Top Places to visit in East Africa
Top Places to visit in East Africa : East African Region have a lot to offer tourists, from Zanzibar’s stunning beaches to Kenya’s and Tanzania’s safari attractions and Rwanda’s and Uganda’s Mountain gorilla safari experience. Due to this variety of options, choosing the top attractions to visit can be a difficult task. East Africa is a broad term that encompasses a staggering variety of various nations, landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems. It is also an impossibly large region. Because of this diversity, there is something to interest everyone, whether they prefer a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti-Maasai mara Ecosystem, Hiking safari in Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, or a Mountain gorilla trekking safari experience in Volcanoes and Bwindi habitats. Here are the top ten best place worth visiting in East Africa
- Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
For good reason, Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve has established a reputation as one of the continent’s most rewarding safari locations. Observations of wildlife are frequent and varied throughout the year. The annual wildebeest migration takes place annually between July and November, and it is possible to see all five of the Big Five in a single day. Few people will ever forget the spectacle of the herds crossing the Mara River in their thousands. Another highlight of this magnificent East African Safari destination is cultural excursions to traditional Maasai villages.
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
The Virunga Mountains’ Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is shrouded in mist and teeming with lush vegetation. It is one of the best places in the world to see the critically endangered mountain gorilla because it is Africa’s oldest national park. There are only about 800 of these incredible animals left in the world. They are a subspecies of the more widespread eastern gorilla. It is an incredibly moving experience to spend time with them in their natural habitat, and it ought to be at the top of any African wildlife enthusiast’s wish list. Numerous other endangered species, including 29 endemic bird species, can be found in the park.
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is well known for its amazing beaches and fascinating history and clean beaches. Zanzibar, which is an island off the coast of Tanzania and is encircled by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, was once a significant stop on the spice route. Zanzibar’s Arab rulers used to trade slaves for spices here; today, the island’s exotic past is still visible in the ornate architecture. One of the island’s top attractions, Stone Town, is home to numerous mosques, opulent homes, winding lanes, and a Sultan’s palace. Zanzibar has picture-perfect white-sand beaches and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving reefs.
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Those looking for the best African safari experience should think about combining a trip to the Maasai Mara with a trip to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Here, acacia trees and grazing animals are scattered across breathtaking open plains. It’s a great place to see lions and cheetahs in action, especially during the rainy season from January to March. Wildebeest migrate to the southern Serengeti at this time to give birth, and the young calves are easy prey for predatory cats. Although the herds begin to migrate to the Maasai Mara in April, the opportunity to see game is still very good year-round.
- Murchison Falls, Uganda
With so many distinctive and varied places to visit, Uganda—often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa”—is the perfect vacation spot in East Africa, whether you’re looking for nature, culture, or wildlife. One of the most well-known attractions is Murchison Falls, which is located in northwest Uganda. You will be astounded to see enormous waters crashing through a confined gorge and into a roaring cascade. Additionally, you might want to spend some time exploring the nearby protected areas in order to see some of Africa’s most famous creatures, including African lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and others.
- Watamu, Kenya
Watamu, in contrast to many of Kenya’s other beach towns, is still regarded as a haven of tranquility. In the middle of Kenya’s stunning coastline, Watamu is a small, laid-back city with a rich history. It is famous for its beautiful bays, palm-lined beaches, and numerous coral reefs. Here, deep-sea fishing is a popular pastime, and there are many dive schools where you can learn to scuba dive. On land, you can eat fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, enjoy Mida Creek’s amazing birdlife, and learn about 13th-century Swahili life at Gedi Ruins.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
The historic Ngorongoro Crater is the focal point of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater, which is approximately 1,970 feet (600 meters) deep, is the largest intact caldera in the world and one of East Africa’s most amazing natural wonders. Numerous animals, including a sizeable population of critically endangered black rhinos and some of the largest remaining tusker elephants, roam the grassy plains of the crater floor inside its rim. Another striking sight are the flocks of flamingos that gather on the soda lake in the crater during the breeding season, as well as black-maned lions.
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro, arguably one of the continent’s most recognizable sights, stands perfectly alone in the foreground of the African savannah. It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the tallest peak in Africa at 19,340 feet (5,895 meters). For the full Kilimanjaro safari experience, those who are physically fit and have a strong sense of adventure should think about climbing the mountain. It is required to climb with a guide, and it is recommended to take a few extra days to acclimate to the altitude. The climb takes five to nine days, depending on your route. Consider climbing nearby Mount Meru if you don’t have much time.
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in remote south-western Uganda protects 127 sq mi (331 sq km) of exceptional biodiversity, including more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. This area is where the savannah plains and mountain forests converge. More than 120 mammal species, including the mountain gorilla, over 200 species of butterflies, over 347 species of forest birds, and more can be found in the forest.
It is estimated that the jungle in heaven is older than two million years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a biodiversity hotspot with what may be the richest mammalian assemblage in all of Africa. The most famous of the bunch are the mountain gorillas, who are jealously guarded.
One of only three places left in the world where mountain gorillas can still be found safely is Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The magnificent giant primates can be tracked, and visitors can share special moments with them beneath the lush forest canopy, providing an adventure in the jungle that is still unmatched on the African continent.
- Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
The titular Lake Nakuru, a soda lake well-known for its incredible flamingo population, is the highlight of this Rift Valley Park. Depending on the season, the flamingo flock’s density varies. Water levels drop and the lake’s pH rises during the dry season, increasing the amount of algae that the birds can eat. At this time, the lesser and greater flamingo populations can increase to as many as two million birds, which cover the lake’s surface in a rose-hued haze. Numerous other animals, including lions, rhinos, and about 450 different bird species, call the park home.
Other top places to visit in East Africa includes:
- Amboseli national park, Kenya
- Akagera national park, Rwanda,
- Tarangire national Park, Tanzania
- Nyerere national park, Tanzania
- Queen Elizabeth national park, Uganda
- Kidepo Valley national park, Uganda
- Diani Beach, Kenya
- Kampala city, Uganda
- Jinja City, Uganda
- Nairobi City, Kenya
- Kigali city, Rwanda
- Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania
SO, WHAT NEXT?
With this list of the most popular safari destinations, you can easily begin planning your East African adventure vacation. A great trip to include most of these attractions would begin in Tanzania, where you would spend at least seven days.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, then take on the northern Tanzania plains from Ngorongoro to Serengeti before crossing the border into the exotic Maasai Mara plains. Fly to Uganda or Rwanda from Kenya for more exploration then conclude your East Africa Safari tour with a three-day Zanzibar beaches Vocation.
Whatever safari route you take to visit these highly rated East African safari holiday destinations, you’ll need the assistance of a local professional operator to plan your trip. Take your time to find one that will provide the right amount of magic, as the market is flooded with options that may overwhelm your trip planning. Select Adventure Safari is the perfect choice.
