The Best Places to Visit in Tanzania

Tanzania is a remarkable travel destination with something to offer every type of traveller. This enchanting country features a diverse landscape, from the vast savannahs of the Serengeti to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Famous for its incredible wildlife and vibrant culture, Tanzania presents a unique mix of adventure and serenity, making it an essential stop for anyone searching for their next unforgettable journey.

There are also plenty of fantastic places worth exploring around Tanzania. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to lounge on white sandy shores or would prefer to spend your days marvelling over the impressive wildlife, you’re sure to find somewhere for all in this beautiful country. 

In this article, we will take you through some of the best places to visit in Tanzania so that you can plan your next break here with ease. From the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro to the magical Serengeti National Park, Selous Game Reserve and much more, a trip to this beautiful part of Africa won’t disappoint. Keep reading to learn more about these outstanding destinations, alongside some top tips for how to make the most out of your time here.

Before we dive into some of the best places to visit in Tanzania, let’s first uncover when to explore this beautiful destination. The weather can affect much of your trip from animal sightings to opening and closing times, attractions and more. We recommend planning your break here with all of this in mind, ensuring you get the most out of your trip. 

The dry season is known for being the best time to visit Tanzania for wildlife. This typically lasts from July to September and is an excellent season for those looking to head out on safari and catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Great Migration. Visitors will also find plenty of opportunities to get out and be active during the dry season with guests often lounging on the beaches or enjoying an adventurous hike. 

However, for those looking for a quieter break in Tanzania, the rainy season from October to December is a better time to visit. The wildlife sightings aren’t as good during this time, but fewer crowds allow you to navigate the top attractions with ease. 

When you decide to visit Tanzania will ultimately depend on how you aim to spend your time here. With so much to see and do throughout the year, you’re sure to find a time that suits your itinerary, providing you with memories to last a lifetime.

Now you know a bit more about the best time to visit, alongside what to expect from your break let’s move on to where to go in Tanzania. With a ton of incredible places to explore, we recommend checking out some of the top spots below so that you can tailor your trip accordingly. 

Pemba Island

When looking for places to go in Tanzania, Pemba Island is a must. This beautiful place is the northernmost island in the Zanzibar archipelago, providing visitors with a ton of amazing things to do and see. The clear waters and exceptional marine life also allow for fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities. 

If you’re looking for a little serenity, Pemba Island is the place to go. It attracts fewer tourists, allowing for a laid-back atmosphere. The pretty landscapes, deep valleys and mighty mountains make it an excellent place for a relaxing break, perfect for families, friends and couples alike. 

Lake Tanganyika

Another of Tanzania’s destinations ideal for a serene getaway is Lake Tanganyika. This peaceful spot provides visitors with an excellent place to sit back and unwind whilst taking in the impressive surrounding landscapes. From the rugged peaks to the pretty shoreline, lush greenery and much more, you’re sure to be impressed by all that this gorgeous part of Tanzania has to offer. 

Not only does Lake Tanganyika boast breathtaking scenery but it is also the second oldest and longest freshwater lake in the world, great for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. 

Serengeti National Park

Those in pursuit of the best places to see in Tanzania will most likely have heard of the Serengeti National Park. This favoured destination continues to attract visitors each year and for good reason. It is located in the northern part of the country, where visitors will discover an abundance of amazing wildlife, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique ecosystem. 

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tanzania then the Serengeti National Park is the place to be. Explore the varying terrains from huge grasslands to pretty flora and fauna, vast rivers and much more. The Serengeti National Park is also well known for being the best place for those looking to marvel over the Great Migration spectacle, something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. 

Mafia Island

Another of the top spots to visit in Tanzania for a peaceful getaway is Mafia Island. Situated north of Zanzibar, this beautiful area attracts fewer tourists than some of the other islands in Tanzania. With lower tourism numbers, it allows for a hidden gem for travellers looking for a tranquil break. 

Here you will discover white sandy shores, shimmering waters, exceptional marine life and much more. Mafia Island is a true paradise for anyone looking for a trip brimming with natural beauty without the hustle and bustle. 

Tarangire National Park

With 22 national parks to choose from, Tanzania has no shortage of fantastic places to visit. However, be sure to add Tarangire National Park to your itinerary, as the impressive wildlife and fascinating landscapes make it an unmissable destination. 

