The Ultimate Wildlife Guide to East Africa
The Ultimate Wildlife Guide to East Africa
Kenya and Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda: these storied names evoke a bygone era of safari romance and adventure. East Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Here, seas of golden grass sway under a blue bowl of sky, great herds of migrating wildebeest and zebra traverse the savanna among rocky outcrops and lacy acacia trees, rhinos browse on the plains, and mountain gorillas thrive in remote, lush forests. A wildlife safari to the Serengeti and Maasai Mara reveals the timeless drama of predator and prey, the circle of life, unfolding rhythmically on one
of Earth’s last great wild stages. Venture into the realm of mountain gorillas and celebrate the resounding conservation success of this species. This experience of Africa at its most primal still exists and is waiting to be discovered. On Nat Hab’s East Africa safaris, you’ll find epic encounters with the wonders that seduce contemporary explorers as powerfully as they did their predecessors a century or more ago.
Call 800-543-8917 or visit nathab.com/africa to learn more.
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What fills you with awe?
You’ve no doubt had moments in nature that have filled you with wonder. Since founding Natural Habitat Adventures, I have had the good fortune to experience my fair share of such moments: Exchanging an intelligent gaze with a mountain gorilla in Rwanda. Crawling inside a vacant polar bear den on the Canadian tundra. Snorkeling with inquisitive sea lions in the Galapagos.
What I felt in each of these instances is an emotion that has captured the recent interest of scientists: awe.
Psychologists have found positive effects when humans experience awe. Awe triggers oxytocin, which calms the nervous system. It makes people feel small, prompting them to redirect concern away from the self and toward the wider world.
Researchers have discovered that people find awe in nature more than any other context. And that’s good news for conservation and the well-being of the Earth!
I would venture that the best thing about traveling with Nat Hab is the chance to experience awe. Where will you find it?
I hope to see you out there,
6 THE BEST PLACES TO SEE WILDLIFE IN EAST AFRICA >
22 NAT HAB’S PRIVATE AFRICAN SAFARI CAMPS >
30 CONSERVATION CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS >
38 SUGGESTED READING >
40 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EAST AFRICA >
Ben Bressler
Explorer, Founder, President Natural Habitat Adventures
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Where Nat Hab Travels in East Africa
Bordered by the Indian Ocean, East Africa’s geography is a lesson in extremes, from the sandy beaches and lowland forests of the coast to the vast open savannas of Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara to the lush mountain jungles of Uganda and Rwanda.
TANZANIA
KENYA
UGANDA
RWANDA
Meet Africa’s Big Five
Africa’s Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—were once prized by hunters for their size and difficulty to kill. Today, they’re top attractions for safari-goers, photographers, and wildlife lovers, symbolizing the shift from hunting to ecotourism and conservation through unforgettable photographic encounters.
LEOPARD
RHINOCEROS
BUFFALO
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An East Africa safari offers an unparalleled adventure, immersing you in the heart of some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. It is the ultimate opportunity to witness the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—majestic species that have long captured the imagination of travelers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Originally named by hunters as the most challenging and dangerous animals to track on foot, today, the Big Five symbolize the pinnacle of safari experiences. Beyond these iconic creatures, East Africa teems with an extraordinary variety of wildlife, from vast herds of wildebeest and zebra sweeping across the savannas to stealthy cheetahs, towering giraffes, to prolific birdlife and mighty predators.
BEST PLACES TO SEE WILDLIFE
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania >
• Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania >
• Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya >
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya >
• Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda >
• Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda >
• Kibale National Park, Uganda >
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda >
• Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda >
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK TANZANIA
Serengeti National Park holds a legendary status among African safari destinations, standing as one of the oldest and most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Located in northern Tanzania, this vast, untamed wilderness is unparalleled in its natural beauty and scientific significance. It is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two Biosphere Reserves. For centuries, its sweeping landscapes and extraordinary wildlife have inspired adventurers, writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Peter Matthiessen, photographers, and scientists alike.
With over two million wildebeest, half a million Thomson’s gazelle, and a quarter of a million zebra, the Serengeti boasts the greatest concentration of plains wildlife in Africa. These
The Serengeti is, without question, the crown jewel of Tanzania’s protected areas, contributing to the country’s remarkable conservation record.
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animals take center stage in one of nature’s most astonishing spectacles—the Great Migration—where massive herds traverse the land in search of fresh grazing, pursued by formidable predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas. The Serengeti is, without question, the crown jewel of Tanzania’s protected areas, contributing to the country’s remarkable conservation record, with 14% of its land dedicated to national parks and wildlife reserves.
Spanning approximately 5,700 square miles, the park’s diverse landscape—originally shaped by volcanic activity—ranges from the vast, open grasslands of the south to the acacia-dotted savannas of the central region, the rolling, wooded hills of the north, and the rugged black clay plains of the west. Scattered rivers, lakes and swamps punctuate the terrain, each ecosystem supporting a distinct array of wildlife. Among the park’s most striking geological features are the kopjes (pronounced “copies”)— ancient granite outcrops that serve as lookout points for predators and shelter for creatures like rock hyraxes and pythons.
