Overview of East Africa

Quick Overview

Countries of East Africa

• Burundi:

• Djibouti: Raimbaud and Monfreid’s "country" still holds its share of adventure and presents itself as a completely off-the-beaten-path destination, not easy to travel independently. The Red Sea, some historical accounts, and above all unique landscapes with deserts, salt lakes, and volcanoes make up its main points of interest.

• Eritrea:

• Ethiopia: without a doubt the richest and most varied country in all of East Africa, with a millennia-old history, local populations whose traditions remain vibrant and sometimes from another era, often harsh and wild landscapes, significant wildlife, and a terrain for adventure for those who love "off-the-beaten-path" travel.

• Kenya: the country is somewhat the poster image of Africa with its savannas, lions, and Maasai warriors. But even if the destination is a top spot for safaris, it also has other attractions to offer.

• Uganda: not yet overly touristy (though visitation is increasing), Uganda is one of those off-the-beaten-path African destinations. With its many parks, the sources of the Nile, and especially its mountain gorillas, it still has plenty to charm the most adventurous.

• Rwanda: better known for its painful past, often recalled through various memorials scattered across its territory, than for its tourist attractions, Rwanda nonetheless boasts several natural sites, including Volcanoes National Park, which remains the country’s main draw thanks to its gorillas.

• Somalia: all travel throughout the country is formally discouraged for security reasons.

• Sudan:

• South Sudan: all travel throughout the country is formally discouraged for security reasons.

• Tanzania: nature at its wildest and the dream destination for a safari. But Tanzania is also home to Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, and unique islands like Zanzibar.

Tourism

East Africa is largely the land of safaris. Thanks to them, the region has long enjoyed a certain tourist appeal, at least for Tanzania and Kenya, which have always been the main drivers of mainstream tourism.

Elsewhere, things have always been more challenging. Due to security concerns (a recurring issue in the region), public perception, or limited infrastructure—or all three—other countries are entirely or partially off the radar for most travelers. However, destinations like Ethiopia, increasingly Uganda, and even Rwanda with its gorillas also have their audience.

(): reference year - Sources: UNWTO and others