Summary of Discovering Tanzania
From observing wildebeests and zebras migrate across Serengeti National Park to trekking volcanoes or summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, the premier attractions in Tanzania are grand and remarkable.
Whether you prefer camping and bird-watching or seeking the Big Five on safari, the top destinations in Tanzania offer extraordinary experiences. While guests are sure to see the renowned Big Five during their safari, they should also remain vigilant for rare and endangered species such as the African wild dog, green sea turtle, Egyptian vulture, and various antelope.
Beyond its breathtaking natural landscapes, Tanzania features cities and towns rich in history, architecture, and culinary delights. Across the nation, you will encounter its diverse populace, comprising approximately 120 ethnic groups, including the Hadza in the north, the Iraqw of the Great Rift Valley, the Pimbwe of western Tanzania, and the Maasai residing in the Serengeti. While these groups speak their distinct languages, Kiswahili serves as a common linguistic thread uniting them as Tanzanians.
With this context, here are the prime locations to explore in Tanzania.
1. Serengeti National Park
The Maasai, who have inhabited this region for millennia, refer to this park as Siringet, translating to “endless plains” in the Maa language. Indeed, those who travel to the Serengeti will witness vast, verdant landscapes adorned with acacia trees stretching for miles. These plains encompass a complex ecosystem, presenting some of the most diverse fauna and flora in Africa, including 450 bird species and 35 mammal varieties.
From May to September, over two million wildebeest, antelope, and zebra traverse from the Ndutu region in the southern part of the park to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This exhilarating event constitutes the largest terrestrial migration on Earth.
2. Dar-es-Salaam
Dar, as it is informally referred to, serves as Tanzania’s economic nucleus. This city marks the commencement of your journey, often necessitating a stopover of one or two nights during your travels in the country. The ambiance in Dar is brisk and energetic, with its inhabitants seemingly always in motion. Your initial destination should be the expansive and energetic Kariakoo Market, where various bargains await to be discovered. As many excursions involve considerable walking distances, indulging in a piece of freshly cut sugarcane offers a refreshing reprieve. At dawn, venture to Kivukoni fish market to observe fishermen trading their freshly caught seafood.
As the temperatures rise in the afternoon, nearby beaches become enticing options. The uninhabited islands of Mbudya and Bongoyo feature lively shores that are favored by locals. After sunset, explore Dar’s nightlife as a means to immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture. Consider visiting Samaki Samaki on Haile Selassie St or Karambezi Cafe on Toure Dr. for a delightful evening.
3. Arusha
While many expedite their stay in Arusha before embarking on the northern safari circuit, it is worth taking time to appreciate this charming, albeit slightly rough-around-the-edges town. The Maasai Market provides an excellent setting for leisurely exploration and for acquiring unique and authentic souvenirs. Renowned as the “Geneva of Africa,” Arusha enjoys a pleasant climate and lush scenery that make it an attractive destination for strolling—be it on a coffee tour or a hike to the Chemka Hot Springs. The less populated yet stunning Mt Meru, often overshadowed, stands tall near the town and offers breathtaking views from its summit, with fewer visitors along the ascent.
4. Lushoto
Nestled within the breathtaking Usambara Mountains in the northeast, Lushoto is a quaint town with a rich historical background. This region served as the royal domain of the Wasambaa people, originally established by King Mbega. The lineage remains intact, with descendants of the royal family offering guided hikes through the mountains, visits to the stunning Kisasa waterfalls, plus community interactions in traditional villages.
A short distance from Lushoto, Jiwe la Mungu (or God’s Stone) presents excellent vantage points, revealing sprawling, intertwining green valleys that seem to conceal secrets. While there are no direct flights to this community, transport via bus or air travel to Tanga provides an opportunity to take a taxi or arrange a private transfer for the remaining journey.
5. Tarangire National Park
Located a mere three hours’ drive from Arusha town, Tarangire National Park is notable for its substantial elephant population that migrates inland toward Lake Manyara and Tarangire, which lie in Ngorongoro’s rain shadow. This migration pattern demonstrates a fascinating aspect of Tanzania’s ecosystems, as natural corridors facilitate unrestricted movement between parks for elephants and other wildlife.
The park is also home to impressive baobab trees, which may be hundreds, if not thousands of years old. Leopards, baboons, and other mammals take advantage of these iconic trees’ branches for various activities.
6. Nyerere National Park (previously Selous National Park)
Embark on a five-hour drive from Dar-es-Salaam to reach Nyerere National Park, the largest reserve in Africa. The roads remain smooth until the final rough stretch; therefore, a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential. Within its vast expanse of nearly 31,000 square kilometers (11,970 square miles), large herds of wildlife roam freely: including the Big Five, alongside unique antelope species seldom found in other parks across the continent. Observe the roan antelope, brindled gnu, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, and sable.
