East Africa Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,105 reviews)- Choose from 4,600+ East Africa tours
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Table of contents
- The best East Africa tour packages
- What people love about East Africa Tours
- Travel East Africa your way
- Best tour companies for East Africa tours
- Discover East Africa tours for every budget
- East Africa tours for every type of group
- Top East Africa travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit East Africa
- Contact our East Africa travel experts
- What our customers ask about East Africa Tours & Trips
The best East Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineEast Africa travel expert at TourRadar
Nairobi To Dar Es Salaam (34 Days)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Definitely the trip of life. It was an amazing experience I would not trade for anything.”
Carl, traveled in August
East Africa's iconic landscapes unfold over 34 days. UNESCO's Ngorongoro Crater, mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest, and Serengeti's vast plains highlight this adventure. Four nights in Zanzibar's white beaches and historic Stone Town complement game drives in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. Costs approx. $80 per day.
Duration 34 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Oasis Overland From
- NZ$4,838
Wildlife and Spice Island
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Meals were awesome, and I would totally recommend this tour and operator!”
Katharina, traveled in February
The ultimate wildlife spectacle awaits across Kenya and Tanzania's iconic parks - from Masai Mara to Serengeti. Mountain gorillas hide in Uganda's forests, rhinos roam at Ziwa Sanctuary, and Zanzibar's pristine beaches provide 4 nights of relaxation. Package includes 28 nights camping, game drives, and spice tours.
Duration 35 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Absolute Africa From
- NZ$5,485
African Sky
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The animal viewing, culture opportunities and group fun exceeded my expectations. Great life experience.”
PaulDunmore, traveled in September
East Africa's finest wildlife spots unfold over 19 days, from Kenya's Masai Mara to Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. A hippo cruise at Lake Naivasha and visits to Nairobi's Giraffe Park precede mountain gorilla trekking. African skies blanket your campsite each night, with 18 included breakfasts and dinners.
Duration 19 days Destinations Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Absolute Africa From $6,340
5% Off- NZ$6,023You save $317
Four East African countries reveal their wonders over 18 days, starting from Nairobi's Sentrim Boulevard Hotel. Highlights include gorilla tracking in Bwindi, Big Five encounters in Masai Mara, and Serengeti views from Kati Kati Tented Camp. The Nyungwe Forest canopy walk and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale round out the adventure, ending in Entebbe. All-inclusive at approx. $500 per day with professional guides.
Duration 18 days Destinations Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Ovacado Adventures From
5% Off- NZ$14,529
The 15-day safari from Nairobi to Kigali showcases the Masai Mara's wildebeest migration and mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Boutique camps like Mountain Rock Camp and Virunga Hotel provide comfort throughout. Highlights include white-water rafting in Jinja and spotting tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $12,123
5% Off- NZ$11,545You save $577
What people love about East Africa Tours
- Nairobi To Dar Es Salaam (34 Days)
Definitely the trip of life. Ended up extending the whole way to Cape Town. Guide and driver were fantastic. Writing this many years after the fact but it was an amazing experience I would not trade for anything.
I am an older person(60) and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. I was worried about the camping as I did not want to share a tent. I had my own tent for the entire trip and the assembly and tear down was not an issue. Most of the people were younger as expected but I fit in well and the age diversity actually added to the experience. This trip allows you to experience the local culture more so than an upscale trip without sacrificing animal viewing capability. In fact I think we were advantaged in our ability to view animals in the Serengeti. The truck is slower than 4 wheel vehicles but more comfortable due to the ability to stand and move around. Our group was small so our leader did most of the cooking. Thanks !! We participated in the meals by way of cleanup and vegetable chopping. I am very grateful that the leader did most of this work. Check that your tour included admission to the gorillas and Serengeti and transpiration. The African Ski trip did include this cost but others had to pay extra. You will be visiting 5 countries. Convert only as much money as you think you will need in each country as the money changers take advantage of inter country conversions. US to local currency seems fair. Take advantage of local visits such as schools and towns. Buy something from the locals. It’s usually the lowest cost and they are very grateful for the support. The animal viewing, culture opportunities and group fun exceeded my expectations. Great life experience.
African Sky
- Wildlife and Spice Island
This was my first overlanding camping experience and I was particularly nervous. However, our guide was absolutely fantastic from the word go and set about giving us a tutorial on how to put up our tent which was surprisingly easy! The route was fantastic and all of the National Park fees were included in the cost of what was paid in advance. This worked really well as it meant extra activities could be added on but never felt mandatory. Our guide was also fantastic at suggesting which activities might be better to do elsewhere on the tour than others. Our driver was also great making the long driving days as comfortable and quick as possible. The things I experienced on this tour were truly 'once in a lifetime' and I cannot recommend it enough!!
