East AfricaEast Africa is the classic 'Out of Africa' safari experience; a picture perfect scene of endless grassy plains teeming with game and dotted with umbrella-like acacia trees. There are spectacular parks in Tanzania and Kenya, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the forests of Uganda and the gelada baboons of - Ethiopia.

NAIROBISimien MountainsLalibelaGondarADDIS ABABALanganoBale MountainsLaikipia PlateauLake NakuruLake NaivashaSamburu National ReserveMeru National ParkMeru National ParkMombasaArusha National ParkNgorongoro Crater Conservation AreaSerengeti N.P.The Masai MaraMurchison Falls National ParkKibale Forest N.P.Parc National des VolcansMgahinga Gorilla National ParkLake VictoriaTarangire N.P.Lake ManyaraN.PSelous Game ReserveKatavi N.P.KENYAETHIOPIAUGANDATANZANIARWANDAIn focusThe Great MigrationClimate - KenyaDecember - April:Serengeti PlainsDecember:Loliondo National ParkOctober:Masai MaraSeptemberAugustJulyMaySerengeti National ParkThe migration of millions of white-bearded wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of Burchell's zebra is the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet. Zebra usually lead the way, with gazelles accompanying the herds for short distances. They move by instinct, nature dictating when to move where, and with grazing taking up some sixteen hours each day, the grass plains are left bare within a matter of days. It is a hazardous journey, with lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog, jackal and countless birds of prey constantly on the look out for their next meal, and of course Nile crocodiles lying in wait at fast-fl owing river crossings such as the Grumeti and the Mara. Following the rains, these animals can be seen at various points in the Masai Mara and Serengeti throughout the year and our guide above and map to the left show you the best places for excellent viewings. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecTemperature max (°C) 25 26 25 24 22 21 21 21 24 24 23 23Rainfall (mm) 38 64 125 211 158 46 15 23 31 53 109 86Top tip:Many people choose to travel in the wet season, which brings clear skies, fewer visitors, beautiful sunsets and the birth of many young. JanuaryThe calving of the wildebeest in the southern Serengeti. They will stay in the southern and western areas of the park until late June when they begin to head north. Pages 66-71July The wildebeest cross the Grumeti River and head into the Masai Mara where they stay until around October. (Note that it is impossible to know the exact timing of the river crossing). Pages 60-65NovemberThe wildebeest cross back down the eastern corridor of the Serengeti when they smell the rains approaching. OctoberGenerally in Kenya and Tanzania, the last dry month and a great time for viewing large concentrations of game around the main water courses. Pages 60-7157AFRICA | EAST AFRICA