Tanzania offers an unparalleled wildlife experience and an abundance of natural beauty that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Tanzania, an East African nation, is renowned for its diverse range of wildlife and abundant marine life, encompassing everything from expansive wilderness to verdant islands, as well as the Big Five game and vibrant coral reefs. The tropical town of Zanzibar, home to many islands and imposing buildings, is also home to some of Tanzania’s most exciting adventure sports and captivating tourist destinations.
Whether you’re on safari seeing the Big Five or just birdwatching while camping, the best places to visit in Tanzania are amazing and the country is one of the best places to visit in Africa. On every safari, guests can expect to see the renowned Big Five. Still, they should also look out for uncommon or threatened species like the African wild dog, green sea turtle, Egyptian vulture, and several antelope.
Tanzania is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime travel destination. Therefore, if you’re considering going, you probably want to make the most of your trip by visiting as many tourist destinations as you can. If so, you’re at the proper location.
In this guide, I’ll list some of the best places to visit in Tanzania you should add to your bucket list. From wildlife destinations to amazing islands, there is something for everyone.
Best Places To Visit In Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
For millennia, the Maasai community has resided in this region, referring to it as Siringet in their native Maa tongue, signifying “endless plains.” As commonly known, Serengeti showcases vast expanses of lush, level terrain adorned with scattered acacia trees stretching across numerous miles. Within these plains thrive a complex ecosystem, boasting an unparalleled diversity of wildlife and plant life in Africa, boasting an impressive array of 450 bird species and 35 mammal species.
Over two million wildebeest, antelope, and zebra travel from the Ndutu region in the park’s south to the Maasai Mara in Kenya every year between May and September. The planet’s largest terrestrial migration takes place during this exciting event.
Zanzibar
The Zanzibar Archipelago is home to many of the world’s most breathtaking beaches. In the north of Unguja, near Nungwi Beach (also known as Zanzibar Island), most visitors opt to laze around. Try Muyuni for observing dolphins, Jambiani for parasailing and kite surfing, Paje for swimming, and Matemwe for diving or snorkeling if you like to avoid crowds.
Pemba Island lies to the north of Unguja and is home to dense forests and pristine waterways. Misali and Vumawimbi Beaches have exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities, despite the unpredictable weather.
Ol Doinyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai, also called the “Mountain of God,” is an active volcano in the Gregory Rift region of Arusha. One of Tanzania’s most popular tourist destinations, this stratovolcano is well-known for its spectacular lava eruptions. Thousands of thrill-seekers descend it each year to begin the arduous trekking expedition that leads to the summit of the mountain.
Dar-es-Salaam
Tanzania’s economic center is Dar, as it’s commonly called. Since everything starts here, you will most likely spend one or two nights here while you are in the nation. Dar has a light yet brisk energy, and everyone is always moving. The massive and busy Kariakoo Market should be your first stop because you may find amazing deals on anything you might need. Since most visits require traveling the distance of multiple city blocks, you could find that a piece of freshly cut sugarcane satisfies your thirst. Travel to the Kivukoni fish market at first light to observe fishermen trading their catch of the day. The city is arguably one of the best cities in Africa you should visit.
Beaches only a short drive from the mainland beckon come summer’s sweltering day. The vibrant beaches of Mbudya and Bongoyo, two uninhabited islands off the coast, are well-liked by the locals. Dar’s nightlife is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Tanzanian rhythms after dark. Try Karambezi Cafe on Toure Dr. or Samaki Samaki on Haile Selassie St.
Quality Center Mall
One of Tanzania’s top shopping destinations is Quality Center Mall, a 24-hour retail center. As you go past this shopping paradise, which has a ton of international-standard retail stores, dining options, and family-friendly theaters, treat yourself to a heartfelt shopping experience.
Lake Tanganyika
Are you looking for some privacy while on vacation in Tanzania? Visit Lake Tanganyika, one of Tanzania’s most tranquil tourist destinations. It’s one of the greatest spots to unwind in the embrace of nature with its wide stretches, tranquil shoreline, and verdant surrounds.
