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.

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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.

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:

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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.

More About 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.

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.

Our expertise and personal contacts will enhance your visit to East Africa, no matter what time of year you choose to travel. Search for current Kenya vacation offers above, consider an East Africa safari, or contact us today to arrange a vacation to East Africa that’s perfectly customized to your desires, whether to Kenya, Tanzania or beyond.

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