East Africa is the ultimate destination for your travel needs, not only is it filled with the best places to sight the blissful scenery of Africa but it is filled with great places for the adrenaline junky, the tranquility seeker and the party-head. Here are some of the places no one told you about that you can visit in East Africa, that deserve a tick on your bucket-list.

Mt. Nyiragongo, located just outside of the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an active volcano that boasts the world’s largest lava pool. If you are looking for the thrill and a site of the lava pool this destination is ideal for your adventure urges. You can enjoy an overnight hike along the crater, which is worth your while, additionally spend the night basking in the red volcanic glows, while marvelling at the stunning and expansive views from the top.

Located just off the coast of Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, Mafia Island is one of East Africa’s best diving locations. Scuba divers visit this small archipelago from all over the world in order to see an assortment of healthy coral reefs and massive schools of fish. The real reason, however, to visit Mafia Island is to encounter a whale shark. These gentle sea giants are found just a few kilometres from the Mafia Island harbour, and snorkelers can spot up to 20 of these graceful creatures at a time.

Explore the ancient streets of Luma, if you’re looking for a calmer destination that is not flooded with tourists, check out Lamu Island in Kenya. The only way to travel here is by boat so that in itself is an experience not to forget, from Mombasa or Diani, this island possesses the similar Arabic influences of Stone Town at a fraction of the price. Explore old ruins, indulge in fresh seafood, and laze your days away on bright white sand beaches.

Nowhere else in East Africa does a city turn it up like Nairobi. For a real Kenyan experience, include a few extra days in your trip to bar hop and dance the night away in East Africa’s most bumping capital. Get to experience the East Africa party life like one of the locals.

Tourists in East Africa generally check out the famous safari parks of Tanzania and Kenya. Although the Serengeti and Maasai Mara are impressive beyond belief, for a more quiet, cheaper, and off the beaten path safari experience, check out Akagera National Park in Rwanda. Experience wetlands and savannah of East Africa’s most underrated safari destination.