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The word "safari" means "journey" in Swahili. It's, therefore, fitting that the birthplace of the safari should also boast among the very best game-viewing experiences on the continent.
The most majestic of these is the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, millions thundering across the grassy plains of the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania. Top-notch game-viewing isn't all these countries have going for them. Just off the coast of Tanzania – surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean – you'll find Zanzibar, one of the world's best beach retreats.
If the idea of jungles and primates excite you, Uganda and Rwanda will not disappoint. It's a verdant jungle paradise, home to the world's last remaining endangered mountain gorilla population, as well as the chimpanzee. Here you can trek through the bamboo and woodlands of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable close-up experience with the gorilla. Or, catch a glimpse of cheeky chimpanzees clambering through the trees of the Kibale forest in Uganda and Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda.
We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting East Africa
Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda: Passengers arriving from specific countries must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Uganda: All passengers over one year old must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Uganda.
We recommend that you stay in one wildlife area for a minimum of three nights, giving you two full days to enjoy the area. East Africa has the most varied ecosystems and wildlife species on the continent, so each location you visit will offer you a completely different wildlife experience, vegetation, landscape, and views.
You need to plan for a minimum of six nights on safari so that you can visit at least two different ecosystems or combine safari and beach. There are so many different itinerary options encompassing different territories and areas of interest. Chat to one of our Rhino Africa Travel Experts or look at our sample itineraries to get a better idea of what kind of holiday you are looking to experience in Africa.
The easiest and most accessible East African international airports will be Kigali International Airport in Rwanda or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya.
Many international flight connections fly into Kenya, including a direct flight from New York City, JFK into Kenya's capital, Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, otherwise known as the “hub” of Kenya, is listed as one of the five largest airports in Africa. This will likely be your first point of entry into Kenya and your first introduction to this beautiful country. From here, you can tour Kenya before crossing the border into Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda.
There are also many international flight connections that land in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. From here, guests can spend some time touring Rwanda before crossing the border into Uganda, Tanzania or Kenya.
East Africa is famous for the vast grasslands of the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, the turquoise waters around Zanzibar and the majestic mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda.