Explore the Best East Africa Safaris: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Rwanda

East African Safaris: The East African region consists of unique countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

A visit to any of the East African countries unveils you to a land of wonders. Such as the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. Vast wilderness and the beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean in Kenya and Tanzania. Which are also home to the Great wildebeest migration. Wondering where to visit and enjoy the best safari? worry not because you’re about to get to know which places to explore while in any of the East African countries.

The magical Kenya.

The second largest country in East Africa, Kenya is the region’s crown jewel. It offers incredible wildlife safari experiences in most of its famous national parks. Its national language is Swahili and the capital is Nairobi.

In the south Eastern region of Kenya lies the popular Masai Mara national reserve known for the Great Wildebeest migration. A natural event that occurs annually and over 2 million wildebeests and other animals take part in it. The migration starts from Tanzania and expands towards Kenya in the Masai Mara reserve. The Mara reserve is also home to the big 5 animals which include lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes. Other resident animals are giraffes, zebras, Topis, many species of antelopes and diverse birdlife. Some of the activities you can enjoy here are the incredible great migration safaris. Game drives, hot air balloon tours and also cultural expeditions with the Masai people who live just around the park.

In the South of Kenya, you come across Amboseli National Park, located just at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also known to be home of largest elephant population in Kenya. Herds of elephants can be noticed in the great plains of the park. While surrounding areas offer a view of the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Amboseli also has other wildlife animals like cheetahs, leopards and Cheetahs among other species.

Near the Great Rift Valley lies Lake Nakuru National Park popularly known for the pink flamingoes that surround the Lake Nakuru shores. They get their pink color from the algae produced by the alkaline lake waters. The park also has variety of animals and bird species such as hippos in the water, grey herons, and egrets flying around the park premises.

Lake Naivasha. This lake is known for its freshwaters and in it thrives animals like hippos while alpine forests surrounding it inhabit various wildlife like zebras, buffaloes and giraffes not forgetting the various bird species.

Mount. Kenya. The highest point in the country, Mount. Kenya is another perfect destination for hikers. The mountain has different trekking trails that are rewarded by stunning scenic views and different flora and fauna that hikers come across during their treks. Some of the animals that may be spotted here include elephants, leopards and buffaloes among others.

Mombasa and its Diani beaches. Along the Indian Ocean coastline in Kenya are the best destinations for rewinding and relaxing, Mombasa where the Diani beaches are located. These beaches have white sand and palm trees along the coast that create a refreshing environment for beach lovers.

Visitors can enjoy literally all water activities, shopping in the busy Mombasa town, visiting Fort Jesus a historical site, sun bathing at the beaches and water sports like diving, scuba diving, snorkeling and boat rides. There are lots of amazing activities to take part in at these destinations.

Sweet waters Conservancy. Located in Laikipia County, is a private wildlife reserve which is home to rare and endangered species, including the black rhino, Gravy’s zebras and chimpanzees. Visitors are given a chance to take guided tours to see the wildlife and learn about conservation efforts in the area.

In Laikipia County, there is a private wildlife reserve that is home to endangered wildlife species such as Chimpanzees, Gravy’s Zebras and Black Rhinos, the Sweet Waters Conservancy aims at protecting these rare species from extinction. Those who visit this area get the opportunity to embark on guided tours and they get to learn about the incredible work being done at the conservancy area.

When you visit Nairobi and are looking for the nearest national park, Nairobi National Park is the only park in Kenya closest to the capital. It has a variety of wildlife animals such as buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, lions. Therefore, you don’t need to travel far away from the capital in order to enjoy a wildlife safari.

In the Northern part of Kenya lays Samburu National Park – a home to some of the world’s rarest species such as Somali Ostrich, Reticulated giraffes and Gravy’s Zebras. Tourists can also visit the Samburu people who live close to the park.

Lake Victoria. Kenya also shares part of one of Africa’s largest lakes, Lake Victoria. Visitors can enjoy fishing, bird watching along its shores and boat rides.

Uganda – the pearl of Africa.

The pearl of Africa as it is usually referred to is one of the landlocked countries in the East African Region. It is home to the source of Africa’s longest River the Nile and offers shelter to almost half of the world’s total population of endangered mountain gorillas.

The endangered gorilla mountains have two homes in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park. Both parks are located in the South Western Uganda. Bwindi is a thick rainforest that offers a comfortable habitat to the gorillas and hence home to over 22 gorilla families, Mgahinga which is part of Virunga conservation area is home to only one gorilla family.

Getting to meet these incredible primates is a once in a lifetime experience. There are limited permits available on a daily basis and each costs $700.

The most popular and premier national park in Uganda is Queen Elizabeth National Park located in over three districts in Western Uganda. This large park has varied attractions such as Lake Katwe, the Kazinga channel that joins lakes George and Edward. It is also home to the tree climbing lions, over 600 bird species and lots of animals like elephants, hippos, buffaloes, big cats and antelopes.

One of the smallest and closest parks to the capital city Kampala is the Lake Mburo National Park located along the Mbarara – Kampala highway.  It has five different lakes harboring animals like hippos, crocodiles and lots of different bird species.

Lake Bunyonyi. In the South West of Uganda, is where you’ll find a freshwater lake filled with 29 smaller islands, Lake Bunyonyi. The name of this lake means small birds in the local dialect and is a popular spot for canoeing and bird watching. It is as well a home to over 400 bird species. Visitors can go island hopping to view tens of islands that haven’t been settled in.

Another popular bird watching spot is Lake Mutanda located in South western Uganda, visitors can enjoy canoeing, boat trips, bird watching and visiting the neighboring communities in this area.

You can also participate in sport fishing, boat cruises, canoeing and even swimming in some of safest spots of the lake.

