Why Should You Visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is Africa’s ultimate bucket-list destination — the one country where you can track the Great Migration across the Serengeti, descend into the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and then unwind on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, all in a single trip. Add the Big Five, more lions than anywhere else on earth, over 120 living cultures and some of the friendliest people in Africa, and you have a destination that rewards first-timers and seasoned travellers alike. Here are the reasons Tanzania should be at the top of your list.

Why Visit Tanzania? The Highlights at a Glance

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Longing to be on the roof of Africa? Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the continent and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, and it welcomes thousands of travellers every year who are brave enough to climb to the top. 

Climbing Kilimanjaro usually takes about a week and doesn’t require technical skills or supplemental oxygen. The climb carries you through five distinct climate zones — from lush tropical rainforest to a bleak alpine desert — before a pre-dawn push to a sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak. It’s a tough week, but standing high above the clouds makes every step worth it. 

There are several routes to the summit. Most climbers choose the Lemosho, Machame, or Marangu route.

Relax in the White Sands of Zanzibar 

Tanzania has some of the most stunning beaches in the world on the island of Zanzibar. Once you’ve been busy climbing Kilimanjaro and hitting all the national parks, it’s time to take some lazy days on the beaches. 

You can also explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a captivating melting pot of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European cultures. Tour the famous spice plantations where cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon are grown — the reason Zanzibar is known as the “Spice Island” — and wander its ancient, winding alleys. 

Enjoying island life is one of the top reasons to visit Zanzibar. Buy a fresh coconut, put on your sunscreen, and watch the sun go down over Nungwi or Paje Beach. 

See a Lion or Two 

Tanzania has more lions than any other country. If seeing a lion up close is on your bucket list, Tanzania is the go-to destination! During a safari, you’ll be able to see them hunting, lounging, and sleeping. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to see a lion cub with its mother. 

The world’s lion population is drastically dwindling because of illegal hunting and habitat loss. Tanzania is still home to over 20,000 lions though thanks to the government starting initiatives to stop deforestation and hunting. 

10% of the world’s lion population lives in Serengeti giving you the best chance to spot them in this park! 

There are regular lion sightings in Tarangire, Selous, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Ruaha National Parks as well. 

Prime Destination for Water Activities 

While most travellers to Tanzania think of the national parks and the dense African bush terrains, Tanzania is actually home to many lakes and rivers as well. If you like to go canoeing, kayaking, or rafting, there are many chances to explore the water! 

In Zanzibar, you can also go scuba diving and snorkelling. 

Some of the best lakes for canoeing are Lake Manyara and Momella Lake. You can see hundreds of different bird species and other wildlife. 

If you want to get your adrenaline going with white water rafting, head to River Tana or Rufiji River. 

The best part is all these bodies of water are free of crocodiles and other deadly water animals. You can enjoy your canoe or rafting trip worry free!

Camp Among the Wildlife in the National Parks 

Dream of camping alongside Tanzania’s Big 5? Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater offer you the chance to sleep and wake up with the animals. 

When you book a safari, you have the chance to book a tent in a mobile campsite. These canvas tents are moved around the parks seasonally to make sure you are around the animals. 

You can also see the Great Migration from one of these seasonal campsites. At your mobile campsite, you’re also served food and drink. There are safari staff members to attend to you as well. 

Visit One of the Most Stable Countries in Africa 

Many of the countries that make up the continent of Africa suffer from government corruption and political instability. Tanzania is one of the safest countries to visit with recent government policies that are aimed at keeping tourists and visitors safe. 

Tanzania has an advanced political and economic structure making it one of the best tourist destinations in the world! 

Without worrying about your security, you can enjoy your vacation. Just make sure to always follow the safety tips that your guide or safari company gives you. 

Home to the Highest Mountain and the Deepest Lake in Africa 

Tanzania is home to many famous landmarks including the highest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania also sets the record for the deepest lake in the continent. 

Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake and the largest lake on the continent! It flows in four different countries. 

