East Africa’s reputation as the quintessential safari destination is well deserved. A&K focuses on private reserves, sanctuaries and national parks where wildlife is on display in landscapes of great beauty and variety.
For instance, the Serengeti and Masai Mara are host to the annual Great Migration, the last of its kind on earth. This unique spectacle, which can be viewed by hot-air balloon, private plane or on the ground in the midst of the action, occurs as huge herds of wildebeest and zebra follow the fresh grazing that sprouts in the wake of the annual rains.
To the west, Uganda offers some of the best primate viewing in the world. Chimpanzee and mountain gorilla live free in the forests of this lush nation. And to the north, Ethiopia, home to the Ark of the Covenant, the Simien Mountains, the cave churches of Lalibela, the castles of Gondar and the source of the Nile, offers breathtaking natural beauty and fascinating cultural riches. Amid the soaring mountains, ancient churches, and sparkling Rift Valley lakes, you find one of the world’s oldest surviving Christian cultures, many diverse ethnic groups, and an abundance of birds and animals.
Overnights are divided among hotels, found primarily in major cities or in beach resorts; small, private “bush” lodges; mobile camps; and permanent tented camps. But don’t confuse camping in Africa with the rough-and-ready experience you might have had as a scout. Here, tents often include surprisingly luxurious amenities such as en-suite facilities, spring beds with crisp linens and fine dining. In fact, some traditionalists insist that it’s not a “real” safari unless you spend some time under canvas.
A safari isn’t the only way to explore East Africa. The region also offers glorious beach resorts, mountain treks, desert dunescapes and exotic tropical islands perfumed with spice. All with comfortable temperatures year-round, daily flights from the U.S. via Europe, and colorful, diverse histories.
