Tanzania vacations

Framed by powdery white sands, coconut palms and turquoise waters, the Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar is the crowd-free beach break you’ve been searching for.

A gateway to the pristine shores of Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam beckons you to linger and experience its cultural sites, from traditional Tanzanian villages to impressive museums.

Ready for the climb of your life? Tanzania’s legendary peak is no easy feat, but that on-top-of-the-world feeling (and those epic views) makes it worthwhile.

Big cats hunting, wildebeests grazing, giraffes thundering across the plains — the scenes at the Serengeti are straight out of a wildlife documentary. Elephants congregate in Tarangire National Park, while the forests of Gombe Stream National Park are known for their chimpanzees. And animals of all stripes (and spots) reside in Tanzania’s largest national park, Nyerere.

The islands of the Zanzibar archipelago are the perfect break for beach lovers. The largest is Unguja (also known as Zanzibar), a roughly 90-minute ferry ride from the city of Dar es Salaam. Here, you’ll find miles of palm-fringed beaches and fragrant spice farms. Smaller islands like Mafia and Pemba are even more low-key, with quiet beaches and coral reefs to explore.

One of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Tanzania is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest free-standing mountain in the world. The multiday trek takes you through rainforest, alpine desert and arctic landscapes, with wildlife sightings along the way. The journey is gentle enough for less-experienced climbers but still requires good physical fitness and can induce some altitude sickness. All climbers must travel with a guide.

Many of the best beaches in Tanzania are in the Zanzibar archipelago. On Unguja, Kendwa offers calm waters for swimming. Nungwi is known for its beachside amenities, while Paje has a more local vibe. Misali Island draws snorkelers to its unspoiled reefs. Mainland Tanzania has some lovely shores too, including Sange Beach and Ras Kutani Beach, not far from Dar es Salaam.

For a diversity of landscapes, focus on the northern part of the country, where you’ll find Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and the volcanic caldera known as the Ngorongoro Crater. The southwest region has scene-stealers too, like Lake Victoria and the wildflower-strewn Kitulo National Park. Many parks offer hiking trails, though some areas only allow entry to official tour groups.

You’ll find lots of international options at restaurants in Tanzania, particularly at the resorts and in Dar es Salaam. But don’t miss out on the local specialties. ‘Nyama choma’ (barbecued meat) is a must. And for an only-in-Tanzania treat, try Zanzibar pizza — fried dough filled with a savory combination of African, Arabian and European ingredients.

The National Museum in Dar es Salaam is one of the best museums in Tanzania, covering the country’s history through everything from paleontological artifacts to contemporary art. On Unguja island, Stone Town’s historical buildings reflect the region’s African, European and Arabian influences. Don’t miss the Slave Memorial, a moving reminder of a dark chapter in human history.

For wildlife-watching, the best time to go to Tanzania is June through September, when the weather is mild and dry. You’ll find deals and fewer crowds the rest of the year, though be aware that March through May is the rainy season. The weather in coastal Tanzania and Zanzibar is usually warm year-round.

A cheap trip to Tanzania is possible as long as you avoid the ultra-luxurious resorts and restaurants. You can expect an inexpensive meal to cost around 8,000 Tanzanian shillings (Sh) and a short taxi ride to run you roughly Sh17,500.