East Africa Tours offer holidaymakers the most captivating African wilderness experiences. They introduce you into the exotic destinations in East Africa to explore and experience the best of Africa’s wildlife holiday, primate tours, mountaineering, gorilla safaris, bird watching and cultural interaction. East Africa is amazingly the tourism hub of Africa, noted for its exhilarating wildlife tour experiences.
Geographically, East Africa is positioned in the extensive Sub-Saharan Africa which constitutes the 2 regions;-The East Africa originally comprised of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The East Africa Community presently has a composition of about 5 countries; Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South-Sudan and Tanzania.
East Africa is noted for its exceptional plateaus and it is in this region where you can find the highest elevation in Africa. Most beautiful highlands in East Africa exist in Kenya with altitudinal range of 2000 to 3000m. Also, the twin parallel rift valleys that make up the Great East African rift system can be explored while on East Africa tours. The Eastern also popular as the Great Rift Valley extends from the Red sea’s junction with the Gulf of Aden Southwards through Ethiopian Highlands and Kenya, proceeding towards Tanzania. The Western arm of the Rift Valley curves along the Western borders of the 2 East African states of Uganda and Tanzania.
While on East African tour, your exploration is more just game viewing. The favorable weather and tropical like climatic conditions characterized by low temperatures are some of the many reasons why thousands prefer East Africa tours. East Africa is crossed by the Equator and its climatic conditions are generally favorable making the region, the most preferred destination in the African continent.
Besides, East Africa is credited for its unique vegetation cover. The region features incredible vegetation range comprising of vast grassland, woodland notably thriving on the wetter areas. The thorn bushes which thrive on the semi-arid places like Karamoja region in the North-eastern Uganda. The open savanna grasslands host the East Africa’s varied animal species-this is where holidaymakers go to explore the big African game, migratory species. The savanna grassland is notably a home to hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, lions, African bush elephants, gnus, gazelles, wildebeest, zebras, savanna birds, rhinos, buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes. Amazingly, savanna grassland of East Africa is the best to enjoy game viewing.
East Africa tours also take you through thrilling and authentic African experiences. The Eastern African region alone is comprised of about 160 varied ethnic groups which makes it one of the most populated regions in the African continent. While on East Africa tours, your cultural interaction can be best done with the Nilo-Saharan speakers in Uganda, Tanzania especially along the rift valley places. Majority of the Nilo-Saharan speakers are part of the Luo, Kalenjin, Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania, Karamojong of North-Eastern Uganda.
History
East Africa tours also offer a great chance for holidaymakers to discover in depth the origin of East Africa. There exist many theories explaining its origin with the recent theory explaining the Africa origin of modern humans. According to this theory, most archaeologists assert that the first modern humans first appeared from the East African region. Other theories like the multiple dispersal model that covers the southern dispersal theory believes that the North Africa is where the modern humans trekked out of the African continent. The fossil and genetic evidences also assert that the archaic homo sapiens evolved into anatomically modern humans in the Horn of Africa, 200,000 years ago.
In 2017, the remains of the modern humans were unearthed in Jebel Irhoud Morocco and these date 300,000 years back. This meant that the modern human evolution occurred earlier. On East Africa tours, you get to explore one of the sites in which the homo sapiens lived. This was discovered in 2018 and it dates 320000 years ago. While on East Africa tours, you can explore this in Olorgesailie site in Kenya.
East Africa Tourism sector
The East African tourism industry is based on nature, attracting thousands of nature and wildlife lovers each year to explore its natural wonders. In Africa, East Africa is one amazing place any holidaymaker shouldn’t miss to visit. The region is noted for its unbeatable natural beauty and undoubtedly stands out as the tourism hub of Africa, boasting of its diverse tourist attractions incredibly distributed in different places.
East Africa is popular for its wildlife diversity, offering the best wildlife safaris in Africa. In Africa, East Africa is incredibly one of the best and most looked for destinations when it comes to the big 5 game safaris, wildebeest migration experience, primate trekking particularly mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, chimp tracking, bird watching, gorilla habituation experience or chimpanzee habituation experience etc.
East Africa’s iconic wildlife to expect to keep an eye on range from the lions, leopards, cheetahs, the tree climbing lions of Lake Manyara National Park in the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania and Queen Elizabeth National Park of Western Uganda, rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, wildebeests in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park Tanzania. The popular and the most searched primates on East Africa tours include the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the D.R. Congo where they remain not more than 1063 worldwide. Trekking to see these unique apes is only possible on East Africa tours in any of the 3 countries.
Other interesting primates to expect to keep an eye on while on East Africa tours include golden monkeys, chimpanzees, the grey cheeked mangabeys, bush babies, L’Hoest monkeys, olive baboons, bonobos, red colobus monkeys, pottos, red tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, Patas monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. Besides, East Africa tours also expose you to the region’s diverse bird species, hippos, crocodiles and other species.
