For the best second-time safari in East Africa, go to…

If you've fallen in love with East Africa and are coming back for a second safari, or you just want a more in-depth trip covering some off-the-beaten-track destinations, you've come to the right place. We're here to help you decide where to go on your second safari in East Africa. 

If you're planning your first safari in East Africa then check out East Africa: A Bucket List and our comprehensive guide to The Great Wildebeest Migration. 

Top Destinations of East Africa

Tanzania and Kenya are neck and neck for first place as the ultimate safari country in East Africa, if not Africa. Most travellers go to Masai Mara in Kenya or Serengeti in Tanzania (East Africa's top safari destinations) to witness the Great Migration on their first African safari.

If you're planning a second-time safari in East Africa (or a more in-depth, off-the-beaten-track trip) then keep reading.

1. Where to go on Safari in Kenya the second time around
2. Where to go on Safari in Tanzania the second time around
3. Where to go on safari in Uganda
4. Where to go on safari in Rwanda
5. Travelling to Ethiopia on your second safari

To experience the best of East Africa on your second safari combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda and/or Uganda with wildlife viewing and some beach time in either Tanzania or Kenya, or both. For a totally different travel experience, usually with a more cultural emphasis, Ethiopia is the place to go.

Where to go on Safari in Kenya, the second time around

Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park are Kenya's top tourist attractions so most people visit them on their first Kenyan safari. If you didn't make it to Amboseli on your first safari then this Kenyan park should feature on your itinerary the second time around. It is famous for its beautiful scenery (with Kilimanjaro in the background) and sizeable elephant populations, being one of the best places in Africa to see elephants in the wild.

Amboseli kili by Aaron & Lisa

There is, however, so much more to Kenya than Masai Mara and Amboseli. The country actually has some excellent beaches and plenty of other incredible safari destinations where you can be mesmerised by Africa's wildness and wildlife. Here are a few unforgettable places to see on your second visit to Kenya:

1. The Great Rift Valley Lakes

Lake Naivasha & Crescent Island Conservancy

Lake Naivasha is a scenic destination offering excellent boat-based game viewing. Take a boat trip here to view hippos and other animals as well as plenty of birds. At some of the lakeshore lodges, you'll get to see giraffes, monkeys, waterbuck and hippos on the grounds. You can also take boat trips to Cresent Island for guided walking safaris which bring you up close to the birds and wildlife in this private game reserve.

Lake Naivasha hippos by Jake

Hell's Gate National Park

Near Lake Naivasha, you'll find Hell's Gate National Park where you can enjoy the novelty of exploring on foot or by bicycle. The park hosts plenty of game, including buffalos, zebras, baboons, eland and other antelopes, along with over 100 bird species, but no large predators. The park features diverse terrains and impressive geological features.  

Hells Gate Park in Kenya by Nina R

• Affordable Safaris to Lake Naivasha

Lake Nakuru National Park

One of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos and Rothschild's giraffes, two of Africa's most endangered animals. 

Rhinos in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

In addition to both black and white rhinos and Rothschild's giraffes, Lake Nakuru is home to healthy concentrations of various wild animals. Four of the Big Five are found in this relatively compact park - lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino. Lake Nakuru Park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions which you may be lucky enough to spot.

Lake Nakuru giraffe by Nicolas Barcet

Established as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru Park is also known for its outstanding bird watching.

• Budget Safaris to Lake Nakuru Park

Lake Baringo

A birder's paradise, Lake Baringo is one of Kenya's finest birdwatching destinations. This freshwater lake even holds the world record for the most birds (342 species) recorded over 24 hours. About 480 bird species have been recorded at Lake Baringo which is a particularly great place for watching water birds. Boat trips on the lake provide a close-up look at hippos, crocodiles and monitor lizards along its shores, with wildlife around the lake including zebra, greater kudu and various antelope species.

Baringo African Fish Eagle by Mathieu Breitenstein

Lake Bogoria National Reserve

This Ramsar Site is the place to see giant flocks of pink flamingoes. One of the largest populations of flamingoes (up to two million) in the world gathers at alkaline Lake Bogoria over certain periods. This sea of pink flamingoes is quite something to behold.

You can take a soak in the natural hot springs and geysers at Lake Bogoria or explore the area on foot or by bicycle.

Bogoria flamingoes by Jake

• Combine the Rift Valley Lakes of Baringo, Bogoria and Lake Nakuru with Masai Mara: 6 Day Masai Mara & Rift Valley Lakes Camping Safari 

Lake Turkana National Parks

Also called the Jade Sea, this turquoise-hued lake lies in the parched Chalbi Desert. The northernmost Great Rift Valley Lake in Kenya, Lake Turkana is both the largest desert lake and the largest alkaline lake in the world. Lake Turkana covers about 7000 km² making it the largest of Kenya's Great Rift Valley Lakes.

