Top Places To Visit In Tanzania In 2024

Tanzania is a land of mystical nature with around 30 percent of the land covered by national parks. Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha, Ruaha, Katavi, and other parks have some of the most spectacular fauna and flora species. One can spot monitor chimps, rare black rhinos, and East African Oryx. The number of unique places to visit in Tanzania appears to be endless! Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, Lake Tanganyika, the world's second-biggest lake, and the world's largest caldera, Ngorongoro Crater, can all be accessible to the tourists. This stunning land of contrasts, one of the few in the world, is home to ancient tribes on the one hand and trendy coastal resorts on the other. Tourists can find centuries-old historic structures coexisting with slick malls.

Here is a list of best places to visit in Tanzania

1. Arusha

Arusha, located just below Mount Meru, is one of Tanzania's most ethnically diverse cities, home to indigenous Africans, Indians, and Arabs. Established in the 1830s, Arusha is a key contributor to the economy of Tanzania and is also known as the 'safari capital'. Arusha's appeal rests in the bustle of its crowded streets, marketplaces, and colonial-era structures, all nestled within verdant stretches. The terrain of Arusha is peppered with towering peaks like Mount Meru, lakes, and huge plains that allow you to enjoy the finest of African wilderness. Admire the unusual wildlife in Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania's best places to visit, as you witness the Big Five Game animals, flamingos, hippos, and zebras. The Cultural Heritage Center, with its mask museum, spice center, and other attractions, is not to be missed. The National History Museum has Tanzania's famed hominid fossils as well as insect exhibitions. Visitors may enjoy the tranquil environment on a canoe safari on Small Momella Lake in Arusha National Park. They can also test their boundaries by hiking to the 14,961-foot-high Mount Meru. Those who enjoy collecting mementoes might visit the Masai Women’s Fair Trade Center to purchase crafts and jewelry.

Best time to visit: June to October

2. Moshi

'Moshi,' the capital of the Kilimanjaro region, is a settlement located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. It contributes significantly to the Tanzanian economy through tourism and trade. It serves as the starting point for the northern safari circuit, which includes various lakes, national parks, and, of course, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Moshi's charm resides in its large safari parks, tranquil lakes, and lush coffee and banana plantations. Miles of Chrysanthemum flowers blanket the city, giving it a surreal aspect. Moshi Club is a must-see for sports aficionados. You can play a game of golf at this picturesque golf course in the Kili foothills. Those seeking seclusion might visit Materuni Falls, which is known for its crystal-clear glacial waters and vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Moshi is perfect for coffee enthusiasts! The location provides coffee farm tours where you can sample the freshest coffee and learn about how it is grown. You can visit Lake Chala to witness its deep crater walls and enjoy boating while spotting baboons, monkeys, and Monitor lizards. This is one of the unique places to visit in Tanzania.

Best time to visit: January, February, and June to October

3. Kahama

Shinyanga is a region in northwestern Tanzania. Despite its tiny size, it contributes significantly to Tanzania's economy through forestry, fishing, and mining. Kahama is one of those rustic small towns that provide a great essence of life in Africa with its people, wildlife, and food. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania, with huge plains interlaced with thickets of native trees inhabited by indigenous birds and animals. The Central Market is one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania to meet the lovely and kind people of Kahama. This is also an excellent location for purchasing curios

and artwork. Tourists can visit the Buzwagi gold mine, an open-pit gold mine, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch how gold is processed.

Best time to visit: June to September

4. Sumbawanga

Sumbawanga is surrounded by verdant stretches studded with enormous farms and national parks that provide the impression of classic African wildness. Visit the Sumbawanga Memorial to witness its stunning man-made stone edifice, which is an incredible accomplishment of design and imagination. Those who enjoy seeing animals can visit Katavi National Park. The park contains various rivers, including the Chada, Katavi, and Katuma, which serve as drinking water for the area's native hippos, elephants, and Cape buffaloes. Tourists can take a walking tour of the city to meet the residents and buy their handcrafted goods, traditional jewelry, fabrics, and so on for a more authentic Tanzanian experience.

Best time to visit: May to October

5. Tanga

Tanga is Tanzania's largest city, located on the Indian Ocean's coast, bordering Kenya. Until the 18th century, this old city was governed by the Portuguese and was a notorious slave traffic center. It later prospered under German authority and is today an important port. This sunny oceanside beautiful city is defined by unspoiled beaches, stunning lagoons, and coral reefs, making it one of the best Tanzania holiday destinations to visit. Its territories are spread in kilometers of old woods, which is encircled by the towering Usambara Mountains and their verdant valleys. The ancient Amboni Caves, hidden behind tulip and fig thickets that can only be accessible by torchlight, are must-see. Visitors can take a lengthy soothing bath in the curative waters of the Galonos hot springs for an off-the-beaten-path excursion. At the Saadani National Park, you may see African bush elephants, blue wildebeests, Dik-Diks, and other animals in their natural habitat. Those interested in heritage and history must visit the 15th-century Shrizai tombs and European cemetery. You may also take a daylong bike trip through the city's small streets, where exquisite antique houses and Arab-style structures are concealed.

