EAST AFRICA’S 10 BEST TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK,RWANDA

Draped in mist and full of lush vegetation, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park nestles deep within the Virunga Mountains. As Africa’s oldest national park, it is one of the best places in the world to encounter the critically endangered mountain gorillas. A subspecies of the wider-ranging eastern gorilla, there are only around 800 of these amazing animals left. To share a moment with them in their natural environment is an intensely moving experience and one that should be at the top of any wildlife lover’s bucket list. The park provides a home for several other rare species, including 29 endemic species of bird.

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park, is also part of the top 10 tourist destinations in East Africa and just like Kibale national park is the hub for primate trekking in the Republic of Rwanda, the park is home to a number of tourist attractions like the chimpazee speces that can be seen.  Including other primate species like the black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys and so on. There are a number of tourist attractions aside from the primate species which include the canopy walkway where tourists can do canopy walk.

Tourists can also see a number of park attractions like the butterfly species, bird species like, tea plantations where tourists can experience farm life and learn how to harvest and make tea for home consumptions the Gisozi tea estate and Kitabi Tea Plantation will offer authentic plantation experience from handpicking the tea that is processed for consumption.

Tourists can also embark on hiking the different trails in the park which uncover different adventures in the park for instance the Muzimu trail where views of lake Kivu can be seen, karamba birding trail where tourists can see a number of bird species, the Isumo waterfall trail which leads to the beautiful isumo waterfalls of the park. In Rwanda, although the national parks are the most famous for there are other attractions that can catch the eye of the tourist including the Kigali genocide memorial museum which can be visited by tourists on their Rwanda Genocide Tour.

MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE,KENYA

Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve has earned itself a reputation as one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations, and for good reason. Regardless of the time of year, wildlife sightings are both plentiful and diverse. It’s possible to see the Big Five in a single day, and during the July-November dry season, the plains are filled with the vast herds of the annual wildebeest migration. In particular, watching the herds crossing the Mara River in their thousands is a spectacle few will ever forget. Cultural visits to traditional Maasai villages are another highlight of this spectacular East African reserve.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is renowned for its fascinating history and its incredible beaches. Located off the coast of Tanzania and surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar was once a key stop on the spice route. Here, the island’s Arab rulers would trade slaves for spices; and today, Zanzibar’s exotic past is evident in its elaborate architecture. Stone Town is one of the island’s biggest attractions, boasting ornate houses, narrow alleyways, a Sultan’s palace, and many mosques. Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches are postcard-perfect, and its reefs are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Those in search of the ultimate safari experience should consider combining a trip to the Maasai Mara with a visit to Serengeti National Park in neighboring Tanzania. Here, breathtaking open plains are dotted with acacia trees and grazing game. It’s a great place to spot predators like lion and cheetah in action; especially during the January-March rainy season. At this time, wildebeest descend upon the southern Serengeti to give birth, and the newborn calves make easy prey for hungry cats. In April, the herds start their migration to the Maasai Mara, but the game-viewing remains exceptional all year round.

Watamu, Kenya

Unlike many of Kenya’s other beach towns, Watamu is still considered an enclave of peace and quiet. Located slap bang in the middle of Kenya’s exquisite coastline, Watamu is small, relaxed and full of history. It is best known for its stunning bays and palm-fringed beaches, and for its prolific coral reefs. Deep-sea fishing is a favorite pastime here, and several dive schools offer the chance to take up scuba diving. On land, beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood, Mida Creek boasts stunning birdlife, and Gedi Ruins offers an insight into the life of the 13th Century Swahili people.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area is dominated by the ancient Ngorongoro Crater. Approximately 1,970 feet/ 600 meters deep, the crater is the world’s largest intact caldera, and one of East Africa’s most incredible natural spectacles. Within its rim, countless animals range across the grassy plains of the crater floor, including a significant population of critically endangered black rhino and some of the largest remaining tusker elephants. Black-maned lions are another impressive sight, as are the flocks of flamingo that appear on the crater’s soda lake during the breeding season.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Perhaps one of the continent’s most iconic sights, Mount Kilimanjaro stands in perfect isolation against the foreground of the African savannah. At 19,340 feet/5,895 meters, it is the tallest peak in Africa and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Those with a reasonable level of fitness and a keen sense of adventure should consider making the climb for the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience. Climbing with a guide is compulsory, and allowing a few extra days to ​acclimatize to the altitude is advised. Depending on your route, the climb takes five to nine days. If you’re short on time, consider climbing nearby Mount Meru instead.

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK,RWANDA

Akagera National Park Rwanda is found in North Eastern Rwanda, at the country’s border with Tanzania. It is dominated by swamps and small lakes with flow in the wake of River Kagera. The network of water sources and unique landscape together create very spectacular scenery. It is quite a remarkable eco-system. The Park was obviously named after River Kagera that feeds different water bodies including Lake Ihema.

Surrounded by cultivated hills, that are so much a part of Rwanda scenery, the scenery of Akagera national Park is quite simply beautiful. The landscape is low, composed of wide plains dominated by grass, cactus-like Euphorbia candelabra shrub and both thick and thin forests although it does carry on with the general rugged terrain that is so characteristic of Rwanda.

Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

The highlight of this Rift Valley park is the eponymous Lake Nakuru, a soda lake famous for its incredible flamingo population. The density of the flamingo flock depends on the time of year. During the dry season, water levels fall and the lake becomes more alkaline, generating more algae for the birds to feed on. At this time, numbers of lesser and greater flamingo can swell to as many as two million birds, creating a rose-hued haze across the lake’s surface. The park itself is home to a host of other animals, including lions, rhino and approximately 450 species of bird.