From exhilarating wildlife encounters to cultural immersions, these experiences offer a diverse and unforgettable moments in life. Travelers have a lot to do and experience in East Africa due to the numerous activities to undertake and places to visit based on one’s preference.
With its diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife, East Africa is rightly regarded as one of the top safari destinations in the world. From the vast grassy plains of Tanzania to the expansive savannah of Kenya, the glistening lakes and wetlands of Uganda to the towering mountains and lush rain forests of Rwanda, the region’s natural beauty and scenic wonders are simply breathtaking. East Africa is an exceptional choice for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a remarkable and unforgettable adventure and there are many reasons to venture to this part of the African continent.
Great Wildebeest Migration. East Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic wilderness areas, including the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Witness the awe-inspiring annual mass movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles as they traverse the Serengeti and the Masai Mara during the great migration safari. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showcases the cycle of life and the struggles of survival. The migration experience has become the postcard picture of East Africa.
The animals collectively travel across the savannah plains following the rains and searching for greener pastures. Although it is not a set route, the beasts follow roughly the same yearly pattern.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda’s rain forests is undoubtedly one of the best safari experiences in East Africa. Mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. As few as 1000 live in a small East African region; being close to these magnificent primates is one of life’s most rewarding experiences.
Mountain gorillas live only in mountain forests above 3000 meters in two populations around the Great Rift Valley. One population occupies the misty forest slopes on the Virunga Volcanoes Mountains that straddle the Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo borders. The second population of gorillas was cut off from the bigger bunch because of human settlements and lives in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla trekking is known as the best safari experiences in East Africa because of its direct involvement with wildlife and community conservation. The gorilla trekking experience highly depends on the communities surrounding the protected areas and the conservation efforts by governments where they live and dedicated wildlife conservation organizations. A gorilla trekking trip is a huge contribution to the sustainable programs that protect the endangered apes within their natural habitat.
In order to have the best gorilla safari experiences with mountain gorillas in these three national parks that is to say Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park, you should at least 3 nights in each country. Rwanda’s gorilla permits cost USD1500 and Uganda’s permits cost USD800.
The gorilla trekking experience is extremely in high demand meaning that you cannot just walk to the park and buy an entry ticket. The number of visitors is restricted to a few individuals per day so you have to book for your permit in advance in order to be on a safer side.
Big five game viewing safaris. The big five animals, lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and hippo, are Africa’s most incredible wildlife and the main reason many tourists come to East Africa for safari holidays. The big five earned their name in the 20th century with wealthy big-game hunters from Europe who found it challenging to gun down these beautiful animals.
The big five are the biggest names in conservation and tourism. Seeing the Big 5 African animals living wild and free in their natural habitats is one of the best safari experiences in East Africa. Although they still face cruel threats from poachers, the big five roam freely in some of the best safari reserves in East Africa.
In Kenya, wildlife viewing is enjoyed in places such as Masai Mara National Park (for lion, buffalo, leopard, and elephant) and Lake Nakuru National Park (for black and white rhino). You can also have Big five safari experiences in other parts of Kenya such as Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Laikipia Plateau, Amboseli, Samburu – Buffalo Springs – Shaba and Meru.
In Tanzania, you can enjoy wildlife in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Serengeti gives the added excitement of witnessing the epic Great Migration as well. Watching the rhinos in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is extra special because they are confined to the Crater area making sightings of these shy creatures even easier.
In Uganda, while on your Uganda tour you will drive through Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park among other parks to spot the big five. And in Rwanda, your Big five experiences will happen only in Akagera National Park in the extreme northeast.
Watching The Tree Climbing Lions. Driving through the vast plains of Lake Manyara Park in Tanzania or Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda will reward you with scenic landscape views and one of the most unforgettable safari experiences in East Africa. In Ishasha, you can watch these interesting lions at top of huge fig tree branches as they keenly watch their prey of peacefully grazing impala, gazelle and Kob herds. You may catch the rare spectacle of the tree lion pouncing on the ground for a kill if you are fortunate.
You can spot the other tree-climbing population of lions around Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks in northern Tanzania.
Cultural experiences. In Tanzania and Kenya, experience an encounter with Maasai culture and traditions by going for Maasai village visits. Get ready to read about the Maasai’s customs, rituals, interesting dances and what they do on their daily basis. In Uganda, you can visit the Batwa people in their communities.
Take an incredible challenge to describe the life and culture of these once upon forest people. It is said that they used to stay in Bwindi and Mgahinga forests while they were still poachers. You will learn about how they carry out their day-to-day lifestyle and also interact with them in some activities like gathering fruits, hunting, cooking among other activities.
Culinary experiences. One of the best ways to experience this in Uganda is by visiting local markets and street food vendors like Owino, Nakasero. These places offer a wide variety of dishes at affordable prices and you will get to see how locals prepare and enjoy their food. If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are also many restaurants that offer traditional dishes as well as international cuisine.
Kenyan cuisine is also a vibrant blend of flavors reflecting the country’s diverse ethnic groups. The coastal region offers tantalizing dishes like biryani, a fragrant rice dish typically prepared with meat or seafood. Explore the influence of` Indian cuisine with dishes like chapati (unleavened bread) and samosas (flaky pastry filled with savory fillings).
