17 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Tanzania: Discovering East Africa

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Tanzania is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. It might surprise you to know that there are so many more things to see and do in Tanzania!

It’s an interesting fact that Tanzania was where the immortal words “Dr. Livingstone, I presume” were uttered. David Livingstone is only one of many famous explorers who were fascinated by Tanzania.

And for good reason – Tanzania is a lush and magical place. It’s home to more than 4 million amazing animals – there are more animals per km² than anywhere else in the world.

In fact, Tanzania is globally recognized as a critical country in the conservation of Africa’s diverse animal populations.

Nothing but breathing the air in Africa, and actually walking through it, can communicate the indescribable sensations.

– William Burchell

And if that isn’t enough reason for you to visit Tanzania, you’ll also find some of the world’s best beaches. Plus the most fascinating cultures and the most mesmerizing historical sites.

Whatever your interests might be, Tanzania has you covered. Here are a few reasons why your visit to Tanzania will be the trip of a lifetime.

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Why Visit Tanzania?

1. The Serengeti

*UNESCO World Heritage Site

There’s no more iconically African image than endless wildlife dotting the sweeping, grassy plain of the Serengeti National Park.

The number of animals you’ll see here is astounding. It’s estimated that some 1.3 million wildebeest live on the Serengeti, and more than 3000 lions.

Serengeti Park covers a vast 14,763 km² of grassland, savannah, woodlands and riverine forest. These areas are home to countless animals.

It’s also one of Tanzania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sites chosen by UNESCO are considered to have significant value to humanity. This is an enormous statement, and the Serengeti certainly qualifies.

Numerous films and documentaries have been made of the Serengeti, but nothing can compare with actually being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Tanzania.

2. The Great Wildebeest Migration

Over 1.5 million wildebeest participate each year in the second-largest* animal migration on the planet. They are joined by some 300,000 zebra and smaller numbers of gazelles, elands, and impalas.

In total, over 2 million animals are on the move. The columns of wildebeest (aka. gnu), at up to 1,000 animals per km², can actually be seen from space.

It’s an absolutely astounding sight, and an experience you’ll never forget.

This migration is a continuous, clockwise circle of movement that culminates annually in what has been called The Greatest Show on Earth.

The millions of animals follow the rains and the fresh grasses for grazing.

* Fun Fact: The largest migration is the annual migration of 10 million giant fruit bats. They leave the Democratic Republic of Congo between October and December and descend into the Kansaka National Park in Northern Zambia for an all-out fruitfest!

3. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area

*UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area stretches across northern Tanzania. It meets with the Serengeti on its west side and the Great Rift Valley on its east.

This is where the Ngorongoro Crater is found. This unbroken volcanic crater is home to some of the densest concentrations of wildlife in the world.

It is a lush and stunning sight, and is often referred to as the Garden of Eden. More than 30,000 animals make their home on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater, and over 2,500 different species.

The Crater is the best place in Tanzania to see the critically endangered black rhino. As well, you can find all of the Big 5, many times over.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also home to the Olduvai Gorge, Laetoli and the Kondoa Rock Art Cave Sites. These all make it an essential destination for anyone travelling to Tanzania.

Add in these historically significant sites, and Ngorongoro is an incredible reason to visit Tanzania.

Fun Fact: It’s also home to the Ngorongoro Crater. It was so named by the Maasai people for the sound that a cowbell makes: imagine “ngoro ngoro“.

4. The Maasai People

To see the tall, elegant Maasai tribespeople in their traditional dress with a magnificent wilderness backdrop is stunning. Meeting them in person is amazing.

The Maasai people live in northern Tanzania and are one of the most internationally recognizable tribes in Africa. This might be due to the fact that they live near some of the most popular wildlife parks.

It might also have to do with their distinctive dress and dance.

The Maasai in Tanzania live in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, across to the southern edge of the Serengeti.

Many tours and safaris include a visit with these fascinating people. You’ll get the chance to see and participate in their customary dancing and singing. Join in for the best experience!

