There are so many things to see in Tanzania that it would be impossible to include all the attractions in a single trip. In any case, in this post we have set out to show you the country’s highlights, so you know what our tour circuits usually offer and what you can add to your program to give it a more personalized touch. As we indicate below, Zanzibar is one of those places to see in Tanzania because, in reality, it is an archipelago that is part of the country and, given its uniqueness, occupies its own place in tourist packages (often referred to as “Tanzania and Zanzibar”), so we also dedicate a separate article to it.
The places to see in Tanzania are treated individually below, each with its corresponding section, but almost all of them have one thing in common: being national parks. In other words: the true attraction of the country lies in its wild and virgin nature, not only in terms of flora but, above all, in terms of its fauna. Therefore, to move around the protected areas to visit, it is necessary to organize excursions in the form of safaris, with the aim of spotting as close as possible its imposing inhabitants: large animals in their natural habitat and in their usual activities, such as feeding, migration or resting.
Serengeti National Park
It is probably the most famous place to see in Tanzania: everyone has heard of it but few have had the privilege of visiting it. If you want to be one of them with the help of our agency, you should know that it is a huge protected area of more than 13,000 km2, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is located in the northern extremity of the country, on its border with Kenya, forming in practice a single natural area with the Masai Mara National Reserve of the neighboring country.
Among the many animals in the wild that can be spotted here are the “Big 5”, that is, the African elephant, the black rhinoceros, the African buffalo and the two main felines: the African leopard and the lion. It is believed that about 1,000 specimens of the former and about 3,000 of the latter live here, being the largest community of lions in all of Africa. No less interesting are the impalas and zebras, also present in large numbers.
In addition to these animals, which are sometimes a bit “elusive”, there are other attractions always present and easy to enjoy. We are talking about the spectacular acacias, which give a charming touch to the savanna, and also the golden sunsets, so photogenic and photographed.
Arusha National Park
It is another of the country’s 17 national parks and one of the main attractions to see in Tanzania. A point in its favor is its relative proximity to the Kilimanjaro International Airport, a major gateway for foreign tourists, so coming here is among the first proposals of any program.
Smaller than the Serengeti (137 km2), it is one of the most suitable for seeing the local wildlife, as it allows walking under safe conditions, especially from Momella Gate. Giraffes and antelopes are among the most admired species in this national park.
Tarangire National Park
This national park is named after the Tarangire River, which crosses this protected area. Being the only water source in the dry season, it acts as a magnet for all kinds of wildlife. Among the species that can be spotted here are the greater kudu and the beisa oryx, of great rarity and beauty, as well as the ashy starling. Additionally, it is believed that here is the largest population of African elephants, which usually live in herds. On the other hand, it is here where you will find the most spectacular baobab trees in the entire country, coexisting with equally charming acacias.
Ngorongoro Crater
Its name tells us about its geological formation: it is the enormous mouth of an extinct volcano, with a diameter of about 20 km and more than 8,000 km2 in area. It is a World Heritage Site and has the legal status of a Conservation Zone, as the biodiversity of fauna that lives here is extraordinarily rich, concentrated in a well-defined environment, surrounded by a line of mountains that act as a natural barrier.
In this diversity of species, the extraordinary herds of wildebeest and zebras stand out, as well as the numerous hippos and warthogs. There are always a large number of predators on the prowl, which are not only lions and leopards, but also hyenas, jackals, and cheetahs.
Other Mythical Destinations
The four protected areas mentioned (Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro) are usually part of the tourist circuits organized by our agency. But there are others that are equally impressive and that you can add to your program if you wish. Here is a list of those mythical destinations that the most avid travelers often pursue:
- Lake Victoria: border between Kenya and Tanzania, it is the largest lake in Africa. Its waters harbor an extraordinary diversity of fish, and around its shores, you can come into contact with ethnic groups that still live in traditional ways
- Lake Eyasi: for traditional way of life, the one still practiced by the Datoga and Hadza tribes, settled around this lake. Here, there is also often a presence of spectacular pink flamingos, as well as other large migratory birds
- Kilimanjaro: the roof of Africa as it is the highest mountain. It is actually a large inactive volcano with several craters, where snow still rests (despite its inexorable retreat due to climate change). Undoubtedly, a dream goal for mountaineers of all kinds
- Lake Tanganyika: another of Africa’s great lakes, in this case the longest in the world, acting as a border between four countries: Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Zambia. The legendary MV Liemba ferry from colonial times still traverses it
- Dar Es Salaam: while Tanzania’s urban areas may not have as much attraction as its natural areas, immersing yourself in the streets of this city (the largest in the country) can be interesting to experience the pulse of local daily life, as well as places of interest such as the always lively Kivu Koni fish market
And as we mentioned above, another must-see place in Tanzania is Zanzibar. But due to its great beauty and variety of offerings, we dedicate a separate article to these islands located in the Indian Ocean.
Exclusivity, Personalization, and Safety
Finally, we remind you that our Tanzania circuits have three pillars: exclusivity, personalization, and safety. All the services we offer are of a premium category, which will allow you to enjoy the country with all the comfort you deserve, in accommodations, transportation, and meals. Additionally, we work tailored to each client, so we can add or remove destinations, adjust the time spent at each one, and integrate any personal suggestions. And all this, with the security and confidence that comes from having a private guide and a team of professionals always attentive to you, present or reachable 24 hours a day so that you feel protected, just like at home.
