REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT EAST AFRICA.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT EAST AFRICA. East Africa is a compelling destination due to its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural experiences. From the iconic Great Migration in the Serengeti to the chance to see the Big Five and mountain gorillas, East Africa offers a safari experience like no other. Beyond wildlife, the region boasts diverse cultures, historical sites, and opportunities for adventure, making it a truly unforgettable travel destination. Here’s a more detailed look at why you should consider visiting:

1. Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters:

The Great Migration: Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrating across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, a truly once-in-a-lifetime event.

The Big Five: East Africa is home to all five iconic African animals: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Gorilla Trekking: Experience the incredible opportunity to trek with mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga national park, DRC’s Virunga national park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

2. Diverse Landscapes:

Vast Savannas: Explore the open plains of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in Kenya, Murchison falls national park and Queen Elizabeth in Uganda and Akagera National park in Rwanda where wildlife roams freely.

Lush Forests: Discover the dense forests of Bwindi and Volcanoes, home to gorillas and other unique species.

Majestic Mountains: Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, or explore the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.

Lakes and Coastal Escapes: Relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, explore the turquoise waters of Lake Victoria, and enjoy the unique beauty of other lakes and rivers.

3. Rich Cultural Experiences:

Maasai Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Maasai people, known for their traditional way of life and stunning red attire.

Swahili Culture: Explore the Swahili coast, a melting pot of African, Arab, and Indian influences.

Historical Sites: Discover ancient ruins, historical cities, and museums that tell the story of East Africa’s rich history.

Batwa culture: This is the culture of the Batwa people who were indigenous hunters and fruit gatherers in the Great Region of Africa. In current time, they are found in Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Burundi.

4. Adventure and Relaxation:

Mount Kilimanjaro Ascent: Challenge yourself with the climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, a bucket-list experience for many.

Birdwatching: East Africa is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 1,000 species to spot. in both rain forests and savanna lands.

Unique Safari Activities: Beyond game drives, enjoy activities like hot air ballooning, walking safaris, and cultural tours.

5. Conservation Efforts:

Responsible Tourism: Support the conservation efforts of East Africa by choosing responsible tourism practices and visiting wildlife sanctuaries.

Community-Based Tourism: Experience the region’s vibrant communities and contribute to their well-being through community-based tourism initiatives.

6. A Region Steeped in History:

Birthplace of Humanity: East Africa is believed to be the birthplace of human culture, with evidence of early human fossils found in the region.

Rich Human History: Explore the diverse cultures and historical sites that reflect East Africa’s long and fascinating history.

There are many more reasons to visit Africa, attractions as per country, history and culture for more of this reach out to us through our website Wild Planet Safaris. Africa or through our social media platforms.

The golden monkey is one of Africa’s most localized primates. Its range is focused on the Virunga Mountains, a 4,507m-/14,787ft-high chain of mostly dormant volcanoes shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Naturally very shy, golden monkeys were notoriously difficult to see in the wild prior to 2002, when the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund embarked on a habitation program in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey trekking is also now offered in two other national parks, and it has become a popular addition to a gorilla trekking safari to Rwanda or Uganda.

What Makes the Golden Monkey So Special?

Mountain gorillas hog the limelight so far as most visitors to the Virunga’s are concerned, but the golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) is also a highly engaging creature. As its name suggests, this bamboo-loving monkey is very beautiful. Its general appearance is similar to that of the better-known blue monkey (C. mitis), and some authorities regard it to be a race of this widespread species. However, where blue monkeys have a muted uniform blue-gray coat, the golden monkey is distinguished by a stunning fiery gold-orange blaze on its back.

The golden monkey is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List as Endangered. Once quite widespread in the highland forests of the Albertine Rift Valley, it now only occurs in the Virunga Mountains and isolated Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Within this limited range (which it shares with the mountain gorilla), it is far and away the most common primate. A survey undertaken in 2003 indicated that 3,000 to 4,000 golden monkeys live in Uganda alone, but more recent information suggests this is probably a gross overestimate.

1. Volcanoes National Park

Established in 1925 to protect the Rwandan slopes of the Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park is arguably the world’s premier gorilla trekking destination. But while most visitors rush straight off after a gorilla visit, the more sensible choose to stay on to track golden monkeys. There are two habituated troops. The larger, and more frequently visited, is the Sabyinyo Group, which consists of 80 to 100 monkeys.

Volcanoes NP is the best place to track if you want to be sure of seeing golden monkeys without necessarily putting in too much effort. It is the first place where golden monkeys were habituated, so the troops visited by trekkers are now very relaxed, used to people and easy to photograph. It is also the one place where golden monkeys frequently raid the surrounding fields to feast on potatoes and other crops. Local farmers tolerate this because they know they will be compensated if losses are significant. And it means that the guides can often locate the monkeys without even heading into the park. This makes for great primate viewing, but it is less atmospheric than an encounter in the depths of the forest.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is more often visited for its golden monkeys than its gorillas. This is because it hosts only one habituated gorilla group, as opposed to more than 25 in nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, but it is the only place in Uganda inhabited by golden monkeys. Tracking in Mgahinga tends to be harder work than it is in Volcanoes NP, as the hike to the habituated troop’s territory entails a 60- to 90-minute ascent through secondary forest. The payoff is that you get to see the golden monkeys play, squabble and chomp on fresh bamboo shoots in their natural forested habitat.

Two types of golden monkey viewing are on offer in Mgahinga. As is the case in Rwanda, a standard visit gives you one hour in the company of the little fellows. Much more interesting, and unique to Mgahinga, is the in-depth habituation experience. Sign up to this, and you’ll spend four hours in the presence of the monkeys and researchers who study the Wild Planet Safaris. Not only does this give you a wonderful opportunity to learn about golden monkey behavior, it also offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into primatology.

3. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Rwanda’s newest national park, Gishwati-Mukura was gazetted in 2015 to provide protection to two isolated forest patches with a combined area of 35km²/14mi². It is probably unique among East Africa’s national parks in that it was created as a result of a local community initiative to protect the remaining forest and extend it through the creation of reforested buffer zones.

Gishwati-Mukura is the only remaining golden monkey stronghold outside of the Virunga Mountains, with an isolated population estimated at 170 individuals. It opened to tourism in 2020, but guided forest walks are available only to overnight guests at the community-owned Forest of Hope Guest House and campsite. Golden monkey trekking is not formally offered here, but a group is in the process of being habituated, and it is often seen on forest walks, along with chimps, L’Hoest’s monkeys and a variety of localized forest birds.

Things To Know

Golden monkeys are much more active than gorillas, and you may have to move quickly through the forest in order to keep up with them. In many respects, it’s more like chimpanzee viewing than gorilla viewing.

Standard visits are limited to one hour.

There is no minimum age for a visit. So, if you’re traveling with your children, this is one primate experience they can enjoy with you. Take note though, young children will likely find the walking pretty hard going.

Standard golden monkey trekking costs US$100 in Volcanoes NP and US$50 at Mgahinga. The habituation experience at Mgahinga costs US$100. Guided forest walks at Gishwati-Mukura are incorporated into the accommodations or camping fee. East Africa Bungee Jumping: An Exciting Experience

East Africa is a popular destination for bungee jumping because of its breathtaking scenery, which includes deep gorges, misty waterfalls, and the rapids of the Nile River. It’s a safe, heart-pounding activity that’s frequently combined with safaris or rafting, making it ideal for thrill-seekers or even a bold honeymoon addition. This is a summary of the best locations, what jumping is like, and how to make it spectacular.

Where to Leap

1. High Bungee of the Nile (Jinja, Uganda):

At Africa’s first commercial bungee facility since 2003, you jump from a tower above the turquoise Nile River at a height of 44 meters. There are tandem jumps available, and the atmosphere is relaxed with bars that look out over the sea. It’s located in the “adventure capital” of Uganda and goes well with quad biking or rafting.

2. Sagana, Kenya’s Sagana Bungee Jump:

A 60-meter drop across a picturesque canyon close to East Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kenya. The location is ideal for safari-goers since it provides a unique bridge swing option and is only a short-day journey from Nairobi.

3. Livingstone, Zambia’s Victoria Falls Bridge;

This amazing 111-meter plummet toward the Zambezi River, which is technically on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border but is frequently included in itineraries for East Africa, is made even more dramatic by the mist from the largest waterfall in the world. Excellent for excursions spanning multiple countries with wildlife drives close by.

How It Is

Imagine traveling two hours from Kampala to Jinja’s Adrenalin Park. After receiving a safety briefing from experienced professionals who follow international standards, you are outfitted with a helmet, full-body gear, and ankle straps. Gazing down into the red-earth gorge of Sagana or the rapids of the Nile, you either walk or zip line to the platform. “3-2-1, Bungee!” is the countdown, and you dive, free-falling for two to three seconds at a speed of up to 100 km/h. The cord expands before smoothly swinging you. The mist from the cascade sprays you in midair at Victoria Falls. After being dragged back by a boat or winch, you’re in a state of ecstasy and may be enjoying a drink at the bar by the river. The excitement is captured in videos (~$20–50). Jumpers adore the “pure rush” of novel setups like Jinja’s suspension bridge and describe it as “insanely professional.”

Tips and Safety Security:

With redundant cords and frequent gear checks, operators adhere to stringent standards; mishaps are less common than a flat tire on a safari.

Ideal Time:

If you’re afraid of heights, stay away from the rainy months and choose the dry season, which runs from June to September.
$80 to $150 each leap; tandems cost an additional $50 to $100.

How to Get There:

Fly into Nairobi, Kenya, or Entebbe, Uganda; travel time by car is one to three hours. Make reservations with companies like Sarova Wildlife (Sagana) or Adrenalin Uganda.

Combine It:

Include a safari from Nairobi to Arusha or gorilla trekking in Bwindi. For non-jumpers, Jinja’s zip line—the longest in East Africa—is an entertaining substitute.

Pro Tip:

Eat small meals, drink plenty of water in the tropical heat, and make sure you don’t have any cardiac problems or recent surgery. Weight restrictions are 40–140 kg, and the minimum age is 14–18 with permission.

Final thoughts;

The bungee jumps in East Africa combine breathtaking scenery with unadulterated exhilaration. Jinja is a fantastic place to start an experience in Uganda, particularly if you’re planning a longer journey. Wild Planet Safaris is beneficial to you Do you want to assist with booking or planning?