Faqs

Yes — East Africa is one of the only few places on Earth where you can trek to see wild mountain gorillas. There are fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas remaining in the world, all living in conservation forests spanning Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.

East Africa has two dry seasons that are widely considered the best for game viewing. January – March is the short dry season. Vegetation is lower, animals gather around water sources, and the southern Serengeti hosts the famous wildebeest calving season — one of nature's most dramatic spectacles. Crowds are moderate and prices slightly lower than peak. June – October is the long dry season and the busiest safari period. This is when the Great Migration river crossings happen in the Masai Mara (July–October), and game is at its most concentrated in open plains across Kenya and Tanzania. Expect higher prices and fuller camps during this window. November – May (green season) brings occasional rains, lush scenery, and far fewer tourists. Birdwatching is exceptional, newborn animals are abundant, and rates drop significantly. Rain typically falls in short afternoon bursts rather than all day, so game drives are rarely disrupted.

We recommend the following: Yellow fever: Mandatory for entry to Uganda and Rwanda. A certificate (the "Yellow Card") must be carried at all times. In addition to medication: use DEET-based insect repellent, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear long sleeves and trousers after sunset.

The migration unfolds all year, but each stretch of the journey has its own personality: **January – March (Southern Serengeti):** This is the season of new life. Across the Ndutu plains, thousands of calves arrive every single day, transforming the landscape into a vast nursery. With so many vulnerable young animals, predators are never far—lion prides, cheetahs, and hyenas are in constant motion, turning this period into one of raw, unfiltered survival. **April – June (Central to Western Serengeti):** As the rains deepen, the herds begin their slow push northwest. The terrain becomes lush and dramatic, though often slick and challenging to navigate. Fewer visitors venture out at this time, making it a quieter, more atmospheric experience—ideal for those who appreciate solitude and moody, rain-washed scenery. **July – October (Masai Mara, Kenya):** This is the migration at its most iconic. Herds gather at the Mara River, hesitating before launching into chaotic crossings. The water churns with danger as crocodiles lie in wait, and the banks erupt in dust and tension. It’s a breathtaking, high-stakes spectacle that draws photographers and wildlife lovers from around the globe. Areas like the Mara Triangle and Ol Kinyei Conservancy provide exceptional viewing opportunities. **November – December (Eastern Serengeti):** With the arrival of the short rains, the cycle begins to turn again. The herds drift southward, retracing their path toward the calving grounds, spreading out across the plains as the landscape refreshes and prepares for the next generation.