The Serengeti can be divided into three primary regions: the south, north and west. The seemingly endless grasslands of the southern Serengeti, where wildebeest gather to calve between December and May, form the quintessential safari backdrop. During the wet season, this area teems with a variety of grazing animals, including zebras, gazelles, impalas,
hartebeests, topis, buffalo and waterbucks. Further north, the rolling woodlands provide refuge for elephants and leopards, while the western corridors, marked by rivers and dense vegetation, attract hippos and crocodiles.
Beyond its migratory herds, the Serengeti is renowned for its remarkable predator populations, particularly its lions. The park is believed to support Africa’s largest lion population, with over 3,000 individuals thriving due to the abundance of prey. The elusive African leopard roams throughout the park, with an estimated population of around 1,000. Elephant numbers, once decimated by poaching, are steadily recovering in the northern territories, while the critically endangered black rhinoceros clings to survival, primarily around the central kopjes.
In addition to the famed Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros— the Serengeti is a haven for a vast array of other wildlife. Cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, baboons, African wild dogs, elands, topis and waterbucks all thrive here, alongside an astonishing 500 species of birds. Among them, the towering ostrich, the regal secretary bird, the massive Kori bustard, and the strikingly beautiful crowned crane add to the Serengeti’s rich avian diversity. Martial eagles soar overhead, while marabou storks and vultures patrol the skies, completing the intricate web of life in this unrivaled ecosystem.
NGORONGORO CRATER TANZANIA
Rising high above the Serengeti plains lies the eighth natural wonder of the world: the Ngorongoro Crater—the largest unbroken volcanic crater on Earth. The Ngorongoro Crater is a “caldera,” or a collapsed volcano, encompassing an area of 102 square miles with walls rising 2,000 feet from the plains below. The original Ngorongoro Volcano was formed by the Earth’s shifting plates, which produced the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley two to three million years ago. At its peak, it was probably larger than Mount Kilimanjaro, but it collapsed after a massive eruption.
Ngorongoro means a “cold place” in the Maasai language, and the German settlers called the area the “winter highlands.” Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing
Ngorongoro means a “cold place” in the Maasai language, and the German settlers called the area the “winter highlands.”
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on the crater rim, which, at 7,500 feet, is 2,000 feet higher than the crater floor.
Because of the steep walls, there are only two roads that enter and exit the crater. Around the crater grows the remnants of an evergreen temperate forest that may have stretched throughout Eastern Africa and the Congo Basin 18,000 years ago. It is a mixture of trees—particularly acacia—and scrub and serves as an important watershed for the surrounding countryside.
Ngorongoro Crater, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its natural value and again in 2010 for its cultural value, is often aptly referred to as a “Garden of Eden.” Dropping into the crater evokes a feeling of entering an enclosed, lost world.
Approximately 25,000 large animals, primarily ungulates, live in the crater, along with reputedly the highest density of mammalian predators in Africa. It is home to the critically endangered black rhino, along with thousands of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, eland, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles and a small number of elephants. These species are stalked by lions, leopards and abundant hyenas.
In summer, enormous numbers of Serengeti migrants pass through the plains of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including 1.7 million wildebeest, 260,000 zebra and 470,000 gazelles. Waterbuck are found mainly near Lerai Forest; servals live throughout the crater and on the plains to
the west. Cheetahs, although common in the reserve, are scarce in the crater itself. The African wild dog has recently disappeared from the crater and may have declined elsewhere in the Conservation Area as well as throughout Tanzania.
At the heart of the crater lies Lake Makati, also known as Lake Magadi, a shallow soda lake formed by the interaction of volcanic ash and rainwater. Its mineral-rich waters attract thousands of flamingos, which flock here to feast on the abundant crustaceans that give them their signature pink hue. Nearby, the lush swamps surrounding the lake provide a vital refuge for hippos, offering them a cool retreat from the heat of the day.
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MAASAI MARA GAME RESERVE KENYA
Established in 1961, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve remains one of the world’s most legendary safari destinations. Unlike a national park, it is a national reserve managed in partnership with the Narok County government, the Narok County Council, and the Mara Conservancy.
Spanning 580 square miles, the reserve consists of an inner core of 200 square miles, where human settlement is prohibited, and an outer area where local Maasai may graze their cattle while preserving the wilderness. Bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the Mara is part of a vast, transboundary ecosystem that provides over 15,000
This shared landscape offers some of the best vantage points to witness the Great Migration, one of nature’s most spectacular events.
square miles of protected habitat, ensuring wildlife can migrate freely in search of water and grazing. This shared landscape offers some of the best vantage points to witness the Great Migration, one of nature’s most spectacular events.
