last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Tanzania
Location Map of Tanzania
Tanzania
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Tanzania has 7 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Kilimanjaro (1987)
Africa's highest peak at 5,892 m. Located in the UNESCO-listed national park of the same name, near Arusha. A must for lovers of high-altitude treks or mountaineering. The park itself is home to elephants, monkeys, buffalo, antelope, birds, and more.
Africa's highest peak at 5,892 m. Located in the UNESCO-listed national park of the same name, near Arusha. A must for lovers of high-altitude treks or mountaineering. The park itself is home to elephants, monkeys, buffalo, antelope, birds, and more.
Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara (1981)
On these two islands in the Kilwa archipelago lie the ruins of what were once two major ports of the Kilwa Sultanate. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On these two islands in the Kilwa archipelago lie the ruins of what were once two major ports of the Kilwa Sultanate. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kondoa (2006)
North of Dodoma, this is a significant collection of prehistoric rock art sites nestled in nearly 200 caves. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
North of Dodoma, this is a significant collection of prehistoric rock art sites nestled in nearly 200 caves. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1979)
A savanna and plateau region bordering the Serengeti, with the Ngorongoro Crater at its center. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its landscapes, wildlife (the "Big Five"), archaeological sites, and Maasai communities.
A savanna and plateau region bordering the Serengeti, with the Ngorongoro Crater at its center. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its landscapes, wildlife (the "Big Five"), archaeological sites, and Maasai communities.
Selous Reserve (1982)
Located in the south of the country, between the coast and Lake Malawi, this is Africa's largest reserve. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a very rich wildlife (elephants, rhinoceroses, cheetahs, crocodiles) that you can discover on safaris by 4x4, boat (on the Rufiji River), or on foot.
Located in the south of the country, between the coast and Lake Malawi, this is Africa's largest reserve. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a very rich wildlife (elephants, rhinoceroses, cheetahs, crocodiles) that you can discover on safaris by 4x4, boat (on the Rufiji River), or on foot.
Serengeti National Park (1981)
This is the second-largest wildlife park in Africa, extending from Kenya's Masai Mara. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to all of Africa's wildlife, especially during the migration period, set against a savanna landscape where Maasai communities also live.
This is the second-largest wildlife park in Africa, extending from Kenya's Masai Mara. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to all of Africa's wildlife, especially during the migration period, set against a savanna landscape where Maasai communities also live.
Stone Town (2000)
This is the old quarter of Zanzibar City. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a magnificent example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa.
This is the old quarter of Zanzibar City. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a magnificent example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa.
The Interior
Arusha
This city near Kenya is primarily the starting point for many tours to the northern reserves or for climbing Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
This city near Kenya is primarily the starting point for many tours to the northern reserves or for climbing Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Kigoma
On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma is primarily a "hub" city for transport when visiting the region (including Gombe National Park) or reaching Zambia and Burundi via the lake.
On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma is primarily a "hub" city for transport when visiting the region (including Gombe National Park) or reaching Zambia and Burundi via the lake.
Kondoa
North of Dodoma, this is a significant collection of prehistoric rock art sites nestled in nearly 200 caves. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
North of Dodoma, this is a significant collection of prehistoric rock art sites nestled in nearly 200 caves. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mbeya
This large southern city is a near-mandatory stopover for travelling to Zambia or Malawi by land. It also offers excellent hiking opportunities in the surrounding area.
This large southern city is a near-mandatory stopover for travelling to Zambia or Malawi by land. It also offers excellent hiking opportunities in the surrounding area.
Moshi
The town at the foot of Kilimanjaro is increasingly becoming an alternative to Arusha for organizing treks or climbing Kili.
The town at the foot of Kilimanjaro is increasingly becoming an alternative to Arusha for organizing treks or climbing Kili.
Natural Heritage (Northern Tanzania)
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A savanna and plateau region bordering the Serengeti, with the Ngorongoro Crater at its center. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its landscapes, wildlife (the "Big Five"), archaeological sites, and Maasai communities.
A savanna and plateau region bordering the Serengeti, with the Ngorongoro Crater at its center. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its landscapes, wildlife (the "Big Five"), archaeological sites, and Maasai communities.
Kilimanjaro
Africa's highest peak at 5,892 m. Located in the UNESCO-listed national park of the same name, near Arusha. A must for lovers of high-altitude treks or mountaineering. The park itself is home to elephants, monkeys, buffalo, antelope, birds, and more.
