Mary Fitzpatrick - Lonely Planet East Africa

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Gentle gorillas, stampeding wildebeest, snowcapped peaks, paradisiacal beaches and an amazing array of tribal cultures all this and more await you in East Africa, one of Africas most enticing corners.

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Maasai warriors

Mention East Africa and one of the first things that comes to mind is safaris. Wildebeest stampede across the Serengeti Plains. Chimpanzees swing through the treetops in Tanzanias lushly forested Mahale Mountains National Park and Rwandas Nyungwe Forest National Park. Elephants stand silhouetted against the distant profile of Mt Kilimanjaro in Kenyas arid Tsavo National Park. Lions pad through the high grass in Tanzanias Ngorongoro Crater. And shoebill storks perch near Ugandas Murchison Falls. Wherever you go in the region, there are unparalleled opportunities to experience wildlife and nature at their most untamed.

The mist-covered Virunga mountains, on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC; formerly Zare), are home to the worlds last remaining mountain gorillas, and seeing these gentle giants at close range is a highlight. To get here, you will need to work, trekking up slippery, steep, densely vegetated slopes. But the thrill of suddenly finding yourself admitted into the gorillas world more than compensates.

East Africas Indian Ocean coastline is magical, with its tranquil islands and sleepy villages steeped in centuries of Swahili culture. Travel back in time to the days when this part of the world was at the centre of a far-flung trading network, extending inland to the jungles of the Congo and eastwards to Persia, India and beyond. Relax on white-sand beaches, dive amid colourful fish and corals or sail on a dhow (ancient Arabic sailing vessel), with its sails billowing. Inland, laze on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, or explore the islands of Lake Victoria.

Wherever you go, dont miss the chance to get to know East Africas people. Explore the Masai Mara National Reserve guided by a red-shawled Maasai warrior. Experience the energy and artistry of Burundis famous dancers, Les Tambourinaires. Stand in solidarity with victims of the genocide at the sobering Kigali Memorial Centre. Begin to understand the realities of daily life that lead to tragedies such as the overloading and subsequent sinking of the Spice Islander ferry between Zanzibar and Pemba. Take advantage of opportunities for cultural and community-based tourism. Immerse yourself in the everyday beauty, realities and vibrancy of East African life. In the end, it is East Africans themselves, with their warmth, hospitality and their unique way of looking at life, who are at the heart of the regions legendary allure.

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Elephants in Tarangire National Park (), Tanzania

The pounding hooves draw closer, and suddenly, thousands of wildebeest stampede by as one of Africas greatest natural dramas plays itself out on the Serengeti Plains. In this most superlative of East African parks, time seems to have stood still. A lion sits majestically on a rock, giraffes stride gracefully into the sunset, crocodiles bask on the riverbanks and secretary birds gaze quizzically at you from the roadside. The wildlife-watching here is outstanding at any time of year. Just be sure to allow enough time to appreciate all the Serengeti has to offer.

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Mt Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

Its difficult to resist the allure of climbing Africas highest peak, with its snow-capped summit and views over the surrounding plains. And hundreds of trekkers do this each year, with a main requirement for success being adequate time for acclimatisation. But there are also other rewarding ways to experience the mountain. Take a day hike on the lush lower slopes, spend time learning about local Chagga culture or sip a sundowner from one of the many nearby vantage points with the mountain as a backdrop.

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Zanzibars Stone Town (Tanzania)

Zanzibars Stone Town never loses its touch of the exotic. First, youll see the skyline, with the spires of St Josephs Cathedral and the Old Fort. Then, wander through narrow alleyways that reveal surprises at every turn. Linger at shops scented with cloves, watch men wearing kanzu (white robe-like garment) play bao (game), and admire intricate henna designs on the hands of women in their bui-bui (black cover-all). Island rhythms quickly take over as mainland life slips away.

JOHN WARBURTON-LEE PHOTOGRAPHY/ALAMYY
General store, Stone Town, Tanzania

Wildlife Migration, Masai Mara (Kenya)

Studded with flat-top acacia trees, the rolling savannahs of the Masai Mara National Reserve support some of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet, and are the stage on which the legendary wildebeest migration is played out. From August, the Maras plains are flooded with literally millions of these ungainly animals along with herds of zebras, elephants and giraffes. Trailing this veritable walking buffet are prides of lions, solitary cheetahs and packs of laughing hyenas. Yes, come August in the Mara, its most definitely game on .

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Elephants of Amboseli National Park (Kenya)

Theres possibly no better place in the world to watch elephants than at Amboseli National Park in Kenyas south. A big part of the appeal is the setting Africas highest mountain, snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro, provides the backdrop for seemingly every picture youll take here. Just as significantly, Amboseli was spared the worst of Kenyas poaching crisis: these are elephants who are remarkably tolerant of the human presence (allowing you to get really close), and their tusks are among the biggest in Kenya.