10 Popular Places to Visit in Tanzania
14th December 2015 bushbuck
Tanzania is among the foremost tourist destinations in Africa. While Mount Kilimanjaro can take credit for attracting millions of tourists every year, it is not the only popular place to visit in the country. If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, here are 10 popular places you should definitely visit while you are there:
1. Serengeti National Park
If you have a thing for wildlife, there isn’t a better place to head to than the Serengeti National Park. There are speculated to be hundreds of thousands animals here. December to June is the peak season when you are likely to view some of the most beautiful species of animals. Also, there are around 500 species of birds here as well. A major draw is the migration of zebras every year around May.
2. Lake Manyara National Park
A slight contrast to the treeless plain which makes up the Serengeti National Park, the Lake Manyara National Park is much greener and also includes many natural bodies of water, including the titular Lake Manyara. The lake attracts flamingoes, thousands of them, year on year, which is a magnificent sight. The park is also known for being home to a large population of baboons. You will also find hippos and elephants roaming about. The park also offers activities such as canoeing and mountain biking.
3. Lake Victoria
Situated on the border of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, the Lake Victoria is the largest saltwater lake in all of Africa. Around the lake you will find many activities on offer, including fishing trips and also bird watching. You can also go hiking. The lake itself is magnificent and there are many islands in the region.
4. The Zanzibar Beaches
You will find some of the best beaches in the world around Zanzibar, with gorgeous clear blue water. You can enjoy water activities, including boating, or just relax on the beach.
5. Stone Town
Well, if you head to Zanzibar to check out the beaches, do pay Stone Town a visit. This small area gives you an idea of the culture and lifestyle of the people in the area. Stone Town has been there for over two centuries and little has changed in that time.
6. Mafia Island
The Mafia Island is Tanzania’s premier diving and snorkeling destination. People from around the world come here to explore the deep waters. You can see several species of birds on the island and around 400 types of fish in the water. You can also try your hand at deep-sea fishing.
7. Pemba Island
Located on the Zanzibar archipelago, the Pemba Island also offers great scuba diving. If you are into scuba diving, this is one place in Tanzania you have to visit.
8. Olduvai Gorge
This one is for those with a thing for history. Olduvai Gorge offers a lesson in archaeology. Located atop fault lines, the site has revealed old fossils and other remnants of ancient civilizations. According to some records, the fossils have proven hominid species lived in the region as far back as 2 million years ago.
9. Selous Game Reserve
The largest game service in Africa, Selous has been around for almost a century. The reserve alone covers 5% of Tanzania’s total land area. You can head to the northern area of the reserve and be up close with a wide range of animals and birds.
10. Tarangire National Park
From July to September every year, the Tarangire National Park attracts migrant animals, including gazelles, zebras, and buffaloes as well as wildebeest, making for an exceptional sight. It is also one of the best spots for bird watching in the country.
These are the 10 most popular places to visit in Tanzania. Make sure you include them in your itinerary the next time you plan a trip to this part of the world.