For safaris, East Africa is considered to be the countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The region is ‘quintessential Africa’ in the minds of many people when they think of safari.
The name safari originates in the area, being Swahili for ‘journey’ and when safari became popular in the 70s and 80s it was Kenya that was considered the safari capital. Wildlife documentaries of the era were almost exclusively filmed in the open savannah areas of the Masai Mara and Serengeti and the flat-topped acacia trees dotting an endless expanse of grass and animals became synonymous with game viewing on the continent.
But East Africa is so much more than one wildlife event:
- In Tanzania, visit the Olduvai Gorge for a glimpse into Man’s past, explore the amazing wildlife spectacle inside the Ngorongoro Crater, take in the rich history of Zanzibar or climb Mt Kilimanjaro and take in spectacular views of other volcanic mountains along the Great rift Valley;
- In Uganda, trek through stunning mountain and forest scenery in search of fantastic birdlife and elusive chimpanzees and mountain gorillas or witness at close quarters the power of the Murchison Falls as the Nile plunges through a narrow gorge;
- In Kenya, be enthralled by the mass of pink flamingoes on the Rift Valley lakes or take a hot air balloon trip over the herds of the Masai Mara.
East Africa is a very different safari experience to southern Africa and the 2 regions should not be compared, with a visit to both being highly recommended.
Embark on what could perhaps be a life-changing adventure and explore this magnificent region with us!
