East Africa

Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia & Madagascar

East Africa

Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia & Madagascar

East Africa

Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia & Madagascar

For many world travelers, an East African safari to Kenya and Tanzania is at the top of that list. (It should be!) The big five game animals of Africa – the African lion, the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the African leopard, and the black rhinoceros – are all evident in this area. Additional wildlife includes cheetah, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, hippo, baboon, hyena, chimpanzee, mountain gorilla, crocodile, literally hundreds of bird species and many, many others.

Introduction

Once you’ve had your fill of incredible wildlife, you can retreat to the coast for a taste of paradise, perhaps to Zanzibar’s beaches. Perhaps you’ll experience history frozen in time with a trip to the Omo River region of Ethiopia, which boasts 50 tribes that have maintained an existence while being virtually cut off from the modern world and have remained true to their traditional customs and beliefs. Head out to Rwanda or Uganda for firsthand gorilla viewing, or over to Madagascar, home of the delightfully curious and friendly lemurs.

Things to Do and See

Once you’ve satisfied your desire to see the African wildlife in its natural habitat, you may be wondering what else there is to see and do in East Africa. But there are many wonderful cultural and site-seeing opportunities to be taken advantage of in East Africa. The beaches of Tanzania and Kenya are alone worth the trip to this part of the world. Reminders of the colonial past and the slave trade are available to tour at Prison Island and other historical sites. You might also include a visit to Giraffe Manor or to the elephant reserve where you can adopt a baby elephant.

Weather and Climate

Pinning down the perfect time to visit East Africa can be difficult, depending on your interests. The region straddles the equator and generally experiences two wet seasons and two dry seasons, each year. Weather in the region has become more difficult to predict, due to climate change. The long, wet season typically runs from March through May. The shorter rainy season runs from November through December, though the rains are typically weaker during this season (if they come at all). Any time during the dry seasons is a good time to visit East Africa for both wildlife viewing and for other activities. Temperature during the dry seasons varies greatly depending on altitude, and where you are in relation to the ocean. It is very hot in this part of the world throughout much of the year, and those with fair skin should take extra precautions against potential over exposure to the sun.

Transportation

Getting around in East Africa can be challenging once you leave the comparative comfort of the larger cities. In the cities, taxi services and buses are available for hire, though in cities like Nairobi, private transfers may be a better option. When touring the backcountry, it is best to hire a seasoned driver, or book a Sky Safari and allow us to book your transportation in advance as a part of whatever safari or other activities you hope to enjoy. Boat transportation to and from offshore islands can usually be had at reasonable prices. But keep in mind local operators can and will charge a premium to those without bargaining skills at the ready. Working with our in-country travel experts, you can be assured when planning your East Africa safari with us, your arrangements will be properly taken care of.

Unique Experiences
In East Africa

There are many unique experiences to be had in East Africa. If you visit the region during the great migration, a small plane or helicopter tour may top your list of things to do. If you’re interested in the history of Christianity in Africa, a side trip to Ethiopia’s many ancient religious sites might be in order. Here are a few of the many truly unique experiences that await you in Eastern Africa.

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Travel Expert Pick

Experience Star Bed Experience in Kenya

At this safari lodge in Loisaba, roll out the bed for the a magical experience of sleeping under the African sky. Wake up to an...

#East Africa #Kenya #Loisaba #Safari

Experience Art From Flip-Flops

Located in Karen Village in Nairobi, Ocean Sole is a social enterprise that converts over 500,000 flip-flops each year collected from the shore and creates colorful...

#Art #East Africa #Kenya #Nairobi

Experience Kilimanjaro Summit Climb

Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro is one of the most rewarding experiences on Earth—and one of the most challenging. Our Kilimanjaro guides are there to...

#East Africa #Kilimanjaro #Tanzania

Featured

Experience Tanzanian Cooking With Local Family

An authentic experience with a local family. Visit the local market to learn about ingredients and how they are used. Then back at home, help with...

#Culinary #Culture #East Africa #Tanzania

Experience Zanzibar Handicraft & Music

A handicraft/musical-themed immersive experience with local artisans and musicians in Zanzibar's historic Stone Town. Meet with painters, carpenters and door carvers, henna artists, musicians at the...

#Culture #East Africa #Tanzania #Zanzibar

Experience Akagera National Park

On this full day excursion from Kigali, you'll observe wildlife in Akagera National Park in the comfort of an air-conditioned 4x4. See the big five, rhinos,...

#Akagera #East Africa #Rwanda #Uganda

What Travelers Say

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Tanzania

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Tanzania

It was truly amazing; Tanzania, the people and the animals! It was really special to spend time with everyone, to gather for a meal, play a card game or go on a game drive. Really fantastic. Yes, life changing and ...

Edelman Family Los Angeles

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Kenya

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Kenya

Jeanine planned for our trip of a lifetime to Kenya. She has a Kenya partner that knows Kenya inside out. Her relationship with them made it SO easy for us as travelers because we didn’t have to deal with all ...

Rita K. San Diego – Professional Travel Advisors

East Africa Hotels & Resorts

East Africa caters to travelers from all parts of the world, and many accommodations would not be suitable or up to American standards. Not all safari camps are the same quality or offer the same experiences. With our local partners in East Africa, TravelStore specializes in planning the best in East Africa travel for you: we can plan your East African safari and arrange the highest quality safari camps that are best suited to your comfort, needs and your budget, including these standouts:

Nanyuki, Kenya

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club

Strategically located on the Equator within the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

Ruhengeri, Rwanda

One&Only Gorilla's Nest

A rare combination of chic high-end living and the untamed beauty of the natural world.

Arusha, Karatu, Tanzania

Elewana The Manor at Ngorongoro

“Old-world” grandeur to a green and lush setting.

Did you know?

Visitors can see enough flamingoes to turn the sky pink at Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. Alongside rhino, Cape buffalo, crocodiles, hippos, and elephants are some of the best bird watching opportunities of any area in the world. Massive flocks.

East Africa Travel Journals

Jun 25, 2021

Dan Ilves

Loisaba Lodo Springs: The Place You Won’t Want to Leave

Of the four Elewana safari camps we visited on our May 2021 safari, each unique and compelling in its own right, Loisaba Lodo Springs was the most luxurious. The initial reaction from my adult kids was, “We’re not leaving here.”

#Africa #East Africa #Elephants #Kenya #Safari

More About East Africa

Take a trip back in time all the way to the origin of our species at Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge, where the Leakeys and their discoveries are chronicled in the museum. Who knows – you might stumble upon the missing link while you’re picnicking in the valley!

Step into colonial history and modern romance at The Karen Blixen Museum and the Nairobi National Museum, both of which are located in Nairobi, Kenya. Whether you’re a fan of Out of Africa or are particularly interested in the British colonial history of East Africa, both of these museums are well worth a visit.