Best time to visit: January to February, and June to August

6. Mbeya

The Ngozi Lake, Africa's second-largest crater lake, is renowned for its emerald-green water and diverse fish population is located in the area. Kitulo National Park in the region would be ideal for naturalists. The park is home to around 400 plant and orchid kinds, as well as unique birds such as the Blue swallow and Mountain marsh widow, making it one of the top locations to visit in Tanzania. Swimming, and cave exploration at the famed Kapologwe Falls are among the most enjoyable activities available here. This laid-back city and Lake Malawi are ideal for relaxing and attempting to locate uncommon cichlids. Matema Beach is popular for its fishing communities, windsurfing, and ornamental fish gazing.

Best time to visit: May to November

7. Zanzibar

This semi-autonomous archipelago, which comprises two main islands, Pemba and Unguja, is one of the greatest Tanzania holiday destinations. Though it is located in Africa, Zanzibar is different in terms of culture, gastronomy, and religion. Zanzibar has been inhabited since the Late Stone Age and is heavily influenced by Asian, Portuguese, and British cultures. To say Zanzibar is stunning is an understatement. The area is endowed with breathtaking tropical splendor, including coral reefs, broad grassy plains, dense groves of coconut palms, and lush vegetation. Visiting the interesting Prison Island, where slaves and those with terminal ailments were imprisoned, is one of the most fascinating

things to do here. Aside from the slave trade, the 'House of Wonders' is good to explore various facets of Zanzibari culture. Spices have long been an important part of Zanzibar culture, and you can learn more about them on a spice tour.

Best time to visit: July to September

8. Kigoma

Kigoma is a port city on Lake Tanganyika's northern shore. It is one of the busiest ports in the country and contributes significantly to the Tanzanian economy. It also has a tiny airport that serves as a link between Dar es Salaam and Bujumbura. Kigoma's scenery is picturesque due to its proximity to the lake. It has large thickets of woods, farms, and plantations that are snuggled between towering mountains. Tourists can follow in the footsteps of renowned naturalist Jane Goodall and see Gombe National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania. Her conservation efforts include not just chimps but also olive baboons, vervet monkeys, leopards, and hippos.

Best time to visit: June to October

9. Mt. Kilimanjaro

No journey to Tanzania is complete without seeing the tallest African and highest free-standing peak in the world (19, 341 ft.) with enormous ice fields and snow crowns. One of its three volcanic cones is still active. This is one of the rare places to visit in Tanzania that has rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and an arctic summit environment. Elephants, blue monkeys, duikers, Abbot's starlings, and other wildlife are protected by its wooded slopes and the surrounding game reserve.

Best time to visit: December to March, and June to October

10. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti, one of Tanzania's most popular tourist destinations, is where the yearly migration of millions of wildebeests and zebras, followed by their predators, takes place in an intact environment. Furthermore, the Serengeti plains, which have been home to humanity for the last 4 million years, and its savannahs, kopjes, jungles, and rivers, are home to rare species such as Nile crocodiles, patas monkeys, lions, African leopards, ground pangolins, and so on. Safaris to visit the Big Five Game animals, Masai holdings, and other attractions are available here.

Best time to visit: January to February, and June to October

A land of natural wonders, Tanzania tourist attractions offer an extravagant experience to all kinds of visitors. There are a number of places to visit in Tanzania including the green national parks or modern cities. If you are planning to visit the beautiful country, the above list will be of great help to get started.

Suggested Read: Adventure In kenya: Jeep Safari, Hiking, Scuba Diving And More

Q.1 Which are the best places to enjoy safaris in Tanzania?

Serengeti National Park and Arusha provide access to beautiful African wilderness.

Q.2 Which animals can one spot on Mt. Kilimanjaro area?

Elephants, Abbot's starlings, blue monkeys, and duikers are some of the top wild animal species to be found in the area.

Q.3 Which is the best place to see Nile crocodiles?

Serengeti National Park is the top place to spot Nile crocodiles.

Q.4 Why is Tanzania popular for tourism? 

Tanzania is popular for tourism due to its diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage. 

Q.5 What is the highest peak in Mount Kilimanjaro? 

Uhuru Peak is the highest peak.