Travel East Africa your way
On an East Africa safari, you'll witness the Great Migration in Serengeti, get up close with gorillas in Bwindi, and spot the Big Five in Maasai Mara. Drift over the savanna in a hot-air balloon, or camp under the stars for an authentic wilderness experience.
See all Safari toursKilimanjaro offers multiple routes, with the 7-day Lemosho standing out for practical reasons. Our customers consistently praise its smart approach to altitude adjustment - you'll trek through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa camp before crossing the beautiful Shira Plateau. The extra time between 3,500m and 4,000m really helps your body adapt, which explains the high summit success rates we see. Want exceptional photos? The 8-day version includes crater camping, perfect for capturing summit sunrise shots. The Machame route gives you another solid choice - it's busier but rewards you with excellent views and an exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall. Over in Uganda, Bwindi Forest gorilla treks need good fitness since you're walking dense forest for 2-6 hours, but our travelers tell us spending an hour with these remarkable creatures makes those steep climbs feel completely worth it.
Travel on an adventure tour in East Africa. With 250+ adventure packages full of bucket list experiences and outdoor activities and lasting anywhere from 1 days up to 22 days, you're sure to find an unforgettable adventure holiday for you!
Cycle through Arusha National Park and spot giraffes, flamingos, and zebras, explore the striking Ngorongoro Crater, listen to the captivating stories of the Massai people, and camp under starry skies. Expect wildlife encounters, stunning natural wonders, and cultural immersions.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for East Africa tours
Among top Kilimanjaro operators, World Adventure Tours has built a solid reputation - our travelers consistently tell us their guides make a real difference in reaching the summit. The crews are attentive about checking oxygen levels, adjusting pace when needed and making sure everyone's properly acclimatizing along the way. Spider Tours and Safaris excels on the Lemosho route specifically. Their guides know exactly where to pause for the best views of the surrounding plains and glaciers. They're particularly good at explaining the terrain changes as you move through different climate zones during the climb. For Uganda safaris, Mukisa Safaris stands out for how they customize each trip. Two of their guides, Veronica and Solomon, get frequent mentions in traveler feedback for going beyond the basics - they'll point out smaller wildlife that others miss and share interesting cultural context about the communities near the parks. The lodges they use are well-chosen too, with comfortable rooms and good locations close to the main attractions.
Discover East Africa tours for every budget
Looking for excellent value in East Africa? Our camping safaris hit that sweet spot between adventure and affordability. Take our 33-day route from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam - you'll camp right in the Serengeti where lion calls become your nighttime soundtrack. Our travelers love how the journey mixes wildlife with genuine cultural connections, from time in Maasai villages to learning traditional hunting methods from the Batwa people. The 21-day option combining Victoria Falls with gorilla trekking gets consistent praise for its guides who make conservation topics really accessible. Even in remote spots, the camp chefs earn high marks for fresh local cooking. There's also a compact 14-day Uganda and Tanzania option that gets you up close with chimps in Kibale Forest and also exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Our luxury safaris take East African travel to new heights with carefully chosen accommodations and special access experiences. The 14-day premium journey starts at Kigali's historic Hotel des Mille Collines before moving to an exclusive lodge on Nteko Ridge above Bwindi Forest. Our travelers particularly value the private evening talks with Gorilla Doctors field vets - it's a rare window into frontline conservation work. The 20-day premium route gives you proper time in each location, staying at select eco-lodges while tracking white rhinos in Ziwa, observing chimps in Kibale and floating above the Serengeti at sunrise. The lodges are perfectly positioned - your morning coffee comes with Mount Meru views, or you might spot hippos from your private deck along the Mara River.
East Africa budget tours177 tours
Starting from
$35
per day
- East Africa luxury tours
231 tours
Starting from
$135
per day
East Africa tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
2,734 tours in East AfricaExplore East Africa on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers
Small Group
2,152 tours in East AfricaFrom Rwanda to Tanzania, our most popular East African small-group journeys weave together wildlife encounters and authentic cultural experiences. The 18-day route begins with intimate mountain gorilla encounters, then moves into prime safari territory, where travelers often gather for engaging fireside discussions with Gorilla Doctors field veterinarians in Musanze. A distinct 21-day journey takes you from the fragrant spice farms of Zanzibar to the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara, with opportunities to spend quality time alongside local artisans. For those seeking full immersion in East Africa's wild spaces and cultural heritage, a 31-day expedition connects Victoria Falls to gorilla habitats, featuring a compelling visit to Lake Eyasi where you'll learn the distinctive click language from Hadzabe communities. Your journey unfolds at a gentle pace - whether you're capturing images of tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, witnessing the great migration across the Serengeti plains, or connecting with traditional Maasai communities - these intimate groups provide space to absorb each moment while building genuine bonds with fellow travelers and local guides.
