Must-see attractions in East Africa

  • Maasai Cattle Market

    Kenya

    If you're in the Amboseli area on a Tuesday, consider stopping in the town of Kimana (along the paved road between Emali and Oloitokitok) for its weekly…

  • Pemba Channel Conservation Area

    Pemba

    The waters and islets along the entire west coast of Pemba are officially protected as the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA). The aim is to benefit…

  • Kitengela Hot Glass

    Nairobi

    Brave the suspension bridge and enjoy a stroll around the quirky, colourful grounds of Kitengela Hot Glass. There are regular glass blowing demonstrations…

  • Mangapwani Slave Chamber

    Zanzibar Island

    This dark cell cut into the coral rock was used as a holding pen to hide slaves after the legal trade was abolished in the late 19th century. From here it…

  • Robert Koch Hill

    Mwanza

    Smack in the city centre is Robert Koch Hill, with an attractively decrepit German-built mansion at the top. To get here, push through the bustling market…

  • Jiwe Kuu

    Mwanza

    One of the more interesting rock formations around Mwanza is Jiwe Kuu (Big Rock), which some people call the Dancing Rocks. Many round boulders sit atop…

  • Arboretum

    Western Kenya

    Eight kilometres east of town, this tropical park is popular with weekend picnickers and colobus, vervet and red-tailed monkeys (best seen in the early…

  • Out of Africa Lookout

    Lake Nakuru National Park

    To get the best view that takes in much of the park, head up to the rocky Out of Africa Lookout. Less frequented by tour groups than the lower Baboon…

  • Sudi Island

    Kenya

    This uninhabited island on the far side of Mida Creek makes an interesting excursion. It is very green (at least during the rainy season) and there are…

  • Nabajjuzi Wetlands

    Southwestern Uganda

    Just out of Masaka on the way to Mbarara, these Ramsar site–listed wetlands offer excellent opportunities to spy two of Uganda’s most elusive animals: the…

  • Source of the Nile Gardens

    Jinja

    On the western bank of the river you'll find the pleasant Source of the Nile Gardens and Speke Monument – a pillar commemorating where the British…

  • Red Hill Art Gallery

    Nairobi

    The Red Hill Art Gallery is tucked away in the lush green hills of Limuru, just outside Nairobi. The space is devoted to African Art with a focus on…

  • Pemba Museum

    Pemba

    Filling an 18th-century Omani fort, which was probably built on the remains of a 16th-century Portuguese garrison, this small museum has well-organised …

  • Circle Art Gallery

    Nairobi

    One of Nairobi's better exhibition spaces for contemporary art, Circle Art Gallery is, unlike some other Nairobi galleries, more a gallery aimed at…

  • Spice Market

    Mombasa

    This market, which stretches along Nehru and Langoni Rds west of the Old Town, is an evocative, sensory overload – expect lots of jostling, yelling,…

  • Baboon Cliffs

    Lake Nakuru National Park

    This popular viewpoint and one-time lunch spot has superlative views out over the lake, with some fine aerial vistas down onto the flooded lake shore…

  • Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve

    South Coast

    The offshore Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve has impressive marine life, although it cops some pollution from industry in the area. You can hire…

  • Katonga

    Western Tanzania

    This large and colourful fishing village is quite a spectacle when the 200-plus wooden boats pull in with their catch. During the darkest half of the moon…

  • Mandhry Mosque

    Mombasa

    Founded in 1570, Mandhry Mosque in the Old Town is the city's oldest, and an excellent example of Swahili architecture, which combines the elegant…

  • Mudanda Rock

    Kenya

    Towering over a natural dam near the Manyani gate, this towering natural formation runs for over 1.5km. It attracts elephants in the dry season and is…

  • Port

    Western Tanzania

    Many people find Ujiji’s beach and small dhow port a charming step back into centuries past. They don't use power tools to build the boats, so the…

  • Kilifi Creek

    Kilifi

    This might be the only place where we wouldn't mind being up the creek without a paddle. It's just gorgeous, from the cliffs jutting up out of the water,…

  • Kenyatta Beach

    South Coast

    Busy with vacationing Kenyan families and snack sellers peddling their wares, Kenyatta Beach is the place to come if you're looking for a totally local…

  • Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

    Kenya

    The Taita Hills, a fertile area of verdant hills and scrub forest, is a far cry from the semi-arid landscape of Tsavo. Within the hills is the private…

  • Sinet Delta

    Amboseli National Park

    From Normatior (Observation Hill), the northern route runs across the Sinet Delta, which is an excellent place for birdwatching. The vegetation is thicker…

  • Kibirizi

    Western Tanzania

    There are many fishermen at Kibirizi, 2km north of town by the oil depots. The early-afternoon loading of the lake taxis is impressive in a noisy,…

  • Aga Khan Mosque

    Zanzibar Town

    In the Kiponda area of Stone Town, this mosque is one of the largest in Zanzibar, catering to the Ismaili community since 1905. The beautifully detailed…

  • Afriart Gallery

    Kampala

    This classy little gallery features works by serious local artists. Downstairs has changing monthly exhibits, while upstairs is a permanent collection,…

  • Kipini Wildlife Conservancy

    Kenya

    This low-key private coastal conservancy sits on the grounds of the failed Nairobi Cattle Ranch, and receives a trickle of international volunteers. There…

  • Nyali Beach

    South Coast

    This attractive strip of white sand practically disappears at high tide – particularly its northern end. At the southern end of the beach, look out for…

  • Crying Stone of Ilesi

    Western Kenya

    The Crying Stone of Ilesi is a local curiosity perched on a ridge 3km south of town. The formation, looking like a solemn head resting on weary shoulders,…

  • Sheldrick Falls

    South Coast

    These pretty 21m-high falls are laced with lianas and greenery, and have a natural plunge pool. Free, two-hour, 2km walks, organised by the Kenya Wildlife…

  • Stiegler's Gorge

    Selous Game Reserve

    Stiegler’s Gorge, which averages 100m in depth, is named after a Swiss explorer who was killed here by an elephant in 1907. It has more recently gained…

  • Kirepwe Island

    Kenya

    Mida Eco-Camp organises day trips (KSh3500) to this quiet island just across the estuary. The ruins are atmospheric and you can visit a Giriama village…

  • Obsidian Cave

    Southern Rift Valley

    Close to the Elsa Gate end of the Buffalo Circuit, a side track leads for 2km to the Obsidian Cave, where you’ll find moderately interesting examples of…

  • Ghorofani Market

    Northern Tanzania

    Ghorofani, Lake Eyasi's main village, lies a few kilometres from the lake’s northeastern end. Its mnada (market), held on the fifth day of the month,…

  • Bamburi Beach

    South Coast

    Lined with a couple dozen hotels, Bamburi Beach is a 6km stretch of palm-shaded white sand. Outside low tide, the waters are good for swimming, and there…

  • Elephant Hill

    South Coast

    With the best viewpoint in the reserve, this hill is the place to see elephants. It affords lovely views out over the valley towards the ocean. Armed…

  • Soysambu Conservancy

    Southern Rift Valley

    This private conservancy offers quite extensive wildlife viewing, as well as camping. It is home to colobus monkeys, Rothschild's giraffes and about 450…

  • Poacher's Lookout

    Tsavo West National Park

    A short distance northwest of Severin Safari Camp, this hilltop vantage point offers fine views out over the park, and especially fine views west to the…

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