Other than the big five game and great apes, East Africa tours usher you into other thrilling experiences. East Africa also boasts of its distinct cultures which you can easily have insight into from different ethnic groups; museums, historical sites. Alternatively, the East Africa’s conducive climatic conditions shouldn’t be left out and this is one reason why most holidaymakers consider East Africa tours. The world’s best climatic conditions are never experienced anywhere else on earth except in East Africa.
Geographically, East Africa is strategically positioned along the Equator crossing and it is popular for its breathtaking landscape. While on East Africa tours, expect great adventures to challenge yourself with. East Africa is one outstanding destination offering the best mountaineering experiences and hikers have many options to challenge themselves from including the popular Rwenzori Mountains/Mountains of the Moon in Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda, Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Meru and Mount Elgon.
Alternatively, you can embark on Virunga Volcano climbing in the Virunga Conservation Area/Virunga region where you can trek to the summits of Mount Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, Gahinga, Bisoke/Visoke and Sabyinyo. In general, the East Africa tourism sector plays a great role towards the East Africa’s economies’ GDP though currently, the sector has been hit by out of COVID-19.
Location.
East Africa is part of the 4 regions that make up the African continent and this is geographically found in the Eastern side of Africa. The region covers a number of countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi etc. Lake Victoria is a beautiful and largest water lake shared by 3 East Africa countries specifically, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. On your East Africa tours, Lake Victoria is one place not to be missed to explore for memorable experiences.
Why East Africa tours 2021?
If your plan is to visit Africa, the East Africa tours should be a must-do. Each year, thousands of holidaymakers make it to East Africa for a holiday for a number of reasons. East Africa tours provide a great opportunity to holidaymakers to be part of the lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experiences offered only in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The only places to expect to visit on East Africa tours to see mountain gorillas in the wild include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the South-western safari circuit of Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Ruhengeri Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in the D.R. Congo. Gorilla adventures on East Africa tours can be incorporated with other experiences such as Chimpanzee tracking, visit the world’s powerful waterfalls, golden monkey tracking, mountaineering, wildebeest migration experience in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar holiday.
Other reasons you shouldn’t miss the East Africa tours include boat cruise, kayaking, bungee jumping, white water rafting on the Source of the Nile, guided game drives, cultural experiences, quad biking, visit the Equator crossing, birding, nature walks, city tours and others.
THE BEST EAST AFRICA TOUR DESTINATIONS.
Uganda
Uganda is by far one of the premier East Africa destinations. This is a compact country making easier to explore on East Africa tours. Despite its compact size, East Africa tours in Uganda amazingly never leave you out of choice. You have plenty to explore and experience at your own pace.
While on East Africa tours in Uganda, there are 10 national parks and many reserves to explore. Each of these Uganda National Parks comes with something unique for you to enjoy and return home when filled with lasting memories.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Geographically set in the Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is a home to 459 mountain gorillas out of the 1063 notably still existing on earth. The 331sq.kms park offers the best gorilla trekking experiences and it is of no doubt the main highlight in most of travelers’ travel plan on East Africa tours.
On Bwindi Impenetrable National Park tours, gorilla trekking is done in the 20 habituated families widely distributed in the park’s 4 regions of Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi while on East Africa tours requires every holidaymaker to have a valid gorilla permit and a permit is available for booking at US Dollars 700.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park-also positioned in southwestern Uganda and offers alternative opportunity for East Africa tour holidaymakers to go enjoy gorilla trekking experience. This park sits on 33.7sq.kms of piece of land and has only 1 habituated gorilla group (Nyakagezi group family) currently open for gorilla trekking.
Kibale Forest National Park-Uganda’s and East Africa’s most visited safari park for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest National Park is geographically lying in Western Uganda and it is best referred to as the primate capital of the world for a great reason. The park is largely occupied by the rain-forest, protecting 13 primate species in one habitat and they include over 1500 chimpanzees of all the 5050 chimpanzees believed to thrive in the whole of Uganda. The 795sq.kms park also shelters a significant population of other primates including the red colobus monkeys, baboons, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest monkeys, pottos, patas monkeys, bush babies, vervet monkeys and over 360 bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park-Geographically located in the North-western Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is undoubtedly the biggest of the 10 Uganda National Park, expanding up to 3840sq.kms of land area. This vast savanna park is a home to one of the splendid and powerful waterfalls-Murchison Falls where it also takes its name.
Tourists on East Africa tours or Uganda tours visit Murchison Falls National Park for great reasons. The park offers the best guided game drives for you to see 4 of the big game (buffaloes, elephants, lions leopards), boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls, chimp tracking, bird watching, hot air balloon tours, hiking to the top of the falls, nature walks.
