There are so many exciting things to do in Tanzania, the most popular being going on safaris and wildlife-related adventures. Thanks to its vast wilderness areas, there are several options for guests to explore for as long as they wish. It is the dream of every nature adventurer to visit Tanzania.
The East African country is home to some of the most popular national parks and natural attractions, including the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa above sea level. Of course, there are many other attractions that might interest you during your stay on the soil.
However, I understand how difficult it can be to pick the most suitable attractions from the various options available. This can get harder, especially when visiting the African pride for the first time. Where are the best attractions, and what are the most exciting things to do in Tanzania?
Most of the population who visit Tanzania every year come to explore its wilderness areas and wildlife at its national parks. In addition, the beautiful coastlines of Zanzibar are a great attraction for tourists who prefer spending quality time soaking up in the sun and admiring the ocean views.
Just off Pemba and Mafia islands is another destination you don’t want to miss on your visit to Tanzania. In this article, I will show you the major tourist attractions in Tanzania. They are described as the most important places you must go whenever you step on Tanzanian soil.
List of the Best Tourist Attractions in Tanzania
1. Mount Kilimanjaro
This natural wonder of Tanzania is a place everyone must see and visit. Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano in north-eastern Tanzania and is known as the tallest mountain in Africa. This volcano is just near the border of Kenya and goes as high as 19,331 feet (5,892 meters) above sea level.
Aside from being the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world, increasing its attraction in other parts of the world. It might be surprising to find out that Mount Kilimanjaro features a snow-capped peak even though it is positioned near the equator.
The snow spreads and looms across the plains of the savannah, improving its detail and uniqueness. Mount Kilimanjaro has grown to be one of the major tourist attractions not only in Africa but in different parts of the world, with the interest of mountaineers and trekkers.
2. Serengeti National Park
Known as a well-renowned national park in the country, Serengeti is also a popular destination among safari-goers in Tanzania. Serengeti lives up to its name as one of the best national parks and tourist destinations in Tanzania and Africa.
One thing Serengeti National Park is known for is its annual wildlife migration of zebra and wildebeest. The park becomes filled up during this period by tourists from several parts of the world. Of course, this is one of the best periods to visit the Serengeti National Park.
It starts around May, when the grass becomes dry and exhausted, resulting in the mass migration of wildebeest and zebra at the park. This occasion might sound simple, but it is quite an amazing wildlife show you don’t want to miss for anything.
3. Zanzibar
I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive myself if I miss a vacation to Zanzibar island on my next visit to Tanzania. Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful islands around the world and raises shoulders with the likes of Hawaii, Maldives, and many more. Words won’t do enough justice to how amazing the island is.
Zanzibar island is located on Unguja, which is the main part of the Zanzibar archipelago. It is sometimes referred to as Spice Island. Aside from its picturesque and stunning coastlines, Zanzibar also boasts several attractions for tourists to explore during their stay.
Zanzibar is one of the oldest regions in Tanzania and has existed kept many years as a major trading center, especially during the slave trade. It is also popular for its mix of different cultures, making it easy for any tourist to blend in. I bet you are getting pumped for this already!
The most popular attraction in Zanzibar is Stone Town, known for its historical and whitewashed coral rag houses. These structures have great architectural detailing behind them. The buildings are also great for you to take Instagram-worthy selfies and shots.
4. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Formed from a volcano that erupted about three million years ago and collapsed and formed a crater, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is becoming a major tourist attraction in Tanzania. It features residues from the collapse in a unique natural setting.
The steep sides of the crater have now become a natural enclosure for various wild animals who come here from time to time. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a great place to find these animals in their original habitat. Here, you’d even find endangered species like the Black Rhino.
The locals are allowed to bring cattle for grazing; however, they are required to leave before the end of the day. As the local Massai people arrive, you can begin to make friends with any of them and allow them to tell you more interesting things about Tanzania.
5. Lake Manyara National Park
In whichever season you visit Lake Manyara National Park, you’ll certainly find a lot to feed your eyes with. In the dry season, you will find alkaline mud flats taking the place of the waters and over 300 species of migratory birds in the wet season.
Well, the dry season is the best time to see large mammals, especially elephants, hippos, giraffes, and wildebeest, who come out searching for water. While at the park, you’d find several accommodation options for you to choose from. However, these options can be so pricey.
6. Mafia Island
Mafia is part of Zanzibar but not as large as other islands on the coast. For example, it is smaller than Pemba and also has a fewer population of fewer than 40,000 people. Mafia Island does not take meaning in English but does so in Swahili.
In Swahili, it means “a healthy dwelling place” as opposed to the crime-related characteristics in English. Mafia Island is popular among game fishermen, scuba divers, and people who just want to relax and enjoy the ocean views on one of its sunny beaches.
7. Tarangire National Park
Tarangire was established in 1970 and is one of the best tourist attractions in Tanzania. It is an amazing place if you are particular about the best wildlife views in the country. The best time to visit this part is in the dry season, from July to September.
The dry season is the best time to visit because this is when the animals gather along the river in mass, putting up a bit of a show for you. Also, Tarangire National Park has one of the highest concentrations of migratory wildlife during the dry season.
Animals you will find at the park during this season include zebras, buffalos, wildebeests, gazelles, impalas, hartebeests, and elands. Furthermore, Tarangire is popular for its concentration of African elephants and the baobab trees across its landscape.
Before you go
Beaches are great attractions in Tanzania, and you will find the best of them in Zanzibar. These beaches feature white sands overlapped by turquoise waters with gently swaying palm trees in sight. The sunlight here is perfect for sunbathing and a family picnic.
Some of the best beaches in Zanzibar are Paje Beach, Nungwi Beach, Utende Beach, Misali Island Beach, Kendwa Beach, and many more. In addition, these beaches are popular amongst locals and water sports enthusiasts from different parts of the world.
Tanzania is one of the best places to plan a getaway, be it a personal, a romantic, or a family one. There are several interesting places to visit and things to do to ensure your stay in the country is remarkable. If I were you, I’d start preparing for my first tour to Mount Kilimanjaro.