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Incredible East Africa Safari Tours

East Africa Safari

East Africa safari landscape at dawn
Local partner IMA Safaris Africa

East Africa safari overview

Enchanting, exciting, and life-changing, our East Africa adventures offer students and groups the experience of a lifetime. Explore the natural beauty and wildlife of this amazing region with experienced guides, and learn about the cultures and histories of the people who call East Africa home. We organise adventure treks and educational tours in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia as part of our study-abroad and experiential internship programmes. Our programmes are designed to give participants an authentic and immersive experience in East Africa, and our team is passionate about sharing the beauty of this region with the world.

Local university faculty, award-winning guides, and IMA experts all play a part to deliver travel experiences that foster cross-cultural competency and develop global perspectives.

Our cultural treks include defined, measurable learning outcomes, and are led by local faculty with years of experience in the field and a lifetime of East Africa in their hearts.

We explore historic landmarks and natural wonders — from serene beaches to awe-inspiring mountains — all with a fierce dedication to sustainable travel and ethical, culturally-competent engagement. There are over 200,000 years of human history in East Africa. While it is impossible to impart such a monumental legacy in just a few weeks, our team of local and international experts firmly embrace the challenge to deliver an unforgettable educational experience.

What to expect

Endeavours and Collaborations

Wildlife and savanna in East Africa

Our East Africa adventures are optional extensions to your internship: structured travel and study-abroad experiences that build on your placement in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Each itinerary is designed around clear learning outcomes—so you deepen cultural competency and global perspective alongside your clinical or pre-health goals, not as an add-on tour.

Safari tours

East Africa Adventure Options

A gorilla is walking through a lush, green forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking is just one of the impressive pastimes available to visitors of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in Uganda. Accessible only by foot, the park offers secluded and exclusive views. A designated World Heritage Site, the park is home to over 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 butterflies, 27 types of reptiles, and…

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    A dramatic cliff face with lush greenery, possibly in an East African landscape, ideal for east africa safari tours.

    Hell’s Gate National Park

    Hell's Gate stands out because it is one of the few Kenya parks where biking is part of the experience. That changes everything. You notice distance, sound, and scale in a way that does not happen from a vehicle window. For IMA interns, this works as a short extension because it is time-efficient and it feels different from…

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      Kafue National Park

      Kafue National Park

      Kafue is a strong choice if you want a safari extension that feels spacious. It is known for big terrain, diverse habitats, and a slower pace than some of the highest-traffic parks. That combination is ideal after clinic weeks because the daily structure stays simple: early drive, midday rest, late drive. The goal is not to rush from…

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        A traditional wooden sailboat on a calm body of water, suggesting serene travel or exploration.

        Lamu Island

        Lamu is a strong extension when you want the end of your Kenya program to feel calm and culturally grounded. It is not built around big drives, long transfers, or packed schedules. The value is in slowing down while still staying connected to place, history, and everyday community rhythm. The best Lamu plans keep your days light and…

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          Aerial view of Victoria Falls with a bridge and mist rising from the cascading water.

          Lower Zambezi River

          If you want a safari extension that feels different from standard game drives, the Lower Zambezi is a strong choice because the river changes the rhythm. You still have classic vehicle viewing, but the highlight is watching wildlife from the water. It is calmer, more observational, and often less crowded. This extension fits an IMA schedule because it…

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            A tropical beach scene with clear turquoise water, people swimming, and thatched-roof structures along the shore.

            Mafia Island (Zanzibar)

            If your Tanzania internship is intense, a coastal extension is one of the best ways to finish on a strong note because it lowers the daily demands while still keeping you in the region you came for. Mafia Island and Zanzibar work well as an IMA add-on because the pace is adjustable. You can keep it simple with…

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              A traditional wooden boat on a sandy beach at sunrise, with a vibrant sky. Perfect for highlighting east africa safari tours.

              Malindi/Watamu Beach Safari

              If your Kenya internship leaves you with a few days to breathe, Malindi and Watamu are an easy coastal extension because they keep logistics simple and effort low. This is not a checklist trip. It is the add-on you choose when you want real recovery time that still feels like Kenya, not just a hotel stay. The coast…

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                A person is enjoying a safari experience with elephants in the background. It appears to be an east Africa safari tour.

