The Best places to visit in Tanzania: Travel packages and guide
Africa is well-known for its natural beauty. Tanzania is a stunning country that offers a wide range of safari experiences to travelers, and some of the best places to visit in Tanzania reflect this beauty. From watching millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other antelopes traverse the vast plains of the Serengeti to climbing the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro or enjoying a relaxing drink on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania has something to offer everyone.
The country boasts exceptional parks and reserves, making it a vibrant and beautiful destination for tourists. Its winning combination of unparalleled game viewing and dazzling tropical beaches makes it stand out from other African countries. Due to its vast size (almost 1.5 times the size of Texas), it is best to divide the country’s major tourist destinations into four areas.
The Northern Safari Circuit, which is the most popular Tanzania safari route, comprises the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Kilimanjaro. If you are looking for the best beaches in the country, then the Tanzania Coast and Islands are perfect for you. The southern Tanzania area includes the wild and underrated Nyerere (previously Selous) and Ruaha, among other hidden gems of Tanzania. For the ultimate off-the-beaten-path Tanzania safari experience, head to the far-flung corners of Katavi and Mahale in Western Tanzania.
Your choice of best places to visit in Tanzania (destination)) will depend on what you want to see and experience while on safari in Tanzania and the best time to visit. The Northern Safari Circuit is a favourite among first-time and experienced safari-goers alike. However, both southern and western Tanzania are equally stunning and offer unique experiences for tourists. To plan your ideal Tanzania safari, read our Tanzania safari guide to find out everything you need to know.
Our Featured Best places to visit in Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park
Tanzania is synonymous with the ultimate safari experience, boasting dramatic game-viewing scenes and hosting the famous Wildebeest Migration from January to September. Its sheer size, accessibility, luxurious lodges, and year-round wildlife abundance make it a top choice for safari enthusiasts, often featured in the best Tanzania safari tours.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater stands out as a haven for the iconic Big 5 animals, nestled within an extinct volcano with diverse habitats and extraordinary accommodations. It’s renowned for providing the easiest and most reliable Big 5 sightings in East Africa, making it a must-visit for those seeking the best safari experiences in Tanzania.
Lake Manyara National Park
Part of Tanzania’s famed Northern Safari Circuit offers easy game viewing amidst stunning landscapes and is known for its tree-climbing lions. With a rich variety of wildlife and exceptional bird-watching opportunities, Lake Manyara promises a memorable safari adventure.
Tarangire National Park
Situated near Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire merits more than a mere day trip. From June to October, during the dry season, the concentration of animals, particularly elephants, along the Tarangire River is one of the highest in Tanzania. With over 500 bird species, the park offers one of the most fulfilling safari experiences in Tanzania for bird enthusiasts, and the presence of a full spectrum of large predators enhances its allure. Tarangire boasts a richly varied wilderness, encompassing riverine forests, vast swamps, and open woodlands dotted with Africa’s iconic baobab trees.
Arusha: The Safari Gateway
Arusha stands as the uncontested safari hub of Tanzania, featuring on the travel plans of nearly all visitors to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, with logistics often necessitating an overnight stay in or near the city. Nestled beneath Mount Meru, Arusha boasts the Kilimanjaro International Airport for global arrivals, alongside the smaller Arusha Airport catering to charter flights bound for final destinations. A stay in Arusha offers ample opportunities to purchase souvenirs, engage in cultural activities, and explore local attractions.
Lake Tanganyika
Exploring Tanzania’s natural wonders extends to Lake Tanganyika, known for its lush rainforests and remarkable chimpanzee trekking experiences, as well as the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, offering both awe-inspiring views and adventurous climbs, making Tanzania an irresistible destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Zanzibar And Tanzania Islands: Indian Ocean Bliss
Tanzania’s coastal gems, such as Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, offer an idyllic mix of sandy beach relaxation and rich cultural experiences, perfect for a thrilling safari. Zanzibar, known as Spice Island, is a haven for families and couples alike, boasting magnificent beaches, coral reefs, sunset dhow cruises, and aromatic markets. The other islands of the Indian Ocean, including Pemba, Mafia, and Chole, promise equally impressive beach vacations with excellent diving, unique boutique stays, and luxurious comforts.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The tallest free-standing mountain on Earth, with a height of 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). It is located in Tanzania, Africa, and is a popular destination for avid climbers. The climb to its summit does not require technical climbing skills, but it does require careful logistical planning. Kilimanjaro can be climbed during the dry season, which occurs between July and October or January and March. The climb can be challenging due to the high altitude, and climbers must acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.
Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)
Offering unique and pristine safari experiences, these regions boast abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, including the elusive African wild dogs. The mighty Rufiji River, the lifeblood of the area, creates a complex network of channels, swamps, and lakes, giving rise to one of East Africa’s most extraordinary ecosystems. A boat safari, guided walk, or fly-camping excursion in this awe-inspiring wilderness is not to be missed. Ruaha’s untamed and raw beauty distinguishes it from other safari locations. As Tanzania’s largest national park, this secluded treasure boasts vast landscapes yet hosts only a few safari camps, preserving its untouched allure.
Customize your Safari from the selected Safari Options
11-Day Tanzania Fly-in Safari Luxury and Affordable Tours
10-Day Fly-in to Tanzania: Tarangire, Karatu and Serengeti
8-Day Tanzania Camping and Great Migration Safari
10-Day Best of Rwanda and Tanzania Safaris
4 Day Ruaha National Park Safari and Wildlife Experience
Climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro
