What are the top 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Tanzania?

By Africa Exotic Holidays

June 12, 2025

Tanzania is one of those countries where the more you know about it, the more difficult it is to relax. Everything seems larger than life—the scenery, the animals, the beaches. You learn about the lions and elephants, the Great Migration, the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, and naturally, the white sand beaches of Zanzibar. With so many Tourist Attractions in Tanzania, it seems like the nation has been created for those yearning for adventure.
But if you are organising your Safari Tour in Tanzania, you could be wondering: where exactly do I start? One nation may pack so much that it becomes overpowering.
Not to worry; we have carefully compiled the Best Places to Visit in Tanzania to enable you to create the ideal adventure, little by little.

1. Serengeti National Park- The Great Migration Wonder

Let’s be real — if you only know one thing about Tanzania, it’s probably the Serengeti National Park. And honestly? It deserves the hype.

The Maasai call it Siringet, which means “endless plains.” That name says it all. You drive out into what feels like an ocean of grass. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, something moves in the distance — a herd, a predator, a scene straight out of a nature documentary.

But the main act? The Great Migration. Picture millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving together, searching for greener grass. And of course, predators follow — lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and crocodiles. The entire scene is raw, thrilling, and strangely beautiful.

You don’t have to time your trip perfectly, though. The Serengeti is alive all year:

• The Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos
• 500+ bird species for bird lovers
• Giraffes, hippos, hyenas — always something new
• Those famous fiery sunsets

If you’re only choosing one place, make it Serengeti. It’s easily one of the Top Tanzania Tourist Attractions.

2. Ngorongoro Crater – A natural wildlife sanctuary

Ngorongoro Crater is located just adjacent to the Serengeti, and it truly feels like its own planet.
Long ago, a big volcano collapsed here, leaving behind a massive crater that is today one of the world’s most concentrated animal habitats. You can practically drive around the crater floor and witness everything from zebras and wildebeest to lions and rare black rhinos in only a few hours.
Here’s what makes Ngorongoro Crater unique:

• The park is home to approximately 30,000 animals.
• It is a rare opportunity to see black rhinos.
• Lions, hyenas, wildebeests, and buffalo may be seen everywhere.
• The crater rim offers breathtaking vistas.

It’s no surprise that many travellers consider it one of the Best Places To Visit In Tanzania.

3. Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants

Now, let’s talk about Tarangire National Park, which doesn’t always hit the top of the list but deserves to.

If you adore elephants, here is the place to be.
In the dry season, hundreds of elephants congregate around the Tarangire River.

It’s one of the best spots in East Africa to watch these big animals up close, often in large family groupings.
What else makes Tarangire shine?

• The park features ancient baobab trees standing like giant statues.
• There are lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as herds of zebras, giraffes, and impalas.
• It also has over 300 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s heaven.

Tarangire National Park is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quieter Tanzania National Park.

4. Lake Manyara National Park’s Tree-Climbing Lions and Flamingos

Although Lake Manyara National Park may appear to be modest, you should not be fooled by its appearance. There is a lot of unexpectedness in this location.
Lions that can climb trees are present here. Even though it is not typical behaviour, the lions in this area take pleasure in the view from above.

From that alone, photographers from all over the world are drawn to the location.
In addition, the lake itself is ornamented with thousands of pink flamingos, while hippos and buffalo can be found cooling off in the waterways that are adjacent to the lake.
Expect to see:

• Those famous tree-climbing lions
• Flamingos covering the lake
• Hippos chilling in the water
• 400+ bird species soaring above

If you’re short on time but want to see a lot, Lake Manyara is one of the top Tanzania Attractions for Tourists that punches well above its size.

5. Arusha National Park- Scenic Beauty and Canoe Safaris

It is common for tourists to bypass Arusha National Park just because it does not contain the Big Five. We think it’s a big mistake.
Because we believe a new kind of safari is available at this park. It is serene, scenic, and packed with a wide range of options.
You will discover the following:

• Canoeing on Momella Lakes
• Walking safaris across open fields
• Climbing paths on Mount Meru
• The presence of flamingos, monkeys, and giraffes everywhere

Arusha is the ideal place to stay during your Tanzania Safari Vacation if you are looking for a more relaxed introduction to your safari or a calm break from long drives.

