East Africa is brimming with great activities and things to see and do. Hiking to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, witnessing the Serengeti's grassland, hiking with Rwanda's endangered mountain gorillas, and watching lion prides in the Maasai Mara are all well-known East African bucket list items. While those hot spots are undeniably incredible, there are so many adventures and sights in the area that intrepid tourists shouldn’t miss. Check out our guide to some of the best-hidden gems in East Africa for your next trip.

1. 5 East African Hidden Gems
You Should Add to Your
Bucket List
East Africa is brimming with great activities and things to see and do. Hiking to the peak of Mt.
Kilimanjaro, witnessing the Serengeti's grassland, hiking with Rwanda's endangered mountain
gorillas, and watching lion prides in the Maasai Mara are all well-known East African bucket list
items. While those hot spots are undeniably incredible, there are so many adventures and
sights in the area that intrepid tourists shouldn’t miss. Check out our guide to some of the best
hidden gems in East Africa for your next trip.
1. Safari in Akagera National Park
Tourists in East Africa frequently visit Tanzania's and Kenya's well-known safari parks. Although
the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are breathtaking, the throngs of people crammed into these
peaceful areas make them far less enjoyable. Furthermore, it is exorbitantly priced. Check visit
Akagera National Park in Rwanda for a more tranquil, less expensive, and off-the-beaten-path
safari experience. With both lions and rhinos restored to Rwanda in recent years, Akagera has
been able to reclaim its status as a Big Five safari park. Explore the magnificent marshes and

2. savannah of East Africa's most undervalued safari destination for only $40 USD per day in
safari costs.
2. Hike Mt. Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of
Congo
Mt. Nyiragongo is an active volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has the world's
largest lava pool. It is located just outside of the city of Goma. Tourists are welcome to join an
overnight hike to the crater, which, despite being extremely steep and long, is doable and well
worth the effort. Spend the night soaking up the red volcanic glows and taking in the
breathtaking and expansive views from the summit.
3. Visit Mafia Island in Tanzania and snorkel with whale
sharks

3. Mafia Island is one of East Africa's premier diving spots, located just off the coasts of Zanzibar
and Dar es Salaam. Divers from all over the world come to this small archipelago to observe a
variety of healthy coral reefs and large schools of fish. The true reason to go to Mafia Island,
though, is to see a whale shark. These gentle sea giants may be seen only a few kilometers
from Mafia Island's harbor, and snorkelers can see up to 20 of them at once.
4. Explore the ancient streets of Lamu in Kenya
Despite the fact that Stone Town in Zanzibar is a lovely old town with unique Arabic
characteristics, it is frequently criticized for being overrun by tourists. Lamu Island in Kenya is a
great place to visit if you want to relax. This island, only accessible by boat from Mombasa or
Diani, has similar Arabic characteristics to Stone Town for a fraction of the cost. Explore ancient
sites, eat fresh seafood, and spend your days relaxing on white sand beaches.
5. Go white water rafting on the Nile in Jinja
For many years, the thundering white rapids of the Nile river at Jinja have enthralled visitors and
locals alike. Spend a day or two battling your wits and physical skill against some of the world's
roughest waters, just a few hours from Kampala, Uganda's capital.