Tanzania Attractions
Tanzania attractions are the different things that bring travelers from all walks of life to visit this beautiful country, for unforgettable safari experiences. Tanzania is found in the Eastern part of Africa, sharing borders with Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
The highest point in Africa and Tanzania is the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, an amazing mountain climbing experience to undertake. Tanzania inhabits a wide range of attractions, ranging from fossils discovered many years ago, to the most spectacular African wildlife safari experiences: the culture, people of Tanzania blend with nature to give you an ultimate African safari experience.
As you look to visit Tanzania, the below are the most sought after Tanzania attractions that you should plan to encounter while on your safari experience.
Serengeti National Park
The mighty Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s most visited attraction all year through. With beautiful endless plains dotted with acacia trees, diverse animals, birds and one of the world’s most spectacular animal shows – the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti National Park is a marvel. Irrespective of the time of the year you choose to visit, be sure to be rewarded with amazing African wildlife safari experiences. Follow the migration, spot lion prides, and so much more on game drives and hot air balloon rides.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Just about 180kms away from the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the second most sought after Tanzania Wildlife Park after the Serengeti National Park. The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the 10 natural wonders of the world. Inhabiting all the big five animals and well over 25,000 animals roaming the crater floor year in and year out – yes, this means the animals are residents and they can be found anytime of the year, as they cannot leave the Ngorongoro Crater floor. The varied landscapes including open savanna, saline lakes – Lake Magadi, bushes and forests all inhabit a wide variety pf animals. While a 1 day Ngorongoro Crater Safari from Arusha is possible, a multi-day Tanzania safari including the Serengeti is one way to explore the conservancy.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Standing at 19,331 feet above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa – it is also the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Often known as the roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most visited Tanzania attractions with over 40,000 hikers attempting to summit it every single year. The different routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro Mountain include Rongai, Shira, Lemosho, Machame and Marangu routes. The shortest duration available is 5 days via the Marangu Route. Machame and Lemosho offer amazing scenic views.
Ruaha National Park
Located in the western part of Iringa town, Ruaha National Park is a large park covering about 13,000 square kilometers, getting its name from the Ruaha River. The park is part o a wider ecosystem including the Usangu Game Reserve, Rungwa Game Reserve and other smaller protected reserves which add scenic beauty and a buffer to the park and its animals. Large lion prides, elephant herds and wild dogs are the top attractions of Ruaha National Park, with other animals like the bar-eared foxes, zebras, jackals, leopards, giraffes, impalas and so much more easily seen. Given its size and location, travelers after a bit of seclusion and not have crowds as the Serengeti National Park would best opt for Ruaha National Park.
Tarangire National Park
Covering 2,850 square kilometers, Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest park in Tanzania, deriving its name from the Tarangire River which flows through the park and a great water source for the animals in the dry season. Tarangire National Park is famous for the giant baobab trees and the large herds of elephants which freely roam the park. Tarangire also hosts tree climbing lions, and is a birders paradise hosting over 550 bird species.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park formerly Selous Game Reserve, is found in the southern part of Tanzania making part pf the southern circuit parks that are sought after by travelers who visit Tanzania. Nyerere National Park covers about 54,600 square kilometers. With this vast size, extensive game drives to see the different animals in the park are enjoyable. Animals in Nyerere National Park to not miss, apart from the big five, include wild dogs, hippos, giraffes, zebras, Nyasaland gnu, sable antelopes, spotted hyenas, among so many others. Over 350 birds are in Nyerere National Park.
Tanzania Tribes
Tanzania has over 200 tribal groups. The most prominent and visited tribes by travelers are the Maasai and Chagga tribes. Encountering these and immersing in their way of life and experiences shall have you do that which you never thought to before. The Hadza tribe shall take you hunting, honey-harvesting, local goat roasting and so much more.
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is a salt water lake found in the northern part of Tanzania, situated between the Ol Doinyo Lengai mountains and the Ngorongoro highlands. Only about 3 meters deep, the lake inhabits about 2.5 million pink flamingos, which feed on the algae that thrive here.
Lake Victoria
This vast beautiful lake is shared by the 3 countries of East Africa that is Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater body in Africa, and is also the source of River Nile, the longest river in Africa. The areas of Mwanza, Bukoba and Musoma is where one could choose to stay while visiting the lake, with the best being Mwanza given the proximity of Serengeti National Park. The fish species and sizes caught, scenic views and other attractions make Lake Victoria a beautiful place to visit.
Singita Grumeti Reserve
A private enterprise and conservation project just next to Serengeti National Park, Singita Grumeti Reserve is a Tanzania attraction run by Paul Tudor Jones under a leasing agreement with the Tanzania government. Singita Grumeti Reserve is located in the west of Serengeti National Park rewarding travelers with amazing wildlife experiences, away from the crowds. This reserve has some of the finest and exclusive lodges and camps. Game drives, hot air balloon rides, private guided walking safaris, great wildebeest migration is what should be expected to be done here.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a small park that has 330 square kilometers covered by water and forest. While game drives can be done, guided walking safaris and a canopy walk are unique and amazing activities to enjoy while on a safari in Lake Manyara National Park. The park is famous for the tree climbing lions, Lake Manyara and the numerous pink flamingos that call it home. An important birding area, over 300 birds are recorded in the park.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is a small Tanzania safari destination that is not as much visited as the other Tanzania safari parks say Tarangire National Park or Serengeti National Park. Arusha National Park is a perfect 1 day or even half-day Tanzania safari tour destination for it is near to Arusha, offering amazing game drives and guided walking safaris; all the while enjoying amazing views of Mount Meru. Most travelers visit Arusha National Park before or after their safari in Tanzania. Key attractions in Arusha National Park are the Ngurdoto Crater, Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, animals and birds. Animals in Arusha National Park include buffalos, warthogs, colobus monkeys, zebras, among so many others.
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park, a small Tanzania park covering only 52 square kilometers, is a haven for chimpanzees. The amazing conservation done here (thanks to Jane Goodall) aims to increase the population and safety of chimpanzees in Tanzania, hosting one of the largest population of habituated chimpanzees in Africa. Apart from chimpanzees, other smaller primates can be spotted, over 200 bird species. Birds in Gombe Stream National Park include barbets, kingfishers, palm-nut vultures, starlings, crowned eagles, and so many others. Chimpanzee tracking is the most sought after activity in the park: other activities include hiking, exploring waterfalls, swimming on Lake Tanganyika, and bird watching.
Mount Meru
Mount Meru is found in Arusha National Park, standing tall and majestic. Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania with a height of 4,565m above sea level. Mount Meru is an active strato-volcano, which last erupted in 1910. Though not as tall as the Kilimanjaro Mountain, Mount Meru has a steeper and more difficult climb: hiking routes pass through different kinds of vegetation zones that is savanna grasslands, heather zones, moorlands and forests. While hiking Mount Meru, keen travelers can spot most of the over 400 birds species recoded in the area. Primates, antelopes among other animals can be seen on Mount Meru.
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar Island is an archipelago with many smaller islands that travelers can get to enjoy while on a Zanzibar safaris tours. Zanzibar Island is at the shores of the Indian Ocean, rewarding travelers with amazing views of the turquoise blue waters and fine white sand beaches that they can walk on. While in Zanzibar, other activities one can enjoy include Stone Town tours, visiting the Prison Island, enjoy a Safari Blu experience, snorkeling, kite surfing, scuba diving, among so many others. A minimum of 2 nights is what is recommended for Zanzibar: the longer you stay, the better your experience.
Tanzania is considered by many as the best African safari destination, for a typical wildlife experience. The shortest time you can have on safari in Tanzania is 1 day, to say Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or even a 1 day Mikumi fly-in safari from Zanzibar. The best is a 5-7 days safari in Tanzania. Including a couple of days in Zanzibar Island or Mafia Island is a great way to unwind after a long Tanzania safari experience. Whatever your preferences are, get in touch with us to help curate for you a customized Tanzania safari with the above attractions and beyond.