River Nile. This is the longest river in Africa and gets it waters from Lake Victoria with its source located in Jinja District.  The river has major and magnificent falls such as Murchison falls in north Western region. Activities like white water rafting, kayaking, water biking and fishing are some of the activities you can enjoy along the river Nile.

The equator, which runs through Uganda, is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take photos standing on both sides of the hemisphere. They are also able to see the water swirl clockwise and anticlockwise on either side of the equator.

Mount Rwenzori. The only snowcapped mountain in Uganda is the mountains of the moon, Mount Rwenzori located in Western Uganda at the Uganda – D.R. Congo border. Its highest peak is Margherita and it takes about 8-10 days to reach the summit at 5,109m above sea level. The mountain has unique vegetation types at different altitudes and there are various treks you can take to access the summit.

Kidepo Valley National Park. In the North East region of Uganda, visitors can come across one of the most arid areas in the country, this region is not usually visited however it is another hidden gem that lies within the Kidepo valley.

Murchison falls. In the North Western part of Uganda lies one of the Nile’s magnificent falls, the roaring Murchison falls drop at 43 feet through a narrow gorge, you can hear a thunderous and roaring sound as you approach these falls in Murchison falls National Park. Tourists can pay a visit to top of the falls and enjoy boat cruises on the Victoria Nile. This park is home to wildlife species like the Nile crocodiles, big 4 safari animals, giraffes and antelopes and so many other species.

Murchison falls national park has a section covered by thick rainforest, Budongo forest which is home to large number of chimpanzees, therefore one can enjoy chimpanzee trekking and nature walks.
Kibale Forest National Park. Another destination to enjoy chimpanzee trekking adventures is Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda. It offers one of the best chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences in Africa with over 1500 chimpanzees calling Kibale forest home.

Rwanda – Land of a thousand hills.

The conservation efforts in Rwanda are vigorous and this has in turn made it the best destination for gorilla trekking adventures. Its capital Kigali was named as one of the cleanest and organized cities in Africa.

Volcanoes National Park. In the North Western region of the country lies a section of the Virunga mountain ranges shared by Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, however on the Rwandan side is where the Volcanoes National Park is located.

Besides gorilla trekking, tourists can also hike any of the mountains, visit different animals like elephants, buffaloes at the foothills. Bird lovers shall enjoy bird watching at the park as it is home to over 300 bird species and some like the Ruwenzori Turaco are endemic to this region.

Nyungwe Forest National Park. The best chimpanzee trekking tours and experiences in Rwanda are carried out in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This large tract of forest is Rwanda’s main water catchment area and home to more than 13 primate species.

The bridge hangs among the canopies and lets visitors to see the park’s floor from an aerial view. Other activities you can enjoy here are colobus monkey trekking, village walks, bird watching and forest walks.
Akagera National Park. The eastern region of Rwanda has another spectacular national park, Akagera National Park which is a birders’ haven that is home to more than 500 bird species.

Gishwahti -Mukura National Park.  It has amazing landscapes and scenery like waterfalls, amazing vegetation cover which makes it a great spot for nature walks.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial site. Apart from its national parks, Rwanda has several other attractions that are worth visiting. The Kigali Genocide Memorial museum is a moving tribute to the victims of 1994 genocide, and visitors can learn about the country’s history and how it has emerged from this tragedy.
Lake Kivu. Located on the border between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Kivu offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy scenery. The country’s vibrant culture is also worth exploring, from its traditional dance performances to its vibrant markets.

Tanzania – soul of Africa.

The largest East African country dedicated over 30% of its land to conservation.

Serengeti National Park. The famous great wildebeest migration’s beginning point is Serengeti National Park, which is the most popular National Park in Tanzania. The great migration starts with the calving period from December to May. Before they head over to Masai Mara in Kenya. During this period lots of visitors will flock the National Park to witness the great migration. The park is also home to various wild animals like big 5 safari animals and big cats.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The oldest known caldera is located in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The park is home to animals like buffaloes, elephants, antelopes and lots more of wildlife species.

Lake Manyara National Park. Another destination in East Africa where you can find the flamingoes. And tree climbing lions is Lake Manyara National Park located within the Rift Valley.

Tarangire National Park. The birders’ and elephants’ haven in Tanzania is Tarangire National Park. It is undoubtedly a home to more than 550 bird species. Such as vultures, buzzards, storks and large herds of elephants. Other animals you can expect to see here are wildebeests, gazelles, impalas and elands. The park offers the best safari game drives. Due to the short baobab trees that offer clear views for the animals.

Mount Kilimanjaro. This is Africa’s highest peak at about 5,895 meters above sea level and Tanzania’s major landmark. It is a popular destination for mountain climbers all over the world. The climb can be challenging, but the views from the summit “Uhuru” are breathtaking. Hiking to the summit takes approximately 8-10 days. Hikers have the chance to come across a variety of bird species, mammals, primates and different vegetation types.

Selous Game reserve. It is undoubtedly the largest game reserve in Africa located in the Southern region of Tanzania. The reserve offers shelter to lions, elephants, hippos, etc. Visitors can also embark on game drives and nature walks while in Selous.

Zanzibar Islands. The Bahama’s version of Africa is the Zanzibar Islands. A beautiful setting with white sand beaches, well raised resorts. Clear blue waters perfect for viewing the coral reefs and swimming. The Island also has historical sites like the stone town a UNESCO heritage site. Tourists can visit the spice plantations and taste some of the cultural fusion foods. Inspired by Asian, European, Arab and African cultures.

East Africa has a variety of attractions that cater for different needs of travelers. Whether you need an African Safari in the wild, on the beach, hiking a mountain or a primate trekking excursion, everyone is sure to find whatever they desire.