                Masai Mara Reserve & Nairobi

                The Masai Mara Game Reserve, or The Mara as the locals call it, is located in Narok County, Kenya and on the border of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is most famous as part of the Great Migration of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and zebra but is also known for its abundance of lions, cheetahs, and leopards.…

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                  A majestic mountain peak bathed in golden sunlight with snow-covered slopes. Perfect for east Africa safari tours.

                  Mount Kenya

                  Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, and it is a serious trek even on the non-technical routes. For most students, the goal is Point Lenana. It is still high altitude. You still need pacing, hydration, sleep discipline, and the confidence to speak up early if symptoms show up. This extension fits well when you want a…

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                    A group of people in matching shirts pose with flags labeled "IMA Safaris," possibly related to east Africa safari tours.

                    Mount Kilimanjaro

                    Kilimanjaro is a real climb, not a casual add-on. For IMA students, it works best as a structured extension after your internship because it gives you space to train beforehand, acclimatize properly during the trek, and recover afterward without trying to jump straight back into clinical expectations. The smartest plans prioritize pacing and acclimatization over speed. Many first-time…

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                      A breathtaking view of lush green hills, a vast valley, and a misty horizon at sunrise, ideal for east Africa safari tours.

                      Ngorongoro Conservation Area

                      Ngorongoro Crater is the high-impact add-on for interns who want a dramatic landscape and a concentrated wildlife day without building a long safari circuit. It fits IMA schedules because the structure is simple: arrive, rest, crater day, depart. It feels significant without requiring a multi-stop itinerary. The crater day itself has a clear rhythm. You start early, descend…

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                        A group of elephants is standing on grassy plains with a cloudy sky. Ideal for east Africa safari tours.

                        Selous Game Reserve

                        If you want a Tanzania safari that feels more remote than the busiest northern routes, Selous and the area managed as Nyerere National Park can be a strong fit. The landscape shifts between river corridors, woodlands, and open patches that pull wildlife in and out of view in a way that rewards patience. For IMA students, this extension…

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                          A group of zebras in a grassy landscape with a safari vehicle nearby. Could be related to east Africa safari tours.

                          Serengeti National Park

                          Serengeti is the safari people think about when they picture East Africa: huge skies, long horizons, and animals moving through open plains in ways that feel almost unreal. For IMA students, it also works for a practical reason. The days have a clear rhythm. Early drive. Midday reset. Late drive. Sleep. Repeat. That structure matters when you have…

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                            A serene savannah landscape at sunset with scattered acacia trees and distant hills, suitable for east africa safari tours.

                            Tsavo & Amboseli National Park

                            Tsavo is one of the most straightforward safari extensions for IMA participants in Kenya. The structure is simple: transfer into the park area, two or three game drives at the right times of day, and a calm return. You get a real safari experience without a complicated multi-park route. Tsavo is often described as “wide-open Kenya.” It is…

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                              A stunning view of a large waterfall at sunset, surrounded by lush foliage.

                              Victoria Falls

                              If you want one iconic landmark after your internship without turning your schedule into a puzzle, Victoria Falls is hard to beat. It works because it is compact, easy to pace, and still delivers the kind of moment you remember for years. You can plan it in two to three days, keep your daily demands reasonable, and still…

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                                Suggested extensions

                                1. 4-6 days

                                  Tanzania Safari Signature

                                  Serengeti and Ngorongoro as the core plan, with buffer time built in. Good for interns who want a clear safari capstone without stacking nonstop travel days.

                                2. 3-6 days

                                  Kenya Parks And Peaks

                                  Tsavo Safari plus one lighter add on, such as Hell's Gate, or a shorter Mount Kenya plan depending on your time. Good for interns who want variety without overcommitting.

                                3. 3-6 days

                                  Coast Reset

                                  Zanzibar, Mafia, Lamu, or Malindi and Watamu as the primary extension. Good for interns who want recovery time, warm water, and a slower pace after clinical weeks.

                                Planning Tip

                                Hot springs hours and rules can change. Plan with flexibility and confirm details locally rather than building your day on assumptions.

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