When I heard about Tanzania for the first time years ago, I could only connect it with the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. But after reading a number of travel articles and also my recent trip to Tanzania, I can totally admit that it is without any doubt the Soul of Africa. From the great wilderness to pristine blue beaches, the options are endless with Tanzania offering an interesting medley for travelers seeking adventure or a leisure holiday.
While planning for the Tanzania trip with my husband, I was kind of overwhelmed with the choice of activities or places I could visit, as this was our first time on the African Continent. While I’ll be writing about the Tanzania experience in the future posts, in this post I am sharing the top 10 reasons why you should visit Tanzania:
1. Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to on Earth and is also one of my favorites from the trip. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s largest volcanic caldera and the natural habitat within the Crater is a haven for a large number of wildlife species including Hippos, elephants, and also the endangered rhinos. Drive around the rim of the crater to enjoy the panoramic view of the flora and fauna in the crater floor with the clear blue sky in the background.
Related post: Safari experience at Ngorongoro Crater
2. Serengeti National Park
A visit to Tanzania is incomplete if you haven’t been to the Serengeti National Park, which is considered to be one of the oldest ecosystems. For an ultimate African safari experience, drive around the endless savannahs to witness millions of Wildebeests and various other herbivores migrate around Serengeti and Masai Mara region in search of fresh pastures.
Related post: 48 hours in Serengeti National Park
3. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
Pic Courtesy: Huffington Post
Well, this one’s surely for all those adventure junkies around the world! Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and also World’s largest volcano. A trek to the top of the peak, which is about 19,341 ft. above the sea level, is a must if one is seeking for a once in a lifetime experience while in Tanzania.
4. Visit the Masai Village
Take a peek into the life of the local Masai Tribes by taking a tour of their village and learning about their age-old traditions. A short guided is arranged by various tour companies whereby you will get an opportunity to visit their homes and spend an eventful day with the locals.
5. Game drives
Enjoy the natural beauty of the African plains and wildlife by hopping on to one of the 4X4 vehicles and taking a guided tour of the National Parks in the country mainly chasing the famous Big Five. The Northern circuit (which is what I opted for) is one of the most visited safari destinations, consists of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. The Southern circuit has less accessible but well-preserved National Reserves like Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park.
Related post: Game drive experience at Lake Manyara National Park
For an up-close encounter with the Chimpanzees, take up the Western Circuit, which includes Gombe Stream, the Mahale Mountains and Katavi National Parks. For a more private safari with coastal scenery head towards Eastern circuit that is the Saadani and Mkomazi National Parks.
6. Hot air balloon Safari
Enjoy the Savannah landscape and the wildlife at the Serengeti is one of the most exciting and luxurious (and also romantic) ways by flying high in the sky in one of the hot air balloons. As the sun rises across the grassland and the balloon floating up in the air, you will be in awe with the view that awaits beneath you. End the luxurious African adventure with a champagne breakfast before moving on with your game drives.
7. Explore the streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar
Visit the historical town of East Africa and get lost in the narrow cobbled streets of Stone Town, the main city of Zanzibar Island. The Stone Town architecture showcases an unusual blend of Swahili culture with the Arab, Indian and European cultures and one can easily notice that it is still prevalent in most parts of the old town. Take a break from the bustling streets and head towards one of the many beautiful beaches on the island and lose yourself in the cool blue sea.
Related post: What not to miss when in Stone Town
8. Swahili cuisine
Indulge in some authentic Swahili cuisine and enjoy a delicious meal rich with local spices and fresh produce. Mandazi (Swahili doughnuts), Kaimati (sugarcoated fried dumplings), Veg Samosa (pastry with mix veg fillings), Mchicha wa Nazi (Spinach curry with local spices) and Pilau (spicy flavored rice) are a must eat while in Tanzania.
9. Island Hopping
Plan a day trip visiting the smaller but equally gorgeous islands around the Zanzibar Island. One might try scuba diving, snorkeling at the famous Mnemba Atoll, Mafia Island, Pemba Island or even take a spice tour here or visit the Prison (Changu) Island to take a tour of the former slave prison, currently housing the endangered giant tortoises.
