We all need some time away every now and then to rejuvenate the body and refresh the mind. If you only have two to three days to spare, here are some of the best weekend trip destinations to visit in East Africa.
Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve
When you want to go on safari, all roads lead to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It offers a spectacle of various wildlife sightings regardless of the time of year, and it’s entirely possible to see all the members of the Big Five in a single day. Visiting anywhere from July to November allows you to catch a glimpse of the famous annual wildebeest migration.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda
Tucked away in western Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park offers the tranquil environment you need for a weekend getaway. There are several hotels around the park offering spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. The hiking enthusiast also gets the chance to go mountain climbing and scale Africa’s third largest peak.
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is also another excellent destination for a safari trip. It offers breathtaking open plains covered with acacia trees and the highlight – grazing game. Cheetah and lion sightings are most prominent during the rainy season running from January to March. It’s also worth visiting in early April just when the wildebeests begin their great migration to the Maasai Mara.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Hidden deep within the Virunga Mountains is Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It’s considered as Africa’s oldest national park, and it’s the place where you can spot the endangered mountain gorilla. Only about 800 of the incredible animals remain, and they are an eastern gorilla subspecies. Experiencing the animals in their natural habitat is a truly intensely moving experience. The park is also home to several other rare animal species including 29 bird species.
Lalibela in Ethiopia
The historic Lalibela town is an inspirational religious destination that anyone looking for some spiritual experience should consider visiting. In the 12th Century, it served as an alternative to ‘New Jerusalem’ for the pilgrims who could not reach the holy land owing to conflict. Today, its 11 monolithic churches featuring carved rock faces attract visitors from the world over.
Tanzania’s Matemwe Beach
Everyone does enjoy a trip to the beach and d nestled on Zanzibar’s North East coast is the Matemwe Beach. It offers white sandy beaches and tranquil aquamarine waters as well as an assortment of fun outdoor-based activities including diving and snorkeling. Even just lounging around the beach can give you the breather you need from the hassles and bustles of daily life.
Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park
The Rift Valley park hosts a soda lake that is famous for its spectacular flamingo population. The flamingos flock to the lake in as much as millions in number during the drier seasons when the waters become more alkaline producing algae which in turn attracts the birds. The park also hosts several other animals including an estimated 450 bird species, rhinos, and lions.