Arusha
Even though most visitors to Arusha only stay for a short while before departing for their northern safari, don’t write off charming but run-down A-town too quickly. The Maasai Market is a great spot to spend a few hours and pick up some unique and interesting souvenirs. The town is referred to as the “Geneva of Africa” because of its lush surroundings and warm weather, which make it a great destination to stroll around whether on a trip to the Chemka Hot Springs or a coffee tour. Often disregarded Mt Meru soars over the town and provides stunning views from the summit, with significantly fewer people along the way. It is a less crowded alternative to Kilimanjaro.
Lushoto
Lushoto is a tiny village with a noble past, nestled in the northeast among the breathtaking Usambara Mountains. Originally established by King Mbega, this region was the capital of the Wasambaa people’s regal kingdom. The dynasty’s descendants still maintain strong ties to this area by providing community tours, stops at royal villages, mountain treks, and trips to the cascading Kisasa waterfalls.
Jiwe la Mungu, also called God’s Stone, is a few hours’ drive from Lushoto and provides breathtaking views of the verdant valleys that seem to curl into one another like they are concealing secrets. Although buses and aircraft pass through Tanga, where you can locate a taxi or private transfer to continue, there are no direct flights to the town.
Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island, which is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, can be reached from Stone Town in about 90 minutes by car. There is a heaven on this private island. It is among the greatest locations in Tanzania to experience an opulent getaway surrounded by vast spice fields and crystal-clear coastal waves. Come here for the ideal private island experience, where you may live in opulent suites, take advantage of the tropical weather, have soothing massages, and partake in a variety of water sports.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The prodigal mountain of Kilimanjaro, soaring at 5,895 meters, is the highest peak in Africa and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. This mountain is a component of the renowned Kilimanjaro National Park, which is well-known for its diverse wildlife. As the starting point for some of the most difficult hiking and trekking treks, this mountain is also one of the most well-liked tourism destinations in Tanzania for adventure seekers.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the place to go if you want to see a lot of animals in addition to stunning natural beauty. Numerous Big Five species are among the thousands of creatures that call this area home. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a true blend of wildlife and environment. This is due to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the area’s main geographical attraction.
All the thousands of animals we mentioned earlier, nevertheless, also call this crater home. You absolutely shouldn’t miss this Tanzanian tourism destination!
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is another fantastic national park to see wildlife in. For those who are content to observe more laid-back creatures in their native habitat rather than the big five, this national park is ideal. It is well-known across the world for having giant baobab trees with unusual shapes that are breathtaking to look upon. If you want to dedicate a large portion of your holiday to bird watching, Tarangire is the national park to visit.
It’s also fantastic if you’re interested in migratory species because the National Park is home to creatures including buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, and elephants. If you want to view elephants, Tarangire is the best spot to go because it contains the biggest concentration of elephants in the entire globe!
Lake Manyara National Park
Several of the tourist destinations in this guide are national parks, as you have already seen. Instead of traveling to Tanzania to spend time indoors, you should go there to fully immerse yourself in the natural world. The Lake Manyara National Park is among the greatest locations for this.
This national park features grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and forests, making it highly diversified. The national park is the place to go if you love birds because it is mostly made up of water. You should think about visiting Lake Manyara if you wish to witness these magnificent animals because it is also the site of the planet’s highest population of baboons.
Zanzibar Beaches
Tanzania’s top vacation spot, Zanzibar Island, commonly known as Unguja, is renowned for its stunning beaches. This island, which is a part of the Zanzibar archipelago together with the islands of Pemba and Zanzibar, boasts some of the world’s greatest beaches. There is the beautiful white beach, clear shallow water, and traditional boats lining the coast, albeit the surf fluctuates depending on which side of the island you are on.
The island offers some amazing lodging alternatives, including apartments with exquisite dining, pools, and luxurious amenities. The brand-new Emerald Zanzibar Resort & Spa in Matemwe, which has 250 suites, four restaurants, a private beach, a protected coral, and an amazing pool area, is among the best. It is located on Muyuni Beach. In the center of Zanzibar sits the historic city of Stone Town, which is well-known for its bustling port, winding lanes, and ancient Arabian mansions.
