This region is made up of beautiful countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, D.R. Congo, and South Sudan. Each of these countries is blessed with beautiful and exciting attractions, including national parks and wildlife reserves, mountains, lakes, culture, and more. Here are ten must-visit destinations in East Africa.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
Home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Bwindi is located in the southwestern part of Uganda. Though Bwindi is dense and challenging to navigate, you can still witness these endangered mountain gorillas communicating, playing, grooming each other, and feeding during the trek.
Bwindi is not only a habitat for mountain gorillas but also hosts other wildlife, including amphibians, chimpanzees, over 120 mammal species, several bird species, and diverse plant life. You can also experience the Batwa culture, as this Indigenous group originally lived in the forest alongside these animals.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
One of Africa’s oldest parks and a top destination for mountain gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park offers close encounters with mountain gorillas, allowing visitors to spend an hour observing their fascinating behaviors and capturing memorable photos.
The park is also home to rare bird species like the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, and strange weaver, as well as primates like the rare golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, along with other mammals.
Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya
Lake Nakuru is famous for its flamingos, especially during the dry season when water levels drop, leading to a rise in algae that the flamingos feed on. This soda lake’s surface is transformed by a stunning pink carpet of flamingos during this period.
Lake Nakuru is also home to other animals like rhinoceros, lions, and African wild dogs, as well as bird species such as the greater blue-eared starling and grey-crested helmet-shrike. The park supports over 300 bird species.
Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
If you want to see the Big Five all in one day, the Masai Mara Reserve is the place to be, with sights of elephants, rhinoceros, buffaloes, leopards, and lions. The reserve is also renowned for the wildebeest migrations from July to November, making it a top African destination.
Watching thousands of animals cross the river is an unforgettable experience, providing an unparalleled safari adventure.
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda
One of Uganda’s famous savanna parks, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers expansive green landscapes and diverse wildlife during morning and evening game drives. The Ishasha sector of the park is known for its rare tree-climbing lions.
A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel provides opportunities to observe sunbathing hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species that migrate here during the breeding season.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
For mountain climbing enthusiasts, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), is a must-visit. It has three peaks: Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi, with Kibo being the tallest and providing a thrilling hiking experience.
The climb to the summit takes about 7 to 9 days and is best attempted during the dry season. Those not up to climbing Kilimanjaro can try the nearby Mount Meru.
Zanzibar in Tanzania
Once home to Arab rulers and a major East African slave market, Zanzibar is now a popular vacation destination. This island features the historic Stone Town, the Sultan’s Palace with a clock tower, and numerous mosques.
The island’s beautiful beaches, close to coral reefs, make it an ideal spot for scuba diving and other water activities in the Indian Ocean.
Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda
The lush Nyungwe Forest in southern Rwanda is one of East Africa’s top destinations. Considered Africa’s largest mountain forest, Nyungwe hosts diverse biodiversity, including 100 mammal species, over 13 primate species, numerous bird species, and a variety of flora.
Akagera National Park in Rwanda
Located at Rwanda’s border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is ideal for game safaris, featuring animals like lions, baboons, hyenas, giraffes, leopards, zebras, and buffaloes. The park also boasts unique bird species, including the shoebill stork, and hosts crocodiles and hippos in Lake Ihema.
Covered by savanna grasslands, swamps, and woodlands, Akagera is East-Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and Rwanda’s only savannah habitat. Named after the Akagera River, the park flows north to Lake Victoria in Uganda.
Tourists can enjoy boat trips on the park’s lakes, experience aquatic wildlife, and engage in fishing. Bird watching, hiking, and community tours are also popular activities here.
Lake Kivu in Rwanda
Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, is the third deepest and highest in altitude among them. Located along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, it is a volcanic lake surrounded by misty mountains, scenic hills, and islands with a tropical climate.
Lake Kivu’s freshwater and sandy beaches are breathtakingly beautiful. It is safe for swimming as there are no hippos, crocodiles, or risks of bilharzia, and the water temperature is moderate. Wind surfing, canoeing, sunbathing, and water sports are other popular activities on the lake.
