REMARKABLE WILDLIFE EXPEDITIONS ACROSS EAST AFRICA

 

 

Wildlife expeditions across East Africa offer experiences as diverse as the ecosystems themselves. Travelers can immerse themselves in sumptuous nature and observe Africa’s incredible animals in their natural habitats. And this is no small business: wildlife tourism market is predicted to grow to $258.1 billion annually by 2035. 

 

Here’s a primer to a dozen special locations in East Africa, some you will know, some you may have been to, and some you probably aren’t familiar with.

 

 

 

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

 

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous parks for its wide open plains and seemingly endless horizons. The landscape feels raw and untouched. Every visit feels like stepping into a nature documentary.

 

The park is best known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the land every year, a prolonged sight that draws travelers from around the world. Watching it unfold is unforgettable.

 

Predators are always part of the scene in the Serengeti. Lions rest in tall grass while cheetahs scan the plains for movement. Each game drive brings new and exciting moments.

 

 

 

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

 

 

 

 

The Maasai Mara offers classic safari scenery with rolling grasslands and open skies. Big cats thrive throughout the reserve and are often spotted during drives. Lions and leopards hunt and rest in clear view of travelers.

 

Hot air balloon safaris provide a unique way to see the Mara. Floating above the plains feels calm and surreal. The view below stays with you long after landing.

 

 

 

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

 

The almost 12 miles in diameter Ngorongoro Crater is a world enclosed within towering walls, which reach approximately 2000 feet high. The vast basin below is lush, green, and full of life. The scenery is dramatic and striking.

 

Animals live close together inside the crater, and visitors will see many species at once. Black rhinos are a major highlight of the crater. Lions and large herds roam freely across the floor. One species you won’t see in the crater — giraffes. The steepness of the walls makes it too difficult for them to navigate. So they stay away.

 

 

 

Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

 

 

 

 

Lake Nakuru is famous for its birdlife, especially flamingos along the shore. Their bright colors create a stunning panorama across the lake, and augment the calm and scenic setting. The park also protects black and white rhinos, who roam safely within the reserve. Seeing them up close is an experience you’ll never forget.

 

Acacia trees frame much of the landscape. The peaceful environment encourages slow exploration. It is a great place to relax and observe nature.

 

 

 

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

 

Tarangire feels quieter than many popular parks. Fewer crowds create a more personal safari experience. The open space adds to the calm.

 

Baobab trees dominate the landscape and give the park a timeless look, their massive shapes standing starkly against the sky. Elephants are the park’s main attraction during the dry season, as large herds move slowly across the plains.

 

Tanzania is

 

 

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

 

 

 

 

This park offers a wide mix of environments, from savannas to wetlands. Each area supports different wildlife species. Tree-climbing lions are a unique highlight here. Seeing lions resting in trees  is startling and breathtaking. In a good way. Just hope they stay in the trees and think seeing you on the ground is fine and not in any way harshing their mellow.

 

Boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel are, understandably very popular and not to be missed. (I mean, you came a long way, don’t miss the boat cruise!) Hippos gather in the water while birds line the banks.

 

 

 

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

 

Amboseli is most famous for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The by now almost mythical mountain, the highest in Africa at almost 20,000 feet (and, outside of a mountain range, the highest free-standing mountain on Earth) creates a dramatic backdrop for wildlife sightings.

 

Elephants dominate the park and are seen in large family groups. They move steadily across the plains. their presence majestic, regal. Giraffes and cheetahs roam open areas.

 

This is one of the greatest natural parks on the planet.

 

 

 

Chobe National Park, Botswana

 

This awesome park is best known for its river-based safaris. Wildlife gathers along the water’s edge throughout the day.

 

Elephants are an attraction along the riverbanks, and you can see them drink, bathe, and interact. Hippos and crocodiles share the waterways. Birds glide low over the surface. The setting is dramatically alive and very immersive.

 

 

 

Kigali, Rwanda

 

Kigali is a clean, welcoming, and easy to navigate city that serves as the main gateway to Rwanda’s  many wildlife experiences, and many Rwanda safari adventures begin here. The city feels organized and calm, the turmoil of the country’s brutal civil war in the early 90s long passed.

 

Many travelers head from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in the region. Golden monkeys inhabit the surrounding forests. Guided treks are the best way to go to observe them — I mean, it’s not like you were going to go on your own, right?

 

 

 

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

 

 

 

 

Selous feels remote and untouched. The vast land creates a strong sense of wilderness and offers a quieter safari experience.

 

Walking safaris are a popular option here. Exploring on foot adds excitement and deepens awareness, as you’d expect. Every sound feels singular and important.

 

Wild dogs roam parts of the reserve. Elephants and crocodiles are also common sights. Crocodiles are mostly going to ignore you, but don’t change their minds.

 

 

 

Mount Meru, Tanzania

 

Mount Meru combines hiking with wildlife encounters. Trails pass through forested areas on the lower slopes. Exotic animals will appear along the way. Baboons and antelopes are commonly seen during the climb. Changing elevations adds variety to the journey. Each section is different.

 

Views from higher ground are breathtaking as the surrounding plains stretch far below. The climb is rewarding and scenic, and you will have earned a good meal by the end of it. Although you will have to climb down to get it.

 

 

 

Aberdare National Park, Kenya

 

 

 

 

This extraordinary park offers cooler weather and lush scenery. Waterfalls flow through forested landscapes. The environment feels so refreshing.

 

Tree lodges provide elevated wildlife viewing. Animals visit waterholes below throughout the day. Leopards and rhinos live within the park, sightings happen without warning.

 

 

 

East Africa is a very special and unique part of the world. Each destination brings its own rhythm and beauty. Anywhere you go is exciting and will be forever memorable.

 

And the next trip will be different.