Other outstanding places to explore on East Africa tours in Uganda-The Pearl of Africa include Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree climbing lions, Semuliki National Park. Other Uganda National Parks include Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park in the Eastern circuit, Lake Mburo National Park in the west. Or visit the Sipi Falls, Sezibwa Falls, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Katonga Wildlife Reserve, Budongo Forest, Mamba Wetland for unforgettable birding safaris, Ssese Island, The Source of the Nile at Jinja, explore Lake Victoria, Kasubi tombs, the national museum and other historical plus cultural sites.
Rwanda
Rwanda has only 4 national parks for East Africa tour holidaymakers to explore. These protect nearly all that visitors come to see in Africa including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, big five game, birds, magical volcanoes, lakes, rivers, lush rain-forests to mention but a few.
The 4 national parks that position Rwanda as the preferred destination in East Africa include Volcanoes National Park, the only park in Rwanda where you can come across a section of mountain gorillas while on gorilla trekking. If trekking to see chimpanzees is what you are interested in on East Africa tours in Rwanda then the only places to travel to include Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. An ultimate big five game experience is perfectly enjoyed in only Akagera National Park while you are on East Africa tours in Rwanda.
Kenya
Most of the East Africa tour holidaymakers travel to Kenya mainly to witness the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Kenya is notably the best destination to experience African safari holiday, boasting herself of many splendid national parks including the marine parks; exotic beaches, historical towns, unique cultures, mountains.
While on East Africa tours in Kenya, the must visit destinations include the Maasai Mara National Reserve for you to have the best of the Great Wildebeest Migration, guided game drive, bird watching (about 500 bird species). Amboseli National Park perfect for safari game drives, Tsavo East/West National Park, Nairobi National Park, Marine Parks, Mount Elgon National Park Kenya established in 1968, Lake Nakuru National Park (a great place to identify residential birds and variety of migratory bird species including flamingos. Hell’s Gate National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Mount Longonot, Aberdare National Park etc.
Tanzania
Tanzania is incredibly one of the most visited destinations in East Africa, priding herself for magically endless plains. Booking East Africa tours in Tanzania is a great opportunity for you to indulge yourself into the spectacular savannas of Serengeti National Park in the Northern Safari Circuit to witness the Wildebeest Migration or guided game drive.
Tanzania is a spectacular country with exceptional destinations worth taking East Africa tour. The country’s top tourist sites to consider a must-visit besides Serengeti include Lake Manyara National Park (Tanzania’s popular tourist site where tree climbing lions live). Ngorongoro Crater is Tanzania’s iconic tourist site and also, one of the natural wonders the world boasts of. For exceptional hiking experiences on East Africa tours, Tanzania never disappoints-visit the Kilimanjaro National Park to enjoy the thrilling Mount Kilimanjaro trekking adventures.
Other best tourist sites you should consider a must-visit on East Africa tours in Tanzania include Olduvai Gorge, Mahale National Park, Zanzibar Island/Archipelago, Stone Town, Gombe National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Tarangire National Park, Ruaha National Park. While on Tanzania safaris, travelers can be part of the varied safari experiences including guided game drives, hot air balloon safaris, chimpanzee tracking in Mahale Mountains or Gombe National Parks, bird watching, cultural tours.
Gorilla Tracking in East Africa
East Africa is by far the most outstanding destination and the only region in the world where the best gorilla trekking experiences are offered. The popular mountain gorilla trekking safaris are only done in the 4 national parks in East Africa; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park/Mgahinga Gorilla National Park-southwestern Uganda. Travelers on East Africa tours and they are interested in Gorilla trekking in Uganda, gorilla permits are available for reservation at US Dollars 700.
The other 2 parks include Volcanoes National Park/Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda and Rwanda gorilla permits are issued to East Africa tour holidaymakers at US Dollars 1500 per person. Virunga National Park in the D.R. Congo is the 4th exceptional mountain gorilla trekking destination though this is geographically found in Central Africa. Other than trekking mountain gorillas, Congo is also the most visited place for visitors to enjoy Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking tours. All Congo gorilla permits are issued at US Dollars 450.
Great Wildebeest Migration
Wildebeest Migration is one reason why most travelers consider East Africa tours a must-do. This is experienced each year only once and this happens in the Masai National Reserve in Southern side of Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The 2 protected areas experience the Wildebeest Migration during different times of the year-but usually it happens from late October to November while calving/birthing starts from January to February.
When to visit?
East Africa tours can be arranged all year-round. But usually, the best time to travel to East Africa for a tour depends on the activity or your travel interests are. Wildebeest migration in East Africa is best enjoyed in October, November and witnessing wildebeest giving birth is perfect during the month of January, February. Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, mountaineering in East Africa is enjoyable during the dry months of June, July, August, September or December, January, February.
