Top 10 Places to Visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar for an Unforgettable Adventure
Tanzania and Zanzibar are more than just destinations. They are journeys into the wild, the warm, and the wonderful. From the savannahs of the Serengeti to the streets of Stone Town, every stop leaves you with memories that last a lifetime.
In this article we will outline our top ten places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar, and why each one could be just right for your next great adventure.
Before we dive into the best places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. Zanzibar is not a separate country — it is part of Tanzania. Tanzania is made up of two main regions: Tanzania Mainland and the Tanzania Islands, primarily Unguja (commonly called Zanzibar Island) and Pemba.
In travel conversations, people often refer to “Tanzania” when they mean the mainland — the land of safaris, mountains, and vast national parks. And they say “Zanzibar” when they’re talking about the coastal islands, famous for beaches, history, and spice culture.
So when we talk about places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar, we’re simply highlighting both sides of one incredible destination — the wild heart of the mainland and the serene soul of the islands.
1. Serengeti National Park
Let’s start our list of the top 10 places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar by pointing the best of the best, the Serengeti.
If you’ve ever dreamed of Africa’s great wildlife spectacles, this is the place. The Serengeti is vast, golden, and alive with movement. Picture thousands of wildebeest thundering across the plains. Lions watching from the tall grass. And sunsets that seem to light the world on fire.
The best time to visit depends on what you want to see. June to October is ideal for game viewing. July to September is best for the Great Migration in the north. January to March is calving season in the south.
You can fly into the park or drive from Arusha, stopping at smaller parks on the way. If you want a quieter experience, try Moru Kopjes or the Namiri Plains. They’re less crowded and full of surprises.
This is a great choice for adventurous couples, photographers, or first-time safari-goers who want the classic experience.
2. Ngorongoro Crater
No list of places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar would be complete without Ngorongoro CraterNgorongoro feels like a secret. A massive crater, filled with grasslands, forests, and lakes and home to many of your favorite animals. Lions. Rhinos. Flamingos, Elephants, Buffalos, etc.
Dry season (June to October) is best for clear views and easy drives. The crater gets busy, so go early. You’ll enter from Arusha in about four hours by road, often paired with a stop at Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Parks.
For something different, hike around the nearby Empakaai Crater or explore the Ndutu area during migration months. Both offer peace and raw beauty.
Families love Ngorongoro for easy wildlife spotting. It’s also great for travelers short on time who want maximum wow in a day or two.
3. Mount Kilimanjaro
Even if you don’t climb it, Kilimanjaro is worth seeing. The mountain rises straight from the plains, snow-capped and magical. It’s Africa’s tallest peak, and a symbol of challenge and beauty.
The best climbing months are January to March and June to October. You can fly into Kilimanjaro Airport, then base yourself in Moshi or Arusha. From there, short hikes and coffee tours let you enjoy the area without summiting.
Try Materuni Waterfalls or the Shira Plateau Kilimanjaro Day Hike for beautiful views and fewer crowds. And after a few days in the mountains, a soak in the Kikuletwa hot springs feels just right.
Perfect for active travelers or anyone wanting to have the view of the mountain and its surrounding areas.
4. Tarangire National Park
If you love elephants, giant baobabs, and a slower pace, you’ll fall in love here. It’s quieter than other parks but rich in wildlife and charm.
June to October is the best time to see large herds near the river. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Arusha, and pairs well with other northern parks.
Explore Silale Swamp or spend a night in the remote southern camps. This is where you hear lions roar at night and see stars you’ll never forget.
Great for travelers who want a peaceful safari, and ideal for kids as the wildlife is close and easy to spot.
5. Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is green, quiet, and full of surprises. Tree-climbing lions. Pink flamingos. Forest elephants. All tucked between a towering cliff and a shallow lake.
Best visited from June to October, though the scenery shines after rains too. It’s only 1.5 hours from Arusha, making it an easy stop on the way to Ngorongoro.
The treetop walkway is fun and unique, and nearby Mto wa Mbu village offers food tastings, bike rides, and friendly smiles.
Ideal for short trips, family outings, or anyone wanting a softer, scenic introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife.
6. Zanzibar – Nungwi and Kendwa
If you’re craving tropical bliss, the northern coast of Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Nungwi and Kendwa, on the island’s north coast, are the most beautiful and least affected by tides. Soft sand. Clear water. Gorgeous sunsets.
Fly from Arusha or Dar to Zanzibar in under two hours. From the airport, it’s a 1.5–2-hour drive to the north coast.
These beaches are best from June to October or December to March. Hidden gems include the Mnarani Turtle Sanctuary and peaceful Kendwa Rocks Beach.
It’s perfect for honeymooners, beach lovers, and families who want relaxation with a touch of ocean adventure.
7. Zanzibar - Stone Town
If you’re craving tropical bliss, the northern coast of Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Nungwi and Kendwa, on the island’s north coast, are the most beautiful and least affected by tides. Soft sand. Clear water. Gorgeous sunsets.
Fly from Arusha or Dar to Zanzibar in under two hours. From the airport, it’s a 1.5–2-hour drive to the north coast.
These beaches are best from June to October or December to March. Hidden gems include the Mnarani Turtle Sanctuary and peaceful Kendwa Rocks Beach.
It’s perfect for honeymooners, beach lovers, and families who want relaxation with a touch of ocean adventure.
8. Zanzibar-Paje and Jambiani
For a quieter, more local beach experience, head to Paje or Jambiani. These villages are relaxed, beautiful, and full of life, perfect for long walks, kite surfing, and village visits.
It takes about 1.5 hours to reach these beaches from Zanzibar Airport.
Visit from June to October or January to March for sun and clear skies.
Paje is lively with water sports, while Jambiani is quieter and more authentic. Try visiting the Seaweed Center or biking through the village at sunset.
A favorite for solo travelers, digital nomads, or families who want space to breathe and play.
9. Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is where you go to feel alone with nature. It’s Tanzania’s biggest park, but few people visit. That means more space, more silence, and raw, wild beauty.
It’s best in the dry season (June to October), when animals gather at the river. You can drive from Dar es salaam city, or fly in from Dar or Arusha to the Msembe airstrip.
Stay in camps near the Mwagusi River for amazing game drives and views. Walking safaris here are unforgettable.
This park suits experienced safari lovers, photographers, or anyone craving untouched wilderness.
10. Selous (Nyerere National Park)
Selous, now part of Nyerere National Park, is all about rivers, boats, and hidden gems. Think hippos, crocs, elephants and more. It’s wild, green, and refreshingly quiet.
Fly in from Dar or Zanzibar, or brave the long but scenic road trip. June to October is best, but birders love the lush months too.
Great for off-the-beaten-path travelers and couples looking for something truly different.
Planning Your Journey to these top places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar
With so many amazing places to visit in Tanzania and Zanzibar, how do you choose? Start by thinking about your travel style. Do you want adventure? Relaxation? Culture? A bit of everything?
Then match your route to your rhythm. You can start in the bush and end at the beach or do it the other way around. Either way, the memories will be unforgettable.
We’re here to help you plan and make that happen smoothly, safely, and beautifully. Contact us now.