FIRST TIME TRAVELER SAFARI GUIDE TO EAST AFRICA

For a first time traveler to East Africa who desires a safari, you should know that the region characterized by vast savannahs, unique wildlife, landscapes and the most rewarding safari destinations. All the East African countries give a very unique sense of nature about Africa, each offering a distinctive feature of attraction that at a lesser extent you will find in another.

From gorilla trekking in Uganda, Lions and elephants in Kenya or the Great wildebeest migration in Tanzania, East Africa gives you advanced tourism and that does not exist in any other country. For first time travelers, you will indeed have a good time in the region, which at a higher percentage will start from how to plan your expedition.

With this writing, you will have a good sum of knowledge about East Arica, places to visit ,  requirements of travel to mention but a few.

How to get to places as a first time traveler to East Africa

Since you are a first time traveler in East Africa, it is advisable to book a vehicle from any reputable 4×4 car rental company in advance prior to your coming. How do you know it’s reputable? By checking reviews and comments by former clients on the internet.

Cars for long term safaris in East Africa or cross border purposes are usually affordable 4×4 and they include

Land Cruiser Prado/TX/GX

Land Cruiser Extended

Land Cruiser Hard top

Safari van for group travel

Toyota RAV4 

All these have common characteristics such as high or good ground clearance, good fuel economy, and good maintenance.

These cars can all be tailored to make you as comfortabe as possible forexample, you can hire a 4×4 car with a driver or for self drive, with a pop up roof, roof top tent, camoing gear and other add ons.

You can also request your car rental company to bring the car to you or do an airport pick up for you.

Best countries to visit as a first time traveler to East Africa

Uganda

The Pearl of Africa is known for her distinctive gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National park. It is for this activity that many from all around the world visit Uganda, for the trek is the most rewarding activity there is. It takes a long time, quite exhausting but the sight of these beings that share DNA with humans doesn’t leave you the same

As a first timer, you will also realize that Uganda has a very beautiful land scape. Her tropical weather enables the savannah grasslands to flourish, forests to become dense, giving a home to many birds, allowing you have a photography safari and bird watching.

Besides, tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth national park also are not found in other many countries of Africa, except in Tanzania, though Uganda has the greatest number. It is a very beautiful and exciting scene for first time visitors.

Kenya

She is known for having the most vibrant culture especially of the Masai, in the Masai Mara and harboring the Great wildebeest migration still in the same area. It involves numerous wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and elands moving from Serengeti National park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara.

The iconic back drop view of the majestic Mountain Kilimanjaro especially when in Amboseli national park, accompanied by large elephant herds, rhinos and flamingos among others.

Tanzania

It is Africa’s largest safari destination, of which is a must go to as a first timer. This is so because you will surely enjoy the Great wildebeest migration, tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara national park.

It also offers less crowded safaris especially in the Ruaha national park, a treasure not yet hunted down, having everything intact and authentic.

Rwanda

The Land of A thousand hills is very common for her capital that is the cleanest in Africa. Other attractions such as the Volcanoes national park where to find mountain gorillas which are seen through a gorilla trek that costs only $1500 and takes many hours.

Best time for a first time traveler to visit East Africa

No one loves to have a hectic journey involving mud, getting stuck and many more. Ideally, the best time to have a safari in East Africa is during the dry season, which is not only beneficial in terms of movement but also ideal for wildlife viewing in national parks.

June to October: In the entire East Africa, this is the climax of their tourism industry as they receive more visitors than ever. It is an excellent time to view the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania, and have game drives all over the region.

March to May: This is low season for all countries where they all experience rains and have fewer tourists. It is an opportune time to see many young ones of animals. However prices especially for 4×4 car rental companies become very affordable to allow one even have a family trip.

January to February: This time of the year is neither too hot nor too cold but moderate, fiving an avenue for a birding safari.

November to December: Rains are usually shorter, pastures greener and no crowding, which give you a more authentic wildlife safari or off road trip in East Africa.

Expected wildlife to see as a first time visitor to East Africa

This guide is going to unveil most of the common animals that will be sighted generally in all the countries and they include

Elephants

Birds

Lions

Buffaloes

African wild dogs

Zebras

Hyenas

Hippos

Crocodiles

Antelope species

However, animals such as rhinos are not too obvious during safaris. These unique species can be found in Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda where you will be sighting them within a few meters.

As for leopards, you need to have a good eye, or have knowledge on how to use a binoculars as they predators are not easily noticed, especially when they want a prey, they intend to submerge in the tall grass. However, an experienced guide can always help you to locate them.

Mountain gorillas are also not every where except in Uganda and Rwanda, offering you a gorilla trekking experience, one of East Africa’s most engaging and satisfying activity.

Cultural experiences to expect as a first time traveler to East Africa

The Batwa:  After you enjoying gorillas in Bwindi, you can have a cultural encounter with the indigenous people of the forest. They have a very unique life style full of energy, learnt through storytelling, music and dance.

The Masai: The vibrant culture of Kenya that is known for women constructing houses, a work supposedly for men. They have a good beading art of which products tourist buy as souvenirs, or even take part of the bead making class.

What to pack as a first time tourist in East Africa?

Camera

Binoculars

Flash light or head lamp

Reusable water bottles

Passport

Insect repellant

Neutral colored clothes such as khaki, olive, tan that blend in well with nature.

Comfortable hiking boots

Rain coat since weather is not always predictable

Hat, sun glasses and sunscreen

Why choose East Africa for a safari as a first time traveler?

The region is the most visited in Africa because it is the origin of modern safaris, combing not only wildlife but also culture, giving you a full package on hints and most of the beauty you want to see in East Africa and other African regions.

For first time travelers, there are many safaris to undertake such as walking safaris where you will take long hikes on trails through forests and other grounds. Hot air balloon safaris, gorilla trekking safaris, wildlife safaris and many more

East Africa also give you an authentic touch on mother-nature since most of natural environment, animal habitats are not polluted. In addition, the landscapes are too amazing, most of them ever green specially in the short rain season.

If you are interested in the big five (elephants, leopards, lions, buffalos and rhinos). Other common animals are zebras, cheetahs, Nile crocodiles, hippos and other aquatic life and birds.

As a first timer to East Africa, you will realize that a safari is a special encounter with nature beyond relaxation or vacation. You quite have to put in some work if you want to maximize and enjoy safari activties such as gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda where you have to walk trails for many hours to locate a gorilla. You will be captivated by many wonderful sightings in Uganda such as the gorillas, wildebeests in Tanzania, Masai in Kenya, and the beautiful Lake Kivu of Rwanda.

The discoveries you will make will make you desire to come back to East Africa at least every year, so that you get a satisfaction of all you will see. However, your enjoyment will depend on how you pack, the vehicle you will use and your travel plan.