What is Trending for African Tour Safaris in 2026?

Booking the right African tour safaris is the best way to start 2026 and catch up to what is trending. African tours offer exceptional moments that every nature enthusiast desires to enjoy on a holiday. Currently, the most trending experiences worth trying on the African tour safaris include gorilla trekking, the Great Migration, golden monkey tracking, the boat cruises, beach vacations, and more. Each African safari destination promises unique encounters and adventures.

Trending African Tour Safaris in 2026

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is on the top list of the most trending African tour safaris. If you are looking for a unique experience to enjoy in Africa this year, then look not beyond mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Uganda and Rwanda specifically offer the most unforgettable mountain gorilla encounters, and this is enjoyable while in the lush rainforest.

If your dream has always been to witness mountain gorillas in the wild, then booking gorilla trekking tours to Uganda or Rwanda should be a must. Mountain gorillas are among the world’s rarest species of primates and live only in the wild. It means visitors shouldn’t expect to find them at any zoo. Booking a gorilla trekking tour to Uganda or Rwanda offers you a lifetime opportunity to locate the massive mountain gorillas as they are immersed in their natural environment.

In Uganda, visitors get a chance to locate mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. Up to 5 sectors are present for tourists to consider exploring mountain gorillas on Uganda gorilla tours. The sectors of visitor interest include Ntebeko (located in Mgahinga), Rushaga & Nkuringo (Southern part of Bwindi), Buhoma in the Northern part, and Ruhija sector, which is in the Eastern part of Bwindi.

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking expeditions begin from Kinigi with a chance for you to explore Volcanoes National Park. At Volcanoes National Park, treks with the Rwanda gorilla involve exploring the 13 habituated gorilla groups, each with an exceptional story.

To join the adventure all visitors need valid gorilla permits. A single Uganda gorilla permit costs US Dollars 800 per person, and if you have plans to be in Rwanda to explore mountain gorillas, expect to secure a permit at US Dollars 1500 per person.

Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania

The Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania offers a thrilling encounter with the wildebeests and thousands of other grazers. Tanzania and Kenya remain the world’s most favorite destinations to witness the powerful wildebeest migration. The target spots to explore and witness the Great Migration in East Africa include the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The Kenya and Tanzania migration is best experienced from July to October. So visit these countries for a thrilling African tour safaris this year.

Canopy Walk in Rwanda

Rwanda is a special destination for a must-visit in East Africa if you want to enjoy a guided canopy walk. The Rwanda canopy walk is conducted on a suspended bridge set 70m above the lush Nyungwe Forest. Visitors get a chance to explore 160m long canopy walkway with an experienced guide from Rwanda. Overall, you can take around 2 hours and expect to come across some tree species, birds, and more. During the actual canopy walk, expect to commence your excursion from Igishigishigi trail. The available canopy walking options are scheduled at 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 1:00pm to & 2:00pm.

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Golden monkey treks are among the excellent additions to your primate adventures on African tour safaris in 2026. Uganda and Rwanda offer exceptional encounters with golden monkeys in the finest protected areas. About 4000 golden monkeys still survive on earth, with the highest concentration of them occupying the Virunga region of Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. In Uganda, golden monkey trekking is done in the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and in Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey permits are essential whether you intend to be in Uganda or Rwanda. You can book Uganda/Rwanda golden monkey permit through our reservation team.

Boat cruises in Rwanda and Uganda

Boat cruise excursions offer such an appealing experience to nature enthusiasts during African tour safaris. Not only do you get a chance to appreciate the abundant aquatic life, but also the breathtaking scenery as you navigate the different water bodies. The best spots to consider for boat cruise tours in Uganda include Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park (along the delta and Victoria Nile), Lake Bunyonyi, and Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. A typical boat cruise excursion in Uganda’s National Park rewards with mesmerizing encounters of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, etc.

While in Rwanda, expect to enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This is a perfect addition to game drive experiences offered in Akagera National Park. Boat rides in Rwanda are also provided on Lake Kivu, one of the magnificent freshwater Lakes in Africa.

Beach Vacations (Zanzibar & Mombasa)

Visit Mombasa in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania to enjoy the authentic African beach experience. Are you planning your honeymoon soon and have nowhere to go? Book with us an unforgettable beach holiday to Zanzibar or Mombasa. Each of these beach holiday destinations comes with lush tropical islands and beaches for you to have a great leisure time with your dear one.

Cultural or tribe tours in South Sudan

South Sudan is one of the best destinations in Africa that guarantees you authentic cultural experiences. Known for over 60 ethnic groups, South Sudan should be a must-visit for you to explore more about unique African cultures and traditions. The Dinka is South Sudan’s biggest tribe, and the Nuer comprise 16% of the population. The cultural experiences that await you on the South Sudan tour include the Wau cultural festival, Nimule cultural festival, Juba International Trade Fair, Rumbek cultural festival, Aweil, and more.

Self-drive Safaris

Experience the best of self-driving in Africa with an expert to make your African tour safaris in 2026 memorable. Self-drive safaris are the only option that guarantees you unlimited exploration in Africa. At your pace, you can make multiple stopovers as you wish. Best destinations to consider for self-drive safaris in Africa include Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Contact us to secure self-drive safari slots, rental cars, and more!

Sustainable community tours

African tour safaris reward beyond visiting your favorite animals. Visits to communities living adjacent to protected areas offer opportunities to connect with locals, explore their unique heritage, and inspirational stories. Sustainable community tours are essential in promoting cultural conservation and also intercultural understanding. Your visit to one of the communities contributes towards a transformation journey in the lives of residents. Do you want to make a change in someone’s life while also promoting conservation? If so, then consider booking sustainable community tours with us a must.

In Uganda, you can consider visiting the Bigodi Wetland/Sanctuary, Batwa community, Karamojong, IK community, and more. In Rwanda, expect to explore the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and Life of Azizi, etc. In Kenya and Tanzania, your focus should be the Maasai village.

Volunteer tours

Volunteer tours offer travelers a unique opportunity to explore different parts of the world while also supporting different communities/environment. Considering volunteer tours is a great way for you to invest your time & finances on creating a positive impact. Through our volunteer tours, expect to have the best of cultural/ecological experiences or hands-on activities. It is possible to combine safari experiences in the National Parks and volunteer tours.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.