East Africa Safaris – Wildlife Tours, Gorilla Trekking & Culture

East Africa is found on the African continent. The East African region is made up of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and Rwanda.

It is believed that humans evolved in the East African region about 200,000 years ago before migrating northwards and eastwards out of Africa. East Africa has the highest elevations on the continent and mostly consists of plateaus. The East African Rift runs through the region.

East Africa is home to the longest river in the world and three of the highest mountains on the continent. The region also boasts many wildlife species ranging from the Big Five to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, birds, and more.

East Africa is the center of research about human origins.

Why Visit East Africa

Exotic Wildlife/Animals

East Africa is known for being one of the best wildlife safari destinations in the world. There is something unique about most of its national parks.

Queen Elizabeth National Park in Tanzania and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda are the only places where you can see tree-climbing lions. The Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve are home to the world-famous wildebeest migration.

It is in East Africa that you also get to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. When you talk about wildlife watching, East Africa does not disappoint. This is one of the reasons you should visit East Africa.

Mountain Climbing

East Africa, particularly Tanzania, is home to Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Over 50,000 tourists come to climb Mount Kilimanjaro every year.

The second-highest mountain in Africa is Mount Kenya, and the third-highest mountain range, Mount Rwenzori, is found in Uganda. Apart from these three major mountains, East Africa has several other mountains and hills like Mount Meru, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Elgon, Mount Moroto, Mount Mgahinga, and Mount Muhavura.

Cultural Experiences

The East African community has many ethnic groups with over 100 languages spoken. Most tribes have unique and distinct cultural values and traditions.

One of the reasons to visit Africa is to explore the untouched cultures and learn about people’s ways of life. You will often be welcomed with African traditional music and dance and get a chance to join in their daily activities.

Beaches & Islands

The Indian Ocean coastline in some East African countries offers good beach holiday destinations like Mombasa and Zanzibar. The coastlines are home to many marine animals, and there are many activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, boat cruises, water skiing, windsurfing, sunbathing, and more. Islands like the Ssese Islands are also good for weekend getaways.

Top Things To Do in East Africa

Wildlife Watching

East Africa has many wildlife species. There are different ways to watch wildlife like game drives, hot air balloon safaris, guided nature walks, trekking, and boat cruises.

Most national parks are home to four of the Big Five animals. There are many national parks to visit for wildlife watching in East Africa.

Birding Tours

Bird lovers can have a rewarding trip when visiting East Africa. Over 1,000 bird species are recorded in the region. You can go birding with experienced and knowledgeable guides.

The best time for birding in most parts of East Africa is from November to April when migratory birds are present.

Mountaineering Adventures

When it comes to mountain climbing in East Africa, the region is not only home to the continent’s highest mountain, but there are also several mountains you can explore like the eight Virunga volcanoes, Mount Elgon, Mount Kenya, Mount Longonot, Mount Rwenzori, Mount Meru, and many more.

White Water Rafting

Lake Victoria, shared between three African countries, is the source of the world’s longest river. The River Nile offers some of the best water rafting experiences in the world. Water rafting is usually done in Jinja, Uganda.

Gorilla Trekking Tours

East Africa is the only place where tourists can trek mountain gorillas in the wilderness. It should be noted that mountain gorillas cannot survive for long outside the wild.

You can only see them in the East African rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park.

Cultural Encounters

There are over 120 tribes in East Africa. You can experience African traditional music and dance from the locals when you visit the villages.

You can also learn more about their way of life and cultural beliefs and support them by buying handmade crafts. You can explore East African cuisine, which varies from tribe to tribe.

Chimpanzee Trekking Tours

East Africa offers the best chimpanzee tracking experience in the world. You can do chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania, Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge Forests in Uganda.

When to Visit East Africa for Tourism

East Africa is an all-year-round destination, and the countries almost share the same weather and climate. The best time to visit depends on the activities you want to do.

The best time for wildlife watching, mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, and chimpanzee trekking is during the dry months from June to September and December to February when the roads are good, trekking trails are dry, wildlife gathers around water points, and the vegetation is less thick.

The best time for bird watching is from November to April when migratory birds are present from North Africa and Europe. This is also the best time for photography.

Top National Parks in East Africa

There are many national parks in East Africa, and each park is different in landscape, climate, wildlife, birds, vegetation, and more. Some of the national parks include:

• Volcanoes National Park
• Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Akagera National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Serengeti National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Kilimanjaro National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Amboseli National Park
• Tsavo East National Park
• Tsavo West National Park
• Lake Nakuru National Park

Getting a Visa

The good news is that tourists can now get a joint tourist visa valid for travel between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya only. The East African tourist visa is used strictly for tourism purposes and is valid for 90 days.

Tourists who need the East African tourist visa must have a valid passport, a yellow fever vaccination card, a return ticket, and an itinerary. The cost of the visa is $100, and all attached documents should be written in English.

There are other types of visas available in different East African countries. The visa requirements are usually the same, and you can apply for a visa online in most countries.

You should check if your country is exempted from a visa or if you need special permission from the Commissioner of Immigration before entering a particular East African country.

Most Popular National Parks in East Africa

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is a popular park not only in Tanzania but also in the world. The park was established in 1951 and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. The park is mainly known for the wildebeest migration that happens every year.

The great wildebeest migration involves over one million wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and hundreds of antelopes moving to Kenya in search of better pastures and water.

Each animal covers about 800 to 1000 kilometers during the trip between Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve. The park is home to 2,000,000 ungulates, 550 cheetahs, 4000 lions, 1000 leopards, and over 500 bird species.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous national parks in Africa, receiving over 50,000 tourists every year. Kilimanjaro National Park is home to Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, rising at 5,895 meters above sea level.

