Overview
Game drives in East Africa offer tourists a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with the big 5 (five) game and other diverse animal species in their natural habitat. East Africa is a great region for wildlife encounters, especially if you plan to explore the big five game. Immersing yourself in the beautiful savanna plains of East African National Parks on a guided game drive will leave you with incredible memories.
Did you know that game drives in Africa date back to 1920? Tourists worldwide have always appreciated what nature holds in this part of the planet. However, not all destinations are ideal for game drives. Therefore, since East Africa is one of the best game drive destinations, you cannot afford to miss out on booking a safari with us today!
A typical game drive in East Africa is an amazing wildlife adventure involving a close encounter with savanna wildlife in the comfort of your 4×4 safari vehicle. A complete nature or game drive in the National Parks or Wildlife Reserves takes several hours. You may choose to have a delicious cup of coffee or any other drink while on your game drive as you keep an eye on your favourite animal species.
How long can a game drive take in East Africa?
Each East African wildlife destination offers a different game drive experience. If you want a full-day game drive, you should carry a packed breakfast and lunch, which you may enjoy while exploring the beautiful wilderness. Alternatively, you can opt for an early morning game drive, an afternoon game drive or a night game drive. Any of these can last between two to three hours.
The best game drive destinations in East Africa
Many remarkable destinations offer excellent game-driving experiences in the East African region. Some include Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
The leading game drive destinations in Kenya
The Masai Mara National Reserve.
This nature reserve is, without doubt, Kenya’s and East Africa’s premier wildlife safari destination, offering excellent game drive experiences. Located in Narok County of Kenya, the Masai Mara guarantees magical encounters with lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs, buffaloes, and Masai giraffes, and most importantly, tourists get the most of the wildebeest migration experience.
Amboseli National Park
This is home to over 1500 African elephants and other wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and birds. It is a 400 sq. km expansive protected area and lies at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is set at the border with Tanzania and is reachable within 3-4 hours from Nairobi via Loitoktok town.
Tsavo East and West National Parks
Tourists can find over 12,000 red dust elephants in this protected area. Tsavo National Park is the biggest of Kenya’s National parks and holds a huge profusion of mammals and birds; all the big five games reside here. Other outstanding wildlife/game drive destinations in Kenya include Ol Pajeta Conservancy, Nairobi National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu National Park, and Meru National Park.
Top Tanzania destinations to visit for a game drive
Serengeti National Park
Lying within the Northern circuit of Tanzania with land area measuring more than 14000sq.km, this park shelters the biggest lion pride on the African continent. It is subdivided into various regions, including the Seronera Valley, which predators densely inhabit. Serengeti National Park is a premier tourist destination for watching the wildebeest migration.
Tarangire National Park
This is one of the preferred wildlife safari destinations in East Africa for game drives. It is part of the top destinations worth exploring in the Northern circuit of Tanzania. It holds over 4000 elephants that roam in its expansive 2600sq.km land area.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park offers excellent encounters with the tree-climbing lions in East Africa. Not only does this park offer distinct wilderness experiences, but it also features diverse landscapes characterised by vast grasslands, Rift Valley Soda Lake, and more.
Other must-visit destinations in Tanzania for game viewing include Ruaha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Conservation Area, Selous Game Reserve, and Arusha National Park.
Game drive destinations in Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park
This is one of Uganda’s most explored parks, home to the world’s most powerful waterfalls- Murchison Falls. Murchison Falls National Park in North Western Uganda is the biggest of the ten parks, occupying over 3840sq.km. The park hosts over 76 mammal species and 451 bird species, making it a treasured game drive destination for tourists on Uganda safaris. The different animal species in this park include lions, oribis, Jackson’s hartebeest, elephants, Uganda kobs, cape buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, leopards, and more.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located in Western Uganda, this park is famous for tree-climbing lions, just like Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. It is Uganda’s 2nd largest park, with a land area measuring 1978 sq. km. Game drives are among the leading activities on Uganda safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Therein are two areas of interest- Kasenyi plains and Ishasha sector (for tree climbing lions).
Kidepo Valley National Park
Lying in isolation in North Eastern Uganda, Kidepo offers unique African wilderness experiences. The 1442sq.km Kidepo features rugged, semi-arid valleys and lies near Uganda’s border with South Sudan and Kenya. This park supports a diversity of wildlife, including cheetahs, cape buffaloes, elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and 475 bird species.
Besides game drives, Uganda is most popular for its exhilarating primate adventures. These include gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest and Kyambura Gorge.
Conclusion
At Early Trails Expedition, we prepare exceptional safari packages according to your tastes and preferences. Make your safari booking with us today and get a golden opportunity to experience the magic of the wild wholesomely!