Africa's highest peak at 5,892 m. Located in the UNESCO-listed national park of the same name, near Arusha. A must for lovers of high-altitude treks or mountaineering. The park itself is home to elephants, monkeys, buffalo, antelope, birds, and more.
Lake Eyasi
It is a large salt lake south of the Serengeti. Various communities with distinct cultures and traditions, including the Hadzabe, live in its surroundings.
It is a large salt lake south of the Serengeti. Various communities with distinct cultures and traditions, including the Hadzabe, live in its surroundings.
Lake Tanganyika
West of the country, it is the second largest lake in Africa. It serves as a major regional communication route. For tourists, several parks along its shore (Gombe, Mahale Mountains) and a few beaches here and there, particularly in its southern part, can be discovered.
West of the country, it is the second largest lake in Africa. It serves as a major regional communication route. For tourists, several parks along its shore (Gombe, Mahale Mountains) and a few beaches here and there, particularly in its southern part, can be discovered.
Lake Victoria
Straddling Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, it is the largest lake in Africa and a major communication route.
Straddling Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, it is the largest lake in Africa and a major communication route.
Mount Meru
At 4,565 m, this extinct volcano overlooking the city of Arusha is Africa's fourth-highest peak. A classic high-altitude trek that can be completed in 3 or 4 days of hiking, it lies within the small Arusha National Park, home to relatively rich wildlife.
At 4,565 m, this extinct volcano overlooking the city of Arusha is Africa's fourth-highest peak. A classic high-altitude trek that can be completed in 3 or 4 days of hiking, it lies within the small Arusha National Park, home to relatively rich wildlife.
Arusha National Park
Near the city of the same name, the area is best known for being home to Mount Meru. In terms of wildlife, it is home to elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and birds, among others.
Near the city of the same name, the area is best known for being home to Mount Meru. In terms of wildlife, it is home to elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and birds, among others.
Gombe National Park
Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, near Kigoma, it is one of the country's smallest parks. It is known for its significant population of chimpanzees and birds. Hiking is possible here.
Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, near Kigoma, it is one of the country's smallest parks. It is known for its significant population of chimpanzees and birds. Hiking is possible here.
Rubondo Island National Park
A small park on a forested island in Lake Victoria. It’s known for its birds but is also home to monkeys, hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
A small park on a forested island in Lake Victoria. It’s known for its birds but is also home to monkeys, hippos, elephants, and crocodiles.
Lake Manyara National Park
This small site bordering Tarangire is home to Africa's famous "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo), as well as numerous monkeys and birds.
This small site bordering Tarangire is home to Africa's famous "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo), as well as numerous monkeys and birds.
Serengeti National Park
This is the second-largest wildlife park in Africa, extending from Kenya's Masai Mara. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to all of Africa's wildlife, especially during the migration period, set against a savanna landscape where Maasai communities also live.
This is the second-largest wildlife park in Africa, extending from Kenya's Masai Mara. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to all of Africa's wildlife, especially during the migration period, set against a savanna landscape where Maasai communities also live.
Tarangire National Park
Extending from Lake Manyara, this savanna park with its countless baobabs is home to significant wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Extending from Lake Manyara, this savanna park with its countless baobabs is home to significant wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Natural Heritage (Southern Tanzania)
Kalambo Falls
Between Zambia and Tanzania, near Lake Tanganyika, these 230 m falls are among the highest in Africa. Several archaeological sites in the area.
Between Zambia and Tanzania, near Lake Tanganyika, these 230 m falls are among the highest in Africa. Several archaeological sites in the area.
Lake Malawi
It is shared between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, with ferries available for crossing. By far, the Malawian side is the most tourist-friendly, featuring beaches, "beach resorts," and even cruise possibilities. Meanwhile, the Mozambican side (and similarly in Tanzania) is less visited but still accessible, with beautiful beaches near Metangula, birdwatching opportunities, and some hiking options.
It is shared between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, with ferries available for crossing. By far, the Malawian side is the most tourist-friendly, featuring beaches, "beach resorts," and even cruise possibilities. Meanwhile, the Mozambican side (and similarly in Tanzania) is less visited but still accessible, with beautiful beaches near Metangula, birdwatching opportunities, and some hiking options.
