East Africa Guide
A Comprehensive Guide about Traveling to East Africa
East Africa
Why East Africa?
East Africa encompasses two of Africa’s most famous safari destinations: Kenya and Tanzania. As a perfect complement to this storied region, travelers can also experience the gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. Safaris end in relaxation on the historic islands of the Indian Ocean, luxuriating on their beautiful beaches. An extension to Ethiopia must not be overlooked to experience its festivals, wildlife, and historical monuments. Learn when to visit East Africa and the cost of travel to East Africa with Ker & Downey.
East Africa
Seasonality & Pricing
December to March: An excellent time to visit Ethiopia, Zanzibar, to trek for gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, and of course safari in the Serengeti and Masai Mara National Parks.
April to June: Even though April through to June is considered the long rainy season, we would still recommend the northern safari circuit of Tanzania and Kenya’s southern regions. The Serengeti and the Masai Mara are still great places to visit during “green season”.
July to November: Peak season due to superb weather, the wildebeest migration, the coast, and ideal accessibility to Tanzania’s southern circuit. This is also the best time to combine your safari with idyllic beach destinations like Zanzibar or venture further afield to Seychelles.
Pricing
$1,000 to $2,000 per person per day
$800 to $1,300 per person per day
Regional
Considerations
Important considerations when traveling to East Africa:
- Seasonality in East Africa revolves around the dry and the rainy seasons.
- Year-round in the hills and mountains it can get quite cold.
- Depending on the location, gorilla trekking permits range from $700 to $1,500. During a gorilla trekking experience, guests are guided by park rangers in search of one of the habituated families, and given one full hour of time observing the family once they are found.
- As of August 2019, visa-on-arrival policies in Tanzania have changed. We now encourage travelers to obtain their visas ahead of their trip.
- The Great Migration is a year-round event. For more information on the Great Migration, head here.
To learn more about Tanzania, and how Ker & Downey can help you plan your next African Safari, start here.
The Ker & Downey
Difference
The Ker & Downey Difference is in the hand-picked experiences we create that are unique to you. Experiences include:
- Authentic visits to the tribes of Ethiopia in the Omo Valley.
- Stay in a private camp in the middle of the Wildebeest migration.
- Take a hot air balloon ride in the Grumeti Reserve of Tanzania.
- Climb Kilimanjaro with the best guides and private tented accommodations.
- Extend the typical safari and visit Mahale, home of the chimpanzees in Tanzania.
East Africa offers the perfect combinations of exciting itineraries, each hand-crafted by the Ker & Downey team to make sure that your experience the most of what East Africa has to offer. From the cool highlands dominated by an exciting safari to the classic experience of the Great Migration and a lazy getaway on a sandy shore, contact us to start planning your own custom East Africa adventure.