Private / Personalized
1,789 tours in East AfricaWant complete control over your East African experience? Our private safaris offer exactly that. The 17-day journey through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania adapts to your rhythm - having your own expert guide means you can spend extra time watching that leopard in the tree or photographing rare birds without group pressure. Many travelers choose our 15-day Uganda and Tanzania option, appreciating how easily we can adjust plans around wildlife patterns and personal interests. You might extend your mountain gorilla time in Bwindi or follow the Serengeti migration longer. A private vehicle also means better photo ops and more meaningful interactions when visiting local communities.
Top East Africa travel itineraries to fit your plans
Don't miss out on visiting:
Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Our week-long tours really shine in East Africa, especially the popular Rwanda-Uganda-Burundi route. You'll start at Kigali's Genocide Memorial before heading into Bwindi's forests to meet mountain gorillas up close. Our travelers love how the tour balances wildlife encounters with cultural stops like the traditional King's Palace in Nyanza. In Tanzania, the 7-day northern circuit takes you deep into Tarangire National Park, where elephants gather by the river and lions lounge in trees. The guides know exactly where to find leopards and cheetahs - their tracking skills consistently impress our customers. If you're looking to combine safari and coast, there's a great Kenya-Mombasa option with prime wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara and also four relaxing days on white sand beaches.
Ten days gives you time to properly explore East Africa's best spots. Many routes connect Kenya's safari highlights with Tanzania's northern circuit - starting in the Masai Mara tracking big cats before crossing to catch the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. Our guests particularly value their time in Maasai villages, learning firsthand about daily life and longstanding traditions. The dawn balloon flights over the plains add a completely different perspective to the vast landscapes below. One route that gets excellent feedback includes Lake Nakuru National Park, where flamingos color the shores pink and both black and white rhinos roam freely in their natural habitat.
Demographics
Our East African tours really click with solo travelers, especially the 26-day route that puts you right in the Serengeti's heart. You'll camp under the stars, getting up early for game drives and drifting off to sleep as lions call in the distance. The small groups give you space to yourself while making it easy to connect with others when you want to. There's also this fantastic 21-day journey that mixes gorilla encounters, wildlife viewing and quiet time on Zanzibar's beaches. Having your own tent gives you privacy, and the camping setup is actually quite comfortable - it just adds to the whole experience. Our guides are pros at bringing the group together without being pushy, and they handle all the tricky bits so you can focus on watching animals and getting to know the local culture. Travelers tell us they love how the schedule works - you get plenty of guided activities but also free time to wander through Stone Town's markets or find your own spot on the northern beaches.
Our younger travelers can't stop talking about their East African safari experiences, particularly this action-packed 21-day trip. You'll get your adrenaline going with white water rafting near Jinja, track chimps through Kalinzu Forest and then slow things down with classic Serengeti safari moments. The 20- and 30-something crowd really gets into camping right in the parks - you're literally in the middle of where everything happens. Another solid choice is this 18-day route starting in Rwanda with mountain gorilla visits before heading into Tanzania's best wildlife areas. You'll get special access to chat with Gorilla Doctors about their field work, which adds real depth to the experience. The mix works really well - you'll see tons of wildlife but also jump into local life, learning traditional dance moves in Musanze or visiting farmers near Queen Elizabeth Park. Days are full but not overwhelming and there's always time to relax around the campfire or grab a drink while the sun sets after a day of wildlife spotting.
Senior travelers love our longer East African journeys that run 18-21 days, giving everyone time to truly settle into each destination. The permanent tented camps and lodges sit in prime wildlife-watching spots, with routes linking Rwanda's mountain gorillas to Tanzania's northern circuit, where guests can spot hippos from private decks during their morning coffee. Our travelers particularly appreciate taking their time on safari drives through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, plus authentic visits with Maasai communities. The premium 14-day tours stand out for their top-tier lodges and special experiences, like evening conversations with Gorilla Doctors field veterinarians. Most itineraries blend wildlife encounters with peaceful moments - tracking chimps in Kibale Forest, floating in hot air balloons at dawn, or learning traditional handicrafts in local villages. Our experienced guides know how to adjust the daily rhythm for each group, whether that means extra time photographing rare birds, or lingering to watch a leopard lounging in an acacia tree.
