Tanzania: 5 Must-See Destinations
There are breathtaking landmarks in every nation that no traveler should ever miss. These beautiful locations will elevate any vacation, whether it’s your first or second visit. Plus, you’ll have a fantastic safari experience and a wealth of memories to take home with you.
Serengeti National Park.
If you want to feel the rhythm of African animals, Serengeti is the place to go. Here at this breathtaking location, nature puts on her grandest spectacle – the Great Migration. Massive herds of wildebeest travel northward after rains from the short-grass plains to the south of the Serengeti. From June through October, this event takes center stage, fulfilling a lifelong goal of every safari traveler—especially those interested in the river crossings.
Viewing the big cats and completing the Big Five is a popular draw for visitors, particularly to the Seronera. Wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, and elands live side by side with predators like as lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs on the park’s expansive plains. Although animal viewing is at its best in the Serengeti from June to October, it is possible to enjoy the park at any time of year. There are big lodges and hotels in the Serengeti that can accommodate any budget.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Adjacent to the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area extends around 8,288 km2. Though the 264-square-kilometer Ngorongoro Crater gets all the attention, the conservation area’s multiple-use terrain is home to many more fascinating attractions.
A magnificent bowl, the Ngorongoro Crater, the biggest unbroken crater on Earth, was formed when the Ngorongoro Mountains collapsed over 2 million years ago. Here you may see the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino, among more than 25,000 other creatures. We suggest spending one day behind the wheel because of its compact size and the fact that it limits safari activities like walking safaris (on the floor).
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to both Maasai and other animals. It is our recommendation that you stop by a Maasai community before your safari comes to a close. The Maasai have maintained their own culture and way of life for countless generations. Many cultural explorers go to these places to study their clothing style and their renowned dance.
Zanzibar.
The picturesque atoll of Zanzibar is just off the coast of the Indian Ocean and is renowned for its beautiful, powdery white beaches. Zanzibar is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a place to unwind and enjoy water sports. Nungwi and Kendwa, two of the best beaches in the area, are located on the northern coast and are well-known for their powdery white sand, placid seas, exciting nightlife, and plenty of beachfront resorts.
Pemba Island, Zanzibar’s second-largest, located directly north of Zanzibar and can be reached by plane in only thirty minutes. For explorers, scuba divers, and snorkelers interested in the Indian Ocean’s underwater life, it is a secret treasure. A great place to swim with whale sharks is Mafia Island, which is located far south of Zanzibar. We also suggest private islands such as Mnemba, Fanjove, Chumbe, Bawe, and Chapwani if you value seclusion.
Nyerere National Park.
The Nyerere (formerly Selous) is the biggest park in Tanzania, and it is often referred to as the “water-based park.” The abundant natural habitat, which includes a web of rivers, streams, and seasonal lakes, is a haven for species. A wide variety of creatures may be seen here, including as lions, wildebeests, giraffes, buffalo, and elephants. A very uncommon canid found in Northern Tanzania is the African hunting dog. Thus, you have come to the correct spot to meet a group of these painted canines.
Traditional game drives are only one of numerous safari activities available in Nyerere. From the safety of a boat on the powerful Rufiji River, you may cruise into the forest. In addition, you may find a perfect spot to sleep outside in a simple fly sheet. As you go off to sleep, you may take in the sights and sounds of nature while also gazing at the sky. In contrast to the expansive Serengeti, Nyerere is home to intimate and, for the most part, opulent camps.
Ruaha National Park.
In far southern Tanzania, you’ll find the secluded wildlife expanse of Ruaha. Wild animals frolic unimpededly around the area’s many ecosystems, which include open grasslands, woods dotted with baobab trees, rivers, and forests. With an area of almost 20,000 square kilometers, Ruaha is home to a sizable elephant population. Not only that, it is home to a sizable lion population, which makes up 10% of all lions in Africa.
The isolation, abundance of animals, and variety of safari activities in Ruaha are among of its best features. Envision yourself cruising the Great Ruaha River in a boat, capturing images of Nile crocodiles and hippos along the way. The camps here are as huge as those in Nyerere, and the majority of them are very opulent. Fly camping is a one-of-a-kind safari experience that lets you sleep beneath the sky, and it’s one of the best features.
Kilimanjaro.
Most trekkers’ first foray into the African hiking and climbing scene is atop Kilimanjaro. In spite of the fact that climbing this mountain isn’t technically challenging, it’s certainly not easy. This one reaches a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 ft). As a result, those who aren’t used to higher elevations are at a considerable risk of experiencing altitude sickness.
It usually takes five days to climb Kilimanjaro. We did, however, mention that altitude sickness is a major concern. Five days may not be enough for some trekkers. Starting from day six, we advise taking it easy. Machame and Marangu are great routes for novices, but be prepared to see them crowded from June to August. We recommend Rongai, Lemosho, and the Northern Circuit route for those who like less congestion and more landscape.
That is all.
Tanzania is a veritable treasure trove of tourist attractions. These six, however, will provide as an overview of this East African nation. The second time around, you may seek for the lesser-known treasures that only the inquisitive find.