Tarangire National Park is also known for being a great place to see elephants, being home to a large population of these beautiful animals. Be sure to spend some time exploring all that the park has in store, with its majestic baobab trees and fantastic scenery it makes for a great place to catch a glimpse of other wildlife including baboons, leopards and more. 

Ruaha National Park

When looking to scour some of Tanzania’s natural wonders, Ruaha National Park is a great place to start. It is the largest park in the country and is home to a ton of incredible wildlife. From elephants to buffalo, gazelle and more, you’re sure to be impressed by the endless sightings here. 

Ruaha National Park also provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to soak up Tanzania’s natural beauty. The Great Ruaha River is one of the main attractions and is often accompanied by animals lazily lounging on the banks. With its untouched terrain and incredible wildlife species, a trip to Ruaha won’t disappoint. 

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania, attracting tourists from all over the world. Its pristine beaches, paradisiacal surroundings and magical aura make it a must-visit destination. The island also makes for a fantastic getaway for couples as the landscapes here provide an ideal setting for a romantic retreat. 

Due to its popularity, Zanzibar is one of the most frequented places in Tanzania as it makes for a fantastic holiday destination. The beaches here tend to be one of the main draws, as the turquoise waters and white, powdery sands allow for an utter haven. 

Alongside its excellent beach offering and jaw-dropping scenery, Zanzibar is also home to a ton of luxury accommodation options, great for those in pursuit of a lavish getaway. 

Mount Kilimanjaro

Adventure seekers looking for fun things to do in Tanzania should certainly make some time to marvel over the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. This mighty peak stands at 5,895m and is Africa’s highest mountain. Tourists set out each year to summit this natural wonder or to simply marvel over its impressive size from below. 

Mount Kilimanjaro is also recognised as a World Heritage Site, providing an excellent place for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The peak is over a million years old and was formed from volcanic movement in the Rift Valley. This not only allows visitors to witness one of the world’s most impressive mountains but also soak up some of Tanzania’s intriguing history during their visit. 

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most unique places to visit in Tanzania, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. Here you will encounter vast numbers of animals as they wander through stunning landscapes. Pair this with the renowned volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and you’re sure to be impressed when visiting here. 

Thousands of animals can be spotted at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area making it a wonderful place for those visiting Tanzania on safari. From lions to elephants, rhinos, buffalos, wildebeests, birds and more, a trip to this beautiful part of the country will leave you with unforgettable memories and excellent insight into the natural history of this fascinating part of Africa. 

Arusha

Despite its smaller size, Arusha National Park has much to offer visitors. Spend your time exploring the natural beauty and be sure to check out some of the untouched wonders including Mount Meru, Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater, alongside a ton of impressive wildlife along the way. 

With opportunities to spot monkeys, zebras, warthog, buffalo and more, nature enthusiasts will love a trip to Arusha. If you’d like to see some of the bird species around the park, we recommend heading to Momella Lakes where you can discover an array of migrant waterbirds, alongside Mount Meru that towers in the backdrop. 

Stone Town

If you’re looking for some of the best cities in Tanzania, be sure to check out the cultural hub of Stone Town. This beautiful spot offers visitors with a ton of things to do and see with its impressive architecture, winding alleys and quaint streets waiting to be explored. 

Stone Town is known for its alluring charm and fascinating history, with many of the homes here dating back to the early 1800s. Spend your time strolling around the many attractions including pretty churches, excellent museums and more. 

We recommend checking out areas such as the Forodhani Gardens, the People’s Palace and the Old Fort. These unique attractions allow for an excellent insight into the history of Stone Town, alongside a wonderful opportunity to see more of this outstanding part of Africa. 

Summary

With so many incredible places to explore, you’ll find yourself stuck for choice when looking for the best places to visit in Tanzania. From the breathtaking national parks to the fascinating cities, outstanding landmarks and much more, there are more than enough things to do and see for a variety of travellers. We hope that after reading this article you can now plan your trip here with ease, allowing you to make the most out of your time in this beautiful part of the world. 

If you’re an avid explorer looking for your next adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Backpacker Boy has an array of travel guides in a ton of incredible destinations. These resources are jam-packed with information, helping you plan your next excursion with ease.