Tanzania is a great first-time destination for a journey to the African continent and welcomes travelers with its many things to see and do. Whether you are after a full-on nature experience, a tropical beach escape, a trip to Africa’s largest lake, or a cultural debt exchange, then Tanzania is for you. Suppose this is your first time in Tanzania or on the African continent.
In that case, it is worth getting in touch with a local ‘Destination Expert in Tanzania’ who can give you the inside knowledge to ensure you make the most of what this diverse and vibrant country has to offer.
For now, though, let us give you an overview of the 10 best attractions in Tanzania that you should not miss.
What can we say about this great East African country, apart from it has it ALL. This country is a great starting point if you are traveling to this continent or perhaps to this region of Africa for the first time because it has so much to see and do, welcomes tourists, and provides ease about it, making you feel comfortable instantly.
When it comes to things to see, there are so many attractions in Tanzania that you will need to return again and again to see it all, but you will need no convincing. However, there are certainly some main attractions that you should place high on your bucket list.
And here they are:
1: Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa’s tallest mountain is one of the main attractions in Tanzania, and even if you don’t manage to climb it, you will certainly catch a glimpse of this giant if you are in the towns of Arusha or Moshi. This is the highest mountain in Africa, standing tall at 5.895m/19,341ft high, it is also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, so if you get a chance to climb it, you should.
Climbing ‘Kili’ cannot be done without a permit and a guide, so shop around before booking your tour to the top. Although it is one of the world’s most significant challenges, there are many routes to choose from, and your guide will pick accordingly. Be prepared with proper footwear, layered clothing, a warm sleeping bag, and lots of previous hiking experience. This will be a success to remember!
Here are some tour options for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro via various routes.
2: The Serengeti National Park
Since we were all children, we have heard about this famous national park, which is home to the Big Five, and it is no wonder it is on everybody’s bucket list when traveling to Tanzania. This enormous park is a whopping 15,000,000 hectares in size and is a World Heritage Site home to two million ungulates, 1,000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, 4,000 lions, and hundreds of various bird species. Whether you have been on a safari elsewhere or not, an adventure through the Serengeti is an indescribable experience. So it should be very high up on your list when in Tanzania.
3: Ngorongoro Crater
This fascinating conservation area is a protected World Heritage Site and is famous for its large volcanic crater, which the park centers around. Many safari tours will include a visit to the crater and the Serengeti and Tarangire National Park but check this beforehand to avoid disappointment. The hollow, the largest inactive, intact, and empty crater in the world, came about when an enormous volcano erupted and collapsed on itself over two million years ago, so what you will see is highly unique and truly incredible.
4: Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is a fantastic island that should be visited if you are looking for some culture, great snorkeling and diving, white sandy beaches, and the chance to relax the days away. The late Freddie Mercury, the former lead singer of Queen, was born here, and you can see his old home in the capital of Stonetown, which is a place full of culture, great vibes, street markets, and small craft shops to discover. Many island areas have different vibes, so you will find the right spot to suit you whether you are backpacking or on your honeymoon.
5: Lake Victoria
Africa’s largest lake draws in many people to visit its shores each year, but as well as being the largest in Africa, it is, in fact, the largest tropical lake in the world as well as being the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. By visiting this mesmerizing body of water, you can be forgiven for thinking you are at the ocean due to its sheer size. You will be surprised at how uncrowded this area is, considering many people tend to visit the other attractions and move on. However, those who visit Tanzania a second or third time often make their way to the city of Mwanza and onwards to this tranquil lake.
6: Tarangire National Park
One of the best national parks in Tanzania is Tarangire, and it is often combined with a Serengeti/Ngorongoro safari. It is home to migrating wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, and gazelle and one of the largest populations of elephants in Tanzania. This is a place to be blown away, both by the incredible wildlife and the unique African nature.
This is a great African safari tour to check out, including Tarangire Nation Park.
7: Lake Manyara
As part of Lake Manyara National Park, this lake, the seventh-largest lake in Tanzania, is one of the highlights for visitors to Tanzania. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, its amazing views of the Rift Valley, and its lake, which covers two-thirds of the whole park. This is a place that must be visited on your Tanzanian trip.
8: Wildebeest Migration
The annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest is a significant attraction in Tanzania and Kenya. All year-round, it can be seen moving through the Serengeti region of Tanzania and the Masai Mara region of Kenya in search of green pasture. This spectacular event draws people from all over the world to witness what is known as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world. If you catch a glimpse of this in action, you will not forget it.
To ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic event, check out this Wildebeest Migration safari
9: The town of Moshi
Hidden behind the snowcapped Kilimanjaro Mountain lies the town of Moshi, which is, in fact, the capital of the region. Not only is Moshi the gateway to African safaris and a fantastic place to go for spectacular Mt Kilimanjaro photos, but it is the coffee production center of Tanzania.
If you are a coffee lover, you cannot miss a visit to the Moshi coffee roasting factory, which you will smell before you even arrive. Moshi is also a great place to relax and unwind, with its quiet streets, beautiful scenery, and welcoming vibe.
10: Selous Game Reserve
Since 1982, Selous Game Reserve – which is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Africa and one of the largest faunal reserves in the world, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the best place to see African bush elephants, hippos, African lions, Cape buffaloes, Masai giraffes, Plain’s zebra, and even the Nile crocodile. This is a place that is one of the main attractions of Tanzania and will bring you even closer to seeing more of the wildlife Tanzania is home to.
