Things to do in  Tanzania

Protecting the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact caldera, the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area is known for its wildlife density. A game drive in the park heightens your chances of spotting creatures ranging from zebras and gazelles to lions and wild hunting dogs. If you're lucky, you may spot an elusive black rhino.

Spread out over around 1,100 square miles (2,850 square kilometers) in Northern Tanzania's Manyara Region, Tarangire National Park is among the best places in the region to spot elephants. Other creatures frequently spotted in the park include cheetahs, oryx, and around 550 different species of bird.

The oldest part of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is best known for its blend of European, African, Arabic, and Asian architecture, as well as its lively food scene and coastal cool. From towering minarets and white stone houses to cobbled market streets, every turn offers something to snap, making this island old town a must-see for any new arrival.

If you want to see many birds and mammals in one spot, you've come to the right place. This national park in northern Tanzania provides a refuge not only to mammals such as buffalo and zebras but also to all sorts of birds, particularly flamingos. The park protects Lake Manyara and its surrounding lands and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Africa's tallest peak has been attracting intrepid travelers for generations, and many people come to Tanzania specifically to hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), this volcanic mountain rewards ambitious hikers with incredible views over the savannah, not to mention major bragging rights.

Tanzania's oldest and most iconic reserve, Serengeti National Park is a bucket list stop for any wildlife lover. Its 12,000-square-mile (30,000-square-kilometer) savannah is home to the highest concentration of large mammals on earth. Residents include Africa's Big Five game (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalos) and around 500 bird species.

Often referred to simply as the Jozani forest, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is Zanzibar's only national park. The big draw for many visitors is the chance to spot endemic red colobus monkeys, though there are plenty of other creatures in the park, from bush babies (galagos) to leopards.

Among the largest of Tanzania's many national parks, Mikumi National Park is an excellent place for a safari, owing to its size and proximity to Dar es Salaam. All sorts of creatures live here, including elands, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, lions, baboons, and over 400 bird species.

Located on Zanzibar’s northernmost beach, Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium is home to the Marine Turtle Conservation Lagoon, a community-led project aimed at safeguarding sea turtles. Visit to see hawksbill and green turtles in a tidal pool, learn about marine life in the Indian Ocean, and even take part in the center’s ongoing release program.

Daranji Market (Marikiti Kuu) is Stone Town's primary market bazaar—it’s a one-stop-shopping experience for anyone looking to pick up fresh seafood, vegetables, and spices. A stroll through the market gives you an excellent introduction to the ingredients used in Zanzibari cooking and is an ideal spot to pick up souvenir spices.

The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort (also called the Arab Fort), is one of the city's top attractions. It originally served to protect Stone Town from attack and was later converted into a prison, but now it is a popular tourist attraction and event space.

A short drive from Arusha, this compact park is an exceptional place to see wildlife, such as giraffes and zebras, both on foot and from the comfort of a safari vehicle. The park is also home to Mount Meru, a popular hiking destination and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania's second-highest mountain (after Kilimanjaro), Mount Meru attracts hikers with its easy and moderate trails and its outstanding scenery. Its location in the heart of Arusha National Park makes it an easy-to-reach destination for travelers staying in the nearby city of Arusha. It gets fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro.

Please note: House of Wonders is temporarily closed. House of Wonders, which is home to the Museum of History and Culture, is not only the largest—but also the tallest building in Stone Town. Built in 1883, the palace was the first building on the island to have electricity and the first in the region to have a working elevator. Since the early 2000s, House of Wonders has showcased a permanent collection of artifacts related to Swahili and Zanzibari culture. Travelers can explore the grounds, which include a traditional Swahili boat, old-world fishing tools, and famous ships, or wander the halls that offer an up-close look at traditional garments, historic portraits of royalty, and ancient furniture taken from former sultans’ homes. A visit to House of Wonders provides travelers with a window into the local culture and the island’s rich history.

One of Tanzania's most important areas for archaeological research, the Olduvai Gorge first gained prominence when paleoanthropologists Mary and Louis Leakey discovered evidence of early human species in this area back in the 1930s. It's been an excavation site ever since, and has even been dubbed the “cradle of humankind.”