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Most travelers think of this region first, when they think of an African Safari. The three countries that make up East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, offer an amazing variety of safari options. This is where the Great Rift Valley, the Equator, Africa's highest mountain, an abundance of wildlife and some to the world's oldest cultures come together in a diverse African tapestry.
It might seem that these countries would be easy to combine in one itinerary but, in fact, it may be more difficult than it appears because of politics, flight availability or differing climates. Each of these three countries offers such a variety of experiences that a trip to East Africa should be carefully thought out. The following information will give you a place to start planning.
Kenya
Kenya, the heart of East Africa, is a wonderfully diverse country. Its many interesting ecosystems include the highlands around Mt. Kenya (17,000 feet), the lakes and forests of the Great Rift Valley, a landscape dotted with extinct volcanoes, and the vast open grasslands that we associate with Africa. Along the Indian Ocean are beautiful palm fringed beaches and Arab influenced towns of Mombasa and Malindi. Wildlife concentrations in Kenya's national parks and reserves are among the highest in the world. One of the highlights of a visit to is also the opportunity to interact with local Masaai, Samburu or other tribal people.
Kenya's tourist infrastructure is highly developed and it offers some wonderful deluxe lodges and tented camps. We try to steer our travelers off the beaten path in this heavily touristed country and recommend private reserves on the borders of the famous national parks and special experiences such as camel trekking or ballooning.
Because much of Kenya lies between 600 and 1200 feet above sea level, the climate is very temperate making it a comfortable year-round destination.
Tanzania
Tanzania, the largest of the East African countries, lies just south of the Equator. There are two volcanic mountains: the spectacular Mt. Kilimanjaro which dominates the views from much of the northern part of the country and Mt. Meru. For the fit and ambitious, we can arrange "Kili" climbs with highly qualified guides. The world famous Ngorongoro Crater is home to the largest permanent concentration of animals on the continent. The plains of the Serengeti offer a wonderful opportunity to witness one of the grand spectacles of nature: the annual wildebeest and zebra migration. The Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakeys have made their amazing discoveries, helps us understand the origins of our own species. Off the coast are the lush islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.
Uganda
Uganda is best known as one of the last refuges of the rare mountain gorilla, so endangered that only a very few visitors are permitted to make the strenuous trek to visit the several "habituated" groups each day, but the country also offers other fascinating opportunities. The chimpanzees of Kibale give us wonderful insight into the habits of man's closest relative and Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a full range of game animals. Murchison Falls and the headwaters of the Nile river are among the country's other claims to fame. The tourist infrastructure in Uganda is still underdeveloped but there are some excellent tented camps.
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