Tourist Attractions in Tanzania. Things to do

Tourist Attractions in Tanzania / Things to do in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is arguably Tanzania’s most popular tourist attraction and one of the best destinations to see wildlife in Africa. This vast park is part of a broader ecosystem that includes the Simiyu and Mara regions in Kenya. The landscape features acacia trees, savanna grasslands, woodlands, and small forests, providing a diverse habitat for its inhabitants.

The annual Great Migration within and outside the Serengeti is one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Over 1 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras traverse the Serengeti and cross the Mara River to Kenya, facing crocodile-infested waters and lion territories. During a safari, visitors can spot elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffes, impalas, hyenas, elands, gazelles, ostriches, and wild dogs. For a unique experience, consider a hot air balloon ride. Planning your trip during the dry season is crucial, and a good tour operator can guide you on the best times to visit.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Located next to the Serengeti and 180 kilometers from Arusha, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top 10 natural wonders of the world. Initially part of the Serengeti National Park, it became a separate conservation area to enhance wildlife management.

The area’s centerpiece is a large volcanic caldera, creating a natural enclosure that retains Africa’s famous wildlife. Due to this protective shield and constant water supply, animals here do not migrate as much as those in the Serengeti. Throughout the year, visitors can see lions, black rhinos, leopards, elephants, flamingos, and buffaloes. The landscape is diverse, with forests, bushes, savanna grasslands, volcanic features, and saline lakes. The Masai tribesmen continue to live and graze their livestock within the conservation area, providing tourists with unique cultural encounters.

Olduvai Gorge

One of the core Tourist Attractions in Tanzania in Tanzania is Olduvai Gorge, Situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Olduvai Gorge is known as the cradle of mankind. This site, rich in fossils, offers a glimpse into early human history. Discovered in 1911 by a German professor, the area became famous for the Leakey family’s excavations. They unearthed bones and skull fragments believed to be about 2 million years old, along with hunting tools dated between 1 to 1.5 million years old. The most remarkable find was the footprints of a woman, man, and child, estimated to be over 1 million years old. These discoveries highlight Tanzania’s significant role in human evolution.

Ruaha National Park

Located in western Iringa, Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest, covering around 13,000 square kilometers. It forms part of a larger ecosystem that includes Usangu and Rungwa Game Reserves. The park is named after the Ruaha River, a crucial water source supporting animal and plant life during dry spells. Wildlife gathers along the riverbanks, offering spectacular viewing opportunities.

Key attractions in Ruaha include large prides of lions, elephants, and wild dogs. Other animals such as jackals, leopards, zebras, bat-eared foxes, cheetahs, giraffes, and impalas roam the park. Less crowded than the Serengeti, Ruaha offers exclusive safari experiences. The park is accessible by car via Iringa or by air to its airstrip.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite, a rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, is mined from deep within Mount Kilimanjaro. Its striking blue color makes it a coveted gift. While not as expensive as diamonds, tanzanite is equally stunning. Visitors can purchase tanzanite from authorized dealers and well-known artisan shops in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Genuine tanzanite products come with a recognized gem certification, ensuring authenticity.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania’s sixth largest, spans about 2,850 square kilometers. Named after the Tarangire River, the park is a vital water source for wildlife, especially during the dry season. The landscape features old baobab trees and numerous termite mounds. Although smaller than Ruaha, Tarangire is popular due to its proximity to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Masai Mara in Kenya.

Tarangire is one of the Tourist Attractions in Tanzania and it boasts one of Africa’s largest elephant populations and is home to tree-climbing lions. Visitors can also see impalas, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. With over 550 bird species, the park is a paradise for bird watchers. During the dry season, the park attracts thousands of animals and birds from nearby parks like Manyara, creating an extraordinary wildlife spectacle.

The Great Rift Valley

The East African Rift Valley runs through Tanzania, creating remarkable features such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, geysers, and volcanoes. Lakes Tanganyika, Natron, Manyara, Eyasi, Victoria, and Makati are among those formed by the Rift Valley. These shallow lakes are rich in biodiversity, offering unique ecological environments.

Dar es Salaam

Although not the capital, Dar es Salaam is one of most loved and visited Tourist Attractions in Tanzania and is Tanzania’s largest metropolitan area and commercial hub. With over 4 million residents, it is one of Africa’s largest cities, offering a vibrant cultural experience. Key attractions include beautiful beaches, the fish market, the National Museum, Kunduchi Wild Water Park, botanical gardens, Askari Monument, Oyster Bay, Mbudya Island, the former State House, and nearby national parks. Its coastal location on the Indian Ocean provides access to stunning beaches and the islands of Zanzibar.

