Tanzania is one of the most stunning locations in the world, and should be on every travel lover’s wish list. The country is home to breathtaking flora and fauna, scenic landscapes, a rich and vibrant culture, helpful and friendly locals, a delicious cuisine, historical landmarks, gorgeous lakes, and spectacular safari parks. Here are 10 of Tanzania’s most amazing spots that travellers must visit on their extraordinary and unforgettable trip!
- Mount Kilimanjaro
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Tanzania is the glorious Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Rising up to 5869m above sea level, it is one of the most amazing volcanic peaks in the world. Adventure seekers can enjoy an extraordinary trekking experience, with stunning views of the jagged peaks and lush vegetation. The snow covered peak is surrounded by the forest, as well as the dry savannah The high altitude creates a unique habitat which is home to many life forms that are rare elsewhere; such as the Kilimanjaro tree, and the delicate elephant flower. Observing the exotic flora and fauna, looking at the breathtaking views, or climbing up to Uhuru Peak can be a life changing experience!
- The Serengeti
The Serengeti is one of the most spectacular regions in Tanzania. This national park is home to amazing wildlife such as cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, leopards, lions, elephants, gazelles, Nile crocodiles, antelopes, wildebeests, giraffes, baboons, herons, hippos, monkeys, and rhinos! At Olduvai Gorge, tourists can find human fossils and ancient tools from over two million years ago. At Laetoli, they can observe ancient footprints that have been preserved in ash! Wildlife viewing is excellent at the Grumeti River. Retina Hippo Pool is another great spot of the national park, as it is home to 200 hippos! Tourists can spot black rhinos at Moru Kopjes, and go up to Gong Rock to see famous Masai rock paintings. From Lobo Valley or Naabi Hill, they can witness the Great Migration of two million wildebeests.
- Mafia Island
Also known as Chole Shamba, Mafia Island is a mesmerising beach in Tanzania. It is home to stunning and diverse flora and fauna, and visitors can spot over 460 species of fish, whales, and 5 species of turtles. They can even witness the incredible birth of turtles! At Mafia Island Marine Park, a protected nature reserve, they can take part in activities like swimming, whale watching, boat rides, snorkelling, and scuba diving!
- Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria covers 59000 sqm and is one of the biggest lakes in the world, as it is part of 3 countries. Visitors can enjoy the mesmerising view of the clear blue water, and surrounding hills, and spot creatures such as mongooses, otters, shrews, hippopotamus, and waterbucks. Nearby, tourists can go to Mwanza, where they can visit the Mwaloni or Maasai market, explore nature at Saa Nane National Park or Robert Koch hill, or gain an insight into the history of the region at the Old German building.
- Ngorongoro Crater
Covering a total of 8292 sq kms, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest national parks in Tanzania. This fabulous spot is home to wildlife such as elephants, wildebeests, gazelles, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, hyenas, impalas, oryx, buffaloes, monkeys, elands, warthogs, and zebras. Tourists may also be able to spot rare and endangered species such as the black rhino and black maned lions! The crater is often referred to as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. This spectacular location offers scenic views of grassy plains, cloudy skies, and dark hills, and is one of the best safari spots in Tanzania, as tourists can enjoy unforgettable game drives and walking safaris!
- Lake Natron
The alkaline Lake Natron is a unique location that tourists must visit in the country. Although the environment is hostile, the lake is home to many microorganisms that give the water a pink appearance. The lake is 56 km long and 24 km wide and contains deposits of soda, salt, and magnesite. Tourists can spot Lesser Flamingos, or visit the nearby Gelai volcano. They can also take a trip to Peninj, where archeologists discovered an almost perfectly preserved fossil hominid jaw which contains adult teeth!
- Dar Es Salaam
The busy, lively, and bustling city of Dar Es Salaam is a must-see for travel lovers who visit Tanzania. The vibrant city is the capital of the country, and is home to some amazing spots, such as Coco Beach, the Askari Monument that remembers soldiers who fought in World War One, and the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market. At Pugu Hills Forest Reserve, tourists can spot hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, baboons, elephants, pangolins, jackals, galagos, warthogs, mongooses, colobus monkeys, and impalas, and hike up to bat caves that are sacred to the Zaramo people. At the National Museum of Tanzania, visitors can find ancient Chinese pottery, archeological artefacts and fossils, old Tanzanian wood carvings, prehistoric rock art, ancient relics and coins, indigenous ebony masks, and colonial era artefacts.
- Pemba Island
Pemba Island is a remote island in Tanzania, which is a perfect spot for travel lovers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy being surrounded by nature. The island is home to heavenly beaches like Vumawimbi beach, a pristine and untouched spot with soft sands, sweet smelling air, and crystal clear water. At the stunning Misali Island, tourists can snorkel among the coral reefs, and at the sandy and serene Baobab beach, visitors can spot nesting turtles! Tourists eat fresh seafood including lobster, prawns, tuna, and octopus. The island has rich history, as it is home to the Ras Mkumbuu ruins from the 13th-14th Century, and the Ras Kigomasha lighthouse. The Makangale villages are perfect for those who want to go on cultural tours and learn from the locals. Tourists can go on a dhow ride, or visit the Ngezi Forest Reserve which is home to birds and animals such as antelopes, vervet monkeys, pigeons, vultures, crowned hornbills, and kingfishers!
- Usambara Mountains
The Usambara Mountains in Northern Tanzania are a breathtaking spot for tourists to visit. The mountains are home to over 3000 plant species and are known for their biodiversity. Tourists can hike up the Irente viewpoint to enjoy a scenic panoramic view of Mazinde village and the vast Maasai plains. They can visit the royal village of Kwembago, where they can learn about the rich history and culture of the Kilindi clan. The Magamba rainforests are home to black and white colobus monkeys and can be explored by travellers and nature lovers. The vibrant and bustling town of Lushoto provides excellent facilities and services for tourists.
- Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is an amazing spot for game viewing and bird watching. Tourists can spot leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, elands, impalas, waterbucks, wild dogs, gazelles, mongooses, badgers, lions, monkeys, and baboons! The park is unique because of its huge elephant population, and visitors can also witness the spectacular elephant migration.
