Tanzania is an extraordinary country, home to many large and ecologically significant nature parks and reserves, as well as a number of archaeological and historical sites. This is precisely why, during a trip or safari, it is good to ask what to see in Tanzania, because there are dozens and dozens of enchanting places worth exploring.
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This is one of Africa’s richest and most evocative lands, within which you can find wonderful islands and pristine savannas, or come into contact with the indigenous tribes and wildlife of the area. A land that reflects the colors of its flag: the green of the tropical forests, the yellow of the savannah, the blue of the islands, and the black of Black Africa.
But during a trip or safari in Tanzania, what will be the most beautiful things to do in Tanzania and what to see in this land? In this article we will see just to go and discover the most beautiful lands and places in this East African state, offering you a complete guide to plan an unforgettable experience.
10 things to do and see in Tanzania
To list all the national parks, all the reserves and all the most beautiful places to visit on safari in Tanzania would be mostly impossible. Books upon books would have to be written. Below you will find the top 10 places, the top 10 things to do in Tanzania that you absolutely must visit and see for yourself on a safari or trip to Tanzania.
The Zanzibar Archipelago: Marine paradise and dream beaches
If you are choosing what to see in Tanzania, you should know that this land is not only famous for the parks and wonders of the mainland, but also for the many islands and archipelagos that surround it. Prominent among them all is theZanzibar Archipelago, one of the most beautiful seaside locations in the world that includes two dreamy islands, Unguja (or Zanzibar) and Pemba.
This archipelago is marked by beaches of fine white sand, beautifully colored waters and crystal clear atolls of immense beauty. A perfect place for those who want to rest and love the beach, diving activities and giant turtles, which hole up on the archipelago’s beaches to breed.
Zanzibar is also renowned for its rich cultural history, with Old Stone Town full of historic buildings and the scent of spices that has made the island famous as “Spice Island.”
Embark on a safari in Zanzibar!
Lake Manyara National Park: Birdwatching and lion climbing
Although Lake Manyara National Park, more commonly known as Lake Manyara, is one of the smallest in Tanzania, there is a lot to see here and it fits perfectly among the must-see things to do in Tanzania for nature lovers.
Ornithologists will derive immense pleasure from the extraordinary variety of bird species that frequent the park, including huge flocks of waterfowl, pink flamingos, storks and osprey, making this park a favorite destination for birdwatchers. With more than 400 recorded bird species, the park is a top world destination for bird watchers.
That said, one of the main reasons many tourists visit this wonderful park is to be able to see African lions climbing trees. These wonderful creatures are incredibly elusive, but for the lucky few who get to see them, the spectacle is assured! This is unique behavior on the African continent, made possible by the park’s unique geological conformation.
Mafia Island Marine Park: Underwater and marine life extraordinary
Created to help protect one of the world’s richest marine habitats, Mafia Island Marine Park is a paradise for divers and beach lovers alike, representing one of the most important things to see in Tanzania for ocean lovers.
The park consists of a number of important marine habitats, including mangrove ecosystems, sea-grass beds, coral reefs, lagoons, and underwater forests. You can relax on the sandy beaches or spend your days underwater with some of the most beautiful marine species you will ever see! During the summer months, you can also spot humpback whales and whale sharks, attracting diving enthusiasts from all over the world.
A trek to Mount Kilimanjaro: The adventure on Africa’s highest peak
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa-the images of its snow-covered peak are world famous. For those who are physically fit and looking for adventure, there is the opportunity to climb this spectacular mountain, surely one of the most iconic and challenging things to do in Tanzania. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a transformative experience, not only physically but also spiritually.
For those who want to take things a little easier, the walking and hiking trails within Kilimanjaro National Park offer a great alternative. Whatever your choice, taking an adventurous trek up Kilimanjaro may surprise you in no small part! The beauty of the vistas offered by this mountain is unparalleled, with views ranging from rainforests to completely frozen areas.
Visiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Crater of Wonders
Ngorongoro Crater is probably Tanzania’s most famous landmark and often regarded as one of the missing wonders of the world! Created when an exploded volcano collapsed in on itself about two to three million years ago, the crater is reported to be about 2,000 feet deep and covers an area of about 300 km², and is incredibly impressive.
The view from the top is breathtaking, the descent into the crater is an adventure in itself, and once at the bottom of the crater, you are in an ideal position to look for some of the approximately 30,000 animals that inhabit the crater. What more could one ask for?
And think of the crater as just one of the many reasons that make theNgorongoro Conservation Area such a popular destination, especially on safari. The density of wildlife within the crater is among the highest on the planet, offering extraordinary opportunities to photograph the big five in a single day.
