Joanna James
East Africa is endowed with numerous plateaus and boasts the highest elevations in the African continent. Complementing the landscape, the region has striking natural beauty and intriguing man-made attractions. Discover these natural and rustic elements by touring some of the outstanding ones.
With guaranteed sightings of diverse and plentiful wildlife, a safari in Maasai Mara is a top bucket list item for many visitors planning to do safaris in East Africa. Despite the time of the year, the famous big five (the 5 main safari animals of Africa; Cape Buffalo, Black or white Rhino, African Elephant, African Lion and African Leopard) will be sighted by the visitors. Apart from the big 5, there are plenty of others to watch providing hours of pleasure for all members of the family.
An ancient town with religious significance Lalibela is in the heart of northern Ethiopian highlands. This is a profound place of reverence for the Orthodox Christians of Ethiopia. Designed as a new Jerusalem in the 12th century for pilgrims unable to visit the Holy Land due to conflicts, this outstanding site with 11 monolithic churches attracts visitors from all over the world.
A dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, this unmistakable mountain is the highest in all of Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, it is no wonder that visitors touring East Africa with reputed tour operators like SkySafari include this amazing mountain as a part of their tour of the region.
Africa’s oldest national park, Volcanoes is nestled in the Virunga Mountains and is home to the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Whilst enjoying witnessing all the other animals here make sure you get a good look at the Mountain Gorillas.
The largest National Park in Uganda, with a wide mix of wildlife. 4 of the main safari animals are seen here, whilst the fifth the rhinos are not spotted making it an exciting park for a safari. Complementing the wildlife there is another attraction here, the Murchison Falls, the most powerful falls in the world. Your family would simply love to witness the falls.
One of the best-known and most visited wildlife parks in the world. Its landscape is a mix of sparse woodlands and nutritious grasslands offering an extensive area of balanced eco-system from north Tanzania to south-western Kenya. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site a location of the Great Migration that takes place each year with wildebeest and zebras following the rain by crossing the park towards Kenya for water and greener pastures.
This National Park in Congo borders Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda and is considered one of the most biodiverse conservation areas in Africa. This park is hugely popular for gorilla tracking.
Situated off the coast of Tanzania and surrounded by the brilliant hues of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar was an important stop on the ancient maritime spice route. There are still traces of its vibrant past in the architecture, ornate houses, Sultan's palace and more that can be witnessed whilst it is a great place for embracing the beach and underwater exploration.
A visit to this remote region will be an eye-opener to witness villages that have been in existence for centuries with no changes or progress. The tribes lead a simple life with their traditional culture, dress and ceremonies leading a contented life.
Full of serenity and history, this beach town in Kenya is different to others. With palm-lined beaches and incredible bays, this beach offers many hours of pleasure for visitors who can laze about, enjoy water sports, and even explore Gedi Ruins to have a peek into the lives of Swahili people.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
