The Best African Safari Destinations

More than twice the size of Nevada, Kenya is a magnificent country with one of the greatest wildlife populations in the world. With more than 70 major animal species and one of the world's widest spectrums of wildlife habitats, Kenya is the original safari destination. In fact, the term safari, which was coined in Kenya, is the Swahili word for journey.

Kenya borders the Indian Ocean between Somalia and Tanzania. The climate varies from hot tropical along the coast, to dry arid in the interior. The lowest point in Kenya is the Indian Ocean, at 0 m; the highest point is Mount Kenya at 5,199 m (second highest peak in Africa). Kenya's population is approximately 32 million and the capital is Nairobi. The official languages in Kenya are English and Kiswahili. The country is renowned for its big game spectacles and the Great Rift Valley.

My Favorite Parks and Reserves in Kenya

1. Masai Mara National Reserve

2. Samburu National Reserve

3. Amboseli National Park

4. Meru National Park

5. Lake Nakuru National Park

The Pearl of Africa

Located west of Kenya, Uganda is a stunning country slightly smaller than the state of Oregon. "For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life - plant, bird, insect, reptile, beast - for vast scale... Uganda is truly the pearl of Africa."

So wrote Winston Churchill in the early 1900s, and aptly so, for Uganda still today leaves clients filled with awe by its unique terrain and wildlife, in addition to its friendly and hospitable people.

Uganda's climate is tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in the northeast. Its lowest point is Lake Albert at 621 m and its highest point is Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley at 5,110 m. The population of Uganda is approximately 26 million and the capital is Kampala. English is the official national language, taught in grade schools, used in courts of law and by most newspapers and some radio broadcasts. Bwindi, in southwest Uganda, is home to half the world's remaining Mountain Gorilla population.

My Favorite Parks in Uganda

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

2. Kibale National Park

3. Murchison Falls National Park

4. Lake Mburo National Park

5. Queen Elizabeth National Park

Home of Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti

Tanzania borders the Indian Ocean between Kenya and Mozambique. The country is a bit larger than twice the size of California. Its climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands. Its lowest point is the Indian Ocean at 0 m, while its highest point is Mt. Kilimanjaro at 5,895 m (highest peak in Africa and highest freestanding mountain in the world). Tanzania's population is approximately 36 million and the capital is Dar es Salaam.

My Favorite Parks in Tanzania

1. Serengeti National Park

2. Tarangire National Park

3. Lake Manyara National Park

4. Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park

5. Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.

See more about Tanzania safaris here:

You should never hesitate to ask your safari operator questions and you should always expect to receive answers!

1. Passports: A valid passport is required to enter Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Your passport should be valid for six months from the date of your safari and should have a sufficient number of unused pages for endorsements.

2. Visas: A visa is required to enter Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Visas are available either in the US from the Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania embassies or, since many people prefer not to send their passports to an embassy, consulate, or tourism offices, you can quickly obtain your visas upon arrival at the airports or at the Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania borders. Photos are NOT required if obtaining your visas in-country.

3. Health Requirements: You should consult with your physician regarding the best choice of vaccines for your trip. Recommendations will depend on many individual factors, including your precise travel plans. It is recommended that you see your doctor at least four to six weeks before your trip to allow enough time for the vaccines to take effect.

4. Electricity: Electric current is 220-240-volt AC 50 Hz. Power sockets are usually of the three-square-pin variety as used in the UK, although some older buildings have two-round-pin sockets. Bring a universal adaptor with you.

5. Time Zones: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are eight hours ahead of Washington, DC, Eastern Standard Time. East Africa does not change its clock for Daylight Savings Time.

6. Food and Drink: Generally, it is not advisable to drink or brush your teeth with tap water in East Africa. Bottled water is always available. The food served at most upmarket camps and lodges is of the highest quality.

7. Currency and Currency Exchange: The currency in Kenya is the Kenya shilling, in Uganda is the Uganda shilling, and in Tanzania, the Tanzania shilling. The exchange offices in the airports and border crossings have up-to-date exchange rates for all major world currencies. Most hotels will exchange your currency at moderate premiums, but usually at lower rates than the banks. Major credit cards are accepted in East Africa at larger hotels and in some shops and restaurants in the main cities.

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