Tanzania is one of the most stunning tourist locations in the world. Home to scenic views, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful flora and fauna, rich history, and a unique cuisine, this country is ideal for tourists who wish to enjoy an unforgettable and extraordinary vacation. On the trip, they can visit the 10 best beautiful towns in Tanzania, which are known for their views, buildings and landmarks, wildlife and birdlife, lush vegetation, and ancient ruins! Here are the 10 best beautiful towns that tourists should visit in Tanzania:
- Arusha
Arusha is one of the most spectacular locations in Tanzania. This town is considered beautiful because of its scenic views of the blue peaks of Mount Meru, and the vivid greenery. The gorgeous town is home to the stunning lake Manyara where tourists can find colorful and exotic birdlife, including species such as pelicans, storks, flamingoes, woodpeckers, crowned eagles, guinea fowl, egrets, geese, and hornbills! Wildlife watching in Arusha is amazing as one can spot leopards, hyenas, monkeys, buffaloes, and giraffes!
[view of Mount Meru, lush vegetation, birdlife, wildlife]
- Stone Town
Stone Town in Zanzibar is one of the best tourist spots in the world. Tourists can meet the friendly locals, explore the winding streets, or visit the Old Fort, a beautiful ancient monument in the town that was built by the Omani Arabs against the Portugese. Visitors can enjoy the mouth watering street food at the stunning Forodhani Night Food Market, with dishes such as Zanzibar pizza, Chipsi Mayai (chips and eggs), Nyama Choma (grilled meat), and meat skewers. The gorgeous Swahili architecture, the lively and colorful markets, and the stunning view of the ocean makes the town breathtaking and special!
[architecture, historical buildings, view of the sea, markets]
- Kigoma
The beautiful city of Kigoma is located on Lake Tanganyika. Here, tourists can visit old buildings from the German colonial era, and go on cultural tours to nearby villages such as Katonga. The town acts as a gateway to amazing locations such as the Mahale Mountains, and Gombe national park. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, and the scenic view of the crystal clear water of the Lake, which is home to the stunning rainbow cichlid fish!
[historical buildings, the lake, aquatic life]
- Dar Es Salaam
The lively and bustling city of Dar Es Salaam is one of the biggest towns in East Africa. Tourists can enjoy an insight into the urban life of Tanzania as they visit modern buildings, shop and bargain at busy marketplaces, and visit the bustling town squares. The national museum is a must-see as it offers an insight into the culture and history of the country. Guests could visit the lush botanical gardens, the historical Askari monument that pays tribute to soldiers from World War One, or go to the cathedral where they can observe the beautiful architecture. Travellers can also take a trip to nearby areas such as Coco Beach and Mbudya Island, which offer scenic views of the crystalline water, soft white sands, swaying palm trees, glorious sunsets, and greenery.
[architecture, buildings, markets, islands]
- Dodoma
Dodoma is the political capital of Tanzania, and is home to most of its official buildings and government ministries. Guests can go to the historical Nyerere square and walk around in the park. They can go to the beautifully designed Gaddafi mosque which is pink in color and can hold up to 4500 worshippers! They can also visit the Jamatkhana ismaili mosque which has a neoclassical British design! The churches are beautiful landmarks, such as the domed Anglican church, the modernist Lutheran cathedral, and the enormous Catholic Cathedral which has Roman style mosaics that display saints! One can hike up to a series of caves carved into a hillside. Here, they can see the famous Kondoa Irangi rock paintings, which are said to be over 50000 years old. The 150-450 decorated rocks show ancient Kolo rock paintings.
[architecture, landmarks, Kondoa Irangi rock paintings]
- Moshi
Another breathtaking town is Moshi which is located at the glorious Mount Kilimanjaro and provides an extraordinary view of the peaks. At this pristine location, tourists can enjoy horse riding, camping, and hiking up the great mountain. The town is also home to stunning tourist spots such as Lake Chale, the Kikuletwa hot springs, and Materumi waterfalls. Perfect for nature lovers, this town is one of the top tourist locations in Tanzania.
[views of the mountain, hot springs, the lake, the waterfall]
- Mwanza
Located on the gorgeous Lake Victoria, Mwanza is the second largest town in the country. Surrounded by beautiful hills, the stunning town is famous for its scenic views. Tourists can visit the Mwaloni market or Maasai market, where they can enjoy shopping and interacting with locals. They can visit Robert Koch Hill. and Saa Nane National Park where they can spot animals such as hippos, mongooses, otters, waterbucks, shrews, and reedbucks!
[view of hills, the lake, the markets, wildlife]
- Bagamoyo
The town of Bagamoyo is a famous tourist destination as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to heritage sites such as the slave prison, it gives tourists an opportunity to connect with the rich history of Tanzania. Walking through the town’s narrow, unpaved streets is a peaceful experience. Tourists can learn about the town’s history as an important settlement of the trade caravan route! Tourists can visit the Kaole Ruins, the Catholic Museum, and the Caravan Serai Museum, where they can learn about the region’s heritage. As the town was a seaport, it offers a beautiful view of the deep blue sea!
[architecture, heritage sites, view of the sea]
- Iringa
Iringa is a pleasant town in southern Tanzania. Tourists can enjoy the view of the Little Ruaha River as they stay in the town and interact with friendly locals. They can go to Commonwealth War Graves which date back to the first and second world wars. Another popular spot that they can visit is the Isimila Stone Age Site, an archaeological site which is home to sandstone pillars that are up to 10m tall. The museum displays 60,000-100,000 years stone age tools, and the fossils and bones of prehistoric animals!
[heritage site, the river, ancient graves]
- Tanga
The magnificent town of Tanga is an ideal destination for travellers. Here, they can relax in the peaceful town and connect to the unique culture. They can enjoy the views of the beautiful landscape, with pristine semi-arid forests, beautiful lagoons, sheltered bays, and lush green mangrove forests. They can also visit the Amani Forest Nature Reserve, which is home to rats, shrews, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, bats, bushbabies, owls, sunbirds, weavers, snakes, geckos, chameleons, duikers and butterflies! Tourists can also travel to the glorious Tongoni Ruins that date back to the 15th Century.
[ancient ruins, wildlife, forests, lagoons]