6. Zanzibar – Beaches, History, and Culture

Indeed, a trip to Tanzania would not be considered complete if it did not include a discussion of Zanzibar. More than virtually any other place on the planet, this island successfully combines awe-inspiring beaches with a historical past.
Even though you have beaches like Nungwi, Paje, and Matemwe that are picture-perfect for a postcard, there is a lot more to see and do in this area if you want to. Zanzibar has the distinct impression of being a world unto itself due to its long-standing spice trade, Arab influence, and cultural fusion. Must-do activities in Zanzibar include:

• Relax on soft beaches with turquoise waters
• Tour spice farms filled with cloves and nutmeg
• Wander through Stone Town’s narrow alleyways
• Try street food at the Forodhani night market

Zanzibar is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most well-known Tourist Attractions in Tanzania Destinations. It is a place that boasts both excitement and sheer leisure.

7. Kilimanjaro National Park – Home to Africa’s Highest Peak

In addition to being Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro is also considered to be one of the most recognisable mountains in the world.
The fact that virtually anyone may climb Kilimanjaro is one of its most appealing features.

There are no ropes or climbing gear required; all that is required is determination, a guide, and time. During your ascent, you will walk through a variety of environments, including glaciers, alpine desert, and rainforest.
What makes Kilimanjaro special:

• Nearly 6,000 meters high — the highest in Africa
• Multiple routes for different skill levels
• Dramatic scenery changes with every step
• Wildlife like colobus monkeys and rare alpine plants.

For many travellers, standing on Kilimanjaro’s peak is one of the ultimate Tanzania Travel Destinations they’ll ever experience.

8. Mafia Island – Peaceful Shores and Whale Sharks

Travel to Mafia Island if you find that Zanzibar is too busy. Here, everything moves at a snail’s pace, and that is precisely what the objective is.
Huge whale sharks can be found swimming just offshore between October and March. Swimmers and snorkelers can get up close and personal with these gentle giants, which is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Why You Should Have Mafia Island on Your List:

• Swim with whale sharks (no cage, totally safe)
• Dive into vibrant coral reefs
• Empty beaches with no crowds
• Quiet fishing villages that feel untouched

For a peaceful, nature-filled escape, Mafia is one of the best Tanzania Tourist Attractions out there.

9. Pemba Island- The Undiscovered Paradise

If the Mafia is peaceful, Pemba Island is even more hidden. Many travellers never make it here, which means you should.
Pemba is a place that is rich with lush hills, mangroves, and little fishing communities. It is also known as “Clove Island” due to the enormous spice farms that are located there. There are some of Tanzania’s top diving spots hidden beneath the waters.
The following are some of the landmarks that you will come across:

• Lush, rolling hills and thick forests
• Ancient ruins and old mosques
• Pristine beaches with hardly anyone there
• Dive sites full of coral gardens

Pemba has the potential to become your go-to location in Tanzania if you are looking for an unspoiled holiday place.

10. Stone Town- Where History Lives in Every Street

The experience of visiting Stone Town in Zanzibar is akin to travelling back in time. Over more than a thousand years, merchants from Arabia, India, Europe, and Africa travelled through this region, leaving behind a history that is layered upon history.
As you make your way through the winding alleyways, past the carved wooden doors and the ancient stone structures, you can feel the presence of other cultures all around you.
What not to miss:

• The old slave market and the Anglican Cathedral
• The Old Fort overlooking the sea
• Spice markets bursting with colour and smells
• Street food stalls at Forodhani Gardens

Among all the Things to See in Tanzania, Stone Town stands as one of the most historic and thought-provoking.

Visit Tanzania – One Country with A Thousand Stories

Tanzania is a destination that combines multiple worlds into one. Endless grasslands teeming with wildlife, ancient craters brimming with life, tropical beaches, towering mountains, and cities rich with millennia of history.

And, when you’re ready to experience all of outstanding Top Tourist Attractions in Tanzania, Africa Exotic Holidays is here to help.

Our skilled staff curates Tanzania Safari Packages that will leave you with unforgettable memories – not simply of where you visited, but also of how you felt.