Things to do and see in Tanzania

Tanzania is a fascinating country with an amazing natural and cultural diversity. On your trip you can visit paradise beaches in the Zanzibar archipelago, go on safari in the Serengeti or explore lush jungles inhabited by chimpanzees around Lake Tanganyika. The country is also home to Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Whatever your travel preferences, you’re sure to find the things to do in Tanzania.

Make time in your schedule because there is so much to see in Tanzania. In this post we will tell you the main points of interest in the country and provide you with important information such asprices, best times to travel and how to get to your destination. So take notes and do not miss any details because we are going to Tanzania!

What are the best places to visit in Tanzania?

1. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is a must stop on your trip to Tanzania. On your visit you can enjoy the wildest nature and see hundreds of species running through its vast golden plains. Among all the animals we highlight the “Big Five”, the protagonists of the savannah: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos. Although you will also see many others such as wildebeests, zebras, ostriches, gazelles, hyenas and a wide variety of birds.

The best way to visit the park is to hire a safari tour that includes accommodation, guide and transport. The price is usually around €1,000 to €2,000 depending on the facilities offered by the accommodation. We recommend to spend at least 3 days, but if you have more time you can explore less accessible areas and see rarer species. In this post we help you organize your visit to the Serengeti; Things to see and do in the Serengeti National Park?

2. Zanzibar, the best beaches to see in Tanzania

After exploring the savannah on safari, there is nothing like going to the beach to rest and cool off in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. In Zanzibar, an archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania, you will find some of the most spectacular beaches in the country and world-famous diving spots with rich marine life. In this post we tell you in details what else you can do in Zanzibar; Things to see and do in Zanzibar?

These are some of the most famous beaches:

• Kizimkazi Beach: located southwest of Zanzibar, it is a regular dolphin encounter spot.
• Nungwi Beach: With its white sand and turquoise waters, Nungwi is famous for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar. It is also known for its diving and snorkeling activities, as well as for its vibrant nightlife.
• Paje Beach: This beach is famous for its fine white sand, and is a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers due to its ideal wind conditions.
• Kendwa Beach: is Zanzibar’s most famous beach for its lively nightlife. You can’t miss the Full Moon Party during full moon nights.
• M Matemwe Beach: With a calm and serene atmosphere, Matemwe is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Zanzibar. It is also famous for its close proximity to the iconic “stick houses.”
• Bwejuu Beach: this beach offers a laid-back getaway feel and is an ideal place to relax, snorkel and explore the coral reefs.
• Kiwengwa Beach: With crystal clear waters and nearby coral reefs, Kiwengwa is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as enjoying boat rides.

To get to the islands you can hire organized tours or a private boat transport service. If you want to know more about the beaches of Tanzania we invite you to visit this post. What are the best beaches in Tanzania?

3. Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and the second largest in the world. It is famous for its rich biodiversity and stunning surrounding landscapes. The serene and vast waters of the lake are home to hundreds of species of fish and waterfowl. And on the shore you can meet local communities that live by fishing and farming.

Lake Victoria, in addition to having great economic and natural value, also has a cultural significance, as it plays a key role in the traditions and daily life of the people who live in the surrounding area.

4. Ngorongoro Crater Park

The Ngorongoro Crater National Park is right next to the Serengeti National Park. And although it is much smaller, it is a natural treasure of exceptional beauty considered a World Heritage Site. The crater is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, which has given rise to a stunning landscape around which a unique ecosystem has formed.

Within this 260-square-kilometer crater you will have the opportunity to witness an astounding concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five”, in their natural environment. Around the crater you can also visit grasslands, wetlands and forests inhabited by many other species.

5. Tarangire National Park

This uniquely beautiful natural haven is known for its vast plains dotted with acacia and baobab trees that are home to abundant wildlife. During the dry season, the Tarangire River attracts a large concentration of animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions and zebras.

Tarangire National Park is famous for having one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. And is also an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts as it has more than 500 recorded species.

6. Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi, located in northern Tanzania among the mountains, is a shallow and salty seasonal lake. The lake’s value lies in the diverse ethnic groups that inhabit the surrounding area, such as the Hadzabe and Datoga, who have maintained their traditional lifestyles.

On your visit you will be able to explore the area and observe a unique setting of the culture and customs of these ancient peoples. In addition, the lake is a birdwatcher’s paradise and offers opportunities for hiking tours.

7. Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is worth a visit to enjoy its variety of landscapes and its iconic salt lake surrounded by lush forests inhabited by elephants, tree-climbing lions and giraffes. But the most spectacular image is that of hundreds of pink flamingos resting on the lake. If you have enough time during your trip to Tanzania, we recommend you get up close to appreciate the beauty of the place.

8. Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika is located in the Great Rift Valley, on the border with the Republic of Congo, and is the second deepest lake in the world. It covers an area of 32,900 km² and is famous for its rich biodiversity that inhabits both the lake and the surrounding area. There we find the Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park.

All kinds of fish live in its waters, including endemic fish crystalline cichlids, which you can see while snorkeling. In the lake you can also ride a boat, take a diving excursion, visit the Ujiji village and relax on Kangwena Beach.

If you want to know more about Lake Tanganyika we invite you to read this post: Things to see and do in Lake Tanganyika

9. Mahale Mountains National Park and its chimpanzees

In 1985, the Tanzanian government established the Mahale Mountains National Park for the purpose of preserving the chimpanzee population that inhabits the area. Today, the park, with an area of 1600 km² and bordering Lake Tanganyika, is home to one of the largest chimpanzee colonies on the African continent.

This impressive park is also home to 82 species of mammals, 350 types of birds, reptiles, goldfish and waterfowl. The chimpanzees, leaping among the branches and playing on the ground, provide a captivating spectacle. In addition, the park is home to yellow baboon, colobus of different shades, blue and green monkeys. Either on the internet or at the hotel you will have to hire a guided tour (safari) to get into this incredible park that will leave you speechless.

10. Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is the commercial capital and the most populous city in Tanzania. But it is also a bustling destination with a great cross-cultural mix; Africans, Indians, Arabs, Germans and English have all left their mark there.

The city is not in the top 5 places to see in Tanzania, however, it is a good strategic point to stay to explore the surrounding virgin islands, where there is little infrastructure. We speak, for example, of Bongoyo Island or Mbudya Island.

If you have enough time, we recommend you to visit the Botanical Garden, the Kariakoo market, the Tanzanian National Museum and Coco Beach, the best beach in town. We also invite you to enjoy the lively nightlife.

In this post we tell you much more about Dar es Salaam; Things to see and do in Dar es Salaam Tanzania.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What should I consider before traveling to Tanzania

• In some beaches in Tanzania, there is an entrance fee.
• The official languages in Tanzania are Swahili and English.
• A visa and passport are required for entry into Tanzania.
• The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling.
• Although in the more touristy areas it is possible to find places that accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash.
• Tanzania has a tropical climate with pleasant temperatures throughout the year. However, you should be prepared for climatic variations depending on the region you visit and the time of the year.
• Drink only bottled water and avoid consuming raw food from unreliable places to avoid stomach problems.
• Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Tanzania is a safe destination, but we recommend you take care with your belongings and avoid going out alone at night.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen.
• The best time to travel to Tanzania is during the dry season.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Tanzania

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share your own travel tips on the things to do and see in Tanzania.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Tanzania