Tanzania has some of the world’s most famous and most amazing national parks. Not only are there beautiful beaches with golden sand, but there is also Mafia Island with its coral gardens and colorful fish.
Probably the most famous attractions are Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Both are full of wonder and danger, but for different reasons. If you are planning on taking a trip to this stunning country, then there are a few attractions you need to see. Some are obvious, while others might be a little more unknown.
Mount Kilimanjaro
The obvious one first, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most visited attractions in Tanzania, and has the honor of being Africa’s highest mountain peak. The mountain is surrounded by the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park; however, most people do not come to this park for the animals. The majority of the tourists are interested in ascending the mighty mountain and standing on its summit.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year; however, the best time is in the dry season which is late June until October. Climbing this peak is no easy task, and you will need a lot of preparation to make sure you are ready.
It is important to read a climbing Mt Kilimanjaro guide to provide you with information on how best to get prepared and a comprehensive list of the things you need to take with.
If you don’t want to climb the mountain, then there are plenty of wild animals to see such as buffaloes, leopards, monkeys, and elephants.
Serengeti National Park
This vast treeless plain is home to millions of animals and is the largest national park in Tanzania. There are opportune times to visit the park, the best being December to June. If you wish to travel during the wet season of March to May or the coldest season from June to October, then you might not see as many animals.
In May and Early June, you can witness the impressive sight of the zebra and wildebeest migration. It is a spectacular sight and a big attraction for many tourists. While you are there, you can see many other types of wild animal. These include lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals.
The park also hosts nearly 500 species of birds, and you may be lucky enough to see many of them while you are on your tour. There are a few official tours that can take you out onto the Serengeti at the best times to see the animals. It might involve a couple of early starts, but the rewards will be worth the effort.
Zanzibar Beaches
The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba make up the Zanzibar archipelago. The area is a huge attraction for tourists, and it is easy to see why. There are exquisite beaches with the softest and whitest sand which is why it is rated as having some of the best beaches in the world.
You also have crystal clear water that is more like a bath than sea water in temperature. For those who like to ride the waves, there are some great surfing spots on the islands.
Near the heart of Zanzibar is the beautiful old Stone Town. With its old Arabian townhouses, narrow alleyways and busy port, it will feel as though you have traveled back in time.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara. The most obvious feature of this area is the Ngorongoro volcanic crater. Once one of the tallest mountains in the world, Ngorongoro erupted and collapsed. The result is a crater that is permanently full of water.
It is this water supply that attracts thousands of animals and birds who don’t want to migrate. Although you can see rhinos, lions, elephants, and wildebeests, the most abundant animals are the zebra. Together with the wildebeest, they account for over half of the animals that live in this huge crater.
For those interested in archaeology more than animals, there is the Olduvai Gorge that in the past has been the location for skull and bone fragments. The fragments have been thought to come from early human life and have been of great interest.
Olduvai Gorge
Located on a series of fault lines, the Olduvai Gorge is a big archaeological site because of the years of erosion. From 1911, people have been coming here to find rare fossils of early human inhabitants. Skull fragments thought to be 2 million years old were discovered by the Leakeys.
There have also been tools, and hunting weapons found that are thought to be 1.5 million years old. Probably one of the most famous finds is that of footprints made by a man, woman, and child at Laetoli.
For those interested in history and archaeology, this area has some of the most interesting finds that have shaped how people think early humans lived.
Lake Manyara National Park
For those who like a bit of activity on their holidays, the Lake Manyara National Park has many things that you can do. The area is made up of forest, grasslands, and swamps, with a large area covered by water.
It is one of the best areas to see flamingos; it also has the world’s largest concentration of baboons. You can also see lions, elephants and hippos, which you can witness in much closer proximity than at other parks.
As well as the wildlife drives, you can also have a go at canoeing, mountain bike tours, and bird watching. It will be more than enough to keep you busy while you are enjoying the amazing scenery.
These are just a few of the many places Tanzania has to offer. If you are considering taking a trip, then it is a good idea to research all the country’s attractions before you make your choice. There are many places that offer diverse landscapes and animals within the same national park. Be sure to visit at the right times to see the animals you want.
