Top Five National Parks in East Africa
Volcanoes National Park
Premier National Parks in East AfricaSituated in northeastern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a premier destination for gorilla trekking in East Africa. Volcanoes National Park, which accommodates 10 gorilla families, harbors the largest population of gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area. The bamboo forest park houses the endangered golden monkeys and various other species. At the center of the Park lies Mt. Karisimbi, the tallest volcano in the Virunga Massif, providing an unparalleled hiking experience. A forest walk to explore the Musanze caves is essential in Volcanoes National Park, while a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave provides an opportunity to learn about and honor the efforts of the late Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who was murdered by poachers during her campaign to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park hosts about 180 bird species, some of which are indigenous. Notable avian species in this park comprise the Red-backed Shrike, Bateleur, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Baglafecht Weaver, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Dusky Crimsonwing, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Ruwenzori Apalis, Handsome Francolin, Strange Weaver, and Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, among others. The optimal period for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is June, July, August, September, December, January, and February, characterized by minimal or absent rainfall. The optimal period for bird watching in Volcanoes Park is from June to August, although November to April is favorable for observing migratory species. The Rwanda Development Board oversees all tourism operations and attractions within Volcanoes National Park.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park, sometimes referred to as the “True African Wilderness,” is the least frequented national park in Uganda, situated in the northeastern region along the border with South Sudan. Kidepo Park is divided by the Kidepo and Narus rivers that traverse its center, while the renowned Kanangorok hot springs are located to the north of the park. The vegetation in Kidepo Valley National Park consists of palms, acacia shrubs, red oat grass, buffalo thorn, fine thatching grass, Guinea grass, sausage trees, fan palms, and savannahs, which offer habitat and sustenance to diverse fauna in the park. The limited visitation to Kidepo Valley National Park has preserved its natural state, providing unique experiences for guests. The primary activities of Kidpeo Valley National Park encompass game viewing, nature walks, meeting the IK people, ascending Mount Morungole, bird watching, and camping. The Park is accessible year-round; however, the dry season is optimal for observing species congregating around water sources.
Serengeti National Park
Premier National Parks in AfricaRenowned for its illustrious yearly wildebeest migration, Serengeti National Park is an essential destination on your Tanzanian safari. The Park, founded in 1951, is situated in the Mara and Simuyu areas, encompassing an area of 14,763 square kilometers, so ranking among the largest parks in Tanzania and the oldest in Africa. Game drives in Serengeti National Park provide exceptional vistas of the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo) as well as numerous other species, including wildebeests, zebras, common elands, impalas, Thomson’s gazelles, hartebeests, waterbucks, warthogs, giraffes, and hippos, among others.
The optimal period for observing the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park is from late June to August and from January to March. Additional activities in Serengeti National Park encompass guided nature walks, hot air balloon excursions, the Serengeti Visitor Centre, Olduvai Gorge, the wildebeest migration, exploration of Maasai cultural villages, camping, visits to Lobo Valley, nocturnal game drives, birdwatching, the Retina hippo pool, and Lake Natron. Serengeti National Park is accessible throughout the year; nevertheless, the dry season is optimal for wildlife observation.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Situated in the Narok Valley of southwestern Kenya, Maasai Mara National Park is an essential destination for your East African safari in Kenya. The Park accommodates a diverse array of wildlife, including wildebeest, buffalo, lions, leopards, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, zebras, rhinos, oribis, impalas, elands, reedbucks, duikers, hyenas, and Thomson’s gazelles, among others. The optimal period for wildebeest migration is from July to October. Do not overlook the opportunity to witness agitated crocodiles capture wildebeests and zebras traversing the Mara River! The primary activities in Maasai Mara National Park are wildlife viewing, wildebeest migration, nature walks, balloon safaris, cultural excursions, camping, bird watching, and horseback riding, among others.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Premier National Parks in East and Central AfricaKahuzi Biega National Park, a concealed treasure in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the habitat of the eastern lowland gorillas. While the majority of gorilla safaris in Congo emphasize mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, a lowland gorilla expedition to Kahuzi Biega National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. The Park is named for the two extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega, upon which it is situated.
The Park is the sole location globally to walk eastern lowland gorillas (graueri), in contrast to the mountain gorillas, which inhabit four parks (Mgahinga, Volcanoes, Bwindi Forest, and Virunga Park). The fee for a permit to trek eastern lowland gorillas is $400. The Park is thus optimal for economical gorilla safaris.A combined East African safari to Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Congo is the optimal method to experience the unique splendor of each nation in a single journey. Reach out to us for reservations to discover the premier five National Parks in East Africa.
