Best things to do in Tanzania

Tanzania Essentials

This selection spans the diverse landscapes of Tanzania, from the UNESCO-listed 14th-century ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani to the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park. It includes the endemic biodiversity of the Udzungwa Mountains and the 170-meter Sanje Waterfall. Coastal highlights feature the marine ecosystems of Mafia Island, the historic Swahili architecture of Pangani, and the iconic Rock restaurant off Zanzibar. In Arusha, the central market offers a glimpse into local trade with its extensive collection of spices, textiles, and fresh regional produce.

Tanzania Essentials — Map

Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg / Public domain

A

Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani

Kilwa Kisiwani is an island, national historic site, and hamlet community located in the township of Kilwa Masoko, the district seat of…

Niceley / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Uroa Bay

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island - for sure. The pristine beach seems to be endless.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

C

The Rock

A seafood restaurant situated on a coral outcrop off the Michamvi Pingwe peninsula. Accessible by foot during low tide and by boat at high tide, it serves a Swahili-influenced menu with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Tiger8 / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Mafia Island

Mafia Island or Chole Shamba is an island of The Mafia Archipelago located in Mafia District in the southern Pwani Region of Tanzania…

Panii / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Selous Game Reserve

The Selous Game Reserve, now renamed as Nyerere National Park, is a protected nature reserve and wilderness area in southern Tanzania, East…

Chen Hualin / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is a national park near Morogoro, Tanzania with an area of 3,230 km2 that was established in 1964.

Marc Veraart / CC BY 2.0

G

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a Tanzanian national park in Kilolo District of Iringa Region and Kilombero District of Morogoro…

H

Pangani

Pangani is a historic town and capital of Pangani District in the Tanga Region of Tanzania.

I

Sanje Waterfall

A 170-meter waterfall located within Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Reached via a steep rainforest trek, the site features natural plunge pools at the base and views overlooking the Kilombero Valley.

J

Arusha City Great Market

Known locally as Soko Kuu, this central hub serves as Arusha's primary trading point for regional produce, coffee, and traditional Maasai textiles. The market is organized into specialized sections for spices, hand-woven baskets, and grains.

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