Uluguru Mountains
This mountain range near Dar es Salaam is partly within Mikumi Park. It is a destination for hiking.
This mountain range near Dar es Salaam is partly within Mikumi Park. It is a destination for hiking.
Katavi National Park
Close to Lake Tanganyika, this is an isolated park (encompassing several reserves) partly made up of marshes where many crocodiles and hippopotamuses live. You can also see elephants, buffaloes, and birds.
Close to Lake Tanganyika, this is an isolated park (encompassing several reserves) partly made up of marshes where many crocodiles and hippopotamuses live. You can also see elephants, buffaloes, and birds.
Mikumi National Park
Bordering the Selous, this savannah is home to a substantial wildlife population, including lions, hippos, elephants, buffalo, and more.
Bordering the Selous, this savannah is home to a substantial wildlife population, including lions, hippos, elephants, buffalo, and more.
Mahale Mountains National Park
A beautiful, isolated, and hard-to-reach mountainous area on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Besides the scenery, the park is renowned for hosting the country’s largest chimpanzee population.
A beautiful, isolated, and hard-to-reach mountainous area on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Besides the scenery, the park is renowned for hosting the country’s largest chimpanzee population.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Right next to the Selous Reserve, this stunning forested site is home to numerous monkeys, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and birds. You can hike (including by canoe) through mountain landscapes, valleys, and tall waterfalls.
Right next to the Selous Reserve, this stunning forested site is home to numerous monkeys, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and birds. You can hike (including by canoe) through mountain landscapes, valleys, and tall waterfalls.
Ruaha National Park
Close to the Great Lakes, this vast park—which actually encompasses several reserves—remains relatively little-visited. Yet it offers an exceptionally rich wildlife experience, particularly with large populations of elephants and birds.
Close to the Great Lakes, this vast park—which actually encompasses several reserves—remains relatively little-visited. Yet it offers an exceptionally rich wildlife experience, particularly with large populations of elephants and birds.
Selous Reserve
Located in the south of the country, between the coast and Lake Malawi, this is Africa's largest reserve. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a very rich wildlife (elephants, rhinoceroses, cheetahs, crocodiles) that you can discover on safaris by 4x4, boat (on the Rufiji River), or on foot.
Located in the south of the country, between the coast and Lake Malawi, this is Africa's largest reserve. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a very rich wildlife (elephants, rhinoceroses, cheetahs, crocodiles) that you can discover on safaris by 4x4, boat (on the Rufiji River), or on foot.
The Coast
Bagamoyo
About sixty kilometres north of Dar es Salaam, the town was once the capital of German East Africa, and many colonial-era landmarks remain. On the outskirts, another fascinating site: the ruins of the 14th-century city of Kaole.
About sixty kilometres north of Dar es Salaam, the town was once the capital of German East Africa, and many colonial-era landmarks remain. On the outskirts, another fascinating site: the ruins of the 14th-century city of Kaole.
Dar es Salaam
The former capital is also Tanzania's largest city. While it has a certain charm and boasts several museums and nearby beaches, it mainly serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area or heading to Zanzibar.
The former capital is also Tanzania's largest city. While it has a certain charm and boasts several museums and nearby beaches, it mainly serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area or heading to Zanzibar.
Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara
On these two islands in the Kilwa archipelago lie the ruins of what were once two major ports of the Kilwa Sultanate. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On these two islands in the Kilwa archipelago lie the ruins of what were once two major ports of the Kilwa Sultanate. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lushoto
In the Usambara Mountains, this place was once highly favored by German colonizers, who turned it into a holiday resort and agricultural hub, some traces of which can still be seen today. The area is great for hiking.
In the Usambara Mountains, this place was once highly favored by German colonizers, who turned it into a holiday resort and agricultural hub, some traces of which can still be seen today. The area is great for hiking.
Mtwara
Close to Mozambique, this port nestled in Mikindani Bay is primarily a base for exploring the nearby small town of Mikindani, which features several buildings from the German era, including a fort and Livingstone’s house. You can also go diving along the coast.
Close to Mozambique, this port nestled in Mikindani Bay is primarily a base for exploring the nearby small town of Mikindani, which features several buildings from the German era, including a fort and Livingstone’s house. You can also go diving along the coast.
Pangani
A small town south of Tanga with architecture blending Arab, English, and German influences. You can also enjoy the beaches around the town.
