East Africa is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the world. The food is delicious, the people are friendly, and the natural environment is stunning. Home to sandy beaches, lush green forests, majestic mountains, historic monuments, scenic landscapes, and spectacular wildlife, East Africa is a top tourist destination for travel lovers. The magnificent region caters to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who wish to learn from their travels. In June, the region is experiencing its dry season, which means that trips are less likely to be affected by rain. This is the best time for wildlife viewing, and witnessing the Great Migration, and the weather is very pleasant. Here are the top 5 East African destinations that tourists should visit in June.
- The Serengeti, Tanzania
The Serengeti is one of the most spectacular regions in Tanzania, and is known for its unique biodiversity and amazing wildlife. This national park is home to animals such as cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, leopards, lions, elephants, gazelles, Nile crocodiles, hippos, antelopes, wildebeests, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, and rhinos! The vast grasslands offer scenic views, and can be explored in many ways, such as walking safaris, game drives, and even hot air balloon rides that provide a unique, aerial view of the region. Those who love history can visit Olduvai Gorge where they can find human fossils and ancient tools that date back to over two million years ago, and Laetoli, where they can observe ancient footprints that have been preserved in ash! Tourists can also go to nearby Maasai villages for cultural tours, interacting with the locals and joining in for their customs and rituals. Wildlife viewing is excellent at the Grumeti River where animals tend to gather for water. Retina Hippo Pool is another great spot, as it is home to 200 hippos! Tourists can spot black rhinos at Moru Kopjes, and go up to Gong Rock to see famous Masai rock paintings. The most amazing feature of the park is the Great Migration of two million wildebeests, which can be seen best from Lobo Valley or Naabi Hill. Tourists can watch the herds grazing, witness them crossing the river, spot the infants during calving season, or observe predators on prey action.
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
One of the most famous tourist destinations in East Africa is the glorious Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Rising up to 5869m above sea level, it is one of the most amazing volcanic peaks in the world. Tourists who seek adventure can enjoy the exciting and fun filled experience of trekking up the mountain, with stunning views of the jagged peaks and lush vegetation. Climbing up to Uhuru Peak must be on every traveller’s bucket list as the experience can change one’s life and provide satisfaction and confidence. The snow covered peak is surrounded by the forest, as well as the dry savannah so tourists can enjoy a unique, breathtaking view. The high altitude creates a unique habitat which is home to many life forms that are rare elsewhere; such as the Kilimanjaro tree, and the delicate elephant flower.
- Stone Town, Zanzibar
The gorgeous Zanzibar archipelago is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful destinations in the world. Stone Town is one of the top 5 travel spots in East Africa, as it offers scenic beauty, exciting experiences, fun filled activities, a unique cuisine, and excellent facilities and services for tourists. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tourists can walk in the winding streets, visit the Old Fort, or learn about the rich culture and heritage of the island. The Old Fort was built by Omani Arabs against the Portugese in 1699 and serves as a reminder of the town’s history of occupation and colonization. Immersing themselves in the nightlife of the bustling town, visitors can enjoy street food at Forodhani Night Food Market, trying out new flavors. The local cuisine is unique because it has Indian, British, Portugese, Turkish, Arabic, and Swahili influences and uses a blend of spices such as lemongrass, nutmeg, garlic, ginger, vanilla, cumin, cloves, turmeric, cardamom, and pepper. Some popular dishes are Zanzibar Pizza, octopus curry, Nyama Choma (grilled meat), date nut bread, biryani, Uji (porridge), plantain soup, Mshikaki (meat skewers), pilao, kebabs, Urojo soup, spiced potatoes, Chipsi Mayai (chips and eggs), coconut bean soup, sugarcane juice, and ginger tea. Tourists can also go to Jambo Spice Farm to observe, taste, and smell fruits, herbs, and spices such as cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, cumin, vanilla, and lemongrass. One can take a trip to the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to spot stunning flora and fauna, including Red Colobus monkeys, 50 butterfly species, and 40 species of birds! Travellers can also take a traditional dhow trip to Prison Island, where they can spot the giant tortoises, explore the ancient ruins, relax in the sun, or enjoy a picnic on the sand.
- Mombasa Island, Kenya
Kenya’s Mombasa Island is one of the most underrated tourist spots in East Africa. This breathtakingly beautiful spot is one of the best travel destinations in the country, as it offers scenic views, a tranquil and serene environment, and a rich history. The island was fought over by the Turks, Arabs, Persians, and the Portugese, till it came under the sultan of Zanzibar in 1840, and then under British rule in 1895. Tourists can relax at the sandy beaches, enjoying the heavenly island as the perfect getaway, and an escape from the crowds and worries of everyday life. Travellers can also go to Fort Jesus, a historic location which is classified a UNESCO world heritage site, where visitors can observe a variety of artefacts collected through the ages. At Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve, travellers can enjoy exciting activities such as windsurfing, water skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving among the vibrant coral reef, boating, and diving, and observe a colourful variety of marine species including crabs, starfish, sea urchins, jellyfish, lionfish, angelfish, sharks, octopuses, zebrafish, and sea turtles! They can also visit Shimba Hills National Reserve, one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa. Rich in flora and fauna, it is home to the African elephant, Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose, fruit bats, and spurfowl. Tourists can also visit the serene and peaceful Nyali beach where they can relax, de-stress, and unwind.
- Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Maasai Mara in Kenya is a top tourist destination in East Africa. The region is famous for its safari experiences, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and game viewing. Tourists can spot the glorious ‘Big Five’ (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes), gazelles, antelopes, zebras, wildebeests, hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, dik diks, foxes, monkeys, warthogs, aardwolfs, baboons, and mongooses! The region is named after the Maasai people, who wear red robes and carry spears. Taking a cultural tour to visit the indigenous people can be an enriching experience, as visitors can meet the chief, eat local food, join in on rituals, learn about local customs and history, and watch song and music performances. The natives are friendly, and should be treated with respect. Tourists can visit the river, where they can spot colorful, exotic migratory birds, such as storks, vultures, hornbills, fish eagles, lilac breasted rollers, larks, herons, and kingfishers.
These locations are the top 5 East African destinations for travel in June 2021, as they face pleasant and feasible weather, and provide excellent opportunities for tourists to have fun, make memories, and enjoy a break from daily life. What makes these places unique is their scenic beauty, cultural richness, interesting history, good food, friendly locals, and amazing flora and fauna. These vacation spots are excellent for tourists to explore in June 2021, and have an unforgettable, extraordinary, and enriching trip.
