Amazing Countries, HOW TOS

Nicest Country in East Africa

(April 2025)

AFRIQAAA Editors
April 19, 2025

Introduction

Are you looking for a destination that amazes you with its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical richness? Do you want to experience the best of wildlife, adventure, and relaxation in one place? If so, then you consider visiting East Africa, a region that offers something for everyone. East Africa is home to some of the nicest countries in the world, each with its charm and appeal

Whether you are interested in seeing the majestic mountain gorillas in Rwanda, the stunning beaches and islands in Zanzibar, or the ancient churches and monuments in Ethiopia, you can find a country that suits your taste and budget. So, without further ado, begin your journey to the nicest countries in East Africa.

1. Kenya

Why We Picked It:

Pick Kenya as it is one of the most popular and developed countries in East Africa, with a rich culture, history, and wildlife. It has some of the best national parks and reserves in the region, such as the Maasai Mara, where you can witness the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. It also has stunning beaches, mountains, lakes, and forests to explore.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Has a diverse range of attractions and activities, from safaris and hiking to snorkeling and surfing.
Has friendly and hospitable people, with many ethnic groups and languages.
Has a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city, Nairobi, with modern amenities and entertainment options.

Cons:

Can be expensive and crowded, especially during peak seasons and popular destinations.
Can be unsafe and unstable, due to political unrest, crime, and terrorism threats.
Can be challenging and stressful, due to poor infrastructure, traffic, and corruption.

Details:

Is in East Africa, bordering Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Has a population of about 54 million people, with a median age of 20 years.
It has a land area of about 580,000 square kilometers, with a coastline of about 536 kilometers.
Has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather along the coast, and cooler and drier weather in the interior.
Has a GDP of about $109 billion, with a GDP per capita of about $2,000.
Has a currency called the Kenyan shilling, with an exchange rate of about 110 shillings per US dollar.

2. Rwanda

Why We Picked It:

Consider Rwanda because it is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in East Africa, but also one of the most progressive and resilient. It has overcome a tragic history of genocide and civil war and transformed itself into a peaceful and prosperous nation. It is popular for its incredible natural beauty, especially its mountain gorillas, which can be seen in the Volcanoes National Park.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Has a clean and green environment, with strict laws and policies to protect its wildlife and forests.
Has a safe and stable society, with low crime rates and high social cohesion.
Has a fast and efficient service, with good infrastructure, internet, and transportation.

Cons:

Can be expensive and exclusive, especially for the gorilla trekking permits, which cost $1,500 per person.
Can be restrictive and conservative, due to its authoritarian government and cultural norms.
Can be emotional and traumatic, due to its dark past and the reminders of the genocide.

Details:

Is in East Africa, bordering Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Has a population of about 13 million people, with a median age of 19 years.
Has a land area of about 26,000 square kilometers, with no coastline.
Has a temperate climate, with mild and rainy weather throughout the year.
Has a GDP of about $10 billion, with a GDP per capita of about $800.
Has a currency called the Rwandan franc, with an exchange rate of about 1,000 francs per US dollar.

3. Zanzibar

Why We Picked It:

Choose Zanzibar which is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, consisting of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and several smaller ones. It is a tropical paradise, with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. It is also a cultural melting pot, with a rich and diverse history of trade, slavery, and spice. It has unique and exotic architecture, cuisine, and music, influenced by Arab, Indian, Persian, and African cultures.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Has a relaxing and romantic atmosphere, with luxury resorts, spas, and sunset cruises.
Has a fun and adventurous spirit, with water sports, diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
Has a fascinating and educational heritage, with historical sites, museums, and tours.

Cons:

Can be hot and humid, especially during the rainy season from March to May and November to December.
Can be crowded and touristy, especially on the main island of Unguja and the capital city of Stone Town.
Can be conservative and sensitive, due to its predominantly Muslim population and culture.

Details:

Is in the Indian Ocean, about 25 kilometers off the coast of Tanzania.
Has a population of about 1.3 million people, with a median age of 18 years.
It has a land area of about 2,600 square kilometers, with a coastline of about 1,600 kilometers.
Has a tropical climate, with warm and sunny weather most of the year.
Has a GDP of about $1.5 billion, with a GDP per capita of about $1,100.
Has a currency called the Tanzanian shilling, with an exchange rate of about 2,300 shillings per US dollar.

