Tanzania is one of the most popular African countries, thanks to its safaris and Zanzibar. If you love active recreation, it’s the perfect choice!
Located on the east coast of Africa, the country, together with Kenya, is one of the most important nature conservation areas on the continent. Approximately 38% of its land area is officially protected.
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Best places in Tanzania
Zanzibar
The island near the mainland is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The main island of Unguja is not only known for its natural beauty, but also has historical significance. The old town of Stone Town is characterized by narrow streets and old buildings, and a fascinating blend of East African, Arab, Indian and European influences. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to famous buildings like the Beit-el-Ajaib (the House of Wonders) and the old slave market.
But the biggest attraction in Zanzibar is the coastline. There are numerous white sandy beaches on the island, and the waters along the coast offer excellent diving opportunities, such as around Mnemba Atoll. The northern shores of Nungwi and Kendwa are known for their beautiful sunsets and calm, shallow waters.
The exotic spice plantations, for which the island is often called the „Spice Island”, are also worth a special mention. Cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg can be found here.
Serengeti National Park
One of Tanzania and Africa’s most famous wildlife areas, home to the continent’s iconic animal life.
Its Swahili name means „endless plain”. In the south there are extensive, flat grasslands, contrasting with the gently undulating, sparsely wooded savannas of the north. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981 and is one of the biosphere reserves.
The park covers more than 14,750 square kilometers. It is famous for the world’s largest annual wild animal migration, with more than two million wildebeest, zebra and antelope on the move each year. In addition, many well-known animals can be observed: lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and Cape buffalo.
Arusha
One of Tanzania’s most important cities, located in the northern part of the country, among picturesque mountains and savannas. It is often referred to as the gateway to the northern safari circuit.
It is an important tourist destination: it is close to Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and Kilimanjaro National Park. Many organized tours depart from the city.
It also has a prominent cultural and historical role. The Arusha Cultural Center allows us to learn about the traditions of local tribes (such as the Maasai, Chagga and Meru people). The city is home to two important justice institutions: the African Court and the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The mountain peak in northern Tanzania is one of Africa’s most famous natural attractions.
The 5,895-meter-high mountain consists of three volcanic peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Among them, the Uhuru Peak on the Kibo summit is the highest point, attracting trekkers from around the world.
Its unique feature is the variety of ecosystems from the base to the summit: tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, alpine desert and finally glaciers. Lower down, the forests are home to rare animal species such as elephants, leopards, antelope and various bird species. As you go higher, the vegetation changes to rocky alpine terrain and barren glaciers, with snow and ice covering the summit area.
There are many organized tours here. There are two popular trekking routes: the Marangu Trail and the more challenging Machame Route. Neither requires mountaineering skills, but the terrain and high-altitude air pose a big challenge. However, the views from the top make up for the effort!
Kalambo Falls
The waterfall is located on the Kalambo River on the Zambian border and is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the region.
It plunges about 220 meters, making it Africa’s second highest uninterrupted waterfall. It is particularly impressive during the rainy season, when the water flow increases significantly and the sight becomes even more beautiful.
Ngorongoro Crater
One of Tanzania’s and the world’s most unique natural wonders.
The massive, over 19-kilometer-wide volcanic crater, located at the center of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is about 610 meters deep, making it the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It harbors a unique ecosystem that is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of wildlife. Almost all the iconic African animals can be found here: lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, rare black rhino, and zebra.
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania’s largest city, economic center and one of the most important ports on the East African coast.
The name of the city means „House of Peace” in Arabic, a name given by the Sultan of Oman, Seyyid Majid ibn Said. Interestingly, it is not the capital, but the most important settlement in every way.
Culturally, the city is home to several important museums, including the National Museum and the Bomas of Tanzania Museum, which provide insight into Tanzania’s history, culture and archaeology. The most famous is the ancient hominid fossil, the skull of Paranthropus boisei, discovered by the renowned anthropologist Louis Leakey.
Along the coastline, Coco Beach is popular with both locals and tourists, especially at sunset. Oyster Bay and the Msasani Peninsula are Dar es Salaam’s more upscale neighborhoods, with bars, restaurants and shops.
Tarangire National Park
Part of the northern Tanzanian safari circuit, located about 120 kilometers southeast of Arusha.
The park covers about 2,850 square kilometers and is named after the Tarangire River. It is famous for its large elephant population: it has the highest concentration of elephants in northern Tanzania. Unique species also live in the area, such as the greater kudu and lesser kudu, as well as the rare oryx, which are rarely seen in other Tanzanian parks.
The iconic baobab trees, which dominate the entire landscape, are the park’s signature feature. These trees also play an important role in local traditions.
Lake Natron
Located near the Kenyan border, it is known not only for its beauty, but also for its extraordinary geological and ecological phenomena.
The lake, which lies in the volcanic Great Rift Valley, is about 56 kilometers long and 24 kilometers wide, but due to its shallowness, in some areas it is only a few meters deep. Its water is extremely alkaline, with a pH value of up to 10.5, meaning the lake’s water is as corrosive as ammonia.
The lake’s color and unique properties are due to its high sodium carbonate and other mineral content. The heat and evaporating water often give the lake a reddish or orange hue due to the microorganisms.
The algae make it a favorite place for flamingos. It is home to one of the world’s largest breeding grounds for lesser flamingos, where millions are born.
Ruaha National Park
A less known park than others, and therefore offers a more untouched wildlife experience for visitors.
Located in the central part of the country, along the Great Ruaha River, it covers an area of more than 20,000 square kilometers. It is also known for its large elephant population, one of the largest in East Africa.
Lions are particularly numerous in the park, and it is one of the best places in Tanzania to observe their hunting. An endangered species, the African wild dog, also lives here. Its birdlife is also remarkable, with more than 570 bird species found.
Materuni Waterfall
Located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the city of Moshi, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.
It plunges about 75 meters through a tropical rainforest. The clear mountain water has created a natural pool at the base of the waterfall, where you can also take a dip. The hiking trail to get there is relatively easy.
The tour usually starts from the village of Materuni, which is the home of the local Chagga community. They have been engaged in coffee cultivation for millennia, and as part of the tours, we can also see the secrets of coffee making. They show how they pick, roast and grind the coffee using traditional methods, and of course we can taste the local coffee at the end.
Usambara Mountains
Located in northeastern Tanzania, it is one of the country’s most picturesque and biodiverse regions.
Part of the East African Rift System, it is divided into the East and West Usambara Mountains. The area is also known as the „East African Galapagos” due to its exceptionally rich and unique flora and fauna.
There are several endemic species that can only be found here. These include the Usambara eagle-owl, the Usambara red colobus monkey, and numerous reptile and plant species not found elsewhere.
It is an excellent destination for hikers as well. One of the best known hiking trails is the Irente Viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the surrounding savannas and valleys. There are also trails in the Magamba Forest.
Selous Game Reserve
One of Africa’s largest game reserves, spanning more than 50,000 square kilometers in southeastern Tanzania.
The Rufiji River winds through the game reserve, Tanzania’s largest river. This gives it rich wildlife, diverse habitats including rivers, swamps, forests and savannas, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Safari tours are also an option. As it is less crowded than the best known parks, it feels more authentic.