- Solo Travelers2,749 tours
- Couples2,095 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)34 tours
- Seniors (50+)767 tours
Best time to visit East Africa
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings overland trips linking Victoria Falls with East Africa's top wildlife spots. You'll camp under Serengeti stars and meet communities living along Lake Malawi. Our customers really enjoy autumn's mix of wildlife and culture - tracking chimps in Kalinzu Forest, visiting traditional Maasai homes and learning coffee farming from local growers. Several routes include the Usambara Mountains too, where fewer tourists mean more genuine village experiences.
- popular 3,717 tours
- 3,697 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our winter East African tours really shine with gorilla encounters in Bwindi and wildlife viewing across the Masai Mara. You'll find yourself tracking white rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary, watching chimps swing through Kibale Forest and learning traditional millet preparation alongside Mukiga women. Many routes include time near Lake Victoria before heading into the vast Serengeti plains. What makes these tours special is how they mix wildlife experiences with real village connections - like visiting organic farms to see how locals manage living near wildlife parks.
- popular 3,792 tours
- 3,155 tours
- 2,720 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours connect Rwanda's mountain gorillas with Tanzania's famous wildlife parks nicely. Starting in Kigali, you'll visit the sobering Genocide Memorial before meeting the Gorilla Doctors team who protect these incredible primates. Our travelers often track golden monkeys in the Virunga Mountains or join researchers studying gorilla families. The tours make time for Lake Eyasi too, where you can learn about the Hadzabe people's traditional life and unique click language - they've called this area home for over 10,000 years.
- popular 2,613 tours
- 2,481 tours
- 2,432 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer safari experiences revolve around the great migration, as you track millions of wildebeest and zebras making their way through Kenya and Tanzania. Our travelers head out in the crisp dawn light for game drives when wildlife is most active, then return to unfenced camps where lions call through the dark African nights. We blend traditional wildlife viewing with authentic cultural moments - you'll spend time at Tepesua Village, supporting Maasai widows, and join conservation initiatives at organic farms. Many guests start their journey with mountain gorilla encounters in Uganda or Rwanda, before moving into the Serengeti to witness peak migration activity. The routes often conclude perfectly with time in Zanzibar, wandering through fragrant spice gardens and along pristine beaches. Our expert guides know exactly how to track migration patterns, positioning you strategically for remarkable river crossings and predator encounters. Extended summer daylight means more viewing hours and ideal conditions for wildlife photography in the golden light.
- popular 2,475 tours
- 2,401 tours
- 2,364 tours
Contact our East Africa travel experts
Claire
Expert in East Africa at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned East Africa Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about East Africa tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about East Africa Tours & Trips
What's Different About Safaris in Kenya vs Tanzania?
Kenya's got this amazing mix of landscapes you know - from those classic rolling savannahs in Maasai Mara to these beautiful mountain forests up in Aberdares. Tanzania's really famous for places like Serengeti and that incredible Ngorongoro Crater where you'll catch the Great Migration and tons of wildlife. If you're after varied landscapes and really getting to know the culture go with Kenya but if you want those jaw-dropping wildlife moments and amazing geological features Tanzania's your best bet.
Can Visitors Experience Local Cultural Practices in East Africa?
There's this wonderful place called Tepesua Village in Kenya's Loita Hills where you can really dive into Maasai culture. Our travelers on the Gorillas & East Africa Safari tour absolutely love it when they see the traditional warrior songs and dances its pretty special. The Tepesua Widows Income Project is really interesting too where local women make these eco-friendly crafts. You can chat about Maasai life see how they live in their traditional homes and even check out their cattle enclosures its really authentic.
Where Are the Hidden Gems in East Africa That Tourists Often Miss?
Kakamega Rainforest in Kenya is this incredible piece of ancient forest that's totally different from what you'd expect in East Africa with its unique plants and animals. Then there's the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania with these beautiful forests and this charming little German colonial town called Lushoto. The hiking there is really accessible and the Wasambaa people are so welcoming. You can do these easy guided walks through the forest and spend time in these lovely small communities its really special.
What Should I Expect on a Gorilla Trek in Bwindi?
The gorilla trekking experience is pretty intense you'll be walking through some challenging terrain that can get pretty wet and muddy. You'll start with a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife people and you might want to get a local porter to help you out trust me it's worth it. The actual trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours but that hour you get with the gorillas is just incredible. They only let 8 people visit each gorilla family per day so it's really exclusive and personal.