East Africa is home to many beautiful and unique creatures, landscapes and experiences And as with any activity, there is always a time of year where you get to experience it in all its glory. For this very reason, we put together a highlights guide for awesome activities you should not miss during October.
If you planning on visiting Tanzania and Kenya during the month of October, be sure to check out these highlights and make your trip so much more memorable.
10 Reasons to Visit East Africa During October
1. Immerse Yourself into The Great Wildebeest Migration
Travelling from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya's Masai Mara, the journey of over two million wildebeest is a sight to behold. Every traveller needs to view this marvel to appreciate the beauty of nature. In October, the dry season is prevalent so shrubs and greenery are pretty short, making it easy for you to sight these wonderful animals!
Wildebeest crossing the river during the Great Migration, Image Source: Tim Gold via flickr.com
2. Snorkel at Kisite Marine Park
Kenya is home to the second-largest coral reef in the world and October marks the recommencing of the diving and snorkelling season. Head over to the Kisite Marine Park to dive into the clear and cool waters of Kenyan coasts!
Red Sea Racoon Butterflyfish found in the Kisite Marine Park, Image Source: Wagon16 via flicker.com
3. Explore the Maasai Culture
Other than the picture-perfect sceneries, East Africa is also worth visiting for its unique culture. The Maasai Tribe is known for its vibrant attire and traditional dances. This semi-nomadic tribe can be interacted with near the border between Tanzania and Kenya.
Masai Mara Tribe Women, Image Source: Dylan Walters via Flickr.Com
4. Discover Africa’s Garden of Eden
The Ngorongoro Crater, located in Tanzania, is called Africa’s Garden of Eden, and the eighth wonder of the world. The largest volcanic caldera, it is home to over 20,000 animals including black rhinos, gazelles, and hippos. These can be seen best in October due to the low shrubs and sparse grass!
Ngorongoro Crater National Park, Image Source: Diego Tirira via Flickr.Com
5. Dance with Flamingos
East Africa hosts over two-thirds of the gorgeous pink bird’s population. Over 2 million flamingos can be seen in the Great Rift Valley lakes of East Africa – such as Lake Natron in Tanzania, and Lake Nakuru in Kenya. They come to the lake in search of water in the dry month of October!
Flamingos at Lake Natron, Tanzania, Image Source: Christoph Strassler via Flickr.Com
6. Experience Fly-Camping in Mahale
Tanzania offers you the opportunity to fully experience the wildlife of Mahale through fly camping. Enter into the jungles, and fully indulge in the African wilderness. Other than the breath-taking landscape, Mahale is popular for its large chimpanzee population, which is a lot more easily spotted from the air in October!
Chimpanzee thinking, Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania, Image Source: Nils Rinaldi via Flickr.Com
7. Meet some Predators in Katavi National Park
Katavi National Park can only be described as breath-taking. From the giant elephants to the dangerous crocodiles, the Katavi National Park has it all! It’s the perfect place to get up close with some fierce and peaceful creations.
Predator and Prey Katavi National Park, Tanzania, Image Source: Brian Harries via Flickr.Com
8. Climb to the Top of Africa
In addition to the savannahs and beautiful coastlines, East Africa boasts about its mountains too. Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 4,500 and 4,900 meters, respectively, offer enthusiastic adventurers a 4-5-days hike. October is the best season to go on a hike because the trail isn’t slippery or wet!
Mountain Climbing, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Image Source: Stig Nygaard via Flickr.Com
9. Swim with the Sharks in Mafia Island
October marks the return of whale sharks to the coasts of Tanzania. Mafia Island and Mafia Marine Park offer the opportunity to dive in and make memories by encountering the largest fishes in the sea!
Swim with whale sharks in Mafia Island, Tanzania. Image Source Michael Liao via Unsplash.
10. Muse over the Stone Age
Declared a world heritage site, the Stone Town of Zanzibar is a living museum; walk through the mazes, picture the historic buildings, and plan a romantic dinner in the stony houses.
Zanzibar's Stone town streets, Image Source: Kyle Taylor via Flickr.Com