A small town south of Tanga with architecture blending Arab, English, and German influences. You can also enjoy the beaches around the town.
Tanga
The last major coastal city before Kenya, Tanga is primarily a transport hub and a potential base for exploring the surrounding areas (parks and more).
The last major coastal city before Kenya, Tanga is primarily a transport hub and a potential base for exploring the surrounding areas (parks and more).
Natural Heritage
Usambara Mountains
A lovely mountain range near the coast in the Tanga region, with very rich flora. You can trek here and see some German colonial landmarks.
A lovely mountain range near the coast in the Tanga region, with very rich flora. You can trek here and see some German colonial landmarks.
Saadani National Park
North of Dar es Salaam, facing Zanzibar, but not very easy to access. This is the only wildlife park on the coast. You’ll find giraffes, wildebeest, buffalo, crocodiles, elephants, and occasionally lions and leopards.
North of Dar es Salaam, facing Zanzibar, but not very easy to access. This is the only wildlife park on the coast. You’ll find giraffes, wildebeest, buffalo, crocodiles, elephants, and occasionally lions and leopards.
The Zanzibar Archipelago
Zanzibar (Unguja)
Jambiani
Several hotel establishments have developed around this small village on the south-east coast.
Several hotel establishments have developed around this small village on the south-east coast.
Nungwi
A beach resort at the northern tip of the island. You can dive here and take boat trips on dhows. Other nice beaches nearby include Kendwa Beach.
A beach resort at the northern tip of the island. You can dive here and take boat trips on dhows. Other nice beaches nearby include Kendwa Beach.
Jozani National Park
Beautiful forest in central Unguja for hiking. You can also see spice plantations in the surrounding area.
Beautiful forest in central Unguja for hiking. You can also see spice plantations in the surrounding area.
Zanzibar City
The capital of the archipelago features a stunning old quarter called Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architecture, which blends the various influences the island has experienced over the centuries.
The capital of the archipelago features a stunning old quarter called Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architecture, which blends the various influences the island has experienced over the centuries.
Other Islands
Mafia
This is a stunning island spared from mass tourism below Zanzibar. It offers magnificent beaches and marine life ideal for diving, protected within the Mafia Island Marine Park.
This is a stunning island spared from mass tourism below Zanzibar. It offers magnificent beaches and marine life ideal for diving, protected within the Mafia Island Marine Park.
Pemba
North of Zanzibar, not far from Kenya, Pemba is a paradise for diving and its beaches. The island also houses a few 14th-century ruins. Whale watching is possible in July-August.
North of Zanzibar, not far from Kenya, Pemba is a paradise for diving and its beaches. The island also houses a few 14th-century ruins. Whale watching is possible in July-August.
Must-see & highly recommended
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
★★★★ A savanna and plateau region bordering the Serengeti, with the Ngorongoro Crater at its center. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site…
Kilimanjaro
★★★★ Africa's highest peak at 5,892 m. Located in the UNESCO-listed national park of the same name, near Arusha. A must for lovers of…
Serengeti National Park
★★★★ This is the second-largest wildlife park in Africa, extending from Kenya's Masai Mara. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home…
Recommended
Lake Malawi
★★★ It is shared between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, with ferries available for crossing. By far, the Malawian side is the most…
Mafia
★★★ This is a stunning island spared from mass tourism below Zanzibar. It offers magnificent beaches and marine life ideal for diving…
Nungwi
★★★ A beach resort at the northern tip of the island. You can dive here and take boat trips on dhows. Other nice beaches nearby include Kendwa…
Tarangire National Park
★★★ Extending from Lake Manyara, this savanna park with its countless baobabs is home to significant wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Lake Manyara National Park
★★★ This small site bordering Tarangire is home to Africa's famous "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo), as well as…
Pemba
★★★ North of Zanzibar, not far from Kenya, Pemba is a paradise for diving and its beaches. The island also houses a few 14th-century ruins…
Selous Reserve
★★★ Located in the south of the country, between the coast and Lake Malawi, this is Africa's largest reserve. It is a UNESCO World Heritage…
Stone Town
★★★ This is the old quarter of Zanzibar City. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a magnificent example of the Swahili coastal trading…
Zanzibar City
★★★ The capital of the archipelago features a stunning old quarter called Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architecture, which…
Worth a look / Other
Kalambo Falls
★★ Between Zambia and Tanzania, near Lake Tanganyika, these 230 m falls are among the highest in Africa. Several archaeological sites in the…
Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara
★★ On these two islands in the Kilwa archipelago lie the ruins of what were once two major ports of the Kilwa Sultanate. The site is a UNESCO…
Kondoa
★★ North of Dodoma, this is a significant collection of prehistoric rock art sites nestled in nearly 200 caves. The site is a UNESCO World…
Lake Natron
★★ A salt lake on the Kenyan border. It is home to a very large population of flamingos.
