Just outside of Arusha, snakes and reptiles are the main draw at Meserani Snake Park, which houses creatures ranging from puff adders to baby crocodiles. It’s also home to a campsite, Maasai cultural museum, craft market, and a bar decked with memorabilia and snake-themed decor. It’s not just a tourist attraction, though—the snake bite clinic provides an important service to the local community.
Set in the Eastern Arc Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains National Park has a remarkably high concentration of endemic plants and animals, from Iringa red colobus primates to Udzungwa Forest partridges. It's also home to a number of waterfalls, including the Sanje Waterfall, the largest fall in the Tanzanian National Parks system.
North of Arusha, near the Gregory Rift and Lake Natron, Ol Doinyo Lengai, or the "Mountain of God," is notable as the only place on earth to erupt a unique type of thinner, less viscose (and therefore faster flowing) magma known as natrocarbonatite, which is initially black or brown and turns white as snow as it cools.
Surrounded on all sides by turquoise water, Nakupenda Beach is a sandbank off the coast of Zanzibar. It's a beautiful place to visit if you want to spend time swimming, snorkeling, or just enjoying the warmth of the tropical air and sea.
Situated in a rural stretch of Tanzania filled with villages and farmlands, not far from Moshi and Arusha, Kikuletwa Hot Springs is a freshwater spring big enough and deep enough to swim in. Despite its name, the water here is best described as warm, not hot, making it a refreshing spot for a dip, even on hot days.
Off the coast of Zanzibar, Changuu Island offers plenty for history fans and beach lovers alike. Its "Prison Island" moniker comes from a prison that was built there in the late 19th century, though the structure ended up being used as a yellow fever quarantine station instead.
A short drive—and a slightly longer hike—north of Moshi will take you to Materuni Waterfall, among the tallest cascades in the area. The waters of this massive waterfall tumble around 262 feet (80 meters) straight down into a basin below. Just be prepared to do a bit of hiking.
On the western end of town, the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre showcases the work of artisans from across Africa, both in a huge main gallery and across a number of craft shops. It's a fantastic place to browse (or purchase) art or to pick up souvenirs ranging from wooden giraffes to elegant jewelry.
The gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro's most popular route, the market town of Marangu is often the last place people stop before heading off on a summiting adventure. The village thrives mainly on the tourism industry, with many hotels, guesthouses, shops, restaurants, and services catering to international trekkers.
Constructed in 1831 for Said bin Sultan, the fifth ruler of Oman’s Busaid dynasty, Mtoni Palace is best known as the childhood home of Princess Salme, the sultan's youngest daughter and author of Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar. Today the palace is in ruins, but it's still a great spot for travelers wishing to see what royal life was like in the 19th century.
On the eastern coast of southern Zanzibar, Jambiani Beach is considered one of the loveliest beaches on the island. Its white, powdery sands and clear waters make it great for relaxing and swimming, making it a great day trip from Zanzibar City or an overnight destination.
On the border of Tanzania and Kenya, Lake Chala is a caldera lake that's among the deepest lakes on the African continent at 295 feet (90 meters) in depth. It's a popular spot for hiking and kayaking, and the lake's abundance of avian species makes it an excellent spot for bird-watching.
Situated on Zanzibar's eastern coast, northeast of Zanzibar City, Kiwengwa Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling, water sports, swimming, or just relaxing. Many people base much of their Zanzibar vacation at one of the many hotels and resorts here, while others come just for the day.
A short drive from Arusha, Lake Duluti is a volcanic crater lake that attracts hikers and boaters who want an easy-to-access escape from the city. Visitors and area residents come to rent canoes or enjoy a beer or meal at one of several lakefront restaurants on Duluti’s northern shores.
This small museum in the heart of Arusha is dedicated to the Arusha Declaration, a 1967 political statement focused on socialism within the African context. Inside, displays tell the story of the declaration through photos and artifacts.
Part of Arusha National Park, this natural landmark is an animal-rich site that's often likened to a smaller version of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, a few hours' drive away. The interior of the crater is swampy, and is one of the more pristine (and untouched) parts of the park.
In the eastern part of Arusha National Park in Tanzania, the Momella Lakes are a set of alkaline lakes that were formed from Mount Meru's eruption thousands of years ago. They're a great place for wildlife watching, and you'll likely spot plenty of flamingos if you come to these shores.
Just east of Arusha, Tengeru is a small mountain village best known for its coffee research programs. While many visitors simply pass through on their way to Arusha National Park and Mount Moshi, Tengeru offers a few draws of its own, including schools that welcome travelers wishing to volunteer.
Founded in 2001, Amani Centre for Street Children provides housing, food, medical care, and education to houseless Tanzanian children. Amani welcomes volunteers for short- and long-term projects, and many travelers donate a few days of their time to give back to the community.
One of the largest markets on the island, Mwanakwerekwe Market is a great place to go if you want a less-touristed alternative to Stone Town's Daranji Market. Here you'll find all the typical food market staples, including meat, produce, and grains, along with a selection of clothing, crafts, and home goods.
On the outskirts of Marangu, Mshiri Village is an excellent spot for travelers to learn about the indigenous Chagga people of the area. While many people just pass through on their way to hike nearby Kilimanjaro, it's worth sticking around for a while to learn about the cultural and culinary traditions of the region.
