The most beautiful places in Tanzania
The most beautiful places in Tanzania go far beyond safaris: a crater that’s a world unto itself, a lake as red as blood, Africa’s highest mountain, and white-sand beaches on the Spice Islands. We’ll tell you all about them in a countdown, from 10 to 1.
The map
Tanzania, At a Glance
Hover your mouse over the spots or choose the kind of trip you're in the mood for. The gold spots are the top ten; the empty ones are four hidden gems that almost no one knows about.
- 10Mahale MountainsSafari · Remote
- 9Nyerere National ParkSafari · Remote
- 8Ruaha National ParkSafari · Remote
- 7Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo LengaiMountain · Remote
- 6Tarangire National ParkSafari
- 5Beaches in Northern ZanzibarBeach
- 4Stone TownCulture
- 3KilimanjaroMountain
- 2Ngorongoro CraterSafari · Mountains
- 1SerengetiSafari
10 · Far from it all · Lake Tanganyika
Mahale Mountains and the Lake Tanganyika
Imagine jungle-covered mountains that slope down directly to a crystal-clear lake and white-sand beaches. To Mahale There are no roads leading there: You fly in a small plane and finish the trip by boat.
They live here more than a thousand wild chimpanzees, and they are searched for on foot, following the trackers through the jungle. At sunset, Lake Tanganyika, one of the deepest lakes in the world, turns a coppery color.
09 · The Boat Safari
Nyerere, the Rufiji River
The former Selous Game Reserve is now the Tanzania's largest national park, covering an area of about 30,900 km², larger than Belgium. At its heart lies the Rufiji River, which forms lakes, waterways, and palm forests.
What makes it different is that here The safari is also done by boat, among hippos and crocodiles, and on foot with an armed guide. It is one of the best places to see wild dogs, the African wild dog.
08 · The Great Unknown
Ruaha, truly wild
Covering some 20,000 km², Ruaha is one of the largest parks in East Africa and, at the same time, one of the least visited. Giant baobabs, the Great Ruaha River, and kilometers with no other vehicle in sight.
It is a land of large herds of elephants and lions, and one of the few places where species from eastern and southern Africa, such as the greater kudu and the sable antelope, come together.
07 · Another Planet
Lake Natron and God's Mountain
Lake Natron is so alkaline that few living things can survive there. When the water evaporates, microorganisms turn it red and orange, and from the air it looks like a wound in the earth.
Even so, nearly three out of every four lesser flamingos in the world. Next to it stands Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai's «Mountain of God,» the only active volcano that spews black lava that turns white as it cools.
06 · The Land of the Baobabs
Tarangire, elephants and baobabs
During the dry season, the Tarangire River is the only source of water for many kilometers around, and they walk toward it herds of up to 300 elephants. It's one of the best places in Africa to see them.
The landscape is dominated by the baobabs, trees that can live for centuries and store thousands of liters of water in their trunks. At sunset, their silhouettes are among the most beautiful sights in the northern part of the country.
05 · White Sand and Dhows
The beaches from Zanzibar
Turquoise water, talc-white sand, and the dhows, traditional sailing ships, crossing the horizon at sunset. In the north, beaches such as Nungwi and Kendwa They swim almost regardless of the tides.
Off the northeast coast lies the Mnemba Atoll, one of the best places in Zanzibar to dive or snorkel among tropical fish, turtles, and—if you're lucky—dolphins.
04 · City of Stone
Stone Town, World Heritage Site
The Old Town of Zanzibar is a labyrinth of narrow streets where African, Arabian, Indian, and European influences blend. Its carved wooden doors, some with brass rivets, are true works of art.
As evening fell, the Forodhani Gardens is lined with food stalls along the waterfront. And in 1946, a boy named Farrokh Bulsara—who the world would come to know as Freddie Mercury—was born in one of its streets.
03 · The Roof of Africa
Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa
With 5,895 meters, is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest isolated mountain in the world. It stands alone on the plain, and on clear days, its snow-capped peak can be seen from many kilometers away.
The best part is that you can hike up it on foot, without ropes or technical gear, in about six or eight days. Along the way, you pass through five different climate zones, from the jungle to the ice. All the guides emphasize the same key point: slowly, slowly, slowly.
