TOP DESTINATIONS EAST AFRICA
East Africa is home to the true African Safari. A region well endowed with amazing wildlife, birdlife, pristine beaches and a host of top exclusive and luxurious camps and lodges. From towering mountains to the Rift Valley, great conservation efforts, East Africa promises all travellers to thrill and excite!
Tanzania
Tanzania is a country proud to bear witness to the highest and largest free standing mountain in the world but also to the rich and diverse wildlife concentrations, mineral and other resources available. Tanzania contains some 20 percent of the species of Africa’s large mammal population, found across its reserves, conservation areas, marine parks, and national parks, spread over an area of more than 42,000 square kilometres (16,000 sq mi) and forming approximately 38 percent of the country's territory.
Tanzania Destination Overview
The Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly one of the most famous game reserves in Africa, particularly for the annual Wildebeest Migration. Almost one-third of Tanzania's land comprises national parks, game and forest reserves, and other protected areas.
Tanzania also has stunning beach locations and Indian Ocean islands, not least of which is Zanzibar . Zanzibar, with its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and history, is a perfect compliment to start or end an African safari.
Tanzania game reserves are generally divided into the popular Northern Safari Circuit or the rugged Southern Safari Circuit. Most first time visitors to Tanzania opt to visit the Northern Circuit that includes the incredible Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater , Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park ; however, travelers wishing to avoid large groups of tourists will find the reserves in the southern part of Tanzania remote, rugged and vast.
Kenya
Kenya is the vast home of a wide variety of predators and herbivores, migrating through the Masai Mara Plains every year. Kenya is rich in tribal culture and practice, where the brightly dresses Maasai people live by the earth, following the rains and avidly conserving Kenya's wildlife. Samburu National Park offers a beautiful stark landscape with endemic animals like Grevy's Zebra. Amboseli National Park nestles in the shadows of Mt Kilimanjaro, the run off from it's snow capped peaks feed the swamps of Amboseli all year round.
Kenya Destination Overview
Kenya is East Africa's premier safari destination and fondly regarded as the 'Jewel of Africa'. We can't deny that Kenya has it all, including incredible wildlife, beautiful mountains, deserts, salt lakes, cities, traditional culture, and modern arts.
With one-tenth of all land in Kenya designated as national parks and reserves, Kenya truly is a place for devoted safari guests. The Masai Mara , possibly Kenya's most well known, has some of the biggest predator populations in Africa, so if a Big Cat safari is what you are after, this is the place to be.
Over 50 parks and reserves cover habitats from mountain forest to desert, and there are six marine parks in the Indian Ocean. Although the Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous attraction, Kenya boasts many other national parks, outstanding wildlife, villages, and beaches.
Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos.
Uganda Destination Overview
Uganda lies astride of the equator, surrounded by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan and the DRC. It is known as ‘The Pearl of Africa’ due to its snow-capped mountains and it hosts a part of the Nile River. Travellers from around the world visit Uganda to visit amazing primates like the endangered Mountain Gorilla's in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park and the Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. Guests travelling to the country will be amazed by its bird species, hot springs, forests, national parks and scenery. The Uganda Safari is complete with a safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot tree climbing lions and Kidepo National Park.
Uganda offers natural beauty and is rich in tribal culture with over 30 indigenous languages and 5 linguistic groups. Locals in Uganda are of the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmy tribes, showcasing their unique music art and handcrafts for visitors. Popular sites within Uganda include the UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Nyero Rock Shelter, Kasubi tombs, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the newly discovered homes of early mankind in Karamoja.
Rwanda
Rwanda is not only the land of a thousand hills, but also a country rich in flora and fauna, particularly primates and most famously, the rare Silverback mountain gorilla.
Rwanda Destination Overview
Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is one of the world's smallest countries and is in a landlocked position between Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All of Rwanda is at high elevation, with mountains in the west, savannah in the east, and numerous lakes throughout the country. The Volcanoes National Park is where Rwanda's renowned gorilla safaris take place; attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The country hosts some rare species of animals in addition to the sought after silverback mountain gorillas; unique birds and insects are beautifully abundant in the tropical forest of Nyungwe.
Music and dance, particularly drums and the highly choreographed 'intore' dance, are an integral part of Rwandan culture. Traditional arts and crafts are produced throughout the country, including 'imigongo', a unique cow dung art.