Selous Game Reserve: Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary
The Selous Game Reserve, known as the Selous Game Reserve, is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Africa, and, together with Mikumi National Park, is home to more than 1,000,000 large mammals in the region. Among the things to do in Tanzania for authentic safari enthusiasts, the Selous still represents a relatively wild and less crowded experience than other parks.
The reserve is populated by some of the world’s largest populations of African wild dogs, elephants, crocodiles, buffalo and hippos. Another African animal you can encounter is the black rhino, an increasingly endangered species that is part of the big five. The Selous also offers river safaris along the Rufiji River, a unique experience that combines wildlife sightings with the scenic beauty of the aquatic environment.
Serengeti National Park: The Great Migration and the spectacle of nature
Serengeti National Park is home to the annual wildebeest migration, one of nature’s greatest phenomena and certainly among the most important things to see in Tanzania. More than a million animals make the annual journey through the Serengeti and to the Masai Mara in Kenya-a glimpse of the precipitous flight is a highlight for any nature lover.
If you are not lucky enough to coincide with the migration, know that there is still plenty to keep you busy. The park is home to a wide variety of birds and animals, including the big five! You can, should you be interested, try a fantastic alternative such as a hot air balloon safari. Flying quietly over the open plains gives you a completely different perspective-it’s like being off the grid! During the dry season, the Serengeti also offers the best photo safaris, with exceptional wildlife visibility.
Tarangire National Park: Elephants and nature shows
If you want to see elephants, Tarangire National Park is one of the best places to visit among things to do in Tanzania, as it has the highest density of the species in all of Tanzania. During the dry season, when the animals concentrate around the Tarangire River, the concentrations are spectacular.
As well as elephants, Tarangire National Park is home to the Great Buffalo, giraffe, and a number of antelope species, such as the greater cudu, and Maasai lions, to name but a few. The park also boasts its own annual migration that has been estimated as including up to 3,000 elephants, wildebeest, and 25,000-30,000 zebra-a fascinating sight, if you have the right time!
Mount Kilimanjaro: The iconic peak of Africa
One of the most sought-after destinations not only in Tanzania alone, but in all of Africa, is certainly the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the continent and undoubtedly one of the most celebrated things to see in Tanzania. This rises around the spectacular Kilimanjaro National Park and is reached by thousands of tourists every year who want to come across its sensational landscapes and discover every bit of it.
As you climb the mountain you will discover that the environment changes with you, transforming from rainforest to a completely frozen area. Setting off on a trek up Kilimanjaro you will get to see a very rich variety of animal species, including elephants, cudus, many types of monkeys and antelope. The climb typically takes five to seven days, with multiple routes available depending on your fitness level and available time.
Arusha National Park: Forest and wildlife in the heart of Tanzania
Last but certainly not least, Arusha National Park is one of the most important parks in Tanzania from which we start most of our itineraries, and it is one of the best things to do in Tanzania for those who want to combine safari and breathtaking forest landscapes.
A perfect destination for photo safaris due to the presence of many different animal species, Arusha is nestled in a breathtakingly scenic rainforest. By choosing Safari Avventura as your safari tour operator, you will also have the opportunity to connect with the Maasai people, an indigenous tribe that still inhabits these lands and is a key cultural aspect of Tanzania.
Other must-see experiences: What to see in Tanzania beyond the parks
In addition to the top 10 things to do in Tanzania listed above, there are additional experiences that will enrich your trip:
- Cultural encounters with local tribes: in addition to the Maasai, you can meet other indigenous tribes such as the Hadza and Datoga, learning about their traditional lifestyles and fascinating cultural histories.
- Lakes and hot springs: Lake Natron with its pink flamingos and hot springs lakes offer surreal landscapes and unique photo opportunities.
- Hiking and nature walks: many parks offer guided hiking tours, allowing even more intimate contact with nature and wildlife.
- Night safari: a fascinating experience that allows you to observe nocturnal animals and experience the savannah from a completely different perspective.
Conclusion on what to do and see in Tanzania
These, of course, are just a few of the what to see in Tanzania and things to do in Tanzania, but they represent, without a doubt, the key stops for an unforgettable safari. The variety of experiences available allows visitors to customize their itinerary to suit their interests, whether they are wildlife, culture, nature or adventure related.
And if you want to discover all the other beauties and peculiarities of this land, then we can only recommend a safari: you will get one of the best experiences of your life out of it. Every moment spent in Tanzania leaves an indelible impression in the hearts of visitors, turning the trip into a memory that lasts forever.
