Game Drives

Two giraffes crossing a dirt road in Africa in front of a safari jeep, capturing the essence of wildlife adventure.

The Ultimate Safari Experience

Game drives are the quintessential safari experience, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness the diverse and majestic wildlife of East Africa in their natural habitats. Whether you’re exploring the vast savannahs, lush forests, or scenic waterways, game drives provide a thrilling and immersive adventure that brings you up close to some of the world’s most iconic animals.

Where to Go

Tanzania: Tanzania is synonymous with game drives, renowned for its vast plains teeming with wildlife. The country is home to the Big Five and is famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores traverse the landscape in search of fresh grazing. Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs follow closely behind, providing spectacular game viewing opportunities.

Kenya: Kenya offers some of the best game drives in the world. The country’s wide-open plains are ideal for spotting the Big Five, with lions often seen hunting or resting in prides, leopards hidden in trees, and elephants traversing the landscape. The Great Migration river crossings are a highlight, where you can witness dramatic encounters between prey and predators.

Uganda: Known for its diverse ecosystems, Uganda provides excellent game drive opportunities. The country’s national parks are hotspots for spotting lions, elephants, and buffaloes. Uganda is also famous for its tree-climbing lions and boat cruises on scenic waterways, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Rwanda: Offering a mix of savannah and wetland habitats, Rwanda is an excellent location for game drives. The country’s national parks are home to lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes, while lakes and rivers attract hippos and crocodiles. Rwanda also boasts rich birdlife, making it a diverse and exciting safari destination.

When to go

Dry Season (June to October): The dry season is prime time for game drives in East Africa, spanning destinations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The Serengeti and Maasai Mara are especially captivating during this period, as the Great Migration reaches the northern parts, providing awe-inspiring views of river crossings and predator-prey interactions. With clear skies and minimal rainfall, this means easy sightings more frequent and easier.

Wet Season (November to May): The wet season ushers in a lush and vibrant backdrop for game drives across East Africa. The landscape transforms into a green paradise, creating a beautiful setting for intimate wildlife encounters with fewer tourists around. This period is also excellent for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive, and the dramatic lighting enhances the photography experience.

The Experience

Game drives typically involve guided tours where experienced rangers take you through the park in a safari vehicle, pointing out wildlife and providing insights into their behavior and the ecosystem. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for game drives, as animals are most active during these periods.

Each game drive is a unique adventure, offering the thrill of tracking animals and the joy of unexpected encounters. Whether it’s watching a pride of lions on the hunt, a herd of elephants at a waterhole, or a leopard lounging in a tree, game drives offer endless moments of awe and wonder. The experience is enhanced by the knowledge and expertise of the guides, who ensure your safety and enrich your understanding of the wildlife and landscapes.

Highlights by Country

Tanzania

  • Serengeti National Park: Witness the Great Migration, with massive herds of wildebeests and zebras moving across the plains.
  • Ngorongoro Crater: See a high concentration of wildlife in a unique, enclosed environment.
  • Tarangire National Park: Famous for large elephant herds and diverse birdlife.
  • Lake Manyara National Park: Known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos on the lake.

Kenya

  • Maasai Mara National Reserve: Experience the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration and spot the Big Five in wide-open landscapes.
  • Amboseli National Park: Enjoy stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and observe large elephant herds up close.
  • Tsavo National Park: Split into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, both offer diverse wildlife and unique landscapes.
  • Samburu National Reserve: Known for unique species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.

Uganda

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: Spot tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and enjoy boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel.
  • Murchison Falls National Park: Take a Nile River cruise to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
  • Kidepo Valley National Park: Remote and less-visited, offering stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Rwanda

Akagera National Park: Explore the diverse habitats of savannah and wetlands, with opportunities to see the Big Five and rich birdlife.