Lake Tanganyika
★★ West of the country, it is the second largest lake in Africa. It serves as a major regional communication route. For tourists, several…
Mount Meru
★★ At 4,565 m, this extinct volcano overlooking the city of Arusha is Africa's fourth-highest peak. A classic high-altitude trek that can be…
Usambara Mountains
★★ A lovely mountain range near the coast in the Tanga region, with very rich flora. You can trek here and see some German colonial landmarks.
Pangani
★★ A small town south of Tanga with architecture blending Arab, English, and German influences. You can also enjoy the beaches around the town.
Arusha National Park
★★ Near the city of the same name, the area is best known for being home to Mount Meru. In terms of wildlife, it is home to elephants…
Katavi National Park
★★ Close to Lake Tanganyika, this is an isolated park (encompassing several reserves) partly made up of marshes where many crocodiles and…
Rubondo Island National Park
★★ A small park on a forested island in Lake Victoria. It’s known for its birds but is also home to monkeys, hippos, elephants, and…
Mikumi National Park
★★ Bordering the Selous, this savannah is home to a substantial wildlife population, including lions, hippos, elephants, buffalo, and more.
Ruaha National Park
★★ Close to the Great Lakes, this vast park—which actually encompasses several reserves—remains relatively little-visited. Yet it…
Saadani National Park
★★ North of Dar es Salaam, facing Zanzibar, but not very easy to access. This is the only wildlife park on the coast. You’ll find…
Mahale Mountains National Park
★★ A beautiful, isolated, and hard-to-reach mountainous area on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Besides the scenery, the park is renowned for…
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
★★ Right next to the Selous Reserve, this stunning forested site is home to numerous monkeys, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and birds. You can…
Uroa
★★ A small fishing village surrounded by beaches with a few hotels.
Arusha
★ This city near Kenya is primarily the starting point for many tours to the northern reserves or for climbing Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Bagamoyo
★ About sixty kilometres north of Dar es Salaam, the town was once the capital of German East Africa, and many colonial-era landmarks remain…
Dar es Salaam
★ The former capital is also Tanzania's largest city. While it has a certain charm and boasts several museums and nearby beaches, it mainly…
Dodoma
★ Located in the heart of the country, it has been the capital of Tanzania since 1973.
Jambiani
★ Several hotel establishments have developed around this small village on the south-east coast.
Kigoma
★ On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma is primarily a "hub" city for transport when visiting the region (including Gombe National Park)…
Lake Eyasi
★ It is a large salt lake south of the Serengeti. Various communities with distinct cultures and traditions, including the Hadzabe, live in…
Lake Victoria
★ Straddling Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, it is the largest lake in Africa and a major communication route.
Lushoto
★ In the Usambara Mountains, this place was once highly favored by German colonizers, who turned it into a holiday resort and agricultural…
Mbeya
★ This large southern city is a near-mandatory stopover for travelling to Zambia or Malawi by land. It also offers excellent hiking…
Uluguru Mountains
★ This mountain range near Dar es Salaam is partly within Mikumi Park. It is a destination for hiking.
Moshi
★ The town at the foot of Kilimanjaro is increasingly becoming an alternative to Arusha for organizing treks or climbing Kili.
Mtwara
★ Close to Mozambique, this port nestled in Mikindani Bay is primarily a base for exploring the nearby small town of Mikindani, which…
Mwanza
★ The second-largest city in Tanzania, located on the shores of Lake Victoria.
Gombe National Park
★ Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, near Kigoma, it is one of the country's smallest parks. It is known for its significant…
Jozani National Park
★ Beautiful forest in central Unguja for hiking. You can also see spice plantations in the surrounding area.
Tanga
★ The last major coastal city before Kenya, Tanga is primarily a transport hub and a potential base for exploring the surrounding areas…