East Africa has four major countries that offer unique exclusive wild safaris experiences to the tourists. They mainly include Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. Most of the wildlife safaris in these countries are experienced though game drives, nature walks, tracking, hiking, boat trips, hot air balloons and many other ways. Trust me going for a wildlife safari in any of the countries above is very rewarding and offers unique tourist experiences. Below are the major turning point encounters one can have on a wild life safari in east Africa.
Maasai Mara Wildlife Safaris – Kenya
Maasai Mara game reserve is located in the southern part of Kenya and is blessed to have one of the occurrences of the seven wonders of the wild- the wildebeest migration. The wildebeest migration involves millions of wildebeest (zebras, buffaloes, elands and Thompson gazelles) that move from the Serengeti in northern Tanzania across the Mara River searching for fresh pasture and water drinking areas. Many of these can be clearly viewed by tourists on game drives or in hot air balloon safaris in the park.
The game reserve also has other unique wild animals that include the big cats – lions and leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, big land mammals like elephants, rhinos, a number of bird species as well as the deadly crocodiles in the Mara river. Such wild life species make Maasai Mara a unique tourism destination.
Gorilla Tours in Uganda & Rwanda
Mountain gorilla encounters in Uganda and Rwanda are among the wonders of the wild and most times these encounters leave many tourists touched, surprised, excited and wanting to visit the two countries for more mountain gorilla experiences. There are only 900 mountain gorillas remaining on the planet. These great apes are found in Bwindi impenetrable forest in southwestern Uganda and the Virunga volcanoes area comprising 8 volcanic mountains distributed over Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, gorilla tours can be well experienced in volcanoes national park, which has 10 habituated mountain gorilla families, and in Uganda, in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park with 13 habituated gorilla families as well as Mgahinga Gorilla Park with 1 gorilla family. In both the two countries, only 8 tourists are allowed to view one gorilla family, which they spend with an hour observing and taking photographs.
Mountain gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda are sold at $750 and can be bought from the Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali or through a local tour operator.
Gorilla permits for Uganda can be bought at $600 from the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices or from a trusted tour operator especially those under the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO).
Mountain Kilimanjaro Tours – Tanzania
Situated in northern Tanzania near the border with Kenya, mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent at an elevation of 19,341 meters above sea level. It’s located within Kilimanjaro national park that has a number of wildlife attractions that a tourist can engage in. the first and most attractive attraction is the mountain that attracts a number of hikers from across the globe.
It’s a snow-capped mountain and its temperature freeze up to zero degrees at night. Hiking this spectacular mountain requires preparation involving getting the right hiking gear and first studying and getting more information about it.
There are well-developed trails that lead tourist hikers uphill and at least 6,000 tourists of the 15,000 who attempt to hike the mountain reach the top. Reaching the top of Africa’s highest peak is desired by many and can be a living travel experience to tell.
Kidepo Valley Expeditions – Uganda
Kidepo valley national park is located in northeastern Uganda in Kaabong district. This part of the country has semi arid climatic conditions and has typical African semi desert vegetation that makes the tourists feel the real Africa in Africa.
Kidepo is a home to various wildlife species that can be best viewed in the Narus valley that has an oases favoring the growth of fresh pastures. Because of this many animals in the keep around the valley enjoying the grass as the predators – especially the lions wait to hunt. The wildlife species that can be viewed here include zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, oribis, leopards, reedbucks and a number of birds. Tourists on game drives can best view all these.
East Africa is among the most desired destination by many foreign tourists and indeed wildlife safaris in the area are very exclusive enabling tourists encounter some of the wildest places on the planet with remarkable and unforgettable experiences.