East Africa is a region of the African continent that takes in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. It is best known for its wildlife, its safaris and its dramatic landscapes, and it is often described as the cradle of humanity.
What draws visitors
- Wildlife and safaris: Game viewing is the region's best-known attraction, with safaris that take visitors into open savannah and national parks.
- The Great Rift Valley: This vast geological feature runs through the region and shapes much of its scenery, from escarpments to lakes.
- Human origins: East Africa's place as humanity's cradle gives many visits a historical and scientific dimension.
Planning a trip
East Africa is not a single destination but a collection of countries, each with its own landscapes, parks and cities, so it helps to decide early which country or circuit to focus on. Travellers often combine a safari with time in a city or along a lake, and the Rift Valley links several of these experiences together.
Because the region spans many countries and terrains, the right route depends on your interests: wildlife, landscape, history or a mix of all three. Checking entry requirements and seasonal conditions for each country before you travel will help you plan a visit that suits you.