Lake Turkana

There are three national parks at the lake which together form the Lake Turkana National Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The national parks serve as breeding grounds for crocodiles, and hippos, hosting huge hippo pods and one of the world's largest populations of Nile crocodiles. Lake Turkana is also an important stop for migratory birds and the site of unique fossil deposits. The other-worldly scenery and remoteness of Lake Turkana make for a fascinating visit, along with the tribal local cultures.

Lake Turkana local by Filiberto Strazzari

• A 4x4 expedition off the tourist track to Lake Turkana, Chalbi Desert, Marsabit National Park and Samburu: Lake Turkana, Chalbi Desert & Samburu Camping Safari
• An unusual camping safari to Lake Turkana, Lake Baringo, Samburu Game Reserve (see below) and more: Lake Turkana & Northern Kenya Camping Safari

2. Kenya Parks & Lesser-Known Wildlife Destinations

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is another top hotspot for seeing elephants in Africa. Unlike Amboseli, however, it is a remote and rugged game reserve. In this less-visited national park, you'll encounter fewer other visitors and safari vehicles experiencing a more exclusive safari. This out-of-the-way destination hosts the Big Five of Africa (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) across diverse habitats.

Samburu lion

The Ewaso Ng'iro (or Nyiro) River winds through Samburu supporting a surprising range of animals. This arid part of Northern Kenya is home to several rare and unusual species, including Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk antelopes, Somali ostriches, Somali giraffes and East African oryx. 

Samburu gerenuk by Ninara

One of the highlights of visiting Samburu is encountering the traditional Samburu people. The Samburu have a reputation for being open and friendly towards visitors, and although they are a clan of the famous Maasai they have their own unique culture.

Samburu tribe by Davida De La Harpe

• Affordable Samburu Safaris

Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Park

One of Kenya's biggest and oldest protected areas, Tsavo consists of Tsavo East and West, which together cover about 22 000km² of wilderness. Tsavo is best known for the red dust-coated elephants and the notorious man-eating lions of the late 1800s.

Tsavo lion by Mathias Appel

For viewing big game, the less arid Tsavo West Park is slightly better, but Tsavo East is where you'll see the famous elephants coated in red dust. Both parks host large numbers of wildlife but because of their sheer size population densities are relatively low. The main appeal of the Tsavo Parks is their unspoilt wilderness and the absence of crowds which make them ideal for more adventurous and experienced safari-goers. 

Tsavo elephants by John Hickey-Fry

Due to its proximity to Mombasa and Amboseli National Park, Tsavo combines well with these two Kenyan destinations. See our Tsavo Guide for more about Tsavo East and West and the differences between the two parks.

• Tsavo East & West Safaris

Kenya's Private Concession Areas

Many of Kenya's famous national parks share unfenced borders with private conservancies which offer exceptional safari experiences. The independent concessions are owned privately or by local communities. Similarly to the private game reserves of Greater Kruger in South Africa, the private concessions of Kenya offer several advantages over their neighbouring state-owned parks. Benefits of the privately owned reserves include night game drives, walking safaris, open 4x4 vehicle game drives and more exclusivity (fewer safari vehicles and more intimate camps).

Selenkay Conservancy at Amboseli

Private Conservancies & Safaris include:

• Selenkay Conservancy at Amboseli National Park - Amboseli & Private Game Reserve Fly-in Camping Safari
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy near Mount Kenya National Park - Fly & Drive Amboseli & Ol Pejeta Safari & Budget Kenya Family Safari
• Tsavo Conservancy linking Tsavo East and West National Parks - Budget Kenya Safari - Best National Parks Camping Tour

See Kenya’s Private Concessions: Safari Paradise for more about the conservancies of Kenya.

3. Kenya Beaches

Kenya's most popular beach is Diani Beach which lies just south of Mombasa. The beautiful Diani Beach boasts powdery white sands, tropical waters and island-style palms. 

Diani Beach camels by Herbert Aust

• Budget Safari in Kenya - Masai Mara & Best Parks Lodge Tour

Under two-hours north of Mombasa lie the sandy beaches of Watamu and Malindi. Here you'll find clear waters and offshore coral reefs ideal for snorkelling and diving, as well as beach bars, restaurants and plenty of accommodation, especially in Malindi. Watamu is the quieter of the two and features the beautiful beaches of Turtle Bay.

Then there's Nyali in Mombasa which is a great beach for surfing, swimming and general beaching. For snorkelling, the next beach along the coast, Tiwi, is better and less frequented. Gazi Beach is another great place to escape the crowds and lap up the tropical beach experience, south of Diani.

Nyali beach by Victor Ochieng

Laid-back Lamu Island adds cultural intrigue to beach bliss with its Arabic-Swahili flavours. The island is laden with luxury beach resorts and white sand beaches, lying just off the coast of Kenya, north of Mombasa.

Countries & Destinations to Combine Kenya with:

• Tanzania Safaris, especially to Serengeti Park and the Ngorongoro Crater on Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit.
• Uganda Tours, all of which take you gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park.

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Where to go on Safari in Tanzania the second time around

At the top of the safari hit list in Tanzania: Serengeti Park and Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area on the Northern Safari Circuit. Also, Tanzania's top travel destination for beach holidays is, of course, the dazzling Zanzibar Island.

Here's what lies beyond Tanzania's top three travel destinations.

1. Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit

For second-time safaris, Southern Tanzania is a must. The southern parks of Tanzania are far less-visited than the famous northern parks. The result: a less-crowded and more intimate safari experience. Southern Tanzania's Safari Circuit features some of Africa's largest and wildest game reserves. These remote and rugged parks are ideal for genuine wilderness adventures.

Mikumi elephants

Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are the two most sought-after destinations on Tanzania's Southern Safari Circuit.

Selous Game Reserve

Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa, a vast unspoilt wilderness area of raw beauty. Selous is home to hippos, African wild dogs, wildebeest, lions, leopards and a plethora of plains game. The protected area is known for its wild camping (fly-camping), walking safaris and boat-based game viewing along the Rufiji River.

Selous game reserve picnic

• Budget Selous Safaris

Ruaha National Park 

The remote Ruaha National Park is renowned for its large elephant population and the exceptionally high number of predators. Lions are especially abundant in Ruaha, which is said to host the second-largest lion population on the planet. This is also a stronghold for endangered African wild dogs, as well as hosting globally significant cheetah populations and numerous leopards. In addition to the massive elephant herds, Ruaha is also home to large herds of buffalos.

Ruaha buffalos

Tanzania's largest national park, Ruaha is a truly wild and unspoilt wilderness area - a real bush getaway without the crowds.

• Budget Ruaha Safaris

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

A lush mountainous park, brimming with diverse plants, animals and birds, many of them endemic and rare. Udzungwas is noted for its exceptional biodiversity and variety of primates, two of which (the Iringa red colobus and Sanje crested mangabey) are endemic to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park.

Udzungwa Mountains primate

• Head to the Udzungwa Mountains on our South Tanzania Safari to Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi & Udzungwas

2. Trekking & Hiking: Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru

The tallest mountain in Africa nicknamed the "Roof of Africa", Kilimanjaro is a must for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. Climbing Kilimanjaro is not only an incredibly rewarding feat but also an amazingly scenic adventure through changing landscapes and vegetation zones. You'll trek from rainforests to ice fields to reach the highest point of Kili, Uhuru Peak, at 5895 metres above sea level. 

Tanzania Kilimanjaro trek

Find out more about Climbing Kilimanjaro or compare guided Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via the Machame, Lemosho or Marangu Routes.

For a less gruelling climb, Mount Meru is a fantastic option at 4562 metres. The perks of climbing Mount Meru are that it is less crowded, more affordable and offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Other highlights of climbing Mount Meru are the diverse vegetation zones you'll experience and the regular sightings of big game. The second highest mountain in Tanzania, climbers often hike up Mount Meru in preparation for their climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. 

• Check out our 6-Day Mount Meru Hike in Tanzania

3. Tanzania Beaches & Island Destinations

For beach holidays the top spot goes to Zanzibar Island. Tanzania does, however, boast several other idyllic beach getaways well worth visiting. Starting with Mafia Island, this top Tanzanian beach destination is wilder and far less-visited than Zanzibar. Five lush islands make up the Mafia Archipelago which sports shallow coral reefs protected by a marine park. This is one of the best scuba diving destinations in Tanzania, rich in marine life and an array of corals.

Mafia island tanzania by Gill Penney

Pemba Island is another off-the-beaten-track beach hideaway forming part of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Located northeast of the main Zanzibar Island (Unguja) the lush island of Pemba is far less crowded. Its pristine coral reefs set the scene for some of the finest scuba diving in Africa, known for high visibility and a rich variety of ocean life. On Pemba, take a dhow to Vumawimbi Beach - the place to get away from it all. 

Pemba island by Marcel Oosterwijk

On the mainland, Saadani National Park just north of Dar es Salaam is a great option for the time- and budget-strapped. In Saadani you can spend time on the sandy beaches and go game viewing, with wildlife including elephants, buffalos and lions. Then just north of Saadani Park is Sange Beach a quieter, more out of the way beach stop.