The Maasai People

Among Tanzania’s 120 tribes, the Maasai are the most intriguing. Known for their warrior culture, the Maasai are believed by some to be linked to the Roman Empire. They are tall and spend most of their time tending to livestock near national parks. Despite modernization, the Maasai have maintained their traditional lifestyle, wearing colorful clothing and striking beads. A visit to Tanzania is incomplete without experiencing Maasai culture. Visitors can meet them in parks or at markets, where they sell souvenirs and curios. In their villages, tourists can enter traditional huts, listen to elders’ stories, watch cultural performances, and participate in jumping ceremonies.

Volunteering in Tanzania

Volunteering offers a unique way to experience Tanzanian culture and make a difference in local communities. Numerous organizations and charities in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam welcome motivated volunteers. While many organizations face funding challenges, focusing on the broader goal of helping others can make the experience fulfilling. Some local families also host international volunteers, providing an immersive cultural exchange.

The Maasai People and Their Markets

Among Tanzania’s over 200 tribes, the Maasai stand out for their fascinating culture and traditions. Renowned as great warriors, some believe the Maasai might be defectors from the Roman Empire. These tall, striking individuals spend much of their time tending to livestock near or within northern national parks. Despite modernization, their colorful clothing and intricate beadwork remain unchanged. Maasai men often have multiple wives, provided they can support them. A trip to Tanzania is incomplete without encountering this captivating tribe.

Visitors can meet the Maasai in national parks or at weekly markets where they sell souvenirs and curios. Those venturing to villages near the parks can enjoy an immersive cultural experience, including tours of traditional huts, storytelling by elders, cultural performances, and jumping ceremonies where the highest jumper wins a prize.

Volunteering in Tanzania

Volunteering offers a unique way to connect with local Tanzanian communities and experience their culture intimately. Various organizations in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam welcome motivated volunteers. While these organizations often face funding challenges, focusing on making a difference can lead to a rewarding experience. Some local families also host international volunteers, providing deeper cultural immersion.

Religious Buildings

Tanzania boasts diverse religious sites, offering rich cultural and historical insights. The Anglican Cathedral in Zanzibar, built in 1887 to mark the end of the coastal slave trade, stands near the old slave market and whipping post. St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, designed by the architect of Notre Dame Basilica in Marseilles, was constructed in the late 19th century. In Dar es Salaam, notable religious sites include the Azania Front Lutheran Church, built in 1898, and various mosques like Darkhana Jama’at-Khana, Memon, and the Sunni and Ibadhi Mosques. The city also features impressive Hindu temples along Kitsu Street.

Tanzanian Souvenirs

Tanzania offers unique souvenirs and gifts reflecting its rich culture. The Maasai Market Curio and Crafts in Arusha sells hand-built jewelry, Maasai blankets, and painted baskets. Visitors to Maasai communities near national parks can purchase traditional clothing, handbags, and beadwork directly from artisans, ensuring authentic and meaningful mementos.

Arusha: The Safari Capital

Arusha, located on the slopes of Mount Meru, serves as the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and other national parks. Established in the 19th century by the Germans as a regional administrative center, Arusha offers various attractions, including hot springs, cultural centers, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors often stop in Arusha en route to or from nearby parks, making it an essential part of a Tanzanian safari.

Museums

Tanzania’s museums provide a window into its fascinating history. The National Museum of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, established in 1940 and expanded in 1963, features exhibits ranging from vintage cars to ancient artifacts, including discoveries from Olduvai Gorge. The Makumbusho Village Museum showcases traditional buildings from 18 ethnic tribes, offering a comprehensive cultural experience in one location.

Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve, covering about 54,600 square kilometers in southern Tanzania, is a UNESCO World Heritage site named after conservationist Sir Frederick Selous. The reserve, almost four times the size of Serengeti National Park, features savanna grasslands, forests, and rivers. It hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including rhinos, crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and over 350 bird species. Despite its rich biodiversity, Selous sees fewer tourists due to its remote location, providing a more private and personal safari experience.

Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park, the fourth largest in Tanzania, is a remote, unspoiled wilderness in the western part of the country. Covering 4,471 square kilometers, its floodplains support diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, and over 400 bird species. Katavi’s remote location ensures a tranquil experience, away from the crowds, making it ideal for those seeking solitude in the African wilderness.

