UNIQUE EAST AFRICAN EXPERIENCES

A safari-lover's guide to exceptional East Africa

East Africa is a land of extraordinary wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, and cultural richness. But beyond the well-trodden paths of the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Ngorongoro Crater, there lies a wealth of unique experiences that can transform a safari from the typical to the exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time traveller seeking to dive deeper into the wild, East Africa is home to hidden gems that promise to surprise, challenge, and captivate. Let's find out more...

Let’s start with a truly off-the-beaten-path safari: walking with the Maasai. While the classic game drive is an essential experience, walking safaris offer a profound connection to the land and its wildlife in a way that no vehicle can. In Kenya and Tanzania, the Maasai people have lived side by side with the land and its creatures for centuries. 

A walking safari with Maasai guides allows you to gain insights into their intimate knowledge of the environment. Learn how they track animals, understand the signs of a fresh lion kill, or identify the plants that sustain both people and wildlife. It’s an experience that transforms the way you see the wilderness - a sensory, deep dive into the landscape that’s often missed from the comfort of a vehicle.

Another unique adventure can be found in the northern reaches of the Serengeti, where you’ll find the Ngare Nanyuki river system. This area is renowned for its remote and relatively untouched nature, making it an exclusive spot for those looking to escape the crowds. Imagine driving through wild savannah, encountering herds of wildebeest or large elephant families, before arriving at a river that flows with such serenity it feels like a secret. 

Here, the chance to witness a river crossing is not a given - it’s a rare and magical moment, one that only happens when the conditions align perfectly. Watching wildebeest brave the current, with crocodiles lurking just beneath the surface, is a heart-pounding experience that few get to witness in its most unfiltered form.

For those interested in a more intimate form of adventure, Nyerere National Park offers a safari experience that blends natural beauty with a strong sense of history. This park, one of the largest in Africa, is often overlooked in favour of its more famous counterparts. But what sets it apart is the opportunity to explore it on foot or by boat - a rare treat in East Africa. 

Drift along the Rufiji River by boat, and you might find yourself face-to-face with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants on the riverbanks. Alternatively, experience the thrill of walking through untouched bush, guided by experts who will help you decode the animal tracks and calls around you. The sense of solitude here, coupled with the incredible biodiversity, makes it a hidden treasure for the safari purist.

For those looking for a more cultural experience, Rwanda offers its own unique safari adventure. Not just famous for its mountain gorillas, Rwanda’s Kigali is a fascinating destination to explore. It’s a city built on resilience and transformation, where visitors can explore poignant memorials and museums that recount the harrowing history of the Rwandan genocide. But beyond the history lies a thriving cultural scene, from the vibrant colours of local art markets to the rhythmic beats of Rwandan music. Pair a gorilla trekking adventure with time spent in Kigali, and you’ll not only leave with memories of wildlife, but with a deeper understanding of this resilient nation.

Finally, let’s not forget about the sheer joy of the unexpected: camping under the stars. While luxury lodges and tented camps are the mainstay of safari accommodation, nothing beats the experience of an authentic, mobile camping safari. In the Serengeti, for example, a night under canvas can be incredibly immersive. 

As the sun sets over the plains and the night sounds of the bush fill the air, you’ll feel like a part of the landscape - as though the vast, endless horizon is yours to explore. Campfires, shared stories, and the thrill of hearing the distant calls of lions or hyenas in the night create a sense of intimacy with the wilderness that can’t be replicated in any lodge.

At Leadwood Holidays, we specialise in curating one-of-a-kind experiences that take you beyond the traditional safari. Whether it’s tracking rhino on foot in Ngorongoro, staying in a luxury tented camp in the Maasai Mara, or exploring the less-visited southern parks of Tanzania, we pride ourselves on offering personalised, transformative journeys that make your East African adventure truly unforgettable.