Countries & Destinations to Combine Tanzania with:

• Southern Kenya's Masai Mara & Amboseli Park
• Gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda or Uganda

Not sure which is best for your next African safari - Kenya or Tanzania? See Best Safari Country - Kenya vs Tanzania

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Where to go on safari in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The first place people head to when visiting Uganda is Bwindi Forest National Park. Home to about half of the world's endangered mountain gorillas. If you're travelling to Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi is undoubtedly the top activity, a not-to-be-missed wildlife experience. If you are thinking of going mountain gorilla trekking see our Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Africa’s Rainforests.

Uganda gorilla by USAID Biodiversity & Forestry

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda is the most affordable option, with gorilla permits costing $600 compared to the $1500 in Rwanda. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is also an exceptional place to visit in itself given its high biodiversity and unusual plant, insect, bird and animal species. In Uganda, accommodation tends to be more rustic and wild than in Rwanda where travellers usually stay in the closest town to the Volcanoes.

When it comes to travelling distances, it takes over 12 hours on rough roads to drive from Kampala to Bwindi versus the two-and-a-half hours it takes to drive under 100km's on fairly good roads from Kigali to Volcanoes. You can, however, do a fly-in tour to Bwindi which cuts out the long drives to and from Entebbe/Kampala or drive to Bwindi from Kigali, which is much closer than Kampala, on our 6-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari also visit Volcanoes.

More Destinations in Uganda

The upside of gorilla trekking in Uganda is that you can also do a Big Five safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, go chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park and brave some adventure activities in Jinja which is located at the source of the Nile.

• Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours & Wildlife Safaris

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Where to go on safari in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is the place to go for gorilla trekking. It also happens to be an excellent place to track golden monkeys!

Advantages over Bwindi include shorter travelling distances, less strenuous trekking and gorillas that are more habituated to humans. Another bonus of gorilla trekking in Rwanda is that the photographic conditions are generally better than in the more dense vegetation of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Volcanoes gorillas by Kate Tann

Not sure whether to go to Uganda or Rwanda for gorilla trekking? Check out our comparison Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Africa: Uganda or Rwanda? or view all of our Gorilla Trekking Tours to Uganda and Rwanda.

More Destinations in Rwanda

Head to Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, one of Africa's oldest national parks, to combine boat trips and game viewing.

Nyungwe Forest National Park protects one of Africa's oldest montane forests and is a primate hotspot. There are about 13 primate species found here with chimpanzees being particularly abundant. This large, old forest is also inhabited by a rich variety of mammals, birds, butterflies and plants (including exotic orchids).

• Budget Rwanda Tours

Safety note: Several travel advisory boards currently advise against travelling to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to political instability in the country. 

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Travelling to Ethiopia on your second safari

If you're ready for something completely different from the Western world and its modern ways then Ethiopia could be the perfect place for your second safari. Ethiopia isn't your typical big game destination focussed on wildlife safaris. This ancient land offers a wealth of cultural adventures and historical treasures with some wildlife viewing and epic trekking on the cards too.

From a wildlife viewing perspective, the Ethiopian wolf, Swayne’s Hartebeest and Walia Ibex (wild mountain goat) are three of the main highlights.

Ethiopian wolf large by Laika ac

A journey to Ethiopia really is more about experiencing its cultural riches and unique people. From the fascinating and bewildering tribes of Omo Valley to the brightly-robed monks of the north, Ethiopia's people have a long and colourful history. 

Stmaryofzionchurchaxum large

Tours to northern Ethiopia entail exploring the ancient ruins of historic cities and palaces, remote monasteries and rock-hewn churches. 

Lalibela church large

In the south, you'll encounter the utterly unique tribes of Omo Valley (such as the Hamer, Mursi, Karo, Dasenech, Ari and Dorze) with their intriguing rituals, traditional attire and striking body ornamentation.

Mursi woman-2 large

If you're an intrepid explorer, ready to step off the map then look to the rugged Simien Mountains and the inhospitable Danakil Depression.

Lake asale potash workings large by Ian Swithinbank

• See what our affordable Ethiopia Tours entail.

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Ultimately if you're returning to East Africa for your second safari and didn't go gorilla trekking on your first trip then we strongly recommend going to Uganda or Rwanda for this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. You can easily combine gorilla trekking with wildlife safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, where plenty of less-visited yet unforgettable wildlife and beach destinations await!

Some globetrotters argue that Southern Africa is a better region to travel to than East Africa because it is more diverse. See Southern Africa vs East Africa Safaris - how to choose? for more on this or Where to go on your second safari in South Africa.

Or, contact one of our travel gurus for help planning your ultimate second (or first) African safari.