The geography of Eastern Africa is stunning and very scenic. Eastern Africa is the site of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, the two tallest peaks in Africa.

East Africa encompasses the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, and a handful of small island nations in the Indian Ocean. Two French overseas territories, Mayotte and Reunion, are included in this regional classification as well. It is a region where some of the greatest examples of life on our planet can be found today.

A visit to East Africa involves encountering the Big 5 wild animals that are popular to see during an African safari. This region has heavy concentrations of elephants, lions, buffalo, gorillas, and the black rhinoceros. Although populations of these animals have been declining over the past decades, nature reserves and national parks have been designated to give the herds a safe place to live while offering visitors added infrastructure during their stay.

It’s not just the wildlife that is stunning in East Africa. The geography of this region is equally fantastic. You’ll find the East African Rift, which produced Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro, offers numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. One of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, Lake Victoria, and one of the world’s deepest lakes, Lake Tanganyika, are both found in this region.

As with most regions in Africa, there have been shifts in the political climate over time since the nations here gained their independence. At the same time, the people and tribes of East Africa have been able to maintain their unique cultural identity. Getting to know this region means discovering something about the history of humanity.

From the tallest mountains to beautiful beaches, East Africa offers something for the explorer’s heart.

Below you find a list of countries belonging to the region known as Eastern Africa.

THE BIG NATIONAL PARKS IN EAST AFRICA

Andringitra National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas of Madagascar

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain in Tanzania

Nyika National Park, large highland national park in Malawi

Rwenzori National Park, home of the Mountains of the Moon in Uganda

Serengeti National Park, national park in Tanzania, stretches into Kenya where it becomes Masai Mara National Park

Simien National Park, important wildflife populations in Ethiopia

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, world famous for huge rainforest and the Virunga Mountains, here you can see the rare mountain gorillas, the park stretches into Uganda and becomes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park