Today, Travelers do not just visit destinations but take on Journeys of Discovery to various destinations. Tourism in general is often perceived as a non-essential event but for many, it is very important as they travel for a reason. Adventure lovers especially take on Journeys of Discovery with a purpose. This can be to Discover new destinations, species, culture, photography and so much more.
East Africa has over the years become a center for such kinds of Journeys of Discovery thanks to the diversity of both culture and wildlife the region has. All the countries in the region are gifted by nature and unique on their own. Each of these countries offers exclusive Discovery Journeys experiences that leave many yearning for more. Let us look at the top Journeys of Discovery you must not miss while on a visit to the region.
Primates Journeys of Discovery
Wildlife Adventures are the backbone of East African tourism and primates especially gorillas and chimpanzees are game changers. These are outstanding because we share over 95% DNA similar to them with the chimpanzees being our closest relatives. Chimpanzees live in the tropical and montane rainforests in communities of up to 20 individuals led by a dominant male.
Chimpanzees are mobile even in the forests often seen jumping from one tree to another. Primatologists have over the years been studying these primates for a deeper understanding of their life in relation to ours. With this, many take on Journeys of Discovery to leading chimpanzee trekking destinations, especially Uganda and Rwanda. Kibale National Park located in western Uganda is home to chimpanzees and 12 other primates. The park has the highest chimpanzee population in the region and it is the best place for chimpanzee trekking Discovery Journeys.
Mountain gorillas are other rare primates that primate lovers visit of primates Journeys of Discovery in East Africa. Mountain gorillas just like their name live in forested mountainous areas. These live in families of up to 10 or 20 individuals also led by a dominant male gorilla called Silverback.
The mountain gorilla population was greatly threatened and their population had drastically reduced. Because of this, they were listed as critically endangered and later endangered by the IUCN. A number of mountain gorilla conservation efforts by been put in place to ensure long-term conservation of these rare primates. The Kwita Izina is one of these where baby gorillas born in Volcanoes National Park are named and monitored over the years as they grow.
Rwanda and Uganda Safaris featuring Gorilla trekking are adventures of a lifetime you should be part of.
Cultural Discovery Journeys
The African continent and the people are sometimes perceived to be the same and yet there is great cultural diversity on the continent. There are over 2,000 tribes and languages in Africa each tribe with a unique culture and heritage. East Africa alone has over 150 ethnic groups that have further sub-divisions in terms of language and people’s cultural values.
Cultural Journeys of Discovery is currently the most under-explored part of the East African wonders and attractions. The Nilotic tribes in South Sudan like the Mundari offer great cultural safari experiences that are worth being part of. They are most famous for their cattle and distinctive culture and language. The tribes in the Omo Valley in Ethiopia are fascinating and among the few African people are still practice their authentic African traditional Values.
There are eight major tribes in the Omo Valley which include Kara, Dassanech, Benna, Hamer, Mursi, Kwegu, Arebore, and Ari. The Omo Valley is a true definition of less traveled paths and tribal cultural expeditions here are very rewarding. Other prominent tribes include the Masai in Kenya and Tanzania who can be visited on community visits after savanna wildlife safari experiences. In Uganda, the Karamojong are very iconic people and a visit to their community will never leave you the same. We are curating a number of cultural safari itineraries that one can be part of.
East Africa beyond the primates a great place to see the big cats and predators. The region has the highest lion population in Africa with the majority living in Serengeti and Masai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya and Tanzania. The other two big cats are leopards and cheetahs. These big cats play an important role in the food chain keeping the population of some herbivores in check.
Big cats are impressive to watch and our Kenya and Tanzania Safaris focus on these. Cats because are nocturnal animals are most active at night and early morning. Our game drives and Journeys of Discovery to the Savannas feature both morning and night game drives. With this, you get to see and learn more about the life and routine of these deadly predators.
Serengeti National Park is currently our best big cats destination. You can join any of our safaris to the park from a 4-day Serengeti Safari and more. Other notable destinations in Tanzania are homes to these and a combined 7 Days or 9 Days Tanzania Safari option can be great to book. Southern Tanzania also has large prides of lions and other carnivores including hyenas and the rare wild dogs.
Historical Journeys
Historic Journeys of Discovery to East Africa span from centuries ago. These mainly focus on culture, the people, and the political journey the region has been through. A lot has been happening in the region including the evolution of trade and technology. You can only know about these on Historical Discovery Journeys adventures to the region.
Fort Jesus in Mombasa Kenya is one iconic historical attraction in the region. The fort is in the shape of a man when viewed from a panoramic view and was built between 1593 and 1596. The fort is among the well-preserved 16th-century fortifications and because of its status and historical relevance, it was listed among the world heritage sites in East Africa.
The Kasubi tombs in Kampala are another great cultural and historical site to Visit. The tombs are burial grounds for the Kings of Buganda and were built using papyrus reeds and other local materials depicting the great architecture of the African people. There are many other iconic historical attractions that we highly recommend to add on your list of Historical Discovery Journeys.
Wildlife Migration Journeys of Discovery
Wildlife migrations happen as a natural phenomenon as some safari animals move from one place to another. The great wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania is the most renowned wildlife migration. This annual mass movement involves over a million wildebeests, zebras, and Thompson gazelles. They move in search of fresh pasture but attract a number of predators of the land and the regions they move through.
All safaris to Northern Tanzania feature the wildebeest migration as wildlife enthusiasts wait to see the animals move. Our 8 Days Serengeti Safari features a visit to all the Serengeti National Park regions for migration. The wildebeest migration can also be observed from Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
There is another animal migration in Tarangire National Park from June that you can be part of. This is even more exclusive and a highly recommended Discovery Journeys adventure to feature.
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