East Africa Safari Guide for First Time Africa Safaris

First Time Africa Safaris If you’re ready to check ‘African safari’ off your bucket list, East Africa is the place to start! This is the birthplace of the safari – in Swahili, the word actually means “journey”. Forget everything those old movies showed you – modern safaris are all about responsible, exciting encounters with incredible wildlife. Ready to find the perfect safari for your first Africa adventure?

East Africa’s got the goods for an amazing first-time safari. We’re talking stunning scenery (hello, Mount Kilimanjaro!), tons of wildlife expertise, and a welcoming vibe. Think Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and even Islan gateways Like Zanzibar Plus, how cool is it to see animals roaming vast plains, or trek through lush rainforest to spot rare gorillas? And with a surprisingly pleasant climate, you can plan your East African adventure for just about any time of year with Bigodi Africa Expeditions .The dramatic mix of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara and the hungry predator hunters taking advantage. A bittersweet safari experience for a first-timer

1. Kenya & Tanzania’s Iconic Migration Safari First Time Africa Safaris

This classic East African safari is a perfect choice for first-timers! For the ultimate wildlife spectacle, aim for a trip between July and November. That’s when the iconic wildebeest migration reaches its peak. During July and August, massive herds thunder into Kenya’s Masai Mara braving the treacherous Mara River crossings – a sight that will take your breath away!

This recommended 9 to 10-day adventure will leave you in awe of East Africa’s wonders. Start in Kenya’s Masai Mara, then journey south into Tanzania, exploring the legendary serengeti ,  the picturesque Lake Manyara, and the majestic Ngorongoro Crater. Expect gripping encounters with the ‘big five’ and the unforgettable sight of the wildebeests and zebra migration surging across the Serengeti-Mara triangle.

Highlights First Time Africa Safaris

• Spectacular day and night game drives to find the ‘BIG FIVE’ game animals (Lion, Buffalo, Hippo, Leopard, and Rhino) and some other interesting wild game.
• Stay in the best collection of safari camps & lodges.
• Witness Africa’s biggest wildlife show, the great migration of Zebra and Wildebeest
• Nature walks, natives encounters, activating African stories, and delicious cuisine.

Best for

Couples, Honeymooners, Families & Groups

2. Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas, Kenya & Tanzania’s Wilderness Game | 14 Days, 8 Destinations

Combining the three countries, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda is highly recommended for your first African safari. This two-week all-inclusive trip is the perfect introduction to East Africa’s stunning diversity. From the lush rainforests of Uganda to the sweeping savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania, you’ll experience unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural exchanges. The highlight? Trekking through misty jungles to see Africa’s majestic mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – a moment that will stay with you forever!

Highlights First Time Africa Safaris

Gorilla trekking in Uganda‘s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

• Special cultural tour with Batwa pygmies of Bwindi
• Lifechanging nature walk across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Day game drive to seek out the magnificent BIG FIVE on the savanna plains
• Nigh game drives to find the elusive nocturnal animals.
• Flights & 4×4 vehicle transfers between destinations
• Best selection of safari camps and lodges on your itinerary

Best For

Couples, Honeymooners, Families & Groups

3. Rwanda Gorillas and Serengeti Wildlife Safari | 12 Days, 3 Destinations

This unforgettable safari packs three most visited destinations in Rwanda and Tanzania : trekking to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda, witnessing the vast Serengeti plains teeming with wildlife, and exploring the majestic Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda. Discover the city’s vibrant culture and sobering history before venturing into the misty rainforests of Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll go on a gorilla trek and come face-to-face with a majestic gorilla family– a moment that will change your life.

Next, fly to the heart of the Serengeti and be swept away by the sheer scale of the Great Migration. Then, descend into the wildlife haven of Ngorongoro Crater before your final departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is an East African experience you’ll never forget!

Highlights

• Rwanda’s Kigali Capital, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s genocide history and culture
• Meet the magnificent giant mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park
• Connecting small flight between Kigali and Serengeti
• Intercept the predictable path of the great migration in Serengeti
• Game drives to seek out the “BIG FIVE” game in Serengeti and Ngorongoro
• Stay in exclusive camps and safari lodges carefully selected for you
• Transportation, meals, and lodging all taken care of by the safari operator

Best For

This East African safari trip for first-timers is best recommended for couples, friends travelling together, honeymooners, families and groups.

4. Uganda’s Equatorial Wilderness & Primates Road Trip Safari | 10 Days, 3 Destinations

If you’re looking for a unique African adventure, Uganda offers an unforgettable mix of savannah and rainforest wilderness. This is an ideal trip for those experiencing their first safari, showcasing the best of Africa’s wildlife in forest and savanna.

During this Uganda safari, you’ll travel along the country’s most popular safari circuit. Starting from Entebbe, you’ll take the western route to explore Lake Mburo NP, a small but impressive national park, before venturing into the mountain jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Following an exciting gorilla trekking experience, you’ll embark on a canoe and hiking adventure before heading north to Queen Elizabeth NP’s savannah plains for a game drive and boat safari. The journey will then take you to Kibale Forest, the primate capital, before concluding with a visit to the magnificent Murchison Falls NP.

Highlights

• 4×4 Safari cruiser road trip transfers between destinations. Look out for undulating scenery as you drive across the countryside.
• Chimpanzee tracking and twelve other primates in Kibale Forest NP
• Game drives and boat safaris to seek out the big and small game animals on the savanna plains.
• Mountain gorilla encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Meet the locals and Pygmy community in Bwindi Impenetrable
• Calming nature walks

Best For

Solo travelers, Birders, couples, families and groups

5. Gorilla Encounter, Serengeti Big Game and Zanzibar’s Tucked Away Beaches | 16 Days, 4 Destinations

Imagine the thrill of encountering wild gorillas in their stunning alpine forests! This incredible experience begins in Kigali, the vibrant capital city of Rwanda. From there, you’ll be transported to the gorilla jungle to meet these majestic primates up close and personal.

Next, you’ll journey to Ngorongoro Crater, where you can unwind and savor the breathtaking scenery on safari drives. The Serengeti plains are a must-see destination in Tanzania, home to a wide variety of iconic animals that make this adventure the best African safari for first timers. You’ll have a few days to explore and witness the start of the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration.

Finally, your East Africa Safaris adventure concludes on the idyllic island of Zanzibar, where you can indulge in a luxurious, exclusive retreat in a secluded, untouched paradise.

Highlights

• Entry through Kigali, Rwanda Capital, and exit through Zanzibar
• Local flight between Kigali and Kilimanjaro Int. Airport
• Unforgettable mountain gorilla encounter in Volcanoes National Park
• Watch Ngorongoro and Serengeti wildlife drama unfold on the savannah plains
• Relax in a truly remote and exclusive white-sand paradise of Zanzibar Island.