5. Mt. Kilimanjaro

*UNESCO World Heritage Site

You don’t have to climb it to enjoy the “Roof of Africa”, as Mt Kilimanjaro is known. Even just seeing it in person is spectacular.

But, you don’t need climbing experience to summit Kilimanjaro, or even special climbing equipment. Kilimanjaro is considered a “walk-up” mountain because the trails are not actually steep enough to need special equipment.

Even if you aren’t interested in adding “climbed Kilimanjaro” to your list of achievements, you can still get a taste of the experience, by climbing to Kibo hut, lower on the mountain.

6. Arusha

This small city lies at the foot of Mt. Meru, and offers a stunning view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Arusha is also known for being the centre of activity for Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit. This circuit includes the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, as well as Kilimanjaro.

However, it’s a lovely destination on its own. Visit the old colonial architecture and the museums to learn some of the history of Tanzania.

There are also vibrant and colourful markets to visit, selling anything you could possibly imagine. And once you’re shopped out, shake it off in one of the nightclubs, or try one of the excellent local restaurants.

7. Safari in Wild Tanzania

It can seem like much of Africa has lost that wild feeling. But not only can you still find it in Southern Tanzania, but in some places, you can sleep in it under the stars.

Wild camping isn’t allowed everywhere, but if you get the chance, take it!

There is nothing like feeling alone in the bush with the giraffes and the elephants. Just you and the people you’re travelling with.

Being the only land cruiser watching a group of hyenas play is something you’ll never forget.

And once you’ve felt the vibration of a lion’s roar through the ground, you’ll never want to sleep in a safari lodge again.

8. The Chimpanzees

Tanzania is the perfect place to visit chimpanzees in the wild, doing what they do. Seeing chimps in the wild is an awesomely unique experience.

Gombe Stream National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is the place to go to see them. This is the area where famed conservationist Jane Goodall did her research some 60 years ago.

It’s surreal to have these chimps, our closest relatives, go about their business while allowing us to observe.

As well, chimps are not the only primates that call Gombe home. You may also spot red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, or blue and vervet monkeys.

On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the longest freshwater lake in the world, visiting the chimps in Gombe.

9. Tea Plantations

If you love tea, you’ll love seeing how it grows. You’ll get to gaze upon the verdant fields of the tea plants, largely unchanged since the Colonial Era, when they were first planted.

The teas that we drink at home are typically a blend of leaves from different parts of the world, as they all add something different to the taste.

Tanzanian tea leaves are said to add a bright, fresh taste to a cuppa.

Tea is one of Tanzania’s main agricultural exports. It’s grown in 3 main areas of Tanzania: the Southern Highlands, the Tanga Region, near the coast, and around the southwestern shore of Lake Victoria.

10. Moshi & a Coffee Plantation

Anyone who worships at the foot of the mighty coffee bean will enjoy a visit to a coffee plantation.

Kilimanjaro is the heart of coffee country in Tanzania. Moshi is the hub of this cash crop, and there are many plantation tours offered.

You’ll get to see the entire operation, from planting and harvesting, all the way through to that delicious cup of magical elixir.

The high-quality beans grown here are named Chagga AA, after the local tribe. A bag of beans is the perfect reminder of your trip when you get home.

11. The Hadza People

One of the world’s last remaining tribes of hunter-gatherers lives in Northern Tanzania. Their daily lives are irrevocably tied to the land they inhabit.

The Hadza, or Hadzabe, live light, turning their backs on material possessions, as well as the idea of social class distinctions. They subsist on game, wild berries and other edible plants.

Today’s population of Hadza people live mainly around Lake Eyasi and in parts of the Serengeti ecosystem.

There are estimated to be around 1,300 remaining today. Fewer than 30% still surviving based solely on the ancient nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

A tour of a Hadza tribal village is a part of many safaris offered in this area. It’s a fascinating glimpse into an ancient way of life. Don’t miss the opportunity to see it!

12. The Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano

How many opportunities will you get to climb a live volcano? In Tanzania, you can have that opportunity.

