11 Best Places to Visit in Tanzania

From witnessing millions of wildebeest, zebra and other antelope traverse the plains of the Serengeti to ascending to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro or sipping chilled drink on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers travellers some of the most diverse safari experiences in Africa.

A vibrant and beautiful country with exceptional parks and reserves, Tanzania is blessed with the winning combination of unparalleled game viewing and dazzling tropical beaches. Because Tanzania is so vast (almost 1.5 times the size of Texas), it helps to divide the country’s major holiday destinations into four areas:

Tanzania is a beautiful country in East Africa, renowned for its incredible wildlife, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Here are the 11 best places to visit in Tanzania Safari:

1. Serengeti National Park: Home to the annual wildebeest migration, Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Tanzania. You can see a wide range of wildlife here, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many more.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro: The highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, is located in Tanzania. Climbing this mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

4. Zanzibar: This beautiful island off the coast of Tanzania is a great place to relax after a safari. You can enjoy pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and explore the island's rich cultural heritage.

5. Tarangire National Park: Tarangire National Park is home to one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa. You can also see a variety of other wildlife, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests.

6. Lake Manyara National Park: This park is known for its tree-climbing lions, which are a rare sight in Africa. You can also see a variety of other wildlife, including elephants, baboons, and giraffes.

7. Selous Game Reserve: The Selous Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in Africa and home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles. You can also go on boat safaris here.

8. Ruaha National Park: This park is known for its large population of elephants and big cats, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. You can also see a variety of other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and wild dogs.

9. Mahale Mountains National Park: This park is home to a population of wild chimpanzees that are habituated to human presence, allowing visitors to observe them up close.

10. Mikumi National Park: Mikumi National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras. It's also a great place to see birds, with over 400 species recorded in the park.

11. Katavi National Park: This park is known for its large herds of buffalo and elephants, as well as its population of lions and hippos. It's a great place to visit if you're looking for a more remote and off-the-beaten-track safari experience.

Where you go will depend on what you want to see and experience while on safari in Tanzania and the best time to visit Tanzania. While the Northern Safari Circuit provides is a favourite among first-time and experienced safari goers alike, both Southern and Western Tanzania are hidden gems of this multifaceted destination. Read our Tanzania safari guide to find out everything you need to know about planning your ideal Tanzania safari.