8 Top International Tourist Locations in Tanzania

“You can’t hate the roots of a tree and not hate the tree. You can’t hate Africa and not hate yourself.”

- Malcolm X

Tanzania is beautiful, and you should visit this Eastern African country at least once in your lifetime.

Here are 8 places that would wow you, enjoy!

1. Ruaha National Park

As one of Tanzania’s largest parks, Ruaha National Park which was named after the Hehe word “ruvaha”, meaning “river”, has large herds of Buffalo, Elephants, and Gazelle. The Great Ruaha River is the main feature of the Ruaha National Park providing magnificent wildlife viewing on the banks. The river also provides much of the electricity to Tanzania through a hydroelectric dam at Kidatu.

2. Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park was established in 1970 and it has one of the highest concentrations of migratory wildlife. One of the most noticeable highlights of the Tarangire National Park is the baobab trees that dot the grassy landscape. This national park is a paradise for bird watchers as more than 550 different species frequent the park. Tarangire National Park is also known for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions.

3. Mafia Island

This island first saw settlers in the 8th or 9th Century, but Mafia Island became a more important settlement during the 12th to 14th Century when it held a key position in the East African trading route. Mafia Island is also a traditional breeding site for the green turtle, which are unfortunately close to extinction. Countless birds and over 400 species of fish can be found in this area.

4. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Located between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact ancient caldera in the world, nearly three million years old. The Ngorongoro volcano mountain was one of the world’s tallest mountains before it exploded and collapsed becoming one of Tanzania’s most popular wildlife viewing areas. This huge volcanic crater has a permanent supply of water which draws all kinds of animals who stay in this area rather than migrating. Visitors come here primarily for viewing the large game and bird watching; but also of interest in the conservation area is the Olduvai Gorge. This important archaeological site has revealed an ancient skull and bone fragments that have delivered critical information about early mankind.

5. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is a treeless plain with thousands, even millions of animals searching for fresh grasslands. As the largest part of Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park attracts thousands of tourists each year. The best months for wildlife viewing are between December and June. The wet season is from March to May, with the coldest periods from June to October. The annual migration of millions Zebra and Wildebeest takes place in May or early June. This migration is one of the most impressive natural events and the primary draw for many tourists.

6. Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano in North-eastern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. At 5, 892 meters (19, 331 feet) above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Although positioned close to the equator, Mount Kilimanjaro is famous for its snow-capped peak looming over the plains of the savannah. The mountain has become a major tourist attraction for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. One of the most frequented attractions in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is home to Africa’s highest mountain peak.

7. Selous Game Reserve

Savanna animals can be found in this reserve in greater number than in any other African game reserves, thanks to stringent regulation by the wildlife division of the Tanzania Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Most visitors arrive by aircraft and walking tours or river trips are permitted, though no human habitation or permanent structures are allowed. A broad range of game can be found including elephants, hippos and rhinos as well as buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, lion, leopard and cheetah. The diversity of bird life in Selous includes over 350 recorded species.

8. Zanzibar Beaches

The Zanzibar archipelago consists of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. The island of Zanzibar, also called Ungula, is a major holiday destination known for its beautiful beaches. This island has some of the best beaches in the world with varying surf depending on what side of the island you are on.