10. Lake Victoria
Pic courtesy: Tanzania Tourism
Bird-watch along the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria or spend a day hiking around the Rubondo Island National Park, either way, you will not be disappointed. The untouched beauty of the lake along with the less tourist frequented natural surroundings for Wildlife and tropical birds is a perfect combination for any traveler seeking an offbeat trip.
Hope you guys enjoyed our post on Tanzania and are tempted to plan your next holiday in this beautiful country. Do leave us a comment on your thoughts and also do mention what other interesting things to do in Tanzania!!
The beauty of mother earth. 10 out of 10 to all the pictures and good to see that we still have such reserves for animals.
Yes, the National Parks are maintained with sole intention of preserving the ecosystem and that is really amazing.
Tempting. Ngorongoro,Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha …these names are always been alluring as they keep emerging right from world of the Bengali adventure literature. These pics has made my heart beating faster.
Oh lovely, never knew all these places have been mentioned in Bengali literature. Thats really great.
Great informative post. Awesome pics.
Thank you Rupam.
So pretty. Hope someday I shall be there.
We hope you visit Tanzania soon, it’s gorgeous :).
Wow.. amazing captures and a nice write-up.. waiting for your detailed posts on this beautiful place..
Thank You :). Will be sharing all the experiences in the blog soon.
Lovely post. You are right about Serengeti National Park.
Thank you Sapna :).
There is no place like Tanzania. I am biased. I spent 17 years in this beautiful country.
Oh, thats amazing. You are lucky to spend time in a country like Tanzania :).
OMG a country so so close to nature. Seems like animals and humans co-exist so peacefully… You have given all of us some good reasons to visit Tanzania 🙂
The National Parks in Tanzania make sure to preserve the ecosystem, hence the wildlife is living peacefully. Also they follow strict rules for safaris so that the parks are not disturbed. That’s what makes the safaris so special :).
The last picture of lake Tanzania is very attractive. Very well written description.
Thank you Yogi.
I love your pics…those animals in the wild are just amazing. My mum was born here and I have heard so many stories about Tanzania. I hope to be able to take her there some day. I know it will be amazing reliving it all. But for now, sharing this with her 🙂
Thats really amazing! Have you ever been to Tanzania? We hope your mom will be able to refresh all the beautiful memories through the post :).
It has been on my list for such a long time. I think you need yellow fever vaccination to visit Tanzania? And congratulations to you both now on your marriage!
Thank you Mridulaji:). The yellow fever vaccination is not really required for entry but the Indian Immigration asks for the vaccination certificate. And it anyways safer to get the vaccine before travelling.
Very valid reasons!!
LOVED the sneak peeks. I look forward to the travel stories from Tanzania.
Thank you Dee :).
Very inviting…
Yes, Tanzania is a beautiful country.
Wow! Tanzania is refreshing! Wildlife, beaches, craters and what not! Straight into my bucket list! Waiting for more posts! 🙂
Will be posting details on Tanzania adventures very soon :).
Those are some good reasons to visit Tanzania. It has a great wild life to enjoy. How many days do you think would be good enough?
Depends on how long you want to spend doing the safari. We did 5 day safari that covered Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park. I guess you cover the major sights with a 10 day trip.
If someone doesn’t have this in their bucket list, your post really will change their mind. How cool that it has everything you need, wildlife, jungle, beaches. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome Isi :).
Great details about Tanzania in this article, I love the photos you have chosen in the article Hema and Suma.
Thank you Agnes 🙂
What a beautiful post. I haven’t stepped foot in Africa yet but your post makes me want to take the next flight. Thanks for sharing
This was our first trip to African continent and couldn’t have asked for better trip. Thanks for the love Sonam :).
I find it so difficult to choose which country to start from in Africa 🙂
Good reasons for Tanzania, they do kindle my travel pangs.Saving this up to my Africa folder.
Oh yes, this is one of the must visit country in Africa and we are sure you love it :).