The Maasai Mara is renowned for its dense concentrations of plains game and predators. It supports thriving
populations of elephants, lions, cheetahs, zebras, hartebeests, warthogs, Maasai giraffes and both Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles. Birdlife is equally abundant, with bustards, ground hornbills, and secretary birds commonly seen striding across the grasslands. Meanwhile, the Mara River provides a habitat for hippos and formidable Nile crocodiles, adding to the reserve’s extraordinary biodiversity.
OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY KENYA
Nestled on the Laikipia Plateau in the shadow of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta
Conservancy is a pioneering nonprofit established in 2004 by philanthropic investors. Originally a cattle ranch dating back to the 1940s, it has since transformed into Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and gained global recognition as the home of the world’s last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu.
Spanning 90,000 acres, Ol Pejeta offers stunning views across vast open plains and
supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife beyond its renowned rhino population. Visitors can encounter giraffes, impalas, elands, zebras, cheetahs, lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas, and jackals. It is also the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen, thanks to a sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating animals rescued from the black market.
Despite hosting some of Kenya’s highest predator densities, Ol Pejeta successfully integrates wildlife conservation with a
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thriving livestock program. Every dollar earned is reinvested into conservation efforts and local community development, funding education, healthcare and infrastructure to inspire the next generation of wildlife stewards. Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, Ol Pejeta became one of only two African conservancies to achieve IUCN Green List status in 2014 and was named Africa’s Leading Conservation Company by the World Travel Awards in 2022.
“Our Expedition Leader was extraordinary—kind, compassionate, incredibly knowledgeable and a gifted storyteller. His easygoing demeanor, quick laughter and everpresent smile were contagious, as was his love for and knowledge of Africa. He made our trip unforgettable.”
— Nat Hab Traveler Karleanne R., Pride of East Africa: Kenya & Tanzania
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MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK Uganda
Covering almost 1,500 square miles of wild and varied terrain at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, Murchison Falls National Park features diverse habitats— including savanna, acacia forest, Borassus palm forest, riverine woodlands and papyrus swamp—that support a wide variety of wildlife.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s richest wildlife enclave, with 144 mammal species including chimpanzees and Rothschild’s giraffe, Uganda’s largest population of Nile crocodiles among its 51 reptile species, and 550 bird species including shoebills, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, great blue turaco and winged gray warbler.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s richest wildlife enclave, with 144 mammal species including chimpanzees and Rothschild’s giraffe.
The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, a turbulent stretch of whitewater forced through a narrow gap to plunge 140 feet over a sheer wall, creating a thunderous roar. While Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall in the world, the calm stretch of river below offers superb wildlife viewing, with elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo and Nile crocodile frequently in view. Launch trips to the base of the falls and Lake Albert Delta offer fine birdwatching, with a chance to see rare shoebill storks—a coveted sighting that draws birders to Uganda for this reason alone. The 1951 film The African
Queen, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, was filmed on Lake Albert and the Nile within the park.
At Lake Albert Delta, where the Victoria Nile enters this swampy wetland as a sluggish stream, discover an alluvial marsh that is a designated Important Bird Area and one of the best birding locations in Africa, especially for aquatic birds—keep an eye out for African fish eagles among the 75+ species of waterbirds found here. In the distance, the Congo mountain ranges rise in undulating forested ridges on the horizon.
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BUDONGO FOREST RESERVE Uganda
Located on the escarpment east of Lake Albert, this semi-deciduous tropical rainforest is noted for its large chimpanzee population of approximately 600 individuals, and its native mahogany trees, with some old-growth specimens as tall as 200 feet still standing. The forest is also home to 360 bird species, some of which are endemic to this localized region, including the yellowfooted flycatcher. Research on Budongo’s chimpanzees began in the early 1960s, with the establishment of a forest reserve that later became the Budongo Conservation Field Station. Among a trio of pioneering
researchers in the 1960s was Jane Goodall. In addition to hippos and crocodiles, the reserve is also home to elephants, giraffe, baboons, warthogs, and of course, countless beautiful birds.
The forest is also home to 360 bird species, some of which are endemic to this localized region, including the yellow-footed flycatcher.
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KIBALE NATIONAL PARK Uganda
Kibale National Park’s dense forests create a thriving ecosystem for a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including 1,300 chimpanzees. The park is home to 13 primate species, including the endangered red colobus monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, and the rare Ugandan mangabey. Birdwatchers are equally rewarded with over 370 recorded species, such as the great blue turaco and the African grey parrot. The park’s vast network of trails allows visitors to experience its rich biodiversity firsthand, whether trekking to observe chimpanzees or exploring the swamplands and crater lakes that shape its dramatic landscape.
Chimpanzee trekking is the park’s premier attraction, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of these highly intelligent primates. Guided treks take visitors deep into the rainforest, where expert trackers follow the calls and movements of habituated chimpanzee groups. Once found, guests can observe them socializing, foraging, and even using tools—behavior that highlights their close genetic link to humans. The experience is both exhilarating and humbling, providing not only an unforgettable adventure but also a deeper appreciation for the need to conserve Kibale’s pristine environment.