Olduvai Gorge
The Olduvai Gorge is another interesting feature in the protected region. Ancient bone and skull fragments unearthed from this significant archeological site have provided vital information about early humans. Fossils and other traces of early humans have been exposed by millennia of erosion at the Olduvai Gorge, an archeological site built on a network of fault lines. When a German professor was searching Olduvai Gorge for butterflies in 1911, he discovered some fossil bones.
The Leakeys gathered bones, a skull, and skull fragments that were estimated to be around 2 million years old during a subsequent voyage. In Olduvai Gorge, tools and hunting weapons from one to 1.5 million years ago have also been found.
The well-known footprints of a man, woman, and kid at Laetoli, close to Olduvai, were another remarkable discovery. The hypothesis that at least three hominid species lived in this area more than two million years ago is supported by these and other findings.
Mafia Island
International divers and snorkelers flock to Mafia Island to explore the underwater environment, which is safeguarded by the Mafia Island Marine Park. While May through October offers the finest weather on Mafia Island, October through March is the best month for diving. April and March have a lot of rain.
There are coral gardens, a wide variety of fish, and a laid-back diving atmosphere in the stunning Mafia Island Marine Park. There are more than 400 species of fish and countless birds can be spotted in the region. Mafia Island serves as a conventional nesting location for the endangered green turtle. Deep-sea fishing, particularly for big-game fish like sailfish, marlin, and tuna, is highly sought-after in the Mafia.
Pemba Island
The Zanzibar archipelago’s northernmost island is called Pemba Island. There are a lot of desert islands near Pemba, and the area offers some of the best scuba diving in the Indian Ocean, with unmatched clarity. The underwater sanctuary is home to sea fans, vibrant sponges, and coral gardens. The primary city of Pemba, Chake Chake, is a well-liked diving base for scuba divers.
Pemba has a more relaxed vibe than Zanzibar since it receives fewer tourists. Due to its steep terrain and deep valleys, the island has gained popularity among mountain bikers who are lured to its 1,000-meter peaks. Misali Island Beach is a place not to be missed, just offshore. On a deserted tropical island lies this amazing white sand beach.
In addition to being a significant global producer of cloves, Pemba is well-known for its juju practices in magic and medicine. From all throughout East Africa, people travel to learn from traditional and voodoo doctors or to look for a cure.
Ruaha National Park
Spread across 20,000 square kilometers in Tanzania’s Iringa region, Ruaha National Park is a vast wildlife reserve. In 2008, it combined with the neighboring Usangu Game Reserve to become Tanzania’s largest national park. Approximately 10% of the world’s lion population resides in Ruaha, which also has the third-largest population of wild dogs in Africa. The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including more than 400 bird species, over 10,000 elephants, over 30,000 buffalo, over 20,000 zebras, and other creatures.
Ruaha National Park is home to the magnificent Great Ruaha River, which offers fantastic fishing possibilities due to its strong rapids and deep canyons. It forms a large conservancy with the Kizigio and Rungwa River Game Reserves on its northern boundary. Being one of the biggest conservation zones in East Africa, this region is important for efforts to preserve the environment.
Mikumi National Park
Mikumi National Park is a large wildlife reserve that borders the well-known Selous Game Reserve and is situated close to Morogoro in Tanzania. With an area of 3,230 square kilometers, it offers chances to see four of the big five animals (rhinos excluded). The Mkata floodplain in the park is an excellent location to see magnificent lions. Notable features include a big population of eland, a flourishing population of African wild dogs, and unusual “midget” elephants that are different from larger African elephants seen elsewhere.
The fourth-largest park in Tanzania is Mikumi National Park. In addition to the Big Five, it has a distinct kind of giraffe that lies between the reticulated and Masaai giraffe. More than 400 different bird species can be found in the park, including uncommon ones like the Crested Francolin and Blue-billed Teal. Mikumi gives visitors to Tanzania’s natural beauties a peaceful and genuine wildlife experience, although being less frequented than locations like the Serengeti.
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park, made famous by Jane Goodall’s behavioral studies of the local chimpanzees, is located just shy of the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Her investigations are believed to be the longest ever conducted on a single community of wild animals, spanning four decades. Along with chimpanzees, other wildlife found in the compact (22 sq km/13.5 sq mile) grasslands, forests, and dense rainforest of Gombe include red colobus, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys.