Game viewing safaris in East Africa – Wildlife game drives – Big 5 safari trips in East Africa
Game viewing safaris in East Africa – East Africa offers the classic African safari of big game viewing, diverse wildlife experiences, beautiful landscapes, and breathtaking scenery. The famous “Big Five”, that is, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Buffalo can be viewed in East Africa.
East Africa’s safari destinations complement each other, in terms of wildlife, scenery, and adventures. Each game park possesses something unique and exciting to offer on a safari.
The prime safari destination for game viewing in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park, which is the biggest and most diverse of all the national parks. Kidepo Valley National Park, located in the remote northeastern corner of Uganda, is ranked Africa’s best national park for spectacular landscapes and big herds of Buffalo. Queen Elizabeth National Park is arguably the most scenic, with grassy hills and sparkling crater lakes. Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest of the big game parks but is great for antelopes and beautiful scenery. The Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Sanctuary harbor Uganda’s only wild Rhinos.
Popular activities to do on a wildlife safari in East Africa
- Game Drives
Early morning game drives are the best way to view plenty of wildlife, explore the vast beauty of the African savannahs and enjoy the magical African sunrise. The game drives usually start at around 6 am when the cats are actively hunting. The nocturnal is still active by this time, and early risers have started feeding. Game drives in the bigger parks last from 3 to 4 hours before returning for breakfast. Evening game drives are also for more wildlife sightings and to experience the African sunset.
- Boat Safaris
Uganda is the best country in East Africa for wildlife boat safaris. Boat safaris are available in Murchison Falls National Park along the Nile, Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mburo National Park on Lake Mburo. Boat safaris offer a closer view of wildlife in the water and along the banks. The best time for boat safaris is in the afternoon when the animals go to the water sources to drink and cool off the scorching sun. For birding enthusiasts, the early morning is preferable.
A traveler can easily see Africa’s big 5 in all East Africa’s destinations today. East Africa, the pioneer of African safaris, is home to a massive range of wildlife species spread out on thousands of protected animal parkland. Most notable are the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve, where the great annual migration occurs every year. Kenya and Tanzania have the best national parks for a BIG 5 safari trip. However, Uganda and Rwanda provide great alternative safari attractions to complement a big five safari without leaving the destination’s borders, like Mountain Gorilla trekking in the misty mountain jungles.
