Top 10 Must-Visit Safari Parks in East Africa

East Africa is the heartland of the safari, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife that attract visitors from all over the world. While every park has its unique appeal, some stand out for their iconic status, extraordinary wildlife, and unique experiences. Here are the top 10 must-visit safari parks in East Africa.

1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Known globally for the Great Migration, the Serengeti is the quintessential African safari destination. Its endless plains are home to a staggering number of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and an extraordinary variety of plains game. The migration, with its dramatic river crossings, is an unforgettable spectacle.

2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

As the northern extension of the Serengeti, the Maasai Mara offers a similarly spectacular experience. With one of the highest densities of wildlife in Africa, it is arguably the best place to see the Big Five and witness the Great Migration. The rolling grasslands are perfect for game drives and photography.

3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is centered around the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater floor is a natural wildlife haven with an incredibly high concentration of animals, including the critically endangered black rhino.

4. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

A visit to Bwindi is a life-changing experience. This dense, misty rainforest is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. A gorilla trekking excursion here offers an intimate and profound encounter with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

5. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Famous for its panoramic views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is a photographer’s dream. The park is home to some of the largest elephant herds in Africa, which can be seen against the stunning backdrop of Africa’s highest peak.

6. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Uganda’s most popular park, Queen Elizabeth is a place of incredible biodiversity. It is known for its famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and its fantastic boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, which is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birds.

7. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Often overlooked for the Serengeti, Tarangire is a magnificent park known for its huge elephant herds and its majestic baobab trees. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes a magnet for wildlife, making for exceptional game viewing.

8. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Located in the Virunga Mountains, this park is the heart of Rwanda’s tourism. It is home to a portion of the world’s mountain gorillas, and a trek here is a highly sought-after experience. The park also offers the chance to trek to see the playful golden monkeys.

9. Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

For the ultimate off-the-beaten-path safari, Kidepo is a remote and wild gem in northern Uganda. Its vast, sweeping plains and dramatic mountain landscapes offer a truly unique experience. It is home to animals not found in other parts of Uganda, such as the cheetah and the ostrich.

10. Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Africa’s largest national park offers a different kind of safari. Formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve, Nyerere is a pristine wilderness where you can enjoy traditional game drives as well as walking and boat safaris on the Rufiji River, which is teeming with wildlife.