When it comes to vacationing in Africa, people often think of South Africa first. While we won’t argue with them – South Africa is a truly gorgeous and amazing place – we have to admit that we’re a little biased. In our eyes, it’s Tanzania that’s the true gem of Africa, offering the enterprising traveler the chance to experience an incredible diversity of things within one country.
In the same vacation where you travel the Serengeti and survey the soaring Mount Kilimanjaro, you can also sun on the sands of Dar es Salaam and sample the sundry spices of Zanzibar. That, of course, doesn’t even include the incredible cultural experience you can have, interacting with native Tanzanians and sampling their local food.
Truly, Tanzania is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places on the planet. In fact, in the eyes of many it might be the most beautiful place on the planet. That’s the reasoning behind why so many people refer to this country as “Africa’s Garden of Eden”.
With that in mind, we thought we’d take you on a quick visual tour of the country! This list is by no means exhaustive, but we think it will give you enough of a flavor for the country to convince you that you need to see it for yourself. So, let’s go!
1. A Land of Beauty
Tanzania may not be first on many traveller’s lists, but once you see what this beautiful country has to offer, we bet it will shoot to the top of yours!
2. Zanzibar
You travelled to Tanzania to spice up your life; so, why would you skip a trip to Zanzibar, which is affectionately known as the “Spice Island”.
3. The Stone Town
While there, you’ll want to travel the winding streets of Stone Town, which reflect Persian architecture and old-world charm.
4. Malindi Bamnara Mosque
The Stone Town is also home to one of the most important religious structures in the country, the Malindi Bamnara Mosque.
5. Head Out
Zanzibar is part of an archipelago, which also includes the island of Pemba, known for its crystal clear waters that are ideal for diving.
6. Meet the Natives
Calling the grassy Great Rift Valley their home, the Maasai are a native people who largely subsist on herding livestock and eating simple diets.
7. They’re Everywhere
Still, urbanization is as real in Tanzania as it is everywhere else, which is part of the reason you’ll see Maasai in the country’s urban centers.
8. And More
The Maasai aren’t the only native peoples represented in Tanzania’s population, as it is comprised of some 120 various tribes.
9. A National Sport
The game of cricket, which is actually the most popular sport in the world, happens to be a favorite pastime in Tanzania. It’s even played at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro!
10. UNESCO World Heritage
Another place to visit while in Tanzania is Kilwa Kisiwani, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the epicenter of global trade.
11. That’s A Tall One!
Unless you’re a world-class climber, there’s no way you’re making it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro – but just seeing it from the ground is breathtaking enough.
12. Selous Game Reserve
Stretching out over 48,000 square kilometers, this game reserve is the largest on the entire continent, home to more flora and fauna than can be listed.
13. The Serengeti
Oh yeah! That’s here, too, and you likely know what the attraction is… It’s a place where you’re sure to see wild elephants doing their thing!
14. Scope the Beaches
Forget about those beaches in the Caribbean, because those that you’ll find in Tanzania are truly beautiful – and popular!
15. Party of the Beach
Dar es Salaam is known as the musical center of Africa, and the parties that rage on its beaches from dusk until dawn are all truly memorable.
16. The Fish Market
If you didn’t party too hard the night before, then you absolutely have to pay a visit to the Kivukoni fish market that also takes place in Dar es Salaam.
17. Fried Octopus
In order to get the real local flavor while you’re at the fish market, be sure to have the deep fried octopus. No fuss, no muss!
18. Rich History
While urbanization is rapidly transforming the face of Dar es Salaam, one should not forget its rich history while walking its rapidly changing streets.
19. Not All Perfect
There are dark moments in Tanzania’s history, not the least of which is the Persian slave trade, which decimated the population. You’ll find a sobering monument to this in Zanzibar’s Stone Town.
20. Africa’s Garden of Eden
The country is beautiful and full of things to see, that’s for sure. But no visit is complete without a trip to the 12-mile wide Ngorongoro Crater, which is referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden”.