The main activity at Kilimanjaro National Park is mountain climbing, but the slopes also have many wildlife species and birds. There are six main routes that tourists can use to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is a true example of the African wilderness. It has 77 species of mammals and over 400 bird species. Kidepo is located in the remote, semi-arid area of Karamoja. Visitors can also meet the local people like the Karamojong and Ik.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is famous for being home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Mountain gorillas can only be found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are several habituated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi that tourists can visit. The park also offers visitors a chance to take part in the gorilla habituation experience. Bwindi is also home to 120 mammal species, 348 bird species, 27 species of frogs, 220 species of butterflies, and several species of primates.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the two places in the world where tourists can see tree-climbing lions. The park is also home to large tusked elephants, 350 species of birds, and many other wildlife species.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is known for its large elephant herds. It is also famous for its views of Africa’s highest mountain. People often say the mountain is in Tanzania, but the best views are from Kenya.

Tsavo East & West National Parks

Tsavo East National Park is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Africa. It is one of the best places for wildlife viewing. Tourists can see animals like Kirk’s dik-dik, cheetahs, Senegal bush babies, aardwolves, African buffalo, yellow baboons, caracals, bushbucks, African civets, African wild cats, bush duikers, blue duikers, Grant’s gazelles, bat-eared foxes, rusty-spotted genets, giraffes, gerenuks, African savannah hares, spotted and striped hyenas, klipspringers, lesser kudus, banded mongooses, bohor reedbucks, common warthogs, waterbucks, serval cats, and plains and Grevy’s zebras. The park also has over 500 bird species.

Tsavo West National Park is next to Tsavo East, covering an area of 13,747 square kilometers. It was established in 1948. At Tsavo, tourists can visit Mzima Springs, Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Shetani Lava Flow, Lugard Falls, and Yatta Plateau.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is located in western Uganda and covers 795 square kilometers. It is the best place in the world for trekking chimpanzees. Kibale also has the highest density of primates in the world, with 13 species recorded.

Staying Safe in Africa

East Africa is considered safe for tourists, but all travelers must take care of their personal safety by following these tips:

Always watch your belongings and never leave them unattended.

Avoid crowded areas like town markets where petty crimes like bag-snatching and pickpocketing can happen.

Avoid walking alone in lonely places, especially at night. Always book accommodation where security is good.

If you use public transport like taxis or motorbikes, make sure you use registered ones from taxi parks or stations.

Avoid wandering alone in national parks. These parks are true wilderness areas, and even guided walks are done only with ranger guides.

People & Culture

The East African people are friendly and welcoming, making the region safe for tourism. The people belong to different ethnic groups like Bantus, Nilotics, Nilo-Hamites, Semitic people, and others.

Most ethnic groups have their own special cultures, traditions, and beliefs. For example, the Sabiny and Pokot people practice female circumcision, the Bagisu people circumcise boys during traditional ceremonies, and the Maasai, Turkana, and Samburu are known for their traditional way of dressing.

The best way to learn about East African tribes is by visiting the people.

Frequently Asked Questions about East African Safaris

Below are some of the most popular frequently asked questions and answers about East African safaris.

• Where is East Africa located? East Africa is found on the African continent.
• Which countries are part of East Africa? Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and Rwanda.
• Where did humans first evolve? Humans are believed to have evolved in East Africa about 200,000 years ago.
• What is the land like in East Africa? East Africa has high elevations and many plateaus.
• What major feature runs through East Africa? The East African Rift runs through the region.
• What is the longest river in East Africa? The Nile River.
• What mountains are found in East Africa? Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Mount Rwenzori.
• Why is East Africa important for human history? It is the center of research about human origins.
• Why should you visit East Africa? For wildlife, mountains, beaches, culture, and adventure.
• Where can you see tree-climbing lions in East Africa? In Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Uganda and Tanzania.
• Where can you see the wildebeest migration? In Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve.
• Where can you trek mountain gorillas in East Africa? In Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Parks.
• What is the highest mountain in Africa? Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
• Where is Mount Kenya located? In Kenya.
• What is the third-highest mountain range in Africa? Mount Rwenzori in Uganda.
• What other mountains can you climb in East Africa? Mount Meru, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Elgon, Mount Moroto, Mount Mgahinga, and Mount Muhavura.
• How many languages are spoken in East Africa? More than 100 languages.
• What kind of cultural experiences can you find in East Africa? Traditional music, dance, food, and crafts.
• Where are the best beaches in East Africa? Mombasa and Zanzibar.
• What activities can you do at the beaches? Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, boat cruises, water skiing, windsurfing, and sunbathing.
• How can you watch wildlife in East Africa? Through game drives, balloon safaris, nature walks, trekking, and boat cruises.
• When is the best time for birding in East Africa? From November to April.
• Where can you do white-water rafting in East Africa? In Jinja, Uganda on the River Nile.
• Where can you trek chimpanzees in East Africa? In Nyungwe, Mahale Mountains, Kibale, Budongo, and Kyambura Gorge.
• When is the best time to visit East Africa? During the dry months from June to September and December to February.
• What is the East African tourist visa? It is a visa for Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, valid for 90 days.
• How much does the East African tourist visa cost? It costs $100.
• What documents are needed for the East African visa? A passport, yellow fever card, return ticket, and itinerary.
• Which national park is famous for wildebeest migration? Serengeti National Park.
• Is East Africa safe for tourists? Yes, but tourists should be careful and follow safety tips.