Top 5 Places to Visit in Tanzania
It’s an interesting journey to go on a Tanzania safari. And everyone wants to make the most out of their safari. That’s when prior knowledge of your favorite becomes an important aspect of safari planning. Tanzania has a myriad of places worth visiting, if you have time and a budget. But we don’t always have time and budget. We’ve picked ten places worth a visit, whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat visitor. Let’s explore.
1. Serengeti National Park.
This is our number-one destination in the country for wildlife safaris. It represents the country’s finest wildlife moments and hosts the world’s largest population of predators. First-timers will enjoy its countless animal encounters during game drives. And seasoned explorers can go for specific events like the calving season and the river crossings of the Great Migration. Furthermore, the Big Five make a unique wildlife adventure, drawing wildlife explorers to the ‘endless plains’ of the Serengeti.
In terms of places to stay, Serengeti has a lot of them – from large hotels and lodges to small camps designed to follow the Great Migration. Practically, the Serengeti gets so much from July through August, as many eyes to witness the grand finale of the Great Migration – the Mara River crossings. So, the north and central regions may be crowded, while the southern and western regions remain untouched.
2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Of all the wildlife destinations in Tanzania, Ngorongoro is unique. Here, the heart of wildlife beats as fast as that of a normal human life. The conservation area’s top spot is the Ngorongoro Crater – the world’s largest unbroken caldera. Spanning just 264 km2, this majestic feature hosts over 25,000 animals. And they are not migratory because this crater has all the basic needs, a wild animal would require.
The crater is a result of an internal collapse of the famous Ngorongoro Mountains, forming a large bowl. The eruption exposed fertile ashes on the floor, allowing the growth of nutrient-rich grass on the floor and in other places like the Ndutu Plains south of the crater. People come here to watch the Big Five animals because it’s so easy to do so in the crater. They also conclude their trip with a village visit to one of the Maasai villages.
3. Zanzibar.
Off the east coast of the Indian Ocean is an idyllic archipelago: Zanzibar. It makes most of the beach holidays, attracting vacationers from every corner of the globe. Among the top highlights are Kendwa and Nungwi, two world-famous beaches known for calm waters, rich marine life, and night vibes. You can find them on the northern coast of Zanzibar.
Those who love going deep in the ocean with a scuba can enjoy doing so in the Mnemba Atoll, where healthy corals, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks thrive. If you love history and culture, then a walk through the alleys of the historic Stone Town is a must-do thing. You will taste local cuisines, visit mosques, and explore ancient buildings displaying the architectural designs of the Arabs, Portuguese, Swahili, and Persians.
Zanzibar also hosts many festivals and events. The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), Mwaka Kogwa, and the Sauti za Busara are among the most famous festivals. Just confirm the dates of your travel, and we will tell you if there’s a festival or event. Another key highlight on this island is the spices. Because of these plants, this archipelago is sometimes called the “spice islands.”
4. Mount Kilimanjaro.
Practically climbing Kilimanjaro is a complete itinerary by itself, especially when you have just one week to spend on vacation. Taking on Africa’s highest mountain requires five days of hiking. But we can’t recommend this short itinerary because it has low success rates. We advise you to dedicate 6 days or more to hiking Kilimanjaro to increase your chances of success.
Kilimanjaro is a 19,341-foot peak. The snow at the top may not be intimidating because everyone is prepared for the freezing temperatures on the peak, but altitude sickness is very serious. Although it’s not technical, a Kilimanjaro climb requires acclimatization and a basic fitness level. Kilimanjaro has seven routes uphill – Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Umbwe, Shira, Lemosho, and Northern circuit.
5. Ruaha National Park.
Nestled in the far south of the country, this remote park harbors some of the highest wildlife concentrations. With the mass heading to the northern parks, Ruaha remains untouched and virgin. Here, the grey giants roam through the acacia-dotted woodlands, making up Tanzania’s largest elephant population. The giant baobabs also add a unique touch to the park’s landscape, while the Great Ruaha River teems with large pods of hippos and many Nile crocodiles.
Ruaha offers memorable adventures in addition to traditional game drives and balloon adventures. You can do a canoe or boat ride along the mighty Ruaha River: meet the giants of the riverine pools and the powerful crocodiles basking in the sun. Fly camping is available in a few parks in Tanzania, with Ruaha being one of them.
The bottom line.
Tanzania is more than just a trip to these five destinations. But with a trip to any of these wonderful places, you’ll have a glimpse of what a Tanzania safari. Should you want a destination other than those included in this list, share with us. Our expert planners will assist you through the planning process. We are just a call away from crafting your dream Tanzania safari.
