A Top Five List of East Africa's Best Travel Destinations

Loosely defined and impossibly large, East Africa is an umbrella term that covers an incredible array of different countries, landscapes, cultures and ecosystems. This diversity means that there is something for everyone - whether you're more interested in a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, or an expedition to see the ancient rock-cut churches of Ethiopia. If you're not sure where to start when planning your East African adventure, find inspiration with this top ten list of the region's most iconic destinations.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
   Has earned itself a reputation as one of Africa's most rewarding safari destinations - and for good reason. Regardless of the time of year, wildlife sightings are both plentiful and diverse. It's possible to see the Big Five in a single day, and during the July - November dry season the plains are filled with the vast herds of the annual wildebeest migration. In particular, watching the herds crossing the Mara River in their thousands is a spectacle few will ever forget. Cultural visits to traditional Maasai villages are another highlight of this spectacular East African reserve.
2. Omo River Region, Ethiopia
   Part of Africa's incredible Great Rift Valley, the Omo River Region is perhaps one of the most remote destinations in East Africa. However, those that are willing to make the long and difficult trip to get there will be rewarded with incredible scenery, and the chance to visit villages that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. There are many different tribes in this part of Ethiopia, and each one has its own traditional dress, culture and ceremonies. In order to get the most out of your Omo River experience, it is advisable to join a tour, some of which combine cultural visits with white-water rafting on the region's famous rapids.
3. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
   Draped in mist and full of lush vegetation, Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park nestles deep within the Virunga Mountains. As Africa's oldest national park, it is one of the best places in the world to encounter the critically endangered mountain gorilla. A subspecies of the wider-ranging eastern gorilla, there are only around 800 of these amazing animals left. To share a moment with them in their natural environment is an intensely moving experience, and one that should be at the top of any wildlife lover's bucket-list. The park provides a home for several other rare species, including 29 endemic species of bird.

1. Zanzibar, Tanzania
   Zanzibar is renowned for its fascinating history and its incredible beaches. Located off the coast of Tanzania and surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar was once a key stop on the spice route. Here, the island's Arab rulers would trade slaves for spices; and today, Zanzibar's exotic past is evident in its elaborate architecture. Stone Town is one of the island's biggest attractions, boasting ornate houses, narrow alleyways, a Sultan's palace, and many mosques. Zanzibar's white-sand beaches are postcard-perfect, and its reefs are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
   Those in search of the ultimate safari experience should consider combining a trip to the Maasai Mara with a visit to Serengeti National Park in neighboring Tanzania. Here, breathtaking open plains are dotted with acacia trees and grazing game. It's a great place to spot predators like lion and cheetah in action; especially during the January - March rainy season. At this time, wildebeest descend upon the southern Serengeti to give birth, and the newborn calves make easy prey for hungry cats. In April, the herds start their migration to the Maasai Mara, but the game-viewing remains exceptional all year round.
   The pictures below are arrange chronologically from the 1st to the 5th