Tanzania is a beautiful destination, considered one of the most travel-friendly countries in Africa. The country’s diversity is unmatched, making it easy to find a destination or attraction that quenches the thirst of animal lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. Some beautiful places in Tanzania give the perfect thrill of a true African adventure, while others draw tourists with their pristine beaches. Tourists can also engage with the friendly locals and participate in cultural events for a deeper understanding of their way of life. From the renowned Serengeti National Park to Zanzibar, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania.

Ruaha National Park

A leopard feeding on a prey in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Located in the heart of Tanzania is the vast and pristine Ruaha National Park, boasting a diverse habitat that hosts a wide range of animals. This national park is home to over 10,000 elephants, rare antelope species, bat-eared foxes, and giraffes. Additionally, with over 500 species of seasonal and permanent birds, Ruaha is undoubtedly a birdwatcher’s paradise. Travelers come here to have an exclusive feel of the true African wilderness, enjoy the game sightings, and admire the beautiful landscape dotted with acacias and baobabs.

• Best time to visit Ruaha National Park: June to October during the dry season (best for viewing larger animals and predators searching for water)

Mahale Mountains National Park

Chimpanzee mother and child in Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

Breathtaking lakeshore beaches, lush flora, and postcard-worthy mountain views define the scenery in Mahale Mountains National Park, located in West Tanzania. It’s one of the top-rated natural attractions in Tanzania, and besides its beauty, this park lures adventurers as one of the best places for tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Mahale offers trekking safaris where travelers get enthralling opportunities to see these primates forage for food and swing smoothly from tree to tree. However, the trek safaris might be longer or shorter, depending on the season and the location of the chimpanzees.

• Best time to visit Mahale Mountains National Park: July to October (the long dry season when chimpanzees gather in large groups)

Tanga

Farm under the clouds in Tanga, Tanzania

Tanzania is not all about watching wildlife, as visitors can also visit Tanga, a quiet historic coastal town set along the shores of the Indian Ocean with intriguing cultural and natural highlights. Tanga is an off-the-beaten-path destination, making it ideal for tourists who want a first-hand experience of the local way of life and its historic charm. Adventurers hire bicycles to explore the eclectic architectural masterpieces in Ras Kazone Peninsula. Built by German and British colonizers, the Art Deco mansions are a reminder of Tanga’s heydey as a gateway for sisal exportation.

• Best places to visit in Tanga: Amboni Cave, Urithi Tanga Museum

Nyerere National Park

A group of hippopotamus in Nyerere National Park ( Selous Game Reserve ), Tanzania

Nyerere National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania and among the East African countries covering an area of 30,000 square kilometers. Unlike other parks where tourism activities severely affect the ecosystems, Nyerere National Park still has its natural and authentic wildness. Tourists explore and see the abundant game life by embarking on day or night game safaris, guided walking safaris, and thrilling dawn hot air balloon safaris. Additionally, daring travelers can spot crocodiles or hippopotamus during picturesque dawn or twilight boat safaris along the mighty Rufiji River.

• Best time to visit Nyerere National Park: Late June to October (easier time to spot animals)

Mafia Island

A person swimming with whale sharks in Mafia Island, Tanzania

Mafia Island is the ultimate definition of relaxation, a slower pace of life, and awe-inspiring beauty from every corner. This archipelago offers year-round vacation opportunities with its magnificent white sand beaches, coral reefs with thriving marine life, and fascinating history and culture. If not lazing along the shores, vacationers spend their time scuba diving and swimming alongside whale sharks. Marine lovers also have an exhilarating time observing turtles nesting, while water sports enthusiasts go for deep-sea fishing excursions to catch sailfish, marlin, and giant tuna.

• Best places to visit in Mafia Island: Kilindoni Market, Mafia Island Marine Park, Lua Cheia Beach Camp

Lake Manyara National Park

A flock or birds standing near a body of water in Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha, Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful national parks, worth visitingin 2023 for its diverse wildlife and mesmerizing landscapes. Located in northern Tanzania, this park comprises forests, woods, and grasslands that host various animals. Some of the resident wildlife that visitors see during safari drives include elephants, giraffes, and baboons, but the famous tree-climbing lions steal the show. Lake Manyara Park also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities as it hosts over 300 bird species, including thousands of flamingos flocking the lakeshore during the wet season.

• Best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park: Late June to September (dry season, easier to spot animals)

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania 

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful places to visit in 2023, and it’s easy to see why. This dormant volcano has one of the highest summits in the world and is the tallest in Africa, with a height of 5,895 m above sea level. It’s also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, where avid hikers ascend to Uhuru Peak to witness its unique natural beauty, from the dry savannah and the lush forests to snow-capped peaks.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro has its share of risks due to its high altitude and unforgiving conditions. Every year, there are reports of 3 to 10 fatalities, which can be prevented with proper climbing equipment and techniques. However, this shouldn’t scare off aspiring mountaineers, as there are handy tips on how to explore Mount Kilimanjaro.

Ngorongoro Crater

Safari in Ngorongoro Crater National park, Tanzania

Voted one of Africa’s best natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater offers impressive wildlife viewing inside the extinct crater. This beautiful place to visit in Tanzania was formed thousands of years ago when a volcano erupted and collapsed. The vast grasslands provide food for zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes, while lions, cheetahs, leopards, and cheetahs thrive in the prey atmosphere. Watching elephants cool off in the shimmering lakes adds more excitement to the adventure.

• Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater: June to September (the best wildlife viewing opportunities), April to May (for lesser crowds)

Serengeti National Park

Elephant herd in the Serengeti savanna, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Africa

With astounding landscapes, a large variety of animals, different bird species, and the Maasai people, Serengeti National Park truly deserves all the hype it gets. Ranked one of the best safari destinations in the world, and the best destination for wildlife photography, Serengeti hosts the Big Five animals, which include the African bush elephant, African Buffalo, lion, rhino, and leopard. Serengeti is also home to the Great Migration, and if visiting from late June to August, tourists can witness it first-hand.

• Best time to visit Serengeti National Park: June through September, January to February

The Great Migration is the planet’s most spectacular wildlife show, where wildebeest move from Serengeti National Park to Maasai Mara in Kenya. Witnessing about 1.5 million wildebeest migrate across the two ecosystems is an experience like no other.

Zanzibar

Kendwa Beach, Unguja, Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, East Africa

Idyllic exotic beaches with crystal clear waters, a rich history, and flavorsome food are some highlights that draw vacationers to Zanzibar. History buffs enjoy exploring Prison Island and Stone Town on guided tours with an experienced guide sharing insights about the past and the local lifestyle. On the other hand, food lovers and shoppers can head to Forodhani Gardens when the sun sets to buy crafts and spices. Sampling Zanzibar’s local foods is a must, including urojo (a spicy soup made of blended potatoes and mangoes), coconut bread, seafood skewers, and Zanzibar pizza.

• Best places to visit in Zanzibar: Jozani Forest, Stone Town, Forodhani Gardens, Nungwi Beach, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park