4. Ethiopia

Why We Picked it:

Choose Ethiopia if you want to explore one of the oldest and most culturally rich countries in East Africa, with a history that dates back to ancient times. It is the only African country that has never experienced colonization and has a proud and diverse heritage. It is also home to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the region, such as the Simien Mountains, the Danakil Depression, and the Blue Nile Falls.

Pros and Cons

Cons:

Has a unique and varied cuisine, with dishes like injera, a sourdough flatbread, and wat, a spicy stew.
Has a vibrant and colorful culture, with festivals, music, art, and architecture that reflect its different ethnic groups and religions.
Has a sacred and spiritual atmosphere, with ancient churches, monasteries, and mosques that are still in use today.

Cons:

Can be challenging and demanding, due to its high altitude, rugged terrain, and poor infrastructure.
Can be expensive and bureaucratic, due to visa requirements, taxes, and fees.
Can be unpredictable and volatile, due to its political and social issues, and occasional conflicts with neighboring countries.

Details:

Has its location in East Africa, bordering Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Has a population of about 117 million people, with a median age of 19 years.
Has a land area of about 1.1 million square kilometers, with no coastline.
Has a tropical climate, with hot and dry weather in the lowlands, and cool and wet weather in the highlands.
Has a GDP of about $96 billion, with a GDP per capita of about $800.
Has a currency called the Ethiopian birr, with an exchange rate of about 42 birr per US dollar.

5. Uganda

Why We Picked it:

Visit Uganda if you like one of the most biodiverse and scenic countries in East Africa, with a variety of habitats and wildlife. It is known as the Pearl of Africa, for its natural beauty and charm. It is also one of the best places to see the endangered mountain gorillas, which can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Has friendly and welcoming people, with a warm and hospitable culture.
Has a diverse and adventurous range of activities, from rafting and kayaking on the Nile to hiking and biking in the mountains.
Has a peaceful and stable environment, with a relatively low crime rate and a democratic government.

Cons:

Can be costly and limited, especially for the gorilla trekking permits, which cost $700 per person.
Can be risky and unhealthy, due to its malaria, yellow fever, and Ebola outbreaks, and its poor sanitation and health care.
Can be corrupt and inefficient, due to bribery, fraud, and red tape.

Details:

Is in East Africa, bordering Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Has a population of about 46 million people, with a median age of 16 years.
Has a land area of about 241,000 square kilometers, with a coastline of about 0 kilometers.
Has a tropical climate, with warm and rainy weather throughout the year.
Has a GDP of about $35 billion, with a GDP per capita of about $800.
Has a currency called the Ugandan shilling, with an exchange rate of about 3,600 shillings per US dollar.

6. Seychelles

Why We Picked it:

Explore Seychelles as it is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. It is a tropical paradise, with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs. It is also a luxury destination, with exclusive resorts, spas, and restaurants. It is a perfect place for relaxation, romance, and indulgence.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Has a stunning and secluded environment, with some of the best beaches and islands in the world.
Has a rich and diverse marine life, with over 1,000 species of fish, turtles, dolphins, and whales.
Has a mild and pleasant climate, with an average temperature of 27°C and no extreme weather.

Cons:

Can be very expensive and exclusive, with high prices for accommodation, food, and activities.
Can be boring and repetitive, with limited options for entertainment, nightlife, and culture.
Can be isolated and inaccessible, with long flights, limited connections, and strict visa regulations.

Details:

Is in the Indian Ocean, about 1,600 kilometers off the coast of East Africa.
Has a population of about 98,000 people, with a median age of 36 years.
It has a land area of about 460 square kilometers, with a coastline of about 491 kilometers.
Has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather all year round.
Has a GDP of about $1.6 billion, with a GDP per capita of about $16,000.
Has a currency called the Seychellois rupee, with an exchange rate of about 14 rupees per US dollar.

Overview of Nicest Country in East Africa

Understand that East Africa is a region of the African continent that consists of 18 countries and 2 dependencies, according to the United Nations. It has a population of about 455 million people, making it the most populous subregion of Africa. East Africa is popular for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical richness.

