Discover the Best Attractions in Tanzania
From witnessing wildebeests and zebras gallop across Serengeti National Park during the Great Migration to trekking volcanoes or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the best attractions in Tanzania are exceptionally captivating.
Whether you are camping, bird-watching, or spotting the Big Five on safari, the best places to visit in Tanzania offer extraordinary experiences. While visitors are certain to encounter the iconic Big Five on any safari, wildlife enthusiasts should also keep an eye out for rare or endangered species like the African wild dog, green sea turtle, Egyptian vulture, and various antelopes.
Moreover, beyond its breathtaking natural attractions, Tanzania hosts vibrant cities and towns filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and tantalizing cuisine. The country is home to over 120 ethnic groups, such as the Hadza from the north and the Maasai in the Serengeti, all united by the Kiswahili language.
Considering all that, here are the best places to visit in Tanzania.
1. Serengeti National Park
The Maasai people have inhabited this region for thousands of years, calling it Siringet, meaning “endless plains” in their language. Visitors to Serengeti will witness flat, verdant lands dotted with acacia trees, stretching for miles. This park is home to a diverse ecosystem offering an impressive variety of fauna and flora, including 450 bird species and 35 mammal types.
Each year, from May to September, over two million wildebeests, antelopes, and zebras migrate from the Ndutu region in the southern part of the park to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This spectacle represents the largest terrestrial migration on the planet.
2. Dar-es-Salaam
Dar-es-Salaam, often simply called Dar, serves as Tanzania’s economic hub, where most travelers begin their journey. The city is filled with energy, and a visit to the bustling Kariakoo Market is recommended for a variety of goods. After exploring the market, locals often enjoy a piece of freshly cut sugarcane to quench their thirst.
The nearby beaches provide a perfect retreat. Just a short drive away, islands like Mbudya and Bongoyo offer lively beaches favored by locals. As night falls, Dar’s nightlife comes alive, with various spots to enjoy the rhythm of Tanzania.
3. Arusha
Though many pass through Arusha quickly before heading on safari, this charming town deserves more time. Known as the “Geneva of Africa,” Arusha has a pleasant climate and lush landscapes. The Maasai Market is a great place to find unique souvenirs, while coffee tours and hikes to Chemka Hot Springs provide delightful outdoor experiences.
4. Lushoto
Nestled in the Usambara Mountains, Lushoto has a majestic history as the royal kingdom of the Wasambaa people. Visitors can enjoy splendid mountain hikes, explore the stunning Kisasa waterfalls, and embark on community tours.
The breathtaking Jiwe la Mungu (God’s Stone) offers panoramic views of the beautiful valleys. Lushoto can be accessed by buses and flights to Tanga, leading to private transfer options.
5. Tarangire National Park
Just a three-hour drive from Arusha, Tarangire National Park hosts an impressive population of elephants. The park’s ecosystem allows for seamless animal movement between reserves, showcasing Tanzania’s rich wildlife.
Another highlight includes the iconic baobab trees, some up to thousands of years old, which provide habitat for leopards and baboons.
6. Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as Selous National Park, is Africa’s largest reserve. A five-hour drive from Dar-es-Salaam leads to amazing wildlife sightings, including the Big Five and unique antelope species like the roan and sable.
The park is also home to the largest concentration of endangered African wild dogs, making for thrilling game drives amid stunning landscapes.
7. Lake Manyara National Park
Despite its modest size, Lake Manyara National Park impresses with its diverse wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions. Bird-watchers will find a paradise with over 400 species to observe, while thousands of lesser flamingos grace the shores of Lake Natron.
8. Zanzibar
The beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago are among the most beautiful in the world. For a lively atmosphere, Nungwi Beach in Unguja Island is a favorite, while options like Jambiani and Matemwe cater to more adventurous activities such as kite surfing and diving.
Pemba Island, with its lush forests and pristine waters, offers unique diving opportunities despite varied weather conditions.
9. Gombe Stream National Park
Renowned for Jane Goodall’s pioneering research on chimpanzees, Gombe Stream National Park is a small but significant area for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can observe various primates, including chimps, red colobus, and olive baboons, within its rich ecosystems.
10. Stone Town
With a rich history as a major trade hub, Stone Town is a monument to Zanzibar’s multicultural past. Visitors can explore narrow cobblestone streets filled with Arab-style buildings, stunning mosques, and vibrant markets. The blend of African, Indian, Arabic, and French cuisines reflects the island’s diverse heritage.
11. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Adjacent to Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its massive crater houses a remarkable variety of wildlife, including lions and cape buffalo, making it a prime location for wildlife viewing.
12. Mafia Island
Mafia Island, regarded as a hidden gem in Tanzania, offers stunning beaches and less crowded nature experiences. The region is famous for whale sharks, which can be spotted around its coastlines.
13. Lake Tanganyika
On the western frontier, Lake Tanganyika, the deepest freshwater lake in the world, supports a thriving fishing industry. Travelers can enjoy scenic boat rides, scuba diving, and local fishing expeditions in the picturesque town of Kigoma.