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BWINDI IMPENETRABLE
FOREST NATIONAL PARK Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of Africa’s most extraordinary wilderness areas, famed for its mist-covered mountains and dense, ancient rainforest. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it one of the best places on Earth for gorilla trekking. The park’s rugged terrain and thick vegetation add to the sense of adventure as visitors embark on guided hikes to track these magnificent primates in their natural habitat. Along the way, trekkers may encounter other fascinating wildlife,
including forest elephants, duikers, and a variety of colorful bird species.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Bwindi offers an immersive experience into the culture and conservation efforts that define the region. The Batwa, the original forest inhabitants, share their deep knowledge of the land through storytelling, traditional music, and demonstrations of their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Meanwhile, conservation initiatives, such as community-led tourism and habitat restoration programs, play a crucial role in protecting Bwindi’s biodiversity.
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VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Rwanda
Parc National des Volcans—Volcanoes
National Park—is named for the string of jungle-draped volcanoes inside its borders. The park is a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, with thick forests and steepsided mountains rising to nearly 15,000 feet above sea level. Within the Virunga Range, the park is one of three areas where mountain gorillas reside.
Dian Fossey made her groundbreaking studies on mountain gorillas here before she was killed in 1985. Several habituated gorilla
families live in the park, and ecotourism presence is critical to their survival. The experience of spending time with these primates is often described as one of the world’s most profound wildlife encounters.
While gorillas are the highlight, Volcanoes
National Park hosts an astonishing diversity of wildlife. Its varied ecosystems shelter elephant, buffalo, giant forest hog, bush pig, bushbuck, duiker and spotted hyena, as well as two habituated groups of endemic and highly endangered golden monkeys.
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To sleep under canvas in the bush beneath the Milky Way, listening to the roar of a distant lion...there’s no more quintessential safari experience! We place our camps in remote and secluded areas where wildlife viewing is best. Spacious walk-in tents evoke the classic safari ambience of yesteryear, while luxury amenities ensure your comfort is not compromised.
You’ll find well-dressed beds and an en suite bathroom with a hot shower, plus your own shaded veranda to watch animals ambling past. Evenings in camp are magical, with dinners served by lantern light and nightcaps around a crackling fire. Follow the herds at our Migration Camps and meet endangered giants from Rhino Camp. Enjoy unrivaled big cat viewing at Serengeti Plains and guided bush walks and night drives at Mara East Camp. You’ll savor intimate moments in nature you can’t get at a typical safari lodge.
NAT HAB’S PRIVATE AFRICAN SAFARI CAMPS
• Nat Hab’s Migration Camp—Serengeti Serengeti National Park, Tanzania >
• Nat Hab’s Serengeti East Camp Serengeti National Park, Tanzania >
• Nat Hab’s Rhino Camp Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya >
• Nat Hab’s Migration Camp—Maasai Mara Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya >
• Nat Hab’s Mara East Camp Private Mara Conservancy, Kenya >
nat hab’s MIGRATION CAMP— SERENGETI
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Set seasonally for proximity to the flow of wildebeest and zebra herds through the Serengeti, our own luxury mobile camp, with eight well-appointed en suite tents, optimizes your chance to witness the annual migration at close range.
“We
had so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences on one trip. Thanks to everyone who made this safari so special!”
— Nat Hab Traveler Thomas M.
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EAST CAMP
Nat Hab’s Serengeti East Camp is a mobile camp set along the Nyabogati River near prime big cat territory. Tucked among fever and acacia trees and with no other camp in sight for miles, our own private retreat provides exceptional seclusion.
nat hab’s
RHINO CAMP
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
Our luxury mobile camp is set in solitude on a private conservancy renowned for protecting endangered rhinos. The camp’s seven elevated tents are rustic yet supremely comfortable, making you feel one with your wild environs.
“The incredible opportunity to visit Ol Pejeta and witness conservation in action during our stay at Nat Hab’s Rhino Camp was a highlight of this safari. Having the chance to meet the last two northern white rhinos was a very emotional moment.”
— Nat Hab Traveler Terri Y.
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MIGRATION CAMP— MAASAI MARA
Our private mobile camp provides a secluded safari base offering unrivaled access to wildlife, including herds on the move, without sacrificing essential comforts. Seven spacious en suite canvas tents offer a vintage setting reminiscent of a bygone era.
MARA EAST CAMP
Our seasonal camp with just seven tents is set on a private conservancy in the Maasai Mara, for the ultimate in proximity to wildlife without the crowds—plus night drives and bush walks not offered in the national reserve.
“Our
desire for a truly immersive experience in the wild was achieved 100%. Our closeness to the animals, such as hearing lions roar while staying at Nat Hab’s Migration Camps, was unforgettable.”
— Nat Hab Traveler Peter J.
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East Africa’s wildlife faces challenges—poaching, habitat loss, and conflict—but conservation proves nature can recover. Mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda are increasing due to anti-poaching and ecotourism. Reintroductions have restored black rhinos and Grevy’s zebras. In Kenya and Tanzania, protected areas safeguard elephants, lions, and cheetahs, while community conservancies empower locals in conservation.