The stone formations on Victoria Lake, the Nungwi beach and the pictures of the giraffes…these three images are my favourites from this post. Tanzania seems so stunning…have been reading a lot on it recently.
Tanzania is an amazing country, paradise for beach and wildlife lovers :).
Mt. Kilimanjaro is the only thing I knew about this country, so it’s great to read your article and get to know more about it. The wildlife, the food, the culture, etc. Everything seems so attractive! Thanks for sharing this!
Your welcome Fiona.
Tanzania holds some of the most popular and talked about places to visit and these reasons you’ve mentioned do justice; Serengeti, Kilimanjaro are obvious but I personally would love to visit the Masai village and island hopping sounds good.
Yep, those are some of the highlights of the visit to Tanzania.
I love craters too, this would also be number 1 on my list! The Serengeti National Park is also a place I want to visit, I first heard of this place from a Lauren Hill song. Did you climb Kilimanjaro? The game drive must be a great way to visit these places. The hot air balloon, other than being romantic will give a great opportunity for aerial photography. You’ve inspired me to visit Tanzania!
Sadly I couldn’t climb the Kilimanjaro but managed to do the rest :). And yes, the game drives provide a perfect to way to explore the African wildlife.
Always wondered about Tanzania and have to admit – never knew there is so much to see there! The beach and the food.. oh, those just add up to the experience, I guess. 😀 Thanks for sharing, enjoyed reading it!
Welcome Danijela :).
Beautiful beaches and baby zebras I’m there! Great list of the reasons why we should visit Tanzania. With some wonderful photos too.
Thank you Jean.
Like you mentioned at the beginning, I could only connect Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park. I never would’ve guessed the numerous landscapes and terrain that Tanzania has! The beach is not something I would’ve imagined the country to have! But I hope I’ll make it there because I definitely want to see the wildlife there, and great to see there’s plenty of them.
Beautiful photos of Tanzania! Thanks for sharing this, it comes in handy 🙂
Thanks you Joanna 🙂
I have always associated Africa with wildlife. So happy to see the pristine beaches there.
I would love to see the giant tortoises too!
Oh yes the Giant tortoises at the Prison Island, but I guess since they are originally from the Seychelles, it will be more interesting to see them there.
Tanzania is so drop dead gorgeous… would love to visit someday. Though I know people keep raving about the wildlife but had no clue that there is so much more to do. Beaches looks amazing and the heritage buildings are beautiful <3
Tanzania is a beautiful blend of wildlife, history and sunny beaches, there’s little something for everyone :).
Other than Kili and the Serengeti I didn’t really know much else about what to do in Tanzania, so this was really interesting to read! The cuisine looks interesting; the picture kind of looks like seaweed and it sounds quite Indian-influenced!
Hahah it does look like seaweed, anyways it is spinach curry made with local spices. And yes there is a lot of Indian and middle Eastern influence in the local cuisine.
Awesome, thanks for sharing the information
Your welcome!
Tanzania looks fabulous! Africa has so many options that it’s hard to chose. I think climbing Mt Kilimanjaro would be a little out of my league. Serengeti National Park is more my speed and it would be an amazing to see all those animals up close and personal.
Hahah, Im with you on climbing the Kili, however the safaris are an wonderful experience.
So many reasons to visit Tanzania and each of them lovely ones. The Serengeti National Park and Mt. Kilimanjaro are like lode stars that draw people to the country in hordes. Hope to get there some day.
Reason 3 would be quite sufficient for me, and everything else would come as a nice bonus 🙂 Thanks for the beautiful photos and interesting article!
Very useful and informative!
Thank you Rashmi.
Beautiful and amazing photos! Tanzania looks indeed great. I love the impressions of the wild animals and especially Kilimanjaro looks very impressive. I am sure, doing a Hot air balloon Safari must be the absolutely top experience, would love to do this one day!
I love the reasons, which will you mentioned. This one will help with planning my next itinerary to Tanzania. Keep up your good work.
Thank you Rhonda!