The nations of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in East Africa all have thriving tourist industries offering incredible wildlife viewing, mountain climbing and even gorilla tracking. Whether you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere or an unforgettable up-close encounter, you will find countless opportunities to experience the beauty and adventure of East Africa.

Masai Mara Game Reserve
The Masai Mara Game Reserve, the jewel of Kenya's wildlife viewing, is located in the Great Rift Valley. Visitors can experience the annual Great Migration of more than 1 million wildebeest, Thompson's gazelle, zebra and other herbivores. Tourists can take a game drive and see more than 400 recorded bird species and 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles on the reserve.

Visitors can see Kenya's "big five" at the game reserve---buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino---as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippopotamuses, impala and more. Guests can stay on the reserve in a campsite, safari lodge, luxury tent camp or private camp.

Kenya Tourist Board--Head Office
Kenya-Re Towers, Ragati Road
PO Box 30630-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
+254-20-271-1262
magicalkenya.com

Mount Kilimanjaro
Visitors to the area can climb Tanzania's famous Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. This dormant volcano has two peaks connected by a broad ridge. The highest peak, Kibo, rises to 19,340 feet above sea level. Rising in isolation, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and one of the world's most accessible high summits.

Most climbers use only a walking stick and proper attire to reach the crater rim. Visitors can experience the wildlife-inhabited forest, moorland zone, alpine desert and snowcapped peaks of the mountain. Tourists can take a five-day trek using one of many routes to the summit and enjoy the captivating beauty. Accommodations in the area include sleeping in huts or campsites on Mount Kilimanjaro or in hotels and campsites outside the park in Marangu or Moshi.

Tanzania National Parks--Director General
PO Box 3134
Arusha, Tanzania
+255-272-503-471 / +255-272-504-082
tanzaniaparks.com/kili.html

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
One of Africa's most ancient rainforests can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Tracking gorillas is the nation's most-sought-after tourist activity and requires booking in advance. Visitors can search for the seven habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi on an adventurous trek deep into the rainforest. There is also opportunity for visitors to look for the 310 butterfly species, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, 88 moths and an extraordinary 120 types of mammals including 10 primates.

Tourists can survey Bwindi's lowland forest and Afromontane vegetation on a nature walk through one of five trails. Visitors should bring warm clothing for the cool mornings and evenings, as well as rain gear for the two rainy seasons, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority website. Visitors can spend the night in a nearby camp, guesthouse, homestead or resort.

Uganda Wildlife Authority
Plot 7 Kira Road
PO Box 3530
Kamwokya Kampala, Uganda
+256-414-355000 / +256-312-355000
ugandawildlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=98