Elephants & the Challenge of Conservation
Conservation is rarely a simple task, especially in East Africa, where the needs of a growing human population must be weighed against the urgency of protecting wildlife. To navigate this challenge, officials have embraced innovative approaches. One such experiment took place in the Serengeti, where a national park—strictly prohibited from human settlement—is encircled by a larger conservation area that allows wildlife to roam alongside 40,000 human inhabitants.
Tanzania holds a crucial position in global conservation efforts. The country is home to as many as half the world’s remaining wild lions, with 3,000 in the Serengeti ecosystem alone. It has also been a battleground in the fight against poaching. Until recently, Tanzania was the epicenter of elephant
East Africa elephants BY THE NUMBERS:
86,000+
Estimated number of elephants now roaming East Africa, with populations growing steadily in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
36,000
Number of elephants in Kenya today— more than double the 16,000 counted in 1989.
96%
Drop in elephant poaching cases in Kenya, from 386 in 2013 to just 11 in 2022, thanks to stronger enforcement and monitoring.
6 million+
Acres of land now under community-led conservation management across East Africa, helping protect vital elephant habitat.
90+
Countries that have banned the ivory trade, contributing to a steep decline in demand and reducing incentives for poaching.
poaching in Africa, a crisis that pushed its elephant population to the brink.
The Great Elephant Census, a two-year undertaking funded by philanthropist Paul Allen, brought the scale of the crisis into stark relief. Conducted across 18 countries with 90 scientists and nearly 300 field staff, the study found that Africa’s elephant population had plummeted from 1.3 million in the late 1970s to just over 350,000 by 2016. Tanzania was among the hardest-hit nations—its elephant numbers declined by 60%, from 109,051 in 2009 to 42,871 in 2016.
This survey was a wake-up call. In response, then-President John Magufuli launched an anti-poaching task force in 2016, cracking down on poaching syndicates that had long operated with impunity. For the first time, high-profile traffickers faced prosecution,
signaling a shift in Tanzania’s commitment to wildlife protection.
The impact has been significant. By 2021, government estimates put Tanzania’s elephant population at over 60,000. This shows that conservation works when governments and communities commit to it.
Climate Change & The Great Migration
The timing of the Great Migration—one of nature’s most spectacular events—is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change. Unlike tourists checking their calendars, the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles that take part in this journey move instinctively, following the rains that nourish the grasses they depend on. But as climate change alters rainfall patterns, their ancient routes are becoming harder to follow.
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In recent years, parts of the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem have faced extreme droughts, while others have seen unusually early or intense rains. These shifting patterns have farreaching consequences.
Droughts shrink the grasses that the wild and domestic animals rely on and reduce the flow of the life-giving Mara River. As rainfall becomes less reliable, local farmers increasingly turn to the river for irrigation, further straining its resources.
Areas with heavier rains will see flooding and erosion, and migratory wildlife could be thrown off their cycles as they disperse in these areas rather than gathering for the mass migration.
While droughts and floods are not new to the Serengeti-Mara region, their frequency and intensity are accelerating. To understand why this matters, think of the migration as the circulatory system of the ecosystem—and the rains as its heartbeat. This natural rhythm keeps two million animals moving along a yearly journey that sustains wildlife and local communities. But just like an irregular heartbeat, too many disruptions can throw the system into crisis.
For now, the Great Migration remains one of the world’s most astonishing natural wonders. But its future depends on stabilizing the climate and protecting the delicate balance that has allowed this phenomenon to persist for millennia. By taking action, we can strengthen the heart of the SerengetiMara circulatory system and ensure that life continues to thrive for generations to come.
Tanzania holds a crucial position in global conservation efforts. The country is home to as many as half the world’s remaining wild lions, with 3,000 in the Serengeti ecosystem alone.
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Human-Wildlife Coexistence
The Maasai Mara derives its name from the Maasai people, one of Africa’s most wellknown pastoralist communities. With their distinctive red Shuka blankets and intricate beadwork, the Maasai have become cultural icons of East Africa—though ironically, their signature cloth is a relatively recent addition to their traditions.
What’s more remarkable than their recognizable attire, however, is their longstanding relationship with the land and its wildlife. For centuries, Maasai herders— along with other tribes before them—have lived among lions, elephants, and countless other species. Wild Africa has never been truly “wild” in the absence of humans. In fact, it is the birthplace of humanity, where people and animals have coexisted for longer than anywhere else on Earth.
Sometimes, that relationship extends beyond mere coexistence into a partnership of mutual benefit. One of the most fascinating examples is the honeyguide, a bird uniquely adapted to feast on beeswax and larvae found in honeycombs. Over generations, both honeyguides and human communities have learned to collaborate in a remarkable display of interspecies cooperation.
