Some of the largest concentrations of wildlife remaining on Earth can be seen in the national parks and game reserves of East Africa. This abundance is influenced by the region's dramatic landforms and unique geology, which support a remarkable number of different species in specialised ecosystems. The interior of East Africa is dominated by an extensive regional plateau that is underlain by some of the oldest rocks on Earth. The plateau has been ruptured by the East African Rift, one of the world's most recognisable geological features.
The rifting is inextricably linked to intense - and ongoing - volcanic activity, which has sculpted the landforms, including volcanic craters with boiling lava lakes and lava fountains. Giant free-standing volcanic cones such as Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro and the fascinating Ngorongoro Caldera are world heritage sites. Geological Highlights of East Africa's National Parks presents a new and exciting angle for tourists to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and provides a valuable reference for rangers and guides.
The Virunga Mountains, an active chain of volcanoes and home to habituated groups of Mountain gorilla, are also included. Maps, satellite images and diagrams, along with vivid photography, help explain how the landforms came to be. Key geosites point readers to the most rewarding geological features. An indispensable guide, Geological Highlights of East Africa's National Parks will add drama and interest to any East African safari.