Places to discover

Best places to visit in Tanzania

Tanzania is a vast country best known for its safaris, which are among the most spectacular in the world, thanks to its remarkable landscapes and its rich wild fauna. However, let's not forget its Maasai tribes with their many traditions and above all, Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa. Tanzania is also known for Zanzibar, which justifies its reputation as a tourist paradise.

The capital, Dar es Salaam, is a brief stop for newly arrived travellers. Bustling and unpleasant, it is of no particular interest. On the other hand, the north of the country is the most touristic, in particular the Arusha region. The country's second largest city is located at the foot of Mount Meru and most notably of Kilimanjaro and therefore serves as a base for climbers for whom it will take anywhere from 7 to 10 days to reach the summit. Green coffee plantations are spread out at the foot of the mountain.

Not far from Arusha, is the famous Serengeti National Park (straddling Tanzania and Kenya) known for its plains where you can watch the migration of thousands of wildebeests and plenty of lions. Within this park is the famous Ngorongoro crater, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as spectacular for its animal safaris as for its scenery. Still in this same region, you can visit the national parks of Tangire and of Lake Manyara.

Offering sunbathers a state of serenity, beautiful Zanzibar is a top destination to enjoy lovely deserted beaches.

Continental Tanzania is more difficult to visit, nevertheless you can go on an adventure to discover the huge national parks of Selous and Ruaha, located in the country's centre.

Experienced travellers will venture off the beaten path to the shores of the lakes which mark the country's boundaries: these are the three largest lakes of the continent! Let's start with Lake Victoria, Africa's largest, then we continue the length of Tanganyika, to finally end in the south with Lake Malawi, which marks the boundary with the country of the same name.

Tarangire National Park

Located 118 km south-west of Arusha, Tarangire National Park presents a wonderful baobab covered landscape. It is famous for its large number of elephants.

Karatu

Karatu is a village situated between the national parks of Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater , in the northern part of Tanzania, near Arusha .

Ngorongoro

Located at a distance of 160 km from Arusha, which is about three hours by road, is Ngorongoro, a 20 km diameter crater and home to the greatest concentration of animals in the world.

Lake Manyara National Park

A woody national park in the East African Rift Valley that boasts a lake and an incredible concentration of wild animals, Manyara is a must for safari fans.

Matemwe

Matemwe is a village north-east of the island of Zanzibar known for its luxurious hotels. It is located opposite the Mnemba island.

Mount Kilimanjaro

At 5895 m in height, Kilimanjaro is the African continent's highest summit. Whether from the air (in a plane) or from the ground when attempting its ascent, it draws the eye irresistibly.

Machame

At 90km from Arusha, Machame is the departure point for hikers beginning their ascent of Kilimanjaro, along the trail that bears its name, the Machame route.

Shira Plateau

At 6km from the Machame camp, the Shira Plateau, at 3,840m high, is where the Machame and Shira trails meet. So it's a busy place.

Barranco

A 7 hour walk from Shira Camp, Barranco is half way along the Machame trail, which leads to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Barafu

Lying seven hours' walk from Barranco and perched at an altitude of 4600 m, Barafu is the last place you can seek refuge along the Machame route before the final ascent of Kilimanjaro.

Uhuru Peak

At an altitude of 5,895m, Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on the continent. It takes several days (between 5 and 9, depending on the trail you choose) to reach the roof of Africa.

Mweka

Located 10 km from Moshi and 90 km from Arusha, Mweka is the finishing point for trekkers who've hiked the Machame, Umbwe or Shira routes. These days it is prohibited to begin the ascension from here.

Dar Es Salaam

By the Indian Ocean, 480km from the capital, Dodoma, Dar Es-Salaam is the biggest town in Tanzania.. Really quite ugly and not very interesting, there's no reason to stay there.

Ruaha

This National Park in the centre of Tanzania is the country's second largest behind the Serengeti National Park. The wildlife there is very wild and the savanna enchanting landscapes. It is famous for its elephant population.

Stone Town

The biggest town in Zanzibar, Stone Town is the arrival port for ferries coming from the mainland. It's a real joy to lose yourself in the maze of backstreets in the old town.

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara, located in the reserve sharing the same name, is surely one of the most beautiful lakes of the African continent. The wealth of its ecosystems make this a popular place for observing rich wildlife. A place that will delight the whole family.