10 Most Extraordinary East African Experiences You’ll Never Forget

East African experiences are priceless. There is a myth that the region is all wild with no comforts or refinements. However, the region features stunning scenery with recurring shifts of sought-after beauty, attractions and activities to whet any thrill-seeking appetite. It is untamed, it’s spectacular and every form of mortality just can’t get enough of the crack of the dawn. East Africa offers amazing experiences you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Thousands of tourists arrive in East Africa every year with the intention of spending a few days enjoying its wildlife, luxury beaches and beautiful attractions under the famous African sun. People visit to take advantage of the amazing activities the countries offer.

If you really want to see what East Africa is all about, you need to get off and travel into the many cities and towns, meet the people and learn about the culture and history. Every visitor finds the East African culture inviting, appealing and amazing. Here are 10 most extraordinary East African experiences you will never forget. Take a deep breath and explore East Africa.

1.  The Great Migration

Great Migration

Photo Source: Ray Morris on Flickr

The Great Migration is an extraordinary natural wonder to witness in East Africa. Takes place every year between June and August, where over a million wildebeests, gazelles and zebras cross over from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. This event is a life-changing experience and it is believed to be the largest and greatest wildlife show in the world. Thousands of tourists from all over the world travel to Kenya and Tanzania during this migration to behold the natural phenomenon.

2. Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla Tracking

Photo Source: Onthego tours on Flickr

Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is an extremely fascinating adventure and an amazing experience for tourists. Many travellers tour both countries to see these beautiful creatures, which look almost like humans. Many of the primate’s population are found in these two East African countries – Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.  You will be fascinated when you are in the presence of these rare endangered animals. The amazing experience of trekking through the impenetrable forests, searching for the Gorillas and the amazing feeling you get when you finally find them – are extraordinary.

3. Cultural experiences

The Masai People of Kenya, dancing.

East Africa has a great cultural significance. Many visitors have abandoned their home country just because they fell in love with our culture. The African region offers a rich variety of cultural experiences especially in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Visitors get amazing opportunity to learn about these cultures when they visit these destinations. You get to learn about Swahili, Turkana, Samburu, Maasai and many others. Tanzania and Kenya also encompass a diversity of cultures and influences such as Asian, Arab and Western. You can enjoy or experience the cultural experience of these countries by witnessing their cultural festivals such as Rift Valley Festival, Mombasa Carnival, Bayimba International Festival of Music and Arts, Lamu Cultural Festival, Lake Turkana Festival, Maulidi Festival and many more. Each country features some amazing cultural festivals that give you an unforgettable experience.

4. Climbing the roof of Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro

mt. Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest and largest mountain in Africa. Climbing the mountain is a lifetime achievement. Many people try to climb the mountain in a year but only a few succeed. Some either go back when they are halfway to the peak or get discouraged even before climbing. However, those who succeeded in climbing the mountain enjoy the extraordinary experiences it offers. The mountain is located in Tanzania, near the border of Kenya. If you can’t go climbing, you can catch the impressive views of the mountain at Amboseli National Park in Kenya. The magnificent peak of Kilimanjaro shows mountaineers the beautiful boondocks of East Africa. The experience is nerve-racking and life-changing!

5.  High-end camping in East Africa wilderness

Joys camp

Joy’s Camp in Kenya | Photo Source: Joyscamp.com

East Africans do camping in style! The African region is crammed of incredible luxury camping sites. Whether it is the allure of sleeping under the stars at night or getting a luxury camp to stay – there is a wide variety of high-end tented camps and camping grounds for outdoor adventurers. The high-end camping sites allow travellers to explore and experience the wilds in a luxurious setting. You will find luxury tented camps and lodges in the wilderness, featuring the most pricey bed linen and modern bathrooms. Most of these luxury camps are found in the National Parks and game reserves.

6. A taste of East African authentic cuisine

Ugali

The authentic cuisine of East Africa is undoubtedly colourful, with exclusive and spicy mix that you will never taste anywhere. East Africa cooking is so delicious that you will want to repeat it even when you get to your home country. Most of the dishes are made from rice, yam, beans, maize, sorghum and more, with stew and soups cooked with pepper, tomatoes, vegetables, meat, fish, chicken and more. Fresh milk, cheese and butter are also common in East Africa. Our fishermen are fearless and they fish in some of the untamed waters in East Africa to bring the finest seafood to our table. East African foods are always tasteful, deliciously healthy.

7. Wildlife Safari

People on safari watching elephant

East Africa is a well-known destination for wildlife safari. The African region features unspoiled stretch of scrubland and savannah, burgeoning with untamed wildlife. There are several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in East Africa, containing the various animals and rare species of wildlife, including ‘the Big Five’. Many tourists visit this African region to experience an ultimate safari. Here are the safari destinations  you have to visit in East Africa to experience an extraordinary wildlife safari – Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, Serengenti National Park in Tanzania/Kenya, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia and many others.

8. White-water Rafting

Whitewater-Rafting at Tana River

White water rafting is an exciting adventure you should not miss when you are in East Africa. Rivers in this region have a sporadic combination of white water. East Africa water rafting experience offers scenic rivers, remarkable rapids, gorgeous scenery, massive gorges and natural beauty of the wilderness. Go rafting in Athi River, Mathioya River and Tana River in Kenya and River Nile in Uganda and have a thrilling experience.

9. Sleep in an underwater room in Pemba Island

uw-room

Photo Source: Themantaresort.com

For an extraordinary experience under the sea, stay at the Manta Resort and enjoy a luxury underwater accommodation. This is where you can create a memorable experience by sleeping close to the fishes. Manta Resort is located in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, and it is an underwater nest for everyone. Visit Pemba Island and immense yourself in its stunning beaches and enjoy all the exciting activities it offers.

10. African city life experiences

Dar Es Salaam

Photo Source: Ali Damji on Flickr

East Africa is not all about wildlife safari and wilderness activities, the region offers amazing urban life – exciting things to do and places to see. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a metropolis vacation, you should visit the East African cities such as Nairobi, Kigali, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, Mogadishu, Addis Ababa, Asmara and many others. These cities offer vibrant entertainment scene, fine restaurants, lively bars and nightspots, luxury hotels, exciting skyscrapers, high-rise buildings, and other interesting attractions.

Share your most extraordinary East African experiences with us in the comment section below:

Our Readers Comments

  1. beautiful tourist attractions

  2. Great idea…I’ll definitely grab a few from here. Thank you.

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