Immerse Yourself in the Maasai Culture 

Whether you’re going on a safari or just visiting Tanzania’s best cities, you’ll see the local Maasai people. They are one of the oldest tribes in the country and are known as the warriors of the land. 

You can visit their villages and take part in their ancient rituals. Most of their traditions and ceremonies involve lots of music and dancing. Their most famous being the jumping dance where Maasai men compete to see who can jump the highest. Whoever jumps the highest is considered the strongest! 

If you’re feeling brave, you can also try one of the Maasai traditional drinks — cattle blood mixed with raw milk. 

Tanzania is home to more than 120 ethnic groups, so the Maasai are only the beginning. Near Lake Eyasi you can spend a morning with the Hadzabe, one of the last true hunter-gatherer peoples on earth, and learn about their ancient click language, bow-hunting and honey-gathering traditions. 

Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park 

Tanzania has two protected areas for chimpanzees. If you’re interested in trekking these marvellous creatures, Mahale Mountains is one of the best places in the world. You’ll also have the chance to see lions, elephants, crocodiles, and hippos. 

Mahale Mountains National Park is also the only place where you’ll find lions and chimpanzees cohabiting. 

Witness the Great Migration 

A trip to the Serengeti is not complete without seeing the Great Migration. Witness 1.5 million wildebeest as well as zebras and antelopes all moving together toward the Maasai Mara in Kenya. 

This famous animal show is the perfect chance to see the animals on the move and also see how they work as predators. 

You’ll notice cheetahs, leopards, and lions all running after the wildebeest to see if they can catch one or two. 

See the Largest Elephant Population in the World 

Although African elephants are considered an endangered species, Tanzania has more than 43,000 elephants living across the country in various national parks. 

The best places to see them are Tarangire — famous for its huge herds and ancient baobabs — along with Ngorongoro, Ruaha and the vast Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve), one of the largest protected wildernesses in Africa. 

Watch More Than 300 Bird Species in Lake Manyara

If birds are your main attraction to wildlife, Lake Manyara should be at the top of your safari destination checklist. The park has an estimated 1 million to 2.5 million water birds. Lake Manyara is also home to thousands of pink flamingos. 

Along with the amazing bird population, you can also see all of Tanzania famous animals including wildebeests, elephants, Cape buffalo, giraffes, gazelles, hyenas, lions, and many more. 

Lake Manyara is a common spot on northern circuit safaris. You can combine this park with Tarangire, Serengeti, Arusha, and Ngorongoro. 

See the Big 5 in Serengeti National Park 

Serengeti is probably the top place that pops into your mind when you think about Tanzania. It has the largest lion population in the country and is also home to the Great Migration. 

It’s the most famous park in Tanzania and perhaps in all of Africa. Not only can you do driving and walking safaris, you can also go on a hot air balloon ride. 

The Serengeti also has many different accommodation choices including adventure camping for backpackers and luxury lodges  for those that like to travel in style. 

Explore Mount Meru and Arusha National Park 

Arusha is one of the top visited cities in Tanzania since it’s home to the stunning Mount Meru. Arusha National Park might be the smallest one in the country, but it’s just as mighty as the other ones. 

A safari through this park can show you all the best Africa has to offer including buffalo, zebra, blue monkeys, elephants, flamingoes, warthogs, and many more animals. 

If you’re not quite ready to conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro, you can climb to the top of Mount Meru. It’s still a strenuous hike, but most climbers make it up and down in just 3-5 days. 

See Lake Victoria from Rubondo National Park 

On the southwest shores of Lake Victoria, you can visit Rubondo National Park. It’s a calm setting perfect for those wanting to relax. It has over 430 bird species so it’s one of the top places in the country for avid bird watchers. 

Bring your binoculars and spot storks, egrets, flycatchers, hornbills, herons, kingfishers, and many more species. 

Ready to visit Tanzania? There are plenty of more reasons to visit this breathtaking country. Tanzania is a prime destination for people of all ages. So, bring your kids or your significant other and start planning your Tanzania holiday today!