If you are still not sure of the most rewarding region in Africa, it is the Eastern part. This area consists of multiple destinations that are fully packed with endless natural wonders. Whether you are after Wildlife, culture, physical features like mountains, rivers and falls, they all can be found in 1 place where you can explore them.
East Africa mainly is made up of four countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. For all wildlife fanatics, Wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania is the top favorite activity. The best option for one to immerse him/herself into the region’s excitements by arranging an incredible African safari. Below are some of the best alternatives you can choose from depending on your interests.
According to activity
Big Game Safaris; with this category, the main focus is the big game and are most recommended for Wildlife addicts. With certainty, it is very rare to find a customized Safari to East Africa without game viewing.
Common animals sighted are the African Big fives (Lions, Leopards, Elephants and Rhinoceros) and small games; Antelopes, Gazelles, Wildebeests, Zebras, Giraffes, Bush bucks, hartebeests, wild dogs, panthers, hyenas to mention but a few.
There are a number of ways to see all the big games, but viewing from the basket of a hot air balloon are exceptional.
Other alternatives are game drives, nature walks, forest walks, horse riding and boat cruise. Spectacular hot air balloon rides are offered in Kenya’s Masai Mara National reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
Primate Safaris; East Africa is endowed with abundant primate species (more than 38 species and 47 subspecies), therefore it is no surprise that travelers consider it for unrivalled primate safaris.
The list of these primates include; Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Black and White Colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Patus monkeys, Mangabeys, Baboons, Blue monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Mona monkeys and Golden monkeys.
For Chimpanzees, Gorillas and the Golden monkeys are best sighted in the dense Jungles of some parks in Uganda and Rwanda. You can easily see these creatures while on trekking in the forest.
Cultural Safaris; Apart from Wildlife, the Eastern region of Africa is a must visit for anyone who is injecting in some money on flight tickets mainly to soak up different cultural life styles.
The region consists of different tribes with unique cultural norms like the Masai people in Kenya, Batwa people in Uganda and Rwanda, Matheniko group of people in north eastern Uganda and more.
These safaris entertain visitors with different cultural performances (including singing and dancing), interact with the locals, taste local dishes, put on their local attires, use local tools like hunting tools for the Batwa and partake their numerous activities.
Adventure tours; East Africa is made up of multiple adventure dream destinations such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. These countries are a must visit for adventure lovers.
Most of these tours include Mountaineering, biking, watersports like boat cruise, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking expeditions, scuba diving and surfing.
Safari according to Class; All Safaris listed above can be luxury or budget, what differs usually is the accommodation and mode of transportation used. Luxury safaris are customized mainly focusing on luxurious services offered. It includes accommodation in five star hotels and lodges, connections using domestic scheduled and charter flights and use of highend safari land cruisers. With mid-range/budget services offered, expect transfers by Safari vehicles, accommodation in 2, 3 or 4 star lodges and hotels, permanent tents or camp in the available camping grounds. However regardless the safari class, all services offered by the guides and tour organizers are the same.