Ol Doinyo Lengai means Mountain of God in the Maasai language, as it’s a sacred location for the Maasai people. It’s located in Northern Tanzania, right between Serengeti National Park and the city of Arusha.

At 3,188 m high, Ol Doinyo Lengai is a challenging 12 to 14-hour climb. The trek is unique in that it’s often done at night to avoid the daytime heat.

The climb is a steep one, and only for the fit and motivated. However challenging you may find it, though, the view of the lava lake and of Tanzania from the top will make you forget the struggle.

13. Zanzibar

*UNESCO World Heritage Site – Stone Town

The word Zanzibar conjures up exotic aromas of spices and salt air. If you need another reason to visit Tanzania, the paradise of Zanzibar is a fantastic one.

It’s a wonderland of beaches, history, beaches, wildlife, ocean swims, and beaches. Add in a beachside cocktail and some al fresco dining and you have the perfect escape.

Zanzibar also has a rich history and culture, dating back to the 10th century. You can visit Stone Town to see the old Arab-style buildings and learn about the island’s past.

Explore the maze of narrow pathways, coral stone buildings, and iconic carved wooden doors, all on a Swahili foundation.

14. World-Class Diving

Africa has some of the best scuba diving in the world, and some of the best of that can be found in Tanzania. We even have an entire article on the site about diving Tanzania.

Whether you need a reason to stay longer in Zanzibar, or you’d like to see what’s swimming in Lake Tanganyika – go for a dive.

Tour the balmy waters around Zanzibar and other islands in the archipelago to see manta rays, sperm and humpback whales.

15. The Tree Climbing Lions

Lions just weren’t built to climb trees. Their “ankles” – are they called ankles on lions? – don’t bend the same way that, say, leopards’ do.

They might do alright getting up into the low branches, but watching a lion try to get down can be pretty comical. Often times they’re forced to just take a flying leap.

And then there are the tree-climbing lions of Tanzania. One educated guess why they climb is to escape the heat on the ground. They can catch some better-than-nothing breezes in the branches.

Another guess is that they are trying to get away from the bugs. Insects can be a huge annoyance. This is especially true for an animal that spends a great deal of time with bits of last night’s supper smeared on its cheeks.

Whatever the reason, it’s a sight to see, and not one you’ll soon forget. Sightings of these lion rebels are pretty guaranteed in Lake Manyara National Park.

16. Mwanza

There are so many things to do, and so much wildlife to see from the back of a safari vehicle. But there are also some great urban reasons to visit Tanzania. Mwanza is one of those. I have amazing memories from the month I spent here!

Mwanza is the capital city of the region of the same name. Regions are Tanzania’s answer to states or provinces; it has 31 regions.

The city of Mwanza has a population of about 1.2 million people and is considered Tanzania’s second-largest city. Some people consider it a smaller Dar es Salaam.

Mwanza sits on the shores of Lake Victoria and is sometimes known as the City of Rocks. The reason is pretty obvious!

17. Balloon Safaris

You may need to create a special saving account for it. But a balloon safari over the Serengeti is a once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience.

The approximately 1-hour ride is generally in the neighbourhood of US$600. But if you save just $10 a year for 6 years…it’s not that much…

Seriously, it’s money that you’ll regret spending, but you may regret it if you miss the chance to soar over Tanzania.

From the sky you can get a true feeling for how vast the park is. Parts of your ride will be high in the sky to give you a bird’s perspective. At other times you’ll float just meters over sunbathing hippos or browsing giraffes.

If you happen to be in the area at the time of the Great Migration, imagine that view from above!

Summing It Up: So Many Reasons to Visit Tanzania!

These are only 17 reasons make Tanzania your next destination – there are so many more. See how many you can come across while you’re there. I don’t think the list has an end.

Its reputation as a top safari destination is well-earned but it only touches the surface of the magic that Tanzania has in store for the traveller.

Happy travels!

You might also like:
• 24 Best Things to Do in Zanzibar
• 5 Hidden Gems: Tanzania Off The Beaten Path
• 24 Best Things to Do in Zanzibar (with map)
• The Best Dive Site in Tanzania

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