It has some of the best wildlife, adventure, and relaxation destinations in the world, such as the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, the beaches and islands in Zanzibar, and the ancient churches and monuments in Ethiopia. Know that this article picks some of the nicest countries in East Africa based on factors such as their attractions, activities, people, culture, and environment. It also includes a variety of countries, from different geographic, linguistic, and economic backgrounds.

How to Choose the Nicest Country in East Africa

Consider the type of attractions and activities that you want to experience. East Africa offers a range of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and wildlife adventures. For example, if you want to see the mountain gorillas, you may want to visit Rwanda or Uganda. If you want to enjoy the beaches and islands, you may want to visit Zanzibar or Seychelles. If you want to learn about ancient history and culture, you may want to visit Ethiopia or Kenya.
Evaluate the safety and stability of the country that you want to visit. East Africa is generally a safe and peaceful region, but some countries may have higher risks of crime, terrorism, or political unrest.
Find out the cost and accessibility of the country that you want to visit. East Africa is a relatively affordable region, but some countries may be more expensive or exclusive than others.

Pros & Cons of Nicest Country in East Africa

Pros:

Has some of the most diverse and spectacular natural scenery in the world, from mountains and volcanoes to lakes and rivers.
Has some of the best wildlife and adventure opportunities in the world, from gorilla trekking and safaris to rafting and diving.
Has some of the richest and most varied cultural and historical heritage in the world, from ancient civilizations and religions to modern art and music.
Has some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world, with many different ethnic groups and languages.

Cons:

Can be very expensive and exclusive, especially for some of the popular and luxury destinations and activities.
Can be very unsafe and unstable, due to political unrest, crime, terrorism, and conflicts in some of the countries.
Can be very challenging and demanding, due to poor infrastructure, traffic, corruption, and bureaucracy in some of the countries.

What to Watch Out For

Health risks: East Africa has some of the highest rates of malaria, yellow fever, and other tropical diseases in the world. Consult your doctor before traveling, and get the necessary vaccinations and medications.
Security risks: East Africa has some of the most unstable and violent countries in the world, such as Somalia and South Sudan. Avoid traveling to these countries, or to areas that are affected by conflict, terrorism, or crime. Check the travel advisories and warnings for the country that you want to visit, and follow the local laws and customs.
Cultural risks: East Africa has some of the most diverse and conservative cultures in the world, with different ethnic groups, languages, and religions. Respect the local culture and traditions, and dress and behave appropriately. Avoid any political or religious discussions and any gestures or actions that may be offensive or disrespectful.
Environmental risks: East Africa has some of the most extreme and unpredictable weather and natural disasters in the world, such as droughts, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Check the weather forecast and the geological activity for the country that you want to visit, and prepare accordingly.

Pro Tips

Do your research: Before you decide on a country, make sure you do some research on its attractions, activities, culture, safety, cost, and accessibility.
Plan: Once you have chosen a country, make sure you plan your trip well in advance. You may need to book your flights, accommodation, tours, and activities early, especially during peak seasons and popular destinations.
Be flexible: While planning is important, you should also be flexible and adaptable when traveling in East Africa. You may encounter unexpected situations, such as weather changes, flight delays, road closures, or cultural differences, that may affect your itinerary or experience.
Be respectful: When visiting East Africa, you should respect the local people, culture, and environment. Follow the local laws and customs, and avoid any actions or words that may be offensive or disrespectful.
Have fun: Last but not least, you must have fun and enjoy your trip to East Africa. East Africa is a region with many beautiful and diverse destinations, and you should make the most of your time there. Try new things, meet new people, and learn new skills. You must also capture your memories, and share your stories, with your friends, family, and social media followers.

Recap

In conclusion, East Africa is a region that deserves your attention and admiration. It is a region that has some of the nicest countries in the world, each with its charm and appeal. Whether you are looking for natural beauty, cultural diversity, historical richness, wildlife adventure, or relaxation, you can find a country that suits your taste and budget.

However, be aware of the potential challenges and risks that you may face when visiting East Africa, and prepare accordingly. Also, respect the local people, culture, and environment, and try to make a positive impact on the region. East Africa is a region that surprises you, inspires you, and delights you. It is a region that can make you fall in love with Africa.