QUICK TIPS FROM EAST AFRICA
Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com
East Africa’s varied experiences and facilities offer opportunities to meet and exceed expectations of everyone. Tourists may choose to take advantage of either the peak, shoulder or off peak seasons. Additionally, tourists have a choice of a wide range of tour packages sold as country or multi country packages giving you the best value for money.
- NATURAL BEAUTY (EAST AFRICA – BEST VALUE DESTINATION)
East Africa’s Nature is stunning and scenic. Shaped by global plate tectonic forces that created the East African Rift Valley, East Africa is home to the beautiful snow – peaked Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, the two highest Mountains in Africa. The region is also home to the world’s second largest freshwater lake by surface area, Lake Victoria (Nyanza); the world’s second deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake and the world’s largest alkaline lake. Other lakes in the region are Lake Nakuru, home to flamingoes; the flamingoes breeding site, Lake Natron; and the hot springs in Lake Bogoria. River Nile is regarded as the longest river in the world that derives its water from, amongst others, Lake Victoria. East Africa is also home to some of the most diverse flora in the world due to its varying climate. The vegetation varies from savannah grasslands, bamboo forests, equatorial forests, mangrove forests to Afro – Alpine Zones.
- GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE
Most of East African tourist sites are supported by a functioning infrastructure that allows tourists to access sites and move around with ease and comfort. The region can be accessed by air or road, while Tanzania and Kenya are additionally accessible by Indian Ocean. East African region is connected to the world by a network of international airports, most of which are located in or adjacent to the region’s major cities. Smaller airports and airstrips take tourists closer to the national parks and reserves, coastal towns and business hubs. The region has also been implemented the East African Community Criteria for classification of hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities to ensure that the destination operates on common standards.
- CLIMATE
Climatic conditions vary from tropical to temperate, depending on altitude. There are two rainy seasons: the long rains from late March to early May, and the short rains from late October to early December. Temperatures, except on the hot and generally humid coastal belt, are moderate with highs of 25C (177F) and lows of 15C (59F) Flat altitude of 1,500 meters (4921 feet). At altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,202 ft), frosts are common during the dry season and highs are typically around 21C (70 F) or less.
- ADVENTURE
East Africa has unusual, exotic, remote and wilderness attractions that meet the expectations and tastes of varied enthusiastic. The region’s adventures include wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, hiking, heritage and cultural tours, Mountain climbing, white water rafting, deep sea diving and fishing watersports, rock climbing, Mountain biking, paragliding, sky diving and so on.
- CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE SITES
The region’s Parks and Reserves are some of the world’s most famed and iconic and 12 have been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, owing to their unique natural and cultural heritage. The famed annual wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park has been dubbed the “Eighth wonders of the world.
- WILDLIFE
East Africa is renowned as a wildlife paradise. There is an extraordinary diversity of mammals, particularly in the savannahs and the eastern edge of the rainforests, not to mention the hugely varied and abundant birdlife that make this part of Africa truly remarkable. The vast wildlife range includes mammals such as the now referred to as Big – Six – Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo, Elephant and Gorilla. Others include the whale sharks, dolphins, whales, marine turtles, birds, reptiles, butterflies and insects and a range of fauna.
- RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Responsible and sustainable tourism practices are in grained in the travel and tourism industry in East Africa to ensure that these attractions are available for present and future generations. The region is in the process of harmonizing policies and legislation on wildlife conservation and management and adopting a regional approach to the protection of wildlife resources against poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife products. Additionally, there is a regional initiative towards incorporating communities in tourism as a conservation model.
- NIGHTLIFE
East Africa’s major cities have perhaps the most enjoyable nightlife scene in Africa. There are many lounge bars and nightclubs, which combine a nice mix of culture and events. There are also dozens of vibrant street bars in the main cities that play live music and screen local and international sports leagues. For movie and concert lovers, major malls and theaters will offer you a rewarding experience.
- MOTOR SPORTS
Safari Rally’s carry a long tradition in East Africa. The East African Safari Rally runs through Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania covering a distance of 5000 km in ten days. The Rhino charge is an annual off road motorsport competition that has been held in Kenya since 1989. The event, organized by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, helps to raise funds for a very noble cause conservation of Kenya’s Aberdare ecosystem.
- MARATHONS
East Africa’s internationally recognized marathons include the Masai Mara Marathon, Safari com Lewa Marathon, Sotokoto Safari Marathon and the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in Kenya. In Tanzania, there are the Kilimanjaro Marathon, Mt. Meru Marathon and many more. Uganda hosts the MTN Kampala Marathon, While Rwanda hosts the International Peace Marathon of Kigali and the Rwanda Challenge Marathon.
- RUGBY
Rugby is receiving unprecedented love from an ever expanding fan base and corporate sponsorships. It is arguably now the biggest sport in parts of East Africa in terms of gate collections, ticket pricing and sales. Some of the big events include the Safari com sevens, the Barnburi Rugby Super Series, the East African Super Series and the Nile Special Premier League.
- FESTIVALS
East Africa hosts a number of Music, film and cultural festivals, Sauti za Busara brings together African musicians every year in Zanzibar to promote and celebrate African music. Nairobi’s Story Moja Hay Festivals is East Africa’s literary take on the International Hay Festivals. Fashion Week Zanzibar and Nairobi Fashion Week are the latest festivals showcasing regional and international fashion trends, while cultural festivals like Lamu Cultural Festival, the Camel Derby in Samburu and Manga Pwani Cultural Festival, have a rooted tradition.
