East Africa

Overview

The plains of part of the region are gently guarded by Mounts Kilimanjaro and Kenya, the former being the world's tallest free standing mountain. The incongruity of the snow on Kilimanjaro so close to the equator is worth seeing first hand. The plains are part of some of the many national parks prevalent in this part of the continent. Whether the Masai Mara, Great Rift Valley or Serengeti are chosen, the visitor will be able to see all the animals they could hope for including the big 5 and flamingos. All that needs to be chosen is how the safari is taken, mini- van, mule and camels are all options.

English, German and Italian colonial influences can be found throughout the region. These, combined with the Arabic influenced Djibouti mean that a mélange of African and extra continental cultures can be experienced; the visitor may choose to wander through the Arabian markets near the mosque, gaze upon Italian Architecture in Eritrea or wonder at granite obelisks in Ethiopia. All is not peaceful in the region and as in much of Africa, there are areas to be avoided but some of the safer destinations are fortunately the best. Close to perfect isolation at the Afar Triangle, rafting in Uganda, a startling number of golf course in Kenya, trekking around the Rwenzori and Simien mountains or swimming with dolphins off Zanzibar are amongst the possible activities before relaxing on a beach. The quandary then faced is which beach to choose along the extensive coastline. Mombasa with baking sands or the black lava cliff lined version Ghoubet al Kharab in Djibouti are two options.