02 · A World in a Crater
Ngorongoro Crater, Africa's Eden
About two million years ago, a massive volcano collapsed in on itself, leaving behind a caldera about 600 meters deep and about 260 km² of land. Within it lay an entire world: a lake, a forest, marshes, and a meadow.
Thousands of animals live in the crater, and it is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the black rhinoceros. The descent at dawn, with the fog rising from the edge, is one of those moments you'll never forget.
01 · The Endless Plain
Serengeti, the endless plain
Its name comes from a Maasai word that evokes a land that goes on forever. They are a 14,750 km² of golden savanna dotted with acacia trees and rocks, the headings, where the lions bask in the sun.
It is the setting for the Great Migration: About 1.5 million wildebeests, along with zebras and gazelles, roam the Serengeti year-round in search of grass. For many, watching this from a hot-air balloon at sunrise is the highlight of the trip.
Ten places, and we still left out a few.Four more gems for those who want to get off the beaten path
Bonus
Four Gems that almost no one knows about
They aren't on the list because few travelers make it there. That's exactly why they're worth visiting.
Lake Manyara
An alkaline lake at the foot of the Rift Escarpment, with a groundwater-fed forest, elephants, and thousands of birds. It lies along the route between Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
Mafia Island
A marine park off the Rufiji Delta. Between October and March You can swim with whale sharks, the world's largest fish.
Kitulo
The locals call it Bustani and Mungu, «God’s Garden»: a plateau at an elevation of about 2,600 m with some 350 species of plants, including many orchids, which bloom from November through April.
Lake Eyasi
On the shores of this salt lake live the Hadza, one of Africa's last hunter-gatherer peoples. Their language includes clicks.
When to Go
The Best Month for each location
A general guide: The weather changes every year, and every place has its own charm, even in the off-season. Hover your mouse over a row to highlight it.
| Location | Jan | Feb | Sea | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 · Mahale Mountains | ||||||||||||
| 9 · Nyerere National Park | ||||||||||||
| 8 · Ruaha National Park | ||||||||||||
| 7 · Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai | ||||||||||||
| 6 · Tarangire National Park | ||||||||||||
| 5 · Beaches in Northern Zanzibar | ||||||||||||
| 4 · Stone Town | ||||||||||||
| 3 · Kilimanjaro | ||||||||||||
| 2 · Ngorongoro Crater | ||||||||||||
| 1 · Serengeti |
Your Route
Build Your Own Tanzania in a minute
Click «Add to My Itinerary» for the places that catch your eye. The route will appear on the map, and we’ll show you the minimum number of days you’ll need here.
You haven't chosen a destination yet. Start with number 1, the Serengeti, or try the «Classic Route.».
The dates are approximate and do not include international flights. We’ll adjust the transfers, accommodations, and pace—pole pole.
Before Traveling
Frequently Asked Questions What to See in Tanzania
The questions we get asked most often by those who are just starting to dream about this trip.
What are the most beautiful places in Tanzania?
The must-see destinations are the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, Stone Town, the beaches of Zanzibar, and Tarangire National Park. For those looking for something wilder, Lake Natron, Ruaha, Nyerere, and the Mahale Mountains are spectacular and much less visited.
What to See in Tanzania in 10 Days?
A classic 10-day itinerary combines the northern loop (Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti) over five or six days and concludes with three or four days in Zanzibar, split between Stone Town and the beach.
When is the best time to travel to Tanzania?
The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for safaris and beach vacations. January and February are ideal for witnessing the calving of the Great Migration in the southern Serengeti. The long rains typically last from March to May.
Which is better, the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater?
There's no need to choose: they're right next to each other, and almost all safaris in the north include both. The Serengeti is the vast plain of the migration; the Ngorongoro is a crater with an enormous concentration of animals in a small area.
Can you climb Kilimanjaro without any experience?
Yes. You don't need any specialized climbing gear, but you do need to be in good physical shape and have time to acclimate. Seven- or eight-day routes greatly increase your chances of reaching the summit.
Is it possible to combine a safari and a beach vacation in Tanzania?
Yes, and it's the most popular combination. There are short flights to Zanzibar from Arusha or the Serengeti itself, so you can finish your safari and be on the beach that very same day.
Wild Africa by SunZen
Ten places. Just one trip.
We'll combine the destinations you choose into a tailor-made safari, featuring local guides, charming accommodations, and a few days on the beach in Zanzibar to wrap things up.