Big Game Drive Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania

East Africa is home to some of the most diverse and thrilling wildlife experiences in the world. If you’re dreaming of seeing lions stalking their prey, elephants trumpeting in the wild, or massive herds of zebras and wildebeest on the move, then big game drive safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania should be at the top of your bucket list. Each of these countries offers something special—from vast savannahs and acacia-dotted plains to rich forests and crater lakes.

At Samz Tours, a trusted and experienced Uganda-based tour operator, we specialize in crafting unforgettable game drive safaris across East Africa. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya, track tree-climbing lions in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, or spot rare species in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, we ensure a seamless, exciting, and ethically guided safari experience.

Join us as we take you through what makes each destination unique and why a big game drive safari in this region is one of the most rewarding adventures any wildlife enthusiast can have.

Exceptional East Africa Safaris Tour Packages – Plan Your Safari for 2026

Uganda: The Pearl of Africa’s Hidden Safari Gems

Queen Elizabeth & Murchison Falls National Parks

Uganda may be best known for gorilla trekking, but its savannah parks offer rich and underexplored safari experiences. Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in the southwest, is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and the scenic Kazinga Channel, where boat safaris bring you close to hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. A big game drive here introduces you to buffalo, elephants, hyenas, and a wide array of antelope species.

Murchison Falls National Park, in northern Uganda, is another iconic destination. Here, game drives across the Buligi Peninsula offer chances to spot lions, giraffes, elephants, and even leopards. Combine this with a boat trip to the bottom of the mighty Murchison Falls, and you have a well-rounded safari experience packed with thrill and beauty.

Kidepo Valley National Park, though remote, is a true wilderness experience where you’ll see ostriches, cheetahs, and lions against a dramatic mountain backdrop. At Samz Tours, we customize Uganda game drive safaris to include culture, wildlife, and luxury or budget options, ensuring something for every traveler.

 

Rwanda: Where Scenic Beauty Meets Big Game

Akagera National Park and Beyond

While Rwanda is globally renowned for mountain gorilla trekking, it’s also an emerging destination for big game drive safaris. Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of the country, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Today, it’s home to Africa’s Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo—making it a perfect stop for wildlife lovers.

Game drives in Akagera are incredibly scenic, with its rolling hills, open plains, swampy lakes, and dense woodlands offering a mix of habitats and wildlife. Visitors can expect to see zebras, giraffes, impalas, hippos, crocodiles, and even elusive serval cats. The park’s guided night game drives offer the thrill of spotting nocturnal animals like bush babies and hyenas under a starlit African sky.

Samz Tours offers expertly guided Rwanda safari packages that include not just Akagera, but cultural tours and add-ons like chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe or a historical city tour in Kigali. If you’re planning big game drive safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, Rwanda’s compact size and high conservation standards make it a perfect beginning or end to your adventure.

 

Kenya: Safari Capital of the World

Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo & More

When you think of African safaris, chances are you’re picturing Kenya—home to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. Known for its abundant wildlife and the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Mara is an essential destination for any enthusiast of big game drive safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Between July and October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in dramatic fashion, pursued by lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, and hyenas.

Kenya’s other parks are just as breathtaking. Amboseli National Park, with its postcard views of Mount Kilimanjaro, is known for its massive elephant herds and swamp-dotted plains. Tsavo East and Tsavo West, together forming one of Africa’s largest protected ecosystems, offer red-dusted landscapes filled with lions, leopards, elephants, and lesser-known species like the gerenuk.

Samz Tours provides well-structured Kenyan safaris that blend wildlife with authentic Maasai cultural encounters and luxurious tented camp experiences. Kenya is also ideal for family safaris, thanks to its excellent road network, airport access, and family-friendly lodges.

 

Tanzania: The Heart of the Great Migration

Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire & Lake Manyara

Tanzania offers some of the most extraordinary safari landscapes and is a core part of big game drive safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The Serengeti National Park is world-famous for its sheer scale and diversity. It is the epicenter of the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras traverse the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing.

The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a truly unique experience—a collapsed volcanic caldera that now holds one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. You’re almost guaranteed to see rhinos, lions, hippos, elephants, and even flamingos around the crater lake.

Tarangire National Park is known for its massive baobab trees and large elephant herds, while Lake Manyara is ideal for birdwatching and spotting tree-climbing lions. Samz Tours’ Tanzania safari packages are customizable and ideal for honeymooners, photographers, and adventurers seeking immersive and unforgettable encounters in the wild.

 

What to Expect on Big Game Drive Safaris in East Africa

Game Drive Timings, Vehicles & What to Pack

Game drives in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania are typically offered in two sessions: early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active. Samz Tours uses well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing and photography. Our professional guides are not only experienced trackers but also passionate storytellers who share deep knowledge of wildlife and ecosystems.

Each game drive lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the park and sightings. Full-day game drives with picnic lunches can also be arranged, especially in larger parks like the Serengeti and Masai Mara.

When preparing for your safari, wear neutral-colored clothing, carry sun protection, binoculars, insect repellent, and your camera. Temperatures can vary widely between morning and evening, so layering is key.

Samz Tours also arranges luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations, airport pickups, park entry fees, and all logistical needs to make your game drive safari seamless and enjoyable.

 

Why Choose Samz Tours for Your East African Safari

Trusted Experts in Cross-Country Safaris

At Samz Tours, we don’t just organize safaris—we craft personalized adventures based on your interests, time, and budget. As a reputable and registered Uganda tour operator, we have in-depth experience in running big game drive safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, family, or group, we ensure every detail is taken care of—from permits and guides to transport and accommodation.

We also focus on ethical tourism, supporting conservation efforts and working with local communities to ensure your travel has a positive impact. Our safari guides are trained not only in wildlife tracking but also in responsible tourism practices.

Our packages are flexible—you can combine game drives with gorilla trekking, hot air balloon safaris, birdwatching, or beach holidays in Zanzibar. With Samz Tours, you’re not just going on a safari—you’re creating a story you’ll share for a lifetime.