10 Must Visit Attractions In Tanzania

Although Tanzania is largely renowned as a world-class wildlife destination, there is so much more the country affords—from protected marine reserves to ancient sites of historical significance. Pristine beaches and turquoise waters make for a stunning and unique contrast to golden grasslands and game-filled plains, setting Tanzania up as the perfect location for a surf-and-turf kind of break. Here are 10 attractions you just can’t miss.

# Lake Manyara

Two thirds of Lake Manyara National Park are covered by waters of the same name. Home to thousands of flamingos and other diverse wildlife, the serene and picturesque lake is ideal for bird watching and canoe safaris.

# Matema Beach

Metema Beach on Lake Malawi is slightly off the usual tourist track and offers peaceful tranquility in a beautiful setting. Situated at the foothills of the Livingstone Mountains, this heavenly spot is great for swimming, and the more active can hike to the nearby waterfall.

# The Big Five

Undeniably one of Tanzania’s most popular attractions, the Big Five consist of the lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino. Almost all of these are easy to spot in any one of the country’s amazing wildlife parks and reserves.

# Prison Island

Once an outback for convicted prisoners, today Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is most visited for its resident colony of Giant Aldabra tortoise, an endangered species that arrived in Zanzibar as a gift from the government of the Seychelles. Some are over 100 years old and amble peacefully among other wildlife that includes colorful peacocks and butterflies, as well as shy buck.

# Mount Meru

Located in the Arusha National Park, this mountain is the fifth-highest on the African continent and the second-highest in Tanzania. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savannas and are covered in lush and beautiful forests where birds and monkeys thrive. Although leopards are also known to frequent the area, they are notoriously difficult to spot.

# House of Wonders

Also sometimes referred to as the Palace of Wonders, this remarkable structure overlooks the waterfront of Stone Town and features enormous, carved doors that are said to be the largest in East Africa. Inside the rise of striking tiers of both pillars and balconies, one will find the National Museum of History and Culture, showcasing Swahili culture and the people of the Indian Ocean.

# Serengeti Hippo Pool

If you are willing to put up with the smell, then the Hippo Pool in the Serengeti National Park affords excellent hippo sightings, where hundreds of these large creatures vie for space in a relatively small, muddy pool while river carp jump around in the water.

# Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre

Housing a great selection of modern and antique art, the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is a place where Tanzania’s past mingles with its present. Explore the history of more than 100 tribes that inhabit the country and pick up carvings, books, gemstones and clothing to take home as souvenirs.

# The annual wildebeest migration

Famed the world over as one of the most spectacular natural shows on earth, the great wildebeest migration means thousands of visitors flock to Tanzania every year to witness this impressive event. The action takes place in the Serengeti National Park, as wildebeest and zebra follow age-old migratory paths in search of fresh grazing land.

# Jozani Forest

This amazingly beautiful forest holds significance as one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world for the red colobus monkey. It covers approximately 2000 hectares (4942 acres) of whole ground-water forest, coral rag forest, and a salt marsh area, and also incorporates a large mangrove swamp. Other animals that call this forest home include sykes monkeys, bushbabies (also known as galagos) and Aders’ duiker.