Best Places to Visit in Tanzania
Tanzania offers incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and beautiful beaches. Explore the Serengeti, climb Kilimanjaro, or relax on Zanzibar’s shores. It’s a perfect destination for adventure and relaxation.
Top 11 Must-Visit Destinations in Tanzania
Tanzania is a land of awe-inspiring contrasts, where adventure meets serenity. From the thunder of hooves on the Serengeti plains during the Great Migration to the stillness atop Mount Kilimanjaro, and from the vibrant coral reefs of Zanzibar to the untouched wilderness of the western parks, this East African gem offers a journey like no other.
With an incredible range of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences, Tanzania is one of Africa’s most rewarding travel destinations. To help make sense of its vast and varied terrain, the country’s top attractions are typically grouped into four distinct regions:
1. Northern Tanzania
This is where most safari goers start. The region includes world-renowned parks such as the Serengeti, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater, the flamingo-filled Lake Manyara, and the elephant-rich Tarangire. You’ll also find Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, standing proudly in the north.
2. The Coast & Islands
The warm Indian Ocean embraces Tanzania’s coastline and islands, offering a relaxing contrast to inland safaris. Zanzibar is the star here, with its spice-scented alleys and pristine beaches, while Mafia and Pemba islands provide incredible diving and a quieter island vibe.
3. Southern Tanzania
Quieter and wilder than the north, this region includes Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park both known for their raw beauty, large predator populations, and fewer tourists. It’s ideal for those seeking a more exclusive safari experience.
4. Western Tanzania
Remote and rugged, the west is Tanzania’s wild frontier. Katavi offers vast open plains teeming with wildlife, while Mahale Mountains is one of the best places in Africa to see wild chimpanzees, nestled along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Each region offers something different, making Tanzania a destination that caters to every kind of traveler from the classic safari enthusiast to the beach lover and the intrepid explorer.
Where you choose to explore in Tanzania depends on what you hope to see and experience during your safari and when you plan to travel. The Northern Safari Circuit is the most popular choice, ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari enthusiasts. However, Southern and Western Tanzania offer equally spectacular experiences, with fewer crowds and more off the beaten path adventures.
To help you decide where to go and when, check out our comprehensive Tanzania Safari Guide packed with everything you need to know to plan the perfect journey through this incredible country.
1. Serengeti National Park: Tanzania’s Ultimate Safari Destination
The Serengeti is the crown jewel of Tanzania’s safari circuit and a must-visit for unforgettable wildlife encounters. Famous for the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration (typically seen from January to September), this vast, iconic park offers unmatched game viewing throughout the year. Its open plains are teeming with predators and plains game, while its well-established network of lodges and camps caters to all styles of travel. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the Serengeti is a highlight on nearly every Tanzania safari itinerary.
2. Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Sanctuary for the Big 5
Imagine a vast volcanic caldera teeming with around 30,000 animals, surrounded by dramatic crater walls and dotted with forests, wetlands, and open plains. Welcome to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s most extraordinary safari destinations. Known for its dense wildlife population and stunning scenery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers some of the most consistent and accessible Big 5 sightings in East Africa. The unique landscape and abundant game make it a highlight on nearly every top-rated Tanzania safari itinerary. With luxurious lodges perched on the rim offering breathtaking views, the Ngorongoro Crater promises a safari experience like no other.
3. Tarangire National Park: Discover a Land of Giants
Located near Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem that comes alive during the dry season from June to October, when massive herds of elephants and other wildlife gather along the Tarangire River. Known for its impressive elephant population and over 500 bird species, the park is a haven for both big game lovers and birdwatchers. Its diverse landscapes—ranging from swampy wetlands and riverine forests to open woodlands dotted with iconic baobab trees—create a dramatic and scenic backdrop for one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari experiences.
4. Lake Manyara National Park: Where Lions Climb and Birds Soar
Nestled within Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit, Lake Manyara National Park is known for its scenic beauty and rich wildlife. This compact yet diverse park is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, as well as sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and elusive leopards. The lake itself attracts large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. With its mix of open floodplains, dense woodlands, and lush evergreen forests, Lake Manyara offers a rewarding safari experience in a striking natural setting.
5. Zanzibar and Tanzania’s Islands: Indian Ocean Escape
End your East African adventure with a relaxing retreat to Zanzibar, Tanzania’s enchanting Spice Island. Known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural history, Zanzibar is ideal for families, honeymooners, and anyone seeking a tropical escape. Enjoy sunset dhow cruises, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and wander through the winding alleys of Stone Town filled with the scent of spices. For an even more secluded experience, the nearby islands of Pemba, Mafia, and Chole offer pristine beaches, world-class diving, and intimate boutique lodges—perfect for those craving tranquility, luxury, and barefoot bliss.
6. Ruaha National Park: Tanzania’s Untamed Wilderness
Remote, vast, and remarkably wild, Ruaha National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets. As the country’s largest national park, it offers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience with very few camps and minimal tourist traffic. What you will find, however, is an abundance of wildlife including large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffe, kudu, sable, and roan antelope as well as predators like lion, cheetah, leopard, and the rare African wild dog. Its raw, untouched beauty and sense of solitude make Ruaha the perfect destination for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and crowd-free safari.
7. Nyerere National Park: Sanctuary of the Wild Dog
Spanning an area larger than Switzerland, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is Africa’s largest protected wilderness. At its heart flows the mighty Rufiji River, weaving a complex maze of channels, wetlands, and lakes that support one of East Africa’s richest ecosystems. Here, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and lions roam freely, while the park serves as a vital refuge for the endangered African wild dog. For a truly immersive experience, embark on a boat safari, guided walking tour, or even a fly-camping adventure to explore the stunning and untamed beauty of this remarkable reserve.
8. Lake Tanganyika: Rainforests and Chimpanzee Treks
Nestled within the towering cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake and a hotspot of incredible biodiversity. Along its shores lie the remote Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks—two of Tanzania’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. These parks offer unforgettable experiences, from exploring lush tropical rainforests to tracking wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, making the journey to this secluded region truly worthwhile for adventurous travelers.
9. Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s Majestic Summit
Towering at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth. Whether you choose to simply admire its majestic presence or embark on the unforgettable journey to its snowy summit, Kilimanjaro never fails to inspire. The good news is that climbing this iconic mountain is more accessible than many expect especially during the dry seasons from July to October and January to March when no technical climbing skills are needed. However, reaching the top requires careful planning and preparation to navigate the challenging trek safely and successfully.
10. Arusha: The Safari Gateway
Known as Tanzania’s safari capital, Arusha is a key starting point for most journeys to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Located at the foot of Mount Meru, the city serves as a convenient hub with easy access via Kilimanjaro International Airport and the smaller Arusha Airport, which handles charter flights to remote destinations. Beyond its logistical importance, Arusha offers visitors a vibrant cultural scene, local markets for souvenirs, and attractions that provide a glimpse into Tanzanian life making it well worth a stop before or after your safari adventure.
11. Dar es Salaam: Your Gateway to the Islands and Beyond
While many travelers pass through Dar es Salaam en route to Zanzibar or the Indian Ocean beaches, this bustling city is much more than a transit point. It offers convenient access to Tanzania’s lesser-known wildlife reserves, including the vast Selous Game Reserve. With a range of quality accommodations available, Dar es Salaam is a comfortable and practical place to stay if you need to rest before continuing your adventure.
