Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, is not visited for the wildlife but for the chance to stand in awe of this beautiful snow-capped mountain and, for many, to climb to the summit. Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, which consists of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, this island has some of the best beaches in the world. The island of Zanzibar, also called Unguja, is a major holiday destination in Tanzania and known for its beautiful beaches. Tanzania is highly biodiverse and contains a wide variety of animal habitats. Around Pemba are many desert islands and some of the best scuba diving in the Indian Ocean, with visibility that is unparalleled. This important archeological site has revealed ancient skull and bone fragments that have delivered critical information about early mankind. Tools and hunting weapons from 1 to 1.5 million years ago were also discovered in Olduvai Gorge. National parks are created to protect the Earth’s most diverse ecosystems, magical landscapes, and incredible wildlife. First Vice President of Zanzibar Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad has died in hospital in Dar es Salaam, according to Zanzibari President Hussein Ali Mwinyi. Birdwatcher's can enjoy over 400 species of bird that are not found in northern Tanzania, and the river, spectacular gorges, and majestic trees are especially appealing to photographers. Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time, although the best period is from late June to October, during the dry season. This migration is one of the most impressive natural events and the primary draw for many tourists. We are based in Dar-Es-salaam with other branch offices in Arusha and Zanzibar. A-Z list incl. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Stone Town. One of India's most beautiful tiger reserves, the sanctuary was the winner of the TOFT Wildlife Tourism Award for the most visitor-friendly wildlife destinations in the year 2010. March and April are months of heavy rain. The lake covers an area of 63hactors with unconfirmed depth scientifically and receives water from underground sources…. meter deep sea that stretches for about 1 km from beach to sea. The Olduvai Gorge is an archeological site situated on a series of fault lines, where centuries of erosion have revealed fossils and remnants of early mankind. Kilimanjaro, a World Heritage Site, was formed over 1 million years ago by volcanic movement along the Rift Valley. Wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the lagoons. This British researcher arrived in 1960 to study the wild chimpanzees and her work turned into what would become the longest running behavioral research program of its kind in the world. Also of interest in the conservation area is the Olduvai Gorge. The surf varies depending on what side of the island you are on, but visitors will find soft white sand and clear shallow water, along with traditional boats lining the shore. The southern area is a forbidden zone that is undeveloped, heavily forested, and contains a series of steep cliffs. Leopard Tours has been recognised as the Best Tour Operator (Overall) in the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Awards 2020 event held on 6th August 2020 in Arusha, Tanzania, and graced by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Hamisi Kigwangalla. Lots of small shops with different crafts - from little statues to cutlery and jewelry and bags. People come from throughout East Africa to learn from the voodoo and traditional healers or seek a cure. As the world's oldest functioning Swahili city, many of the landmarks in Stone Town have been restored to their original glory. The majority of homes in Stone Town were built in the 19th C when Zanzibar was one of the most important Swahili trading towns in the Indian Ocean. The architecture replicates the mine shaft that has been designed with the intention of showcasing the tanzanite mining…. White sand, turquoise water and only solar panels for energy to power the fridge that acts as a simple bar. The mountain rises from farmland on the lower level to rainforest and alpine meadow and then barren lunar landscape at the peaks. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tanzania, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dar es Salaam, 10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mombasa & Easy Day Trips, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nairobi, 9 Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Kigali, 9 Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Rwanda, 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya, Exploring Kruger National Park: A Visitor's Guide, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Pretoria, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Swaziland (eSwatini), 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Seychelles, 11 Top-Rated Things to Do in Thunder Bay, Ontario, 19 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 11 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa. Hiking and swimming are other popular activities; a trail leads into the forest to a waterfall in the valley. TANZANIA boasts some of the best national parks in the world. A broad range of wildlife can be found including elephants, hippos and rhinos as well as buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, lion, leopard and cheetah. Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak (5,895 m) and Tanzania's most iconic image. This island paradise first saw settlers in the 8th or 9th C, but Mafia became a more important settlement during the 12th to 14th C when it held a key position in the East African trading routes. The island is hilly with deep valleys and it has become popular with mountain bikers who are drawn to the 1,000-meter peaks. If South Africa is a destination you are considering visiting, have a read through article: Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa. Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa and is bordered by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Exploring Africa: While Tanzania is one of the top destinations in Africa, you can find wonderful sites, attractions, and more wildlife experiences in neighboring Kenya. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls. Mafia Island Marine Park has coral gardens, an abundant variety of fish, and a relaxed diving atmosphere. Momella Lakes is home to a large selection of resident and migrant waterbirds. This travel guide offers you the most updated information about the attractions, Lake Manyara accommodation, getting […] As the second largest national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year. The park is excellent for birdwatching, with more than 300 species recorded in Tarangire. This huge volcanic crater has a permanent supply of water, which draws thousands of animals who stay in this area rather than migrating. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the tropical forest, including barbets, starlings, sunbirds, crowned eagle, kingfishers and the palm-nut vulture. There is extensive educational resources about the protected coral reefs. People come here to see wildlife and also to climb Mount Meru. Within the building are a time capsule of how the slave trade began, how it operated and how it finally ended. Lake Manyara National Park Tanzania View Safaris Welcome to Lake Manyara National Park well known for the tree climbing lions, the soda ash lake that attracts thousands and pink flamingos, one of Tanzania’s biggest elephant population and breathtaking scenery! Arusha National Park, although smaller than most in Tanzania, has a range of habitats that consist of the forest of Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater in the southeast section of the park, and Momella Lakes, a series of seven crater lakes. In all, about one-fourth of Tanzania’s land has been set aside to form an extensive network of reserves, conservation areas, and national parks, a number of which—including Serengeti National Park, the Selous Game Reserve, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Kilimanjaro National Park—have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa. Thousands of animals can be seen on the crater floor, including lions, elephants, rhinos, Thomson's gazelles, and buffaloes, but wildebeests and zebras account for over half of the animals that call the Ngorongoro Crater home. The scenery is a unique blend of arid volcanic rocks and lush tropical palms. One of the spectacles in Katavi is the hippos at the end of the dry season, when as many as 200 try to squeeze into a pool of water. Our national parks tours take you to the most incredible sights, from 300-foot sequoia trees, to a canyon with two billion years of history. Find what to do today or anytime in March. Similarly, South Africa is country you'll want to make a return trip to before you even leave. Several hundred years under the Oman Sultanate has shaped the town to look more like you're in the Middle-East than in…, From the humble beginnings in 2002, supporting infrastructure of classrooms, dormitories, administrative spaces…. Many species of primates and mammals live in the park. In 2008 Ruaha National Park became Tanzania's largest park. Established in 1922, it covers 5% of Tanzania's total area. Located between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and is one of Tanzania's most popular wildlife viewing areas. The Tanzanian section of Lake Victoria is one of the least visited regions in the country, however the towns of Bukoba, Musoma and Mwanza have a number of attractions. Black and white Colobus monkeys are easily spotted in the forested area while the marshy floor of the crater is dotted with herds of buffalo, zebra and warthog. Every several years Mount Lengai erupts and is the world’s only carbonatite volcano; records of eruptions have been…. Tanzania contains some 20 percent of the species of Africa’s large mammal population, found across its reserves, conservation areas, marine parks, and 17 national parks, spread over an area of more than 42,000 square kilometres (16,000 sq mi) and forming approximately 38 percent of the country's territory. White sand island surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water and disconnected from civilisation. Explore your options with our list of the top attractions in Tanzania. Mount Meru is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Africa and the second highest mountain in Tanzania. Travelers are limited to the area north of the Rufiji River. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Consequently, the most popular things to do in Tanzania and the reason many people visit the country, are the safaris and wildlife related adventures. We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Visitors come here primarily for viewing large animals and bird watching. The dry season brings Katavi National Park to life, herds of impala, reedbuck, lions, zebras and giraffes can be seen at the remaining pools and streams. To narrow your search, see our list of the Best Game Reserves in Africa. During the dry season, Tarangire National Park has one of the highest concentrations of migratory wildlife. The Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous and best-loved parks, and is home to more than one million species of large mammals. Pemba is less visited than Zanzibar and as a result has a more laidback atmosphere. the best parks and a wildlife summary per park! Thousands of elephants and buffaloes also converge on the park when the flood waters retreat. The highlight of Lake Manyara Park is the large population of elephants, tree-climbing lions, and hippos, which can be observed at a much closer range than in other parks. Gombe Stream National Park | diasUndKompott / photo modified. Tanzania has 21 national parks, plus a variety of game and forest reserves, including the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Day 3 Arches National Park. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Serengeti National Park. Most visitors will find themselves passing through Dar es Salaam and heading out to the wilderness areas and other destinations. The river also provides much of the electricity to Tanzania through a hydroelectric dam at Kidatu. A harrowing, low-gear, jostling, 25 minute adventure brings you to the crater surface and opens a Jurassic Park of…, Untouched by civilization, it is a nature enthusiast's heaven complete with small coves filled with shells, shells and…. animals and heads made from discarded slip slops recovered for the bay! In a later expedition, the Leakeys collected skull fragments, a skull, and bones determined to be approximately 2 million years old. The best months for diving are October to March but the best weather on Mafia Island is May to October. Stone Town is the cultural heart of Zanzibar and little has changed in the last 200 years. Located near the equator in Tanzania, the Kilimanjaro National Park is one of the best national parks in the world. The city of Chake Chake, the main population center on Pemba, is a popular base for scuba divers. There are 61 national parks across the country, making up 14 percent of the land in the US, and they hold some of the world’s most extraordinary wonders. Accommodation: Where to Stay near Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most famous national parks and natural attractions, including majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The ascent is steep but the route passes through parkland, forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Mafia Island draws divers and snorkelers from around the world to the undersea world protected by the Mafia Island Marine Park. This is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania and is famous for the work of Jane Goodall. Bird watching and fishing trips are popular excursions, and boat trips or hikes can be arranged around Lake Victoria. Accommodation: Where to Stay near Lake Manyara. This lake is the source of the White Nile and provides an income for millions of residents along its shores. The historic city of Stone Town, known for old Arabian townhouses, narrow alleyways, and a busy port, is located in the heart of Zanzibar. It is best visited in the dry season from July to September when the animals gather along the river. The farm produced perfume, natural extract for bakery and spices for sale to visitors to support local community. Tarangire National Park, established in 1970, is a fantastic area for wildlife viewing. In western Tanzania, Gombe Stream National Park is the site of Jane Goodall's ongoing study of chimpanzee behaviour, which started in 1960. This park is also home to the largest concentration of baboons in the world. As early as 1911, a German professor found some fossil bones while looking for butterflies in Olduvai Gorge. The building itself echoes three major artifacts of Africa: the drum, the spear, and the shield. Continue your exploration with a walk to Double Arch, Landscape Arch or Turret Arch. It's most famous for the annual wildebeest migration but you can also see the Big Five here, and nearly 500 species of birds have been recorded on the Serengeti. The diversity of bird life in Selous includes over 350 recorded species. Serengeti National Park Tourism: Tripadvisor has 30,035 reviews of Serengeti National Park Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Serengeti National Park resource. Pemba Island is the northernmost island in the Zanzibar archipelago. more. Consequently, the most popular things to do in Tanzania and the reason many people visit the country, are the safaris and wildlife related adventures. we span the southern circuit, Norther Circuit and Western Circuit. Tanzania’s remote western parks – Mahale Mountains and Gombe – are among the best places anywhere to get close to our primate cousins. Accommodation: Where to Stay on Pemba Island. We went on a 6 day Northern Tanzania Safari to Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, Things to do are wildlife safaris on west Kilimanjaro, trekking. The best time to visit is July through October. At the end, the fruit tasting was diverse with many types of bananas, oranges, jackfruit, starfruit, pineapple…. The Ngorongoro volcano was one of the world's tallest mountains before it exploded and collapsed. Learn how Mother Nature's magic touch has left her indelible mark with wind and rain when you view or embark on a strenuous hike up to famous Delicate Arch. And there are plenty of ways to explore these enchanting nature reserves, from the deepest valleys to the highest peaks and everything in … The male rivalry heats up causing territorial fights. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Rufiji River bisects the Selous Game Reserve and has the largest catchment area of any river in East Africa. Things to Do in Tanzania, Africa: See Tripadvisor's 472,603 traveler reviews and photos of Tanzania tourist attractions. A predominant feature in Katavi is the enormous flood plain, split by the Katuma River and several seasonal lakes. For those who want to spend some time soaking up the sun, the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar beckon. The slopes of rainforest are home to buffaloes, leopards, monkeys, elephants and eland. Serengeti National Park is a World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife: over 2 million ungulates, 4000 lions, 1000 leopard, 550 cheetahs and some 500 bird species inhabit an area close to 15,000 square kilometers in size. Its walls and ceiling are adorned with various football jerseys and country flags from all over the world. Lake Manyara National Park is comprised of forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. Mafia Island is also a traditional breeding site for the green turtle, which are unfortunately endangered. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact ancient caldera in the world, nearly three million years old. This area of the Selous Game Reserve has large open grassland, woodlands, rivers, hills and plains. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. The wet season is from March to May, with the coldest period from June to October. The park is also known for its large population of elephants, and the baobab trees that dot the grassy landscape. Three volcanic cones - Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi - came to be about 750,000 years ago. The summit is reached by a narrow ridge, which provides stunning views of the volcanic cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. The annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle takes place in May or early June. The alpine zone is where bird watchers will find an abundance of birds of prey. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Ngorongoro. Miles long white fine grained sand coast with most alluring water of the Indian Ocean. Gombe National Park, also sometimes called Gombe Stream National Park, is primarily for those who want to get a little off the beaten track and see chimpanzees. Admire the exquisite natural sandstone shapes that dot the landscape in Arches National Park. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The highest point is Uhuru Peak on Kibo, which is one of the Seven Summits of the world. Wildlife drives, canoeing (when water levels are high enough), mountain bike tours and bird watching are the most popular activities in Lake Manyara National Park. The Insight Tanzania Safaris is a travel company offering safaris to Mikumi national parks alongside other national parks Tanzania. The lakes support enormous groups of hippos, crocodiles and over 400 species of birds. Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most famous national parks and natural attractions, including majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Near Mwanza and Musoma are many islands, some have become wildlife sanctuaries. The Great Ruaha River is the main feature of Ruaha National Park, providing magnificent wildlife viewing on the banks. The grand old Arabian homes lining the narrow streets and winding alleys give the city its own unique charm. Complete list + detailed map of the major game reserves and national parks in Tanzania. A former prison, now a natural reserve of giant turtles. The primary features of the park are the Mount Kilimanjaro and the montane forest belt surrounding it. The largest remaining stand of near-natural forest on Zanzibar located in central part of the Island. is an added bonus and even at 45 it's nice to be a bit like Tarzan for a while, ... tour to Materuni village with Victor from Kilimanjaro Economy Safaris where did a trip to the falls and. These and other discoveries provide more evidence to the theory that at least three hominid species were in this region over 2 million years ago. Another exciting find were the famous footprints of a man, woman and child at Laetoli, near Olduvai. This is an open space sanctuary for these rescued animals in the outback of zanzibar. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tanzania. The Satpura National Park is located in the beautiful and diverse suburbs of Madhya Pradesh and is one of the most diverse and stunning national parks in Central India. Guided walks take visitors into the forest to observe chimps in the wild. A walk along Creek Road takes visitors to the original Stone Town area and the location of the Darajani Market, Beit el-Amani, City Hall, and the Anglican Cathedral. Visitors will notice the bras-studded, intricately carved wooden doors on many of the houses. Combine chimpanzee tracking with a safari in Katavi National Park or an exploration of the Lake Tanganyika shoreline for an unforgettable adventure well off the beaten track. Mafia is also a desirable location for deep-sea fishing, especially tuna, marlin, sailfish and other big-game fish. Off Pemba and Mafia islands is another kind of natural wonder, appreciated by the scuba divers and snorkelers who come here from around the world to experience the coral gardens, colorful fish, and crystal clear waters. Coral gardens, colorful sponges and sea fans are all found in the underwater haven. © Copyright 2021 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. It is home to large herds of buffalo and gazelle, and has one of the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. Some of the other key highlights include the Forodhani Gardens, the Old Dispensary with its carved wooden balconies, the former home of the sultans known as Beit el-Sahel or the People's Palace, the Hamamni Persian Baths built in 1888, and the oldest structure in Stone Town, the Old Fort. Games Reserves and Safari Lodges: Africa has a large number of game reserves to choose from, which can make planning your trip a little daunting. Pemba is a major world clove producer and is also well known for the juju traditions of medicine and magic. Hippos are content to submerge themselves during the day and then graze in the nearby grass in the evening. Katavi National Park is located in a remote region offering unspoiled wilderness. Serengeti National Park is a vast treeless plain with millions of animals living here or passing through in search of fresh grasslands. Places are displayed based on recommendations by Tripadvisor's editors (where available) and Tripadvisor user reviews. Two-thirds of the park is covered by water and Lake Manyara is host to thousands of flamingoes, at certain times of year, as well as other diverse bird life. Countless birds and over 400 species of fish can be seen in the area. Rubondo Island National Park, which includes several other smaller islands, is on the southwest shores of Lake Victoria. Day by day the Mall grows with new shops starting to operate. Some of the historic buildings are now museums and tourist attractions. The river is an important feature of the reserve providing the opportunity to watch the diverse water-based wildlife. The best months for wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park are between December and June. The town also has a couple of interesting old churches of historical significance. Bird watching is superb, especially around Lake Migadi, which attracts flocks of flamingoes to the shallows.