Tanzania has developed into one of Africa’s top tourism hotspots,
with the country home to a diverse range of attractions that means it
appeals to pretty much everyone. We’re going to give you the lowdown on
the attractions in Tanzania if you head here on holiday.
Climb Kilimanjaro
If you love nothing more than taking on a physical challenge,
climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is certainly for you. This is the highest
peak in Africa, as well as being the world’s tallest freestanding
mountain at 5,895 m above sea level.
There are various itineraries for climbing Kilimanjaro – you can see
some examples here – but you should plan to leave at least six days for
the ascent and descent. You’ll have to choose between one of six routes
for your climb, and some are definitely better than others. The Rongai
and Shira trails are both beautiful and less crowded than the likes of
Machame and Marangu, while Umbwe is only recommended for very
experienced mountaineers.
This is a wonderful way to see one of Tanzania’s most important and
spectacular landmarks, not to mention that the views from its summit are
truly breathtaking. Not only can you see for miles over the plains
below, but you can also see the curvature of the earth from this height.
Go on Safari
Tanzania is a real wildlife lover’s paradise and is home to all
manner of exotic animals. There are various national parks dotted around
the country where you can have a memorable safari, including the
world-famous Serengeti.
All of Africa’s big five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and
rhinos) can be seen in Tanzania, with the wildebeest and zebra migration
through the Serengeti arguably one of nature’s most spectacular sights.
An alternative safari destination is the Ngorongoro Crater, where you
can not only see an array of flora and fauna, but also another
impressive natural formation. In fact, this is the largest unbroken
caldera on the planet and there are excellent wildlife-watching
opportunities within the crater itself, as well as in the nearby Olduvai
Gorge.
Hit the Beach
With so many wonderful inland attractions, it is easy to forget that
Tanzania actually borders the Indian Ocean and there are some stunning
coastal locations you can visit as well. One of the best is undoubtedly
the islands in the Zanzibar archipelago, which is located just offshore.
Come here and you can look forward to white-sand beaches fringed by
palm trees – the perfect way to unwind after tackling the Kilimanjaro
climb. Snorkelling and scuba diving are both popular, due to the
abundance of life in the sea, while simply relaxing in the sun with a
good book is another option.
Discover Stone Town
Another reason to visit Zanzibar is to explore its historic capital,
Stone Town. This fascinating city has a rich and varied cultural
heritage, having been occupied by several European powers and the
Omanis, as well as displaying a distinct Swahili influence.
This convergence of cultures has a dark origin, however, namely the
slave trade. Stone Town was one of the main slave trading ports in East
Africa and it rose to particular prominence in the 18th century with
thousands of people being shipped off to the New World from here – there
are reminders of this dark past within the city, if you wish to seek
them out.
One of the most fascinating things about Stone Town is its mixture of
architectural styles, with the original Swahili-style homes being
embellished by the Europeans, Arabs and later Indian migrants to the
island.
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