Travel restrictions have been eased in almost all countries across the globe. East Africa is as well open to receive travelers from all over the world. While travelers are looking for safaris to refresh from the stressful corona virus times, East Africa is undeniably one of the best regions to visit for adventure, relaxation and lifetime experience. In order to explore every bit of East Africa, Gorilla Trek Africa brings you a list of top 5 National Parks you MUST visit on your East African Safari. We have selected one national park from each of the five East African Countries. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda has been named among the must visit destinations in East Africa.
Volcanoes National Park
Located in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a premier gorilla trekking destination in East Africa. Home to 10 gorilla families, Volcanoes National Park shelters the highest number of gorillas in the Virunga conservation Area. The bamboo forest park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys and other primates. In the heart of the Park is also Mt Karisimbi, the highest volcano in Virunga Massif offering you lifetime hiking experience. A forest walk to explore Musanze caves is a not miss in Volcanoes National Park while a hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey offers you change to learn and commemorate the hard works of the fallen Dian Fossey, an American Primatologist who was killed by poachers in her campaign to save the endangered mountain gorillas. For borders, Volcanoes National Park is home to over 180 bird species some of which are endemic. Some of the notable birds in this park include Red backed shrike, Bateleur, Blue spotted wood dove, Baglafecht weaver, Cinnamon Chested bee eater, Dusky Crimsonwing, Ruwenzori nightjar, Ruwenzori apalis, Handsome Francolin, Strange weaver and Ruwenzori double collared sunbird among others. The best time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is June, July, August, September, December, January and February when there are less or no rains. On the other hand, the best time for bird watching in Volcanoes Park is June to August while November to April is good to see migratory birds. Rwanda Development Board manages all tourism activities and attractions in Volcanoes National Park.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Also known, as the “True African Wilderness” Kidepo Valley National Park is the least visited National Park in Uganda located in northeastern Uganda in the borders of South Sudan. The Park is bisected by Kidepo and Narus rivers which flow in its heart while in the north of Kidepo Park are the famous Kanangorok hot springs. Vegat5ion in Kidepo Valley National park comprise of Palms, acacia bushes, red Oat grass, Buffalo thorn, fine thaching grass, Gunea grass, sausage trees, fan palms, and savannahs which provide shelter and food to various wildlife in the Park. The less visits to Kidepo Vallye National Park have kept it natural and fresh offering the off beaten kind of experiences to travelers. The top activities in Kidpeo Valley National Park include game viewing, nature walk, visiting the IK people, hiking Mount Morungole, bird watching and camping. The Park can be visited all year round but dry season is best to see wildlife gathered at water points for drinking water.
Serengeti National park
Known for its famous annual great wildebeest migration, Serengeti National park is a not miss on your Tanzania Safari. The Park is located in Mara and Simuyu regions spreading over 14,763 square kilometers making it one of the biggest Parks in Tanzania and the oldest park in Africa established in 1951. Gam drives in Serengeti National park offer you great views of the big five game (Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos and buffalos) plus many other animals such as wildebeests, zebras, common elands, Impalas, Thomson’s gazelle, Hartebeests, waterbucks, Warthogs, giraffes and hippos among others. The best time for watching the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park is from late June to August and January to March. Other things to see and do in Serengeti National park include guided nature walks, hot air balloons, Serengeti visitor Centre, Olduvai Gorge, Wildebeest migration, visiting Maasai cultural villages, Camping, visiting the Lobo valley, night game drives, bird watching, visiting the Retina hippo pool and visiting Lake Natron. Serengeti National Park can be visited all year round but dry season is the best for game viewing.
Maasai Mara National Park
Located in Narok Valley in southwestern Kenya, Maasai Mara National Park is a not miss on your East African safari to Kenya. The Park hosts a variety of wild animals such as wildebeest, buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Zebras, Rhinos, Oribis, Impalas, Elands, Reedbucks, duikers, hyenas and Thomson’s gazelles among others. July to October is the best time for wildebeest migration. Do not miss seeing angry crocodiles snatch wildebeests and zebras crossing over Mara River! The top activities in Maasai Mara National Park include game viewing, Wildebeest migration, nature walks, balloon safaris, cultural tours, camping, bird watching and horseback riding among others.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Home to the eastern lowland gorillas, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a hidden gem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whereas most gorilla safaris to Congo focus on mountain gorillas in Virunga national Park, a lowland gorilla tour to Kahuzi Biega National Park is a lifetime experience. The Park is named after the two extinct volcanoes (Kahuzi & Biega) on which the park spreads. The Park is the only place to trek the eastern lowland gorillas (graueri) in the whole world unlike the sister mountain gorillas which live in four Parks (Mgahinga, Volcanoes, Bwindi Forest and Virunga Park). The permit to trek eastern lowland gorillas costs $400. The Park is therefore best for budget gorilla safaris.Doing a combined East African safari to Uganda, Rwanda , Kenya, Tanzania and Congo is the best way to explore the beauty in each country on a single trip. Contact Gorilla Trek Africa for bookings to explore the best 5 National Parks in East Africa.
