellent time for primate trekking in the forests of Rwanda and Uganda. It is a wonderful period for travel in the region although humidity can be a factor to consider in coastal regions and islands.
Long Rains (Mid March - May)
Short downpours are typical but prolonged periods of rain are possible in this period. That being said, this period offers fantastic value, unique light for photographers and the opportunity to see new born animals on the plains. Whilst this period may not be ideal for everybody, some travellers do relish the quiet low season in the region with sun typically following the short downpours.
2. Where To Travel
East Africa is the traditional home of the safari and also home to some of the best beaches in the world. It is this combination that makes it a truly exceptional holiday destination. For safaris and game viewing, Tanzania and Kenya offer superb options all year round whilst Rwanda and Uganda also offer incredible primate trekking options. Zanzibar, Lamu and The Kenyan Coast give travellers the opportunity to relax in world class luxurious beach resorts. Please see more about the regions here.
For your safari, it is worth considering what you want you want to take from the experience. If you want a quieter experience away from the crowds, you may want to consider a conservancy as opposed to a national park. Do talk with your Experience Designer about what would make this trip special for you.
Pic: Zuri Zanzibar
3. Budgeting
In general we recommend that travellers should budget a minimum of €800 per adult/ per night. This will help to ensure a superb experience including stunning 5* accommodation options, delicious food & drink, memorable activities, domestic/ connecting flights (including to Zanzibar etc) and park fees. We only recommend the best lodges and accommodation providers in the region to guarantee a quality experience. Unlike many agencies, our booking partners don't add any additional margin to the "rack rate" or the public prices made available by lodges. We want these trips to be as affordable as possible. If budget is a concern we do recommend lowering the number of nights as opposed to choosing lower quality accommodation options. Three nights on safari for example and four nights at a beach resort can be an incredible experience. It is also good to be aware that there is a tipping culture in East Africa. Travelling in low and mid season will of course help reduce costs.
Low Season: 01 Apr - 31 May
Mid Season: 01 - 30 Mar & 01 Nov - 19 Dec
High Season: 04 Jan - 29 Feb, 01 Jun - 31 Oct & 16 Dec - 03
4. Activities
On safari, depending on where you are staying you will have a choice of activities each day. On each full day you will typically enjoy a morning activity and an afternoon activity. You may also have the opportunity to enjoy night drives. On days when you arrive and depart you will often do a game drive en route to the airstrip. Do talk with your Experience Designer about which activities and experiences are of interest as this can impact your accommodation choices. Safari activities often include:
- Game Drives
- Guided Walks
- Horse Riding
- Night Drives
- Cycling
- Bush Breakfasts/ Meals
- Cultural Visits
- Scenic Sundowner Drinks
- Fishing
Optional Safari Add Ons
Hot air balloon experiences, plane and helicopter safaris and experiences. Horse back safari with luxurious mobile camps are also possible.
Beach Activities
At beach destinations typical waterports are often on offer e.g. kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, snorkelling, swimming. Boat, dhow boat, scuba, fishing, sport fishing and jet ski options are also often available (additional cost).
Pic: White Sand Zanzibar
5. Crafting Your Itinerary
This is where our local knowledge and expertise can really help so please feel free to chat with us at any stage. A classic itinerary in the region encompasses a brief city stay to acclimatise following your international flight followed by the "bush and beach" elements. We have some itinerary inspiration here to give you a flavour of what is possible.
City Element
Given that domestic flights from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam to the various safari destinations are typically scheduled in the mornings we always recommend a minimum stay of one night in Nairobi for example but two or three is optimal for a coupe of reasons. Firstly, it gives you a chance to get more used to all the new sights, sounds, heat, light etc. It can be quite a shock to the senses (in a positive way) and it gives you an opportunity to adjust before going on safari. The first day or two can seem quite surreal. Secondly, areas such as the leafy green suburb of Karen in Nairobi are incredibly beautiful and home to amazing restaurants, lodges and hotels. It would be shame to miss these.
Safari Element
For the safari section of your trip, a "two center safari" is often recommended as you can see two different ecosystems, depending on trip duration and budget you may decide to do two nights on the plains of the Serengetti for example and three nights on the Laikipia plateau. Having a two center safari itinerary does give you the opportunity to see diverse landscapes and eco systems. However, those travelling with children for example may prefer just one safari destination. Visiting one safari destination does of course mean one less flight which can impact budget positively too. Conservancies offer a more private experience away from the crowds that are inevitably drawn to large National parks. Whilst for example the Masaai Mara can be busy during high season, your guides manage this sensitively to keep you away from other tourists where possible. Conservanices such as Borana also do incredible work in helping local communities and conserving wildlife and eco systems.
Beach Element
Renowned for its white sand beaches, the Indian ocean offers the perfect back drop to unwind after a safari. Zanzibar offers the perfect combination of relaxation, luxury and exploration for all; whether you are looking for a luxury retreat, a secluded, intimate beach break or a traditional beach family hotel holiday. The Kenyan coast offers you the opportunity to experience white sand beaches, warm blue waters and palm trees with a vast array of activities and incredible properties to choose from. With something for every generation, from the ancient culture and heritage of Lamu to the coral reefs and stunning Diani beach. It is an ideal destination for families, couples, groups and single travellers of any age.
6. Pre Departure
You will be well advised before departure regarding:
Schedule a Chat