Travel lovers around the world look for tourism destinations where they can enjoy a unique and unforgettable holiday. One such spot is Tanzania, a breathtaking country home to a rich and vibrant culture, extraordinary natural beauty, and an amazing history. A visit to Tanzania should be on every traveler’s wish list. Here are 10 top places that every tourist in Tanzania should visit on their next trip!
- Serengeti
The spectacular Serengeti National Park is one of the most extraordinary tourist spots in East Africa, and is one of the most amazing places to visit on a vacation in Tanzania. The park is home to extraordinary wildlife, which includes wildebeests, elephants, lions, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, zebras, baboons, and hyenas. This is also a great spot for birdwatching as one can find birds such as herons, weavers, hornbills, woodpeckers, and lapwings! One can go on game drives, hot air balloon rides, or walking safaris to explore the park.
- Dar Es Salaam
Another amazing place to visit is the vivid and bustling city of Dar Es Salaam where tourists can immerse themselves into local culture by visiting marketplaces, popular landmarks, and nearby beaches. Tourists can enjoy eating street food and learning about the history and heritage of the region. Must-see destinations include Mwengwe Woodcarver’s Market, the National Museum, and Pugu Hills Forest Reserve.
- Ruaha National Park
Home to breathtaking landscapes and stunning flora and fauna, Ruaha National park is a must-see location for travel lovers. Here, tourists can find beautiful plants such as baobab trees, palms, woodland, acacia trees, and tamarind plants. They can visit the Great Ruaha River, or go wildlife viewing, as they can spot animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, cheetahs, and antelopes!
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is a bucket list location in Tanzania as it is the largest free standing volcano in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Travelers can hike up the mountain, and explore the various vegetation zones, which include moorland, montane forest, and alpine desert, and is home to many endangered species. The climb is challenging, but a manageable yet unforgettable adventure for beginners.
- Saadani National Park
Tourists should also visit the unique Saadani National Park, which allows them to enjoy a safari and a beach vacation in the same place. Located right on the Indian Ocean, this park is amazing for enjoying the scenic view of the soft sand and crystal clear water, and for spotting wildlife such as giraffes, elephants, warthogs, vervet monkeys, buffaloes, waterbucks, baboons, lions, and wildebeests!
- Selous Game Reserve
Another amazing place to visit is Selous Game Reserve, which is also known as Nyerere National Park. This is an excellent location for game drives and wildlife safaris and tourists can spot antelopes, hippos, wildebeests, and hyenas, as well as exotic birds such as kestrels, kingfishers, eagles, herons, and parrots! This is a great spot for glamping, as one can stay at luxurious tents at Morogoro, Lindi, and Liwale.
- Kilwa Kisiwani
History lovers can visit Kilwa Kisiwani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to the ruins of a 9th century trade city. They can go to the Great Mosque which is the largest coral stone mosque in the region, and was built sometime during the 11th-13th century. The roof has the Great Dome, known as the Kilwa Chronicle!
- Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s top safari parks where travelers can enjoy wildlife viewing and game watching. The park is home to leopards, cheetahs, badgers, giraffes, impalas, elands, mongooses, waterbucks, lions, wild dogs, baboons, gazelles, and monkeys. A unique feature of the park is that it is home to a massive elephant population, so visitors can witness the extraordinary elephant migration!
- Lake Manyara
A paradise for nature lovers, Lake Manyara is an amazing tourist destination in Tanzania. Visitors can enjoy the view of the groundwater forest, grassy plains, serene lake, and blue volcanic peaks. The region is home to over 400 bird species including pelicans, flamingos, hornbills, crowned eagles, guinea fowl, egrets, and storks. One can enjoy a tranquil picnic, or a peaceful and relaxing boat ride on the lake!
- Ngorongoro crater
Another amazing place to visit is Ngorongoro Crater, the perfect location for game viewing, wildlife watching, and hiking! Visitors can enjoy a walking safari and spot zebras, monkeys, wildebeests, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, antelopes, and rhinos!