When a Maasai hunter sets out in search of honey, they use a distinctive local call to attract the attention of nearby honeyguides. The bird responds, leading them to a hidden beehive—often 20 or 30 feet up in a tree, where it would be difficult to find without
aerial guidance. Once the hive is located, the hunter breaks it open and gathers the liquid honey, leaving the comb and larvae behind as a reward for the honeyguide. Studies show that when assisted by honeyguides, hunters succeed in finding honey threequarters of the time—a success rate that highlights the deep-rooted connection between humans and the natural world.
This is just one example of how humans and wildlife have learned to share space for millennia. It also raises an important question: If people and animals have long coexisted, why do modern conservation efforts often focus on separating them into rigidly protected areas? The reality is complex. While historical coexistence proves that people and wildlife can share the same landscapes, the modern world presents new challenges—an exploding human population, habitat loss and an efficient global network for the illegal wildlife trade. In this context, some level of separation has become necessary for conservation.
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Yet, the Maasai and their history remind us that nature isn’t something apart from humanity—it is something we are inherently a part of. The challenge ahead is not just to protect wildlife from people, but to rediscover ways for both to thrive together.
The Future of Conservation in East Africa
National parks and other protected areas have played a critical role in preserving species and landscapes, but they are no longer enough. With a growing human population, a changing climate and threats from sophisticated poaching operations, conservation requires new approaches.
Much of the wildlife in East Africa already lives outside of protected areas, intertwined with the lives of communities. As climate change shifts food and water sources
outside of existing park boundaries, animals will need to migrate even farther to find sustenance, increasing the potential for conflict.
Communities that benefit from the presence of wildlife have an incentive to protect those animals. For instance, communities in the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara share in revenues generated by private conservancies, linking each community’s economic health to the health of the ecosystem. They will use appropriate techniques to keep predators away from their livestock and prevent poachers from operating on their lands.
Perhaps these new approaches to conservation will allow humans and wildlife to coexist and thrive across the East African landscape once again.
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NAT HAB PHILANTHROPY PROJECTS
As the leader in conservation travel, our safari operations are focused on making a difference through our work with conservation-minded organizations. The philanthropic initiatives we support benefit local communities, safeguard African wildlife and preserve cultural heritage.
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a Lambo Primary School Project
Most of our northern Tanzania safaris pass through Karatu as we travel to or from the Ngorongoro Highlands, and we enjoy introducing our guests to the local community. The Gyekrum Lambo Primary School in Karatu emerged as a school in need of support, and Nat Hab Philanthropy has funded two tanks to supply clean drinking water along with a school kitchen. This is a game-changer for the community and school children, as a facility like this—
Friends of Serengeti
Friends of Serengeti is a nonprofit organization that partners with sustainable tourism companies to preserve the Serengeti ecosystem and benefit the people who live within and around its protected areas. Nat Hab’s financial contributions strengthen community conservation initiatives such as:
The Serengeti Teachers Environmental Program (STEP)
STEP provides Tanzanian primary and secondary science teachers with training on environmental issues and wildlife protection. The program also creates conservationfocused curricula and encourages students to help with outreach by planting trees and leading community clean-ups.
Women’s Empowerment
This program prioritizes women’s education, health and economic welfare by providing them with opportunities to
and the nourishing food it produces—simply didn’t exist before. Several of our travelers have taken it upon themselves to supply new school uniforms and library books. Nat Hab Philanthropy has also purchased desks, transforming classrooms into more functional and comfortable spaces for learning. By addressing a basic yet critical need, this initiative has improved students’ focus and overall educational experience, creating a better foundation for their future.
generate income and sustain wealth, such as beekeeping and selling honey.
Radio Programming
In conjunction with a UNESCO-sponsored Maasai radio station, this program broadcasts educational messages to the entire region of Musoma, Maasai Mara, Loliondo area and some parts of Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It gives communities a platform to exchange conservation ideas in their native languages of Swahili and Maa.
Ecoagriculture
This program, spearheaded by a local Maasai leader, is designed to help secure the future of both people and wildlife in the Serengeti. At his Saravu Farm outside Arusha, he has developed and piloted a holistic ecoagricultural program to promote human welfare and biodiversity through improved dairy cows, land management and women’s empowerment.
Wildlife of East Africa
Martin B. Withers and David Hosking
This take-along guide to 475 common species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, trees and flowers of East Africa features full-color photographs with detailed descriptions on facing pages.
The Safari Companion
Richard Estes
An invaluable encyclopedic guide to Africa’s mammals by a noted scientist, this perennial bestseller includes black-and-white drawings, an overview of each animal group and in-depth information. Written with the typical safari-goer in mind.
Unbowed, A Memoir
Wangari Maathai
A readable and inspiring memoir by the Nobel Peace Prize winner and the first Kenyan woman to earn a doctorate. Maathai founded Kenya’s Green Belt Movement in 1977 and has fought hard both for women’s rights and for the environment all her life.
West with the Night
Beryl Markham
Markham evokes the landscapes, people and wildlife of East Africa in engrossing detail in this classic memoir of amazing adventures as a bush pilot in 1930s Kenya.
