Considering where to go on your next vacation in Africa, you might explore reasons why going to Eastern Africa looks like. The time you have may matter given deciding on the right country. Perhaps those that seek the best places to stay, the best parks for a wildlife safari, music and festivals, history and the culture of indigenous people, adventure and relaxation. The East African region has a whole collection of travel experiences.

It’s safe and simple to get around

Even though East Africa is a sizable region made up of 7 nations, it is simple to go between them by car, bus, and air. In particular, travelling between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya on safari is much easier. If you wish to combine the 3 in a single trip, ensure to get the single East African tourist visa which offers unlimited entry and exit anytime anywhere. Additionally, getting from the main cities or airports to the national parks is simple due to a variety of transportation options including private safari vehicles, public buses and taxis, motorcycles, and tuk-tuks. Now it’s possible to travel by public buses from Nairobi Kenya to Kampala Uganda as well as connect to Kigali city Rwanda and even to Goma city in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Furthermore, from anywhere around the world direct international flights bring you to East Africa. The individual countries offer relatively simple visas on arrival for durations of two weeks to three months. For instance, Kenya airways offer nonstop flights to the United States of America. The major African carriers such as Ethiopian airlines; South Africa airways and Egypt air also provide connecting flights from Europe and Asia. Additionally, East African domestic air travel also is on the rise. Uganda airlines connect to all 7 states including Mogadishu Somalia. There are light aircraft that provide flying safaris – a great option to reach remote East African national parks such as southern Tanzania Selous Game Reserve and north-east Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park.

Mountain gorilla trekking safaris

Obviously, gorilla trekking is the major reason to go to East Africa for your next adventure. Mountain gorillas live only in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo they don’t survive in captive zoos anywhere on earth. Those intending to see gorillas in their natural habitat have no choice but to plan a gorilla safari with GoExplore Safaris to Uganda and Rwanda is much safer. In particular, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park a UNESCO world heritage site is famous for harbouring 459 individuals which are half of the 1063 world’s mountain gorilla population. On top of having 22 the largest number of gorilla families habituated for tourism, the park alone provides two different trekking experiences including gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation. Trekking in Bwindi can be challenging due to the nature of the terrain. For easier gorilla treks, visit gorillas in the Virunga massif which includes Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda.

Tracking chimpanzees

In East Africa, chimpanzees can be tracked in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. In particular, Uganda offers the best chimpanzee trekking safaris with 4 places and two different ways to see chimps. These include chimpanzee tracking and habituation available at Kibale Forest National Park. Known also as the “Primate Capital of the World” Kibale alone is famous for harbouring 13 primate species, therefore, provides a great opportunity to see not only chimps but also lots of monkeys in the Bigodi swamp. Elsewhere, you can include seeing chimps whilst on safari in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park along with the chance to spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, giraffes, Uganda kobs, and much more wildlife.

On the other hand, in Tanzania, you may take a trip to Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Rwanda chimp treks are done in Nyungwe Forest National Park with a canopy walk and luxury tree house accommodation.

Big five safaris

The savanna plains of East Africa are renowned for harbouring large numbers of the Big Five mammals: lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant. In particular, Kenya’s Masai Mara besides being the place where the wildebeest migration crosses the Mara River also has a large number of big cats: lions, cheetahs, and black leopards that were recently shot by Lucas Ballard whilst on a game drive in Laikipia wilderness. You’ll have chances to spot even the elusive black rhinos in Lake Nakuru and Samburu National Parks in addition to unique safari activities such as camel riding and spot flamingos. Super tusker elephants can be seen in Amboseli National Park where the view of Mount Kilimanjaro is most spectacular.

For the big five safaris in Tanzania, go to Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti National Park in the northern circuit. Those intending to see huge pride of lions can take a fly-in safari to the southern reserves such as Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park where pride contain over 20 individuals.

