12 Best Places to Visit in Tanzania

Discover the best places to visit in Tanzania, from wildlife-filled savannahs to tranquil beaches and ancient wonders – Tanzania beckons with its array of wildlife and natural wonders, from the vast savannah plains of the Serengeti, which teems with the famous wildebeest migration, to the ancient caldera of Ngorongoro, and Ruaha’s untamed, rugged wilderness. Adventures culminate on a Zanzibar holiday on the enchanting, romantic, white sandy beaches, where the spice route’s history whispers and turquoise waters soothe the soul.

Discover Top Destinations In Tanzania

1. Serengeti National Park.

The Serengeti is one of the best places to visit in Tanzania, as it beckons with its vast savannahs, home to the wildebeest and zebra great migration. Witness this spectacle year-round as it follows its ancient cyclical pattern. Photographic safari opportunities overflow during the wildebeest’s breeding season in the southern Serengeti from January through March. While savouring unforgettable year-round safaris, encounter lion, leopard, and cheetah on spectacular game drives. Soar silently in hot-air balloon safaris to enjoy the views of landscape and wildlife below.

Why go on a safari in Serengeti?

Endless Plains & Incredible Wildlife: A vast and untouched wilderness with some of the best game viewing in Africa.

Great Migration Drama: The iconic river crossings and sheer scale of the migration make it a bucket-list event.

Varied Landscapes & Wildlife: From predator-packed savannahs to lush riverine forests and rocky kopjes, the Serengeti offers various habitats.

Exclusive & Remote Lodges: Luxury tented camps provide intimate safari experiences away from the crowds.

Ideal for Photographic safaris: Stunning golden sunsets, abundant wildlife, and dramatic scenery create perfect photographic moments.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a unique sanctuary where the world’s largest intact caldera cradles an ecosystem teeming with magnificent wildlife. Here, the Maasai people roam, their lives intertwined with the land, offering visitors a glimpse into their culture as enduring as the ancient crater. The Big Five can be found within the Ngorongoro Crater, and millions of wildebeests and zebras can be seen roaming the northwestern plains from mid-December to March. The Highlands offers the perfect base from which to explore all that this area offers.

Why go visit Ngorongoro?

Ngorongoro Crater is a must-visit while on a Tanzania safari, as it offers one of the best opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife in a single day, all against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, rises majestically above the savannah plains. As climbers ascend, they face diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to glaciers. The summit rewards with breathtaking sunrise views and a sense of accomplishment. This towering giant, a beacon for adventurers, embodies the heart of Africa’s wild beauty, overlooking both Kenya and Tanzania.

Why climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Visit the highest point in Africa

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Enjoy unforgettable scenic views and wildlife sightings

Protects the largest free standing volcanic mass

4. Lake Manyara National Park

Nestled in Tanzania’s Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and important migratory corridor between Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Thousands of pink flamingoes adorn the shallows of the alkaline lake, while herds of elephant, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest traverse the plains, under the watchful eyes of lion, leopard, and hyena. The diverse terrain attracts a variety of birdlife, with numbers increasing as migratory species arrive in November.

Why go on a Lake Manyara safari?

Largest concentration of Elephants in Africa

Spectacular Birdwatching

Rich Cultural Experience (Masaai Mara)

Offers an unique wildlife experience

5. Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is a tapestry of cultural influences. Its pristine palm-fringed romantic beaches and clear waters invite relaxation, and the historic Stone Town, with its famous carved doors, whispers tales of bygone eras. African, Arabic, and European legacies interweave, creating a rich mosaic of architecture, delicious cuisines, and alluring traditions.

Why go on a Zanzibar beach holiday?

Exotic & Historical Charm: Zanzibar holidays can include exploring Stone Town’s labyrinthine alleys, spice markets, and centuries-old buildings transport visitors to another time.

Pristine Beaches & Island Bliss: Zanzibar’s coastlines are lined with palm-fringed, white-sand beaches and luxurious resorts.

World-Class Diving & Snorkeling: Crystal-clear waters teem with vibrant marine life, coral reefs, and even dolphin encounters.

Cultural Melting Pot: A blend of African, Arab, and European influences creates a rich and diverse cultural experience.

Perfect Safari Add-On: A popular extension to a Tanzania safari, offering relaxation after thrilling wildlife encounters.

6. Tarangire National Park

The easily assessed Tarangire National Park is a wildlife sanctuary where some of Tanzania’s largest herds of majestic elephant roam. The park’s iconic baobabs, some over a millennium old, stand as silent witnesses to the vibrant ecosystem of predators and abundant wildlife. The landscapes are a haven for bird enthusiasts, sporting over 500 species, bolstered further by the arrival of migrants from November to April.

Why visit Tarangire Park?

Wonderful Birding destination

Incredible wildlife and safari experiences

Sheer numbers of Elephants

Spectacular number of ancient baobab trees

7. Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is a sanctuary of untamed wilderness. Its vast, rugged landscapes are a collage of rolling hills and baobab-studded plains, home to a rich tapestry of predators and unusual wildlife which can be enjoyed year-round. Here, the remote allure beckons adventurers seeking the serenity of Africa’s raw beauty.

Why a safari at Ruaha Park?

Ruaha is the Serengeti of the south, with a diversity of species

Specialist multi-day walking safaris in the dry seasons of June to the end of March

More than 570 species of birds

8. Nyerere Game Reserve

Nyerere National Park, previously the Selous Game Reserve, is one of Africa’s largest protected wildlife regions, promising unique safaris along the Rufiji River and its lake systems. This riverine heart pulses through the park, nurturing channels, lakes, and swamps, a landscape home to buffalo, hippo, crocodile, lion, and endangered wild dogs. Enjoy exploring the park by vehicle, on foot, and by boat.

Nyerere Game Reserve attractions.

Rufiji River: Ideal for Boating Safaris

Lake Tagalala: A Popular Stop for Wildlife

Beho Beho Hills: Perfect for a Walking Safari