Best Safari Destinations in East Africa for 2026
2026 is here, another year to fight, a year to achieve, and a year to celebrate your milestones. For nature lovers, this is another year to explore the finest places in the world. Yes, it’s time for an unforgettable African safari. But where should you go for this wonderful adventure? Focus East Africa Tours explores the top places to go on safari in East Africa.
As we explore these destinations, we remind you that booking early is key to a happy, memorable African safari. It’s another season. And as usual, lodges sell out months in advance, especially the ones found in top places. Here is our well-crafted list of safari destinations for 2026.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
With no doubt, Serengeti tops the list of the best safari places worth a visit in East Africa. Here, the rhythms are different as the struggle for existence (as coined by Darwin) continues, especially during the annual wildebeest migration. Have you been dreaming of spotting a river crossing? Then, you’re on the right train. Plan your trip between June and October.
Is the Serengeti all about animal migration? No. You can search for other animals, including the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). The wide-open plains often teem with grazers of kinds, say, buffalo, impala, eland, wildebeest, and gazelle. And the rivers with Nile crocodiles and large pods of hippos. The best part? There are camps for all pockets.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
Sharing its ecosystem with the Serengeti, this reserve is Kenya’s top wildlife-rich sanctuary. The Masai Mara is known for the Great Migration, which it co-hosts together with the Serengeti. And it has large lion prides dominating the acacia-studded woodlands and expansive grassy plains.
The Great Migration arrives in this reserve between September and November, and there’s much to see. The river crossings and large herds in the Mara Triangle are quite spectacular. Additionally, you can watch for other animals in the wild, such as all the Big Five, giraffes, impalas, cheetahs, and hyenas. There are camps for all budgets. For ultimate luxury and comfort, you can stay in private conservancies around the Masai Mara.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.
A wonderful caldera and, of course, the world’s largest unbroken caldera in the 8,292-sq-km conservation area. The volcanic disruption that happened over 2 million years ago led to the formation of this fertile land, which supports over 25,000 people. It’s adjacent to the Serengeti, one hour by drive, making it practical to combine the two.
People come here to witness the magical appearance of the crater rims and highlands. And to see wildlife, preferably the Big Five, simply because it’s easy to spot black rhinos. Add the views of spotted hyenas, jackals, bat-eared foxes, ostriches, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and lesser flamingos on the shore of Lake Magadi. If time allows, a trip to the nearby Maasai village would be more meaningful.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
As the name suggests, it’s hard to penetrate the forests of Bwindi. They’re extremely thick, hence making them ideal for trekking, not traditional game drives. What makes Bwindi unique is its remarkable abundance of gorillas, about 450. These unique primates are the main drawcards for tourists coming to Uganda, particularly Bwindi.
Bwindi is a perfect spot for affordable gorilla trekking safaris. Uganda sells gorilla permits as cheaply as $800 compared to $1,500 per permit in Rwanda. Add to the thrill a game drive to the nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you’ll come across animal sightings only found in a few locales – the tree-climbing lions.
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania.
There are places where wildlife still roams with no disturbance. Ruaha is one of them. This vast wilderness is home to a large elephant population and an incredible lion population. Think of a beautiful baby elephant waiting for lunch as her mother tears down a branch of a baobab tree.
Ruaha is also a place where a traditional game isn’t enough. You can add to it an immersive bush walks, a thriving sunset boat cruise on the Great Ruaha River, and a night filled with wildlife senses in a simple fly tent. Plus, small, luxurious camps offering intimacy and privacy.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya.
Amboseli is a great choice for safari-goers in East Africa. Nestled near the Tanzania border, Amboseli offers some of the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can go here to witness large elephant herds roaming the woodlands and savannahs. From Observation Hill, you can watch this park’s diverse habitats and wildlife.
Apart from elephants (which are commonly sighted), you can spot giraffes, spotted hyenas, wildebeest, bat-eared foxes, buffalo, lion, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, and cheetah. Amboseli also has an incredible bird population, approximately. 400 species.
Zanzibar, Tanzania.
What an amazing trip, if concluded by a relaxation in a calm beach setting off the coast of the Indian Ocean. That’s where Zanzibar comes in. Home to pristine beaches, spices, vibrant local cultures, and old towns, Zanzibar is a wonderful place to be.
Here, you can explore Stone Town, an old town that reflects the influences of the Indians, Europeans, Persians, and Arabs. The streets are busy, and markets are filled with different spices and seafood.
At Focus East Africa Tours, we craft unique itineraries to any of these wonderful destinations. We’ve incredible experience in organizing tours in East Africa. Be it a wildlife safari in the Serengeti, Masai Mara, or a gorilla trek in Bwindi, we can handle every detail, from fights to places to stay.