Kenyan staples like ugali and Sukuma wiki take center stage often served alongside with nyama choma. Delve into the thriving street food scene where vendors serve up mouthwatering treats such as viazi karai (deep-fried potatoes) and mandazi (sweet fried bread) and you can end your culinary journey with a cup of Kenyan tea known for its strong flavor and aromatic qualities.
Rwandan cuisine reflects the country’s agricultural heritage and emphasizes simplicity in its flavors. Staple foods like ugali and beans form the foundation of many meals accompanied by a variety of vegetables and sauces. You can also try a unique dish of isombe made from mashed cassava leaves, spinach and eggplant, providing a delicious and nutritious combination.
Taste the flavors of igisafuliya, a hearty mix of cow peas, bananas and vegetables. Rwandan cuisine also incorporates meat dishes like brochette (grilled skewered meat) and mizuzu (fried plantains). Sip on ikinyiga, traditional fermented milk and explore the Rwandan tea culture characterized by a wide range of herbal infusions.
Tanzanian cuisine showcases the diverse culinary influences of Arab, Indian and African cultures. Along the coast, indulge in the flavors of Zanzibari cuisine, featuring aromatic dishes like pilau (spiced rice), biryani and seafood delicacies.
Tanzania has a popular dish of ugali served with nyama ya kuchoma (grilled meat) or sukuma wiki (spicy collard greens). Explore the street food stalls for tantalizing bites like vitumbua (rice pancakes), kachumbari (tomato and onion salad) and chips mayai (omelet with fries). You can end your day with sipping freshly brewed Tanzanian coffee known for its rich and robust flavors.
Chimpanzee trekking experience. This activity involves hiking through the forested area in search of the allocated chimpanzee group. Chimpanzee trekking is more eminent in Uganda chimpanzee destination like Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge and Budongo Forest. The best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is Kibale Forest National Park, a home to about five Habituated chimpanzee troops within easy walking distance from the Kanyanchu trailhead.
Kibale’s chimpanzees’ troops are pretty dramatic and very calm around tourists, and observing them here is a rare treat. However, in Rwanda this activity can only be done in Nyungwe National Park and the process is the same as in Uganda where the trekking starts with briefing at the park’s offices before heading into the jungle.
In Kenya, chimpanzees can only be seen in sanctuary as it is in Ngamba Island Sanctuary. In Tanzania, chimpanzees can be seen in Mahale Mountain National Park and Rubondo Island National Park. You should know that the chimpanzee experience demands moderate physical fitness although anyone above 15 years can do it.
These primates are hyper-active and swiftly move across the rain forest from 2 km to 10 km in a day. So, keeping up with their movements is an active experience that will require a bit of your energy. Some exercises before booking your chimpanzee trek will be of outstanding contribution to a good experience.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro experience. Climb to the roof-top of Africa and experience East Africa’s picturesque landscape from the sky on the continent’s highest mountain known as Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Summit). You do not have to be an experienced mountain climber to conquer Kilimanjaro. You need a good pair of hiking boots and determination to climb to the top.
Get into Kilimanjaro a day before the climb, settle in at your hotel and get a briefing. The climbing experience starts early in the morning amid banana plantations on Kilimanjaro’s heavily cultivated lower slopes. The most popular Kili hiking trail passes through dense rain forests and alpine meadows, crosses a barren lunar landscape and ascends a slippery slope to the peak revealing breathtaking views over the plains far below.
There are more than eight possible hiking trails. Selecting the best depends on what terrain you can handle, your acclimatization profile, the scenery and the cost of the experience.
It can take at least 5-10 days to reach Uhuru Summit and back with a budget of at least $1700. The price can include entry fees, guides, rangers, porters, and a cook. Unfortunately, you cannot go on your own, you must be accompanied by a ranger and guide from the park headquarters.
Beach holiday in Zanzibar. Zanzibar Island was once a bustling trading center and important spice route. Today, it is one of Africa’s most tranquil and idyllic vacation destinations. Zanzibar offers serene safari experiences strolling along the soft, delicate, white sand beaches. The Island’s unending miles of seashore that embrace its marine ecology is the last stop after exploring the mainland East Africa attraction.
The Island’s lush tropical vegetation creates a vibrant, verdant contrast to the magnificence of the beaches; you can enjoy the spectacular African sunrises from the east of the Island or the golden colors of the breathtaking sunsets on the west coast. Birders will enjoy many colorful Zanzibari birds including the yellow-collared lovebird.
Zanzibar is not only a single island of the Indian Ocean but also an archipelago of Unguja, Zanzibar, Pemba Island and surrounding islands like Chapwani, Mnemba, Chumbe Bawe, Changuu and others.
The glorious Zanzibar beaches and coral reef experiences are perfect for families and honeymooners. There is superb boutique accommodation and all the indulgences for a relaxed traveler.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris. A hot-air balloon safari in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most highly recommended experiences to add to your adventure-filled wildlife-viewing activities. This experience in East Africa can only be done in Serengeti, Masai Mara, Ruaha and Tarangire. Balloon safaris give guest an opportunity to experience the rich wildlife and spectacular landscapes of the park form the sky.
Hot air balloon safaris are one of the best ways to view the annual wild beast and zebra migration, deemed one of the seven wonders of the modern world. A balloon flight over Tarangire National Park will give you an aerial view of one of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife areas. The Tarangire landscape is a diverse mix of granite ridges, river valleys and swamps.