Lake Natron

Lake Natron, a saltwater lake in northern Tanzania, is known for its harsh conditions and striking beauty. Despite high temperatures and alkalinity, over 2.5 million lesser flamingos thrive here, feeding on algae and breeding in the area’s remoteness.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the source of the Nile, spans Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. In Tanzania, towns like Musoma, Mwanza, and Bukoba rely on fishing and trade. The Tanzanian section of Lake Victoria, though distant from major cities, offers unique attractions like the Rubondo Island National Park, known for sport fishing and bird watching.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 19,331 feet, attracts over 40,000 hikers annually. The “roof of Africa” is accessible via five major routes, each offering unique challenges and scenic views. Surprisingly, reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit is feasible for non-seasoned climbers, making it a popular destination for adventurous travelers.

Singita Grumeti Reserve

Adjacent to the Serengeti, the Singita Grumeti Reserve is a private conservation project managed by Paul Tudor Jones. Located strategically to offer breathtaking wildlife views, the reserve provides an exclusive and luxurious safari experience, ideal for those seeking privacy and luxury away from the crowds.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Situated near Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park boasts Nkungwe, its highest peak at 8,069 feet. The park’s main draw is its population of around 1,000 chimpanzees, making it a prime destination for chimpanzee tracking. Visitors also appreciate the beauty of Lake Tanganyika. The park’s diverse ecosystem allows for sightings of other primates like yellow baboons and red colobus monkeys, offering excellent opportunities for photography. Despite being a research base for Japanese anthropologists, Mahale Mountains National Park still holds many mysteries waiting to be discovered. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October.

Gombe Stream National Park

Covering just 52 square kilometers, Gombe Stream National Park is a small but vital wildlife conservation area. It boasts one of Africa’s largest populations of habituated chimpanzees, making it internationally renowned among primatologists and tourists interested in tracking these fascinating creatures. The park also hosts smaller primates and over 200 bird species, including barbets, crowned eagles, and kingfishers. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, and exploring waterfalls, adding to the park’s allure.

Lake Manyara National Park

Located near Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park encompasses 330 square kilometers of water and forest. Lake Manyara itself is a significant feature, attracting birdwatchers with its diverse avian population, especially during the rainy season when migratory birds visit, including flamingos. The park also supports resident mammals like hippos, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeests. Notably, Lake Manyara is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, a sight rarely seen elsewhere. Safaris often combine visits to Lake Manyara with tours of nearby parks for a comprehensive wildlife experience.

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park, though less visited than neighboring parks, offers its own array of wildlife and proximity to Arusha city. Visitors can explore Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momela Lakes, encountering diverse wildlife like colobus monkeys, buffaloes, warthogs, and zebras. The park’s scenic beauty and varied ecosystems make it a compelling destination for nature enthusiasts.

Arusha Cultural Centre

For a cultural experience and souvenir shopping, the Arusha Cultural Centre is a must-visit. Showcasing Tanzanian art and heritage, it provides insights into the country’s cultural history. After exploring the center, visitors can relax at the coffee shop and restaurant, immersing themselves further in Tanzanian culture.

Mount Meru

As the second highest mountain in Tanzania, Mount Meru offers adventurous hikers a challenging climb and stunning views. Its active strato-volcano status adds to its allure, with evidence of past eruptions visible along its slopes. Hikers can spot over 400 bird species and various wildlife while traversing different vegetation zones on their ascent.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and historical sites make it a captivating destination. Stone Town, with its ancient mosques and palaces, offers a glimpse into the island’s history. Visitors can explore narrow alleyways and discover architectural wonders dating back centuries. Additionally, Zanzibar’s pristine beaches beckon travelers seeking relaxation and water sports.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island, part of the Zanzibar archipelago, offers a secluded retreat with pristine beaches and untouched marine life. Visitors can enjoy water sports like scuba diving and deep-sea fishing while experiencing a more private beach experience compared to other tourist destinations.

Pemba Island

Known as the “Green Island,” Pemba Island boasts fertile soils, clove plantations, and untouched coral reefs. Visitors can explore its marine life through snorkeling and enjoy its tranquil atmosphere, away from the crowds. Pemba’s cultural heritage, influenced by Omani Arab settlers, adds to its charm.

Tanzanian Food and Beer

Sampling Tanzanian cuisine, with its blend of European, Arabian, Indian, and Pakistani influences, is a must-do experience. From Nyama Choma (roasted meat) to pilau (spiced rice), the local food scene offers flavorful dishes reflecting the country’s diverse culinary traditions. Street food and local beer provide opportunities to indulge in authentic Tanzanian flavors.

Festivals and Cultural Events

Tanzania’s festivals celebrate its cultural diversity and heritage. Events like Sauti za Busara, the Serengeti Cultural Festival, and the Zanzibar International Film Festival showcase the country’s music, arts, and cinema to international audiences. The Nyama Choma festival highlights popular African cuisine, offering participants a chance to savor grilled meat and barbecue ribs.