Love, Life and Elephants
Daphne Sheldrick
Founder of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Orphans’ Nursery in Nairobi National Park and, with her late husband, warden of Tsavo National Park, Daphne Sheldrick writes with humor and passion of a life devoted to conservation, including tales of a host of personable orphans.
Out of Africa
Isak Dinesen
The perennially best-selling tale of a naive young woman who leaves Denmark for East Africa, Dinesen’s (aka Karen Blixen) autobiography draws
us into life on a struggling coffee plantation. It’s a moving story inspired by a love for Kenya and its people. Includes the novella Shadows on the Grass
Serengeti, the Eternal Beginning
Boyd Norton
Featuring 250 exquisite color photographs alongside Norton’s firsthand accounts of travels in Serengeti National Park, Kenya’s Masai Mara and Ngorongoro over a decades-long career.
The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior
Ole Saitoti
Bridging several worlds with tremendous grace, Saitoti looks back on his life among the Maasai, both as spokesperson for his tribe and as one of the first Maasai safari guides.
Born in Africa
Martin Meredith
Martin Meredith (The Fate of Africa) turns to human origins and the riveting tale of rival anthropologists, archaeologists and scientists who have struggled to unravel the story of the evolution of humankind on the plains of Africa.
In the Shadow of Man
Jane Goodall
Goodall’s popular account of studying chimpanzees in Tanzania. First enlisted by the legendary scientist Louis Leakey, Goodall has gone on to do almost half a century of revolutionary primate research. This book, which is followed by Through a Window, tells the story of her early years with the chimps and her monumental discoveries concerning primate behavior. Complemented by 80 photographs.
The Snows of Kilimanjaro
Ernest Hemingway
Set in Africa, this collection of 10 prime Hemingway stories includes not just the famous title story but also “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber,” a chilling masterpiece about an American couple on a big game safari.
© R Gouveia
What is the best time to travel to East Africa?
The Maasai Mara and Serengeti, where many safari days take place, have a distinct rainfall pattern that drives the Great Migration. Although East Africa sits on the equator, its climate is generally temperate. The main rainy seasons occur from March to May and November to December. Many popular safari destinations are at elevations of 5,000–6,500 feet, which helps keep temperatures mild. Coastal areas are hotter, but ocean breezes provide relief, maintaining comfortable conditions for most of the year.
While East Africa has distinct seasons that dictate the migration and the rains, wildlife viewing here is good all year. The migration is always happening— for 10 months of the year, the migration occurs in the Serengeti, and for 6 weeks of the year, the herds migrate back and forth between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. From December to March, there are millions of animals on the open plains of the Serengeti, offering 360-degree views of wildlife. Babies abound at the start of February. June through October is often considered a peak wildlifeviewing time, when dry conditions and shorter grass drive the herds to migrate between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. There is also a chance of witnessing Mara River crossings during that period.
Where
is the Maasai Mara and the
Serengeti?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a protected area in southwestern Kenya covering 580 square miles. It is situated next to—and is the northern extension of—the Serengeti in northern Tanzania, which covers 11,583 square miles.
What type of wildlife will we see on an East Africa safari?
The Serengeti and Maasai Mara have an exceptionally large population of predators, including lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as zebras, gazelles and wildebeest that take part in the annual Great Migration. Buffalo and elephant can be found
in large numbers here, along with hundreds of unique bird species, making for a unique, diverse wildlife viewing experience. Unlike other East Africa itineraries, the rhinoceros is the highlight of Nat Hab’s Kenya Rhino Conservation Safari.
What time of day is wildlife most active in East Africa?
Wildlife in East Africa is usually the most active in the morning and evenings. This works out especially well for travelers because the morning and evenings are the coolest times of the day, and therefore the best times to be out in the bush. The morning and evening also provide the best lighting for capturing the perfect photographs of any animals you may encounter on your game drives or bush walks.
What is Africa’s Big Five?
Africa’s famed Big Five are the lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard.
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest group movement of land mammals on Earth. During this event, around 1.5 million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra traverse the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara with hordes of hungry predators in tow. As the plains dry out, they move in search of greener lands to the northern Serengeti. The sheer scale of this event and the intense encounters between predator and prey offer an unrivaled and unmissable wildlife spectacle.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration?
The migration is always happening—for 10 months of the year, the migration occurs in Tanzania, and for 6 weeks of the year the herds migrate back and forth between Kenya and Tanzania. Each time of year offers unique experiences. From December to March, there are millions of animals on the open plains of the Serengeti, offering 360-degree views of wildlife, and babies abound at the start of February. June through October is often considered a peak
time, when dry conditions and shorter grass drive the herds to migrate between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. There is also a chance of witnessing Mara River crossings. While herds of wildebeest and zebra numbering hundreds of thousands can be seen at this time, local factors such as rainfall and wildfires affect wildlife movement patterns and cause mini migrations through the Maasai Mara and northern Serengeti. As a result, sightings of the iconic lines of animals stretched across the plains can never really be predicted, but our safaris put you in areas with the highest chances of witnessing this spectacle.