Nyerere National Park boasts the world’s densest population of endangered African wild dogs, known for their frenzied hunting style, providing thrilling moments on game drives. Enthusiastic birdwatchers can spend hours identifying various bird species within the trees and wilderness. With lush landscapes and the picturesque Rufiji River winding through oxbow lakes, the park presents ample opportunities for stunning photography. Notably, many visitors opt for a one-hour charter flight to access various airstrips within the park, enhancing photographic opportunities.
7. Lake Manyara National Park
Although only 650 square kilometers (251 square miles), Lake Manyara National Park certainly leaves an impression. Within its borders, you will encounter a fascinating juxtaposition of wildlife, including buffalo, hippos, cheetahs, and giraffes, along with the extraordinary sight of tree-climbing lions. Birdwatchers can observe approximately 400 species, such as hornbills and pelicans. Along the highly alkaline waters of Lake Natron, numerous lesser flamingos sift through the pink-colored waters in search of sustenance.
8. Zanzibar
The multitude of beaches found in the Zanzibar Archipelago are among the most exquisite globally. Many visitors gravitate towards Nungwi Beach in the northern part of Unguja (known as Zanzibar Island). For those preferring a more tranquil experience, Muyuni offers opportunities for dolphin sightings, Jambiani is ideal for kite surfing and parasailing, Paje is perfect for swimming, and Matemwe is favored for diving and snorkeling endeavors.
Located north of Unguja, Pemba Island features dense forests and clear azure waters. While the weather can vary, Misali and Vumawimbi Beaches provide distinctive diving and snorkeling experiences.
9. Gombe Stream National Park
Slightly away from the shores of Lake Tanganyika lies Gombe Stream National Park, renowned for Jane Goodall’s extensive behavioral research on the local chimpanzee population. Over four decades, her studies are recognized as the most prolonged investigation of any particular wild animal community. Within the confines of Gombe’s 22 square kilometers (13.5 square miles) of grasslands, woodlands, and dense rainforest, you may spot red colobus, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys, alongside the chimpanzees.
10. Stone Town
For over a millennium, Stone Town (also referred to as Zanzibar Town) served as a bustling port city, attracting merchants from as distant as Persia, China, and Europe, engaged in trading a variety of goods, including firearms, textiles, minerals, and spices. Today, this rich history is palpable within the narrow, winding cobblestone streets adorned with Arab-style architecture, while the numerous mosques and the traditional attire of residents reflect the significant influence of Islam on the island.
Additionally, Zanzibar was once a central hub for the slave trade, with an infamous and harsh market in Stone Town that ceased operations in 1873. Prior to this closure, the volume of enslaved individuals traded here was among the most substantial worldwide.
The local cuisine is a rich fusion of African, Indian, Arabic, and French influences. One of the premier activities in Tanzania is visiting the nightly market at Forodhani Gardens, which serves as an exceptional venue for sampling local delicacies. Each dish is accentuated by spices cultivated in the region, some of which contributed to Stone Town’s reputation as a leading spice market globally. To maximize your experience in Stone Town, consider enlisting a knowledgeable guide to walk you through its layered history.
11. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Adjacent to Serengeti National Park lies the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a genuine natural marvel with immense ecological significance and stunning beauty. Millions of years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions formed a considerable crater that now houses the highest density of mammals on the planet. (The subsequent ash produced the Serengeti plains.) During a single Land Rover journey across the crater, one may often experience the sight of up to 30,000 animals from diverse species, including lions, hyenas, cape buffalo, and majestic tuskers thriving in the verdant swamps.
12. Mafia Island
Mafia Island is a region situated north of Zanzibar, which often goes unnoticed, owing to its unofficial recognition as part of the territory. This lack of tourism may contribute to its appeal, as many who visit deem it Tanzania’s finest hidden gem, potentially eclipsing Zanzibar with its whiter sands, clearer skies, and more captivating waters. Mafia Island is also the habitat of the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, often spotted in the waters near Utende, Juani, Kitoni, or Bweni Beaches. At Ndagoni Beach, you may also observe hippos sunbathing on the shore.
13. Lake Tanganyika
On Tanzania’s western border, Lake Tanganyika is recognized as the largest freshwater lake and the second-deepest lake globally, providing a significant local fishing industry extending into Zambia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Board a traditional dhow to experience a captivating journey across its waters as the sun sets and gentle breezes guide you. In the lakeside town of Kigoma, visit the fish market or enjoy scuba diving; consider accommodations at Lake Tanganyika Hotel, conveniently situated along the shoreline. Additionally, Lupita Island offers luxurious accommodations and opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or fishing.
This article was first published Jun 28, 2022, and was updated on Nov 22, 2023.