The rarest of the Big Five animals are the Tree Climbing Lions of East Africa. Though rare, tree lions can be spotted in the Ishasha wilderness of Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda and Lake Manyara National Parks. Recently, tree-climbing lions have also been spotted in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Witnessing the Wildebeest migration

One of the largest wildlife migrations on planet earth, witnessing the wildebeest migration should be the reason for you to come to East Africa on your next adventure. Every year about 1.5 million wildebeests along with thousands of zebras, Thompson’s gazelles, topis, and impalas migrate across the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. The animals follow a traditional path looking for water and green pastures which presents higher chances to see them. However, there are things to consider when planning a migration safari such as location, when is the best of the year, what activities can you do, and where to stay. During the migration, spectacular events occur such as the wildebeest birthing season, Mara River and Grumeti River crossings, and the mating seasons. At GoExplore Safaris we will guide you in planning the wildebeest migration safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

Mountain climbing holidays

East Africa offers some of the best mountain climbing holidays in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak at an elevation of 5895 meters above sea level (19340 ft) is the tallest mountain range in Africa. But it’s not the hardest to climb due to the variety of climbing routes available. For those looking for beautiful mountain scenery, trekking the Kilembe trail in the Rwenzori ranges offers an opportunity to hike through 5 vegetation zones. Mount Rwenzori has permanent snow on three of its peaks including Margherita (5109 m) which is the 3^rd highest in Africa.

Those looking for the easiest mountains to climb in East Africa can go to Rwanda and Uganda for hiking in the Virunga massifs. Mount Karisimbi and Nyiragongo the active volcano offer the opportunity to camp on the summit and look into the active lava lake. In addition, the dry volcanic mountains such as Mount Moroto and Mount Kadam in northeast Uganda offer some of the hikes that can be done by any person from the flattest countries of the world.

Bird watching

The different types of vegetation such as tropical rainforests, savannas, lakes, and swamps provide habitat to a variety of birds. For instance, Uganda alone is home to over 1062 species of birds including the shoebill stork, Albertine rift endemics (ARE), Lake Victoria Endemics, and the central African Congo forest birds found in Semuliki National Park. Kenya’s rift valley lakes of Nakuru are known for attracting thousands of pink flamingos which provide great bird-watching safaris for keen photographers, hard-core birders, and tourists alike.

Friendly people and rich culture

People and their cultures are at the heart of many destinations and so are meeting locals. Which you should go about traveling like a local in East Africa can be done in several ways. Go through the organic or street food markets in any city, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Attend music and festivals, perf that occur annually such as the Nyege Festival at Itanda falls, Jinja city. Getting to travel still may take you to the search for history. Follow in the footsteps of people, and religious pilgrims like Matyrs day Uganda and walks on foot in the cities and climb to the top of the Gaddafi national mosque minaret overlooking Mengo hill the home of Buganda kingdom Royal Palace (Lubiri). Away from the capital cities are the rural areas near the protected areas. the heritage of the indigenous tribes is fascinating to explore how to row a canoe, shoot a spear or bow and arrow, road trips through mountains, track lions on foot with the Masai, witness the stunning metaphysics of herbalists, hike with Batwa pygmies or the Hadzabe bushmen at Lake Eyasi near the Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania.

Secluded Beach holiday destinations

Anyone who has been on an active wildlife safari be it dusty and hot game drives or trekking gorillas will agree that it’s important to take a break and relax. What do after a week on a wildlife safari in Kenya or Tanzania the Zanzibar islands offer hotels and resorts, private beaches – places you will stay and feel happier and calm. Spa breaks, water sports for adults, and activities suitable for people travelling with children are available for booking through GoExplore Safaris. The resort towns that surround islands and lakes will provide things to explore such as history and heritage in the Old Town Mombasa and Stone Town; food and culture in the Spice plantations, and marine wildlife national parks. The Uganda and Rwanda safaris on the other hand offer a wide range of adventure travel experiences. Cross-country cycling, horseback safaris, canoeing, Sipi falls, white water rafting, boat cruises, nightlife, and rural lifestyles. Places such as Lake Kivu in Rwanda, Lake Victoria Sesse islands, and Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda come to mind.