Will I have a chance to meet local Maasai tribespeople?
East Africa is home to the Maasai people, a traditional tribe of pastoralists. Once nomadic and fiercely warlike, the Maasai have lived alongside wildlife for centuries and consider themselves the guardians of the ecosystem. Depending on the location of the small safari camps and lodges chosen for your itinerary, it may be possible to include an authentic and culturally sensitive visit to a local village, market or school and also spend time on a Maasai naturalist-guided bush walk, seeing nature through their eyes and learning some of the skills the warriors use when traveling through the wilderness.
What is the East African Rift System?
Many of us grew up learning about the Great Rift Valley—the cradle of humankind that passes through Tanzania and Kenya and preserves the remains of some of the earliest hominid fossils on the planet. Today, geologists understand that no single “great” rift valley exists. Instead, the rift that passes through Tanzania and Kenya is part of a complex network of rifts that reaches from the Red Sea to Mozambique, known as the East African Rift System. Rift valleys are formed when tectonic plates pull away from each other and the land between them drops. The rifts in the East African Rift System are caused by the slow separation of the African Plate, the Somali Plate and the Arabian Plate.
The East African landscape as we know it today, from the dry savanna to the saline lakes to the highest, glacier-covered peaks, is a direct result of this rifting process. The edges of rifts are characterized by uplift and thinning of the Earth’s crust. This dynamic geologic activity, which continues today, has resulted in the creation of volcanoes, alkaline lakes and rain shadows that prevent the moist winds of the Indian Ocean from reaching the interior of the country.
What is the weather like on an East Africa safari?
Daytime temperatures in the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti range from the mid to high 70s all year, making them a very pleasant safari destination. Evenings can be in the 50s, so a fleece or sweatshirt is recommended. It tends to be a little cooler in the high plateaus and warmer on the coast for those who extend their safaris there. Outside the main rainy seasons, rainstorms come to East Africa at different times throughout the year, but they tend to be brief and spectacular afternoon thunderstorms.
What clothing should I pack for the weather in East Africa?
Though it gets warmer throughout the day with temperatures peaking in the mid-afternoon, mornings and nights can be quite cold, so guests should pack multiple layers. Bring lightweight longand short-sleeved shirts, pants (zip-off pants are a great idea), a warm fleece or jacket, a hat and good walking shoes for bush walks. A wide-brimmed hat is always helpful on an Africa safari! For further details of what to bring, peruse this helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.
How will we travel around East Africa on our safari?
Nat Hab guests travel by light aircraft, and our game drives and road transfers are done in either open or closed 4x4 safari land cruisers (see each specific itinerary for details). Our safari vehicles
have cushioned passenger seats, and we rarely fill them to capacity so that each guest gets a window seat and has plenty of room for gear.
What are Nat Hab’s private mobile camps like?
Our mobile safari camps are in the heart of wildlife regions and allow us an experience that is different from that at permanent camps, particularly in the evening when others have left the park, and we remain. These spacious accommodations combine comfort with immersion in nature. Each private room includes full beds and bedding, a bathroom and a hot-water safari shower. Our camps are designed with classic décor, giving them the safari feel of yesteryear but with all the modern comforts.
What other accommodations will we stay at on an East Africa safari with Nat Hab?
On many of our safaris, we combine stays in our exclusive Nat Hab private mobile camps with stays in luxury permanent camps and lodges, often in private reserves where we can do night drives and safari walks. Please consult the accommodations page for each trip for specific details of the lodgings we use.
What type of food will be served at the safari camps? Will we have a chance to try local cuisine?
Meals on Nat Hab’s African safaris are often described as “fine cuisine!” Breakfast generally consists of a light continental meal before our morning activities, and then often, there is coffee/ tea with treats while on game drives. Returning late in the morning, we generally enjoy a full, hot brunch/lunch at camp; on the days we do a longer game drive, a picnic buffet lunch may be served in the bush. Dinners at the end of a long and exciting day can be quite elaborate, with European and local dishes often tilted toward American tastes. We provide plenty of options for all palates and dietary restrictions.
What currency is used in East Africa?
Can I exchange money while I’m there?
Kenya’s national currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). Click here to check the current exchange rate for USD to KES. Tanzania’s national currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Click here to check the current exchange rate for USD to TZS. Since the acceptance of U.S. dollars is widespread throughout East Africa, it is much easier to refrain from exchanging money.
Is an East Africa safari suitable for children?
East Africa is a fantastic destination for families with both teenagers and younger children. If you’re looking for a safari designed specifically for families, consider Nat Hab’s Family Adventures
Can Nat Hab take our family or a group on a private East Africa adventure?
Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 for group size and pricing details.
Interested?
Browse
our East Africa safaris online or call our office at 800-543-8917 to learn more, including options to create private, custom and family trips.
