11 East African Hidden Gems You Should Add to Your Bucket List

Tourists in East Africa generally check out the famous safari parks of Tanzania and Kenya. Although the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are impressive beyond belief, the hordes of tourists sitting engine to engine in these serene spaces are much less enjoyable. Plus, it is wildly expensive. For a more quiet, cheaper, and off the beaten path safari experience, check out Akagera National Park in Rwanda. Akagera has recently been able to reclaim its title of a Big Five safari park, with both lions and rhinos reintroduced to Rwanda in the past few years. For just $40 USD in safari fees per day, roam the stunning wetlands and savannah of East Africa’s most underrated safari destination.

Mt. Nyiragongo, located just outside of the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an active volcano that boasts the world’s largest lava pool. Tourists are welcome to participate in an overnight hike to the crater, and though the hike is incredibly steep and long, it is doable and so worth it. Spend the night basking in the red volcanic glows, while marveling at the stunning and expansive views from the top.

Located just off the coast of Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island is one of East Africa’s best diving locations. Scuba divers visit this small archipelago from all over the world in order to see an assortment of healthy coral reefs and massive schools of fish. The real reason, however, to visit Mafia Island is to encounter a whale shark. These gentle sea giants are found just a few kilometers from the Mafia Island harbor, and snorkelers can spot up to 20 of these graceful creatures at a time.

Although Stone Town in Zanzibar is a beautiful old island with fascinating Arabic influences, it is often critiqued as being overrun by tourists. If you’re looking for a calmer destination, check out Lamu Island in Kenya. Reachable only by boat from Mombasa or Diani, this island possesses the similar Arabic influences of Stone Town at a fraction of the price. Explore old ruins, indulge in fresh seafood, and laze your days away on bright white sand beaches.

The roaring white rapids of the Nile river in Jinja have delighted travelers and locals for many years. Located just a few hours from the Ugandan capital of Kampala, spend a day or two testing your wits and physical prowess against some of the roughest waters on earth.

Though Burundi has experienced political unrest since the attempted coup in 2015, Bujumbura, the country’s capital city, still possesses one of the best beach scenes in the region. Head to Bora Bora beach club for parties every weekend, or just spend the days relaxing on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

No where else in East Africa does a city throw down like Nairobi. A lot of tourists do a quick layover in Nairobi on their way to go on safari, but for a real Kenyan experience, include a few extra days in your trip to bar hop and dance the night away in East Africa’s most bumping capital.

Known for gorillas, Rwanda has a lot more to offer the intrepid traveler than just primates (though hiking with the gorillas is a pretty special experience too). Check out Kingfisher Journeys, and consider booking a multi-day kayaking trip along the vibrant coastline of Lake Kivu. Kayak through small towns, coffee roasters, and fish farms, while getting a chance to experience Rwanda’s stunning hills through a unique perspective.

Made famous by Jane Goodall, Gombe Stream National Park is home to the Kasakela chimpanzee community. A limited number of trekking permits are available daily, as visitors are led through the park by rangers familiar with the chimpanzees and their habits. This park is not easy to reach, as Gombe Stream can only be accessed by boat, making this experience all the more adventurous.

Sipi Falls is a collection of stunning waterfalls in Eastern Uganda. Independent or guided hikes can be arranged from an assortment of comfortable guesthouses in the area, as well as rock climbing, abseiling, and more. Used by many travelers as a base for climbing Mt. Elgon, the falls themselves are worthy enough of a visit.

This national park, located just a few hours northwest of Nairobi, sits in a particularly beautiful area of the Great Rift Valley. Cheap park entry fees and a lack of big cats and predators have made this park known for its excellent bike trails. This is one of the only major safari parks in the world where visitors can bike alongside herds of zebras, buffalos, and gazelles.