Introduction
Tourism is one of the most appealing sectors in East Africa, receiving millions of travelers who visit for adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation. East Africa includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, and has a lot of natural attractions and cultural heritage. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, the tourism sector presents a great opportunity — with some investment and local partnerships, you can venture into tourism and start a tour business for domestic and foreign visitors. In this guide, we present the 10 most lucrative tourist destinations in East Africa for launching your tourism business.
1.Maasai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
Reasons why it is Profitable: Maasai Mara is famous throughout the world because of the Great Wildebeest Migration and having all the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino). Between July and October, tourists visit the Mara in droves to witness nature’s greatest spectacle.
Business Ideas:
Guided wildlife safaris (by day or night)
Cultural experiences with the Maasai people
Balloon safaris with breakfasts in the bush
Photography safaris
Potential for Profit: High. Maasai Mara has made its mark in luxury and mid-market clients, which is very much suited for curated safari packages.
2. Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
Reasons why it is Profitable: Serengeti is also considered part of the Mara ecosystem, it is vast and chock-full of wildlife, much suitable for long-stays. This destination is popular for European and Americans travelers.
Business Ideas:
Mobile tented camps
4×4 safari tours
Support for nature and wildlife-film production
Potential for Profit: Very High. High-end clients are willing and expect to pay top dollar for privacy and exclusivity.
3. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Why It’s Profitable: Bwindi hosts nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Facilities for trekking gorillas are in high demand and costs are in the hundreds of dollars.
Business ideas:
- Gorilla trekking experiences
- Eco lodges or forest cabins
- Community-based culture tours
Profit potential: Extremely high for eco-tourism and niche wildlife experiences.
4. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
Why It’s Profitable: The island paradise has history, white sand beaches, and luxury resorts. It is attractive to honeymooners, beach goers, and culture tourists.
Business ideas:
- Snorkeling, diving, and boat tours
- Historical walking tours in Stone Town
- Spice farm visits
Profit potential: Medium to High depending on budget and high-end packages.
5. Diani Beach, Kenya
Why It’s Profitable: Diani’s claim to fame is its powdery, white sand and marine life. In recent years, Diani has established itself as a growing water tourism and beach tourism destination.
Business ideas:
- Rental water sports (jet skis, snorkeling gear)
- Boat trips and dolphin watching
- Wellness tourism (yoga retreats, spa day trips)
Profit potential: High, as tourists often combine a beach visit and then inland safaris.
6. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Why It’s Profitable: Home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, it attracts people who would be considered luxury eco-tourists and conservation tourists.
Business ideas:
- Gorilla tracking packages
- Luxury lodges and transport services
- Cultural village tours and home stays
Profit potential: Very High. The prices for gorilla permits are steep, and the clientele desires exclusive experiences.
7. Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda
Why It Is Profitable: Referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa”, Lake Bunyonyi is tranquil and picturesque. In addition to its natural beauty, the lake appeals to honeymooners, nature lovers, and backpackers.
Business Idea:
- Canoeing excursions, with an option for birdwatching;
- Accommodation on the lakeside; and
- Farm-to-table organic tourism.
Potential Profit: Moderate: due to low overhead costs and no real development, clients repeated visits mostly have a lot to do with the tranquility of the locale.
8. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Why It Is Profitable: As the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is a globally recognized trekking destination, and it sees thousands of climbers every year.
Business Idea:
- Guided treks and climbing support services;
- Equipment rental shops for climbers; and
- Porter support services and logistics.
Potential Profit: Very High: multi-day treks are common to Kilimanjaro, and bundles of lodging and meals can be offered to trekkers.
9. Lamu Old Town – Kenya
Why It Is Profitable: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu has a blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. There are also no cars and the Swahili architecture is distinct.
Business Idea:
- Historical and cultural excursions;
- Dhow excursions for tourists; and
- Boutique guesthouses and villas.
Potential Profits: Medium to High: a perfect opportunity for heritage and luxury cultural tourism.
10. Sipi Falls – Uganda
Why It Is Profitable: A less known destination in eastern Uganda, Sipi Falls has scenic beauty and opportunities for adventure tourism.
Business Idea:
- Guided hikes of the waterfalls;
- Coffee plantation excursions; and
- Budget adventure lodges.
Potential Profits: Moderate: Sipi Falls is popular with local and regional tourists.
Final Thoughts
Overall, East Africa continues to be one of the most exciting regions in the world in terms of tourism and travel businesses. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, interested in beach tourism, adventure tourism or cultural heritage tourism, there is a niche to exploit. A startup budget for $5,000-$10,000 can be a good way to enter the market modestly and grow slowly. New entrants should aim for quality experiences, meaningful roles for the local communities involved and responsible tourism to ensure long-term success.
If you are considering an investment in a tour business in East Africa, there is no shortage of destinations with high returns and sustainable growth. Fetching experiences from safari reserves in Kenya, to tranquil lakes in Uganda the opportunities are endless.
Call to Action:
Thinking about starting a tour company in East Africa? Subscribe to our newsletter for helpful insights into starting your business or you can simply contact us to receive a free startup checklist and business guide suited to your destination.
