Tanzania has it all, including wildlife-rich savannahs, picturesque islands, and the snow-capped Kilimanjaro. Are you unsure of where to go in the most popular safari destination in Africa? Ten of Tanzania’s most stunning tourist destinations are listed below.

1. The Serengeti National Park

The mainstay of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is Serengeti National Park. The wildebeest migration, which includes two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, is one of the most breathtaking natural displays in the world. There aren’t many safari locations where lions and cheetahs are so visible, and big cats are always nearby. A safari in the Western Corridor or Mara River region offers a more upscale experience, even though the Seronera area can get a little crowded at times.

2. The Crater of Ngorongoro

The world’s largest intact caldera is the Ngorongoro Crater, which was once a huge volcano. Wildlife abounds on the 260km2/100mi2 crater floor, which is surrounded by tall crater walls. It is easy to observe all five of the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino. The greatest concentration of spotted hyena and lion in the world can be found in this special habitat. At Lake Magadi, the latter is occasionally spotted hunting flamingos. Then there are the massive elephant bulls, which are uncommon in other parts of East Africa, with their gigantic tusks.

3. Manyara Lake National Park

The Rift Valley soda lake, grassy floodplains, dense acacia woodland, rich groundwater forest, and steep slope are just a few of the diverse habitats found in Lake Manyara National Park. Elephants abound, blue monkeys and olive baboons are constants in the forest, and if you’re lucky, you may spot lions that scale trees. Large flocks of pink flamingos frequently feed in the lake, and there is a wealth of bird species.

4. Mount Kilimanjaro

The tallest peak in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world is Mount Kilimanjaro. It rises nearly 5 km/3 mi above the savannah of Africa below. It is understandable why reaching the peak (5,895m/19,340ft) is one of the most sought-after experiences in Africa. The five- to eight-day hike to Uhuru Peak is really rewarding if you’re in good physical condition.

However, if this isn’t your thing, you may still be able to visit this well-known site in all its splendor if you choose to stay in Moshi or Arusha. The snow-capped peaks are frequently briefly visible at sunrise and twilight, despite being generally obscured by clouds.

5. Zanzibar

East Africa’s fabled Spice Island, Zanzibar, is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania. You can spend a few days relaxing on a beautiful beach with a good book or a cool cocktail at this ideal post-safari getaway. The warm waters are ideal for swimming because of the protective reefs. However, Zanzibar offers more than just beach vacations. Take a spice trip through rural Zanzibar, discover Swahili culture in historic Stone Town, dive world-class at Mnemba Atoll, and search for Zanzibar red colobus monkeys in Jozani Forest. Visit the Forodhani Gardens night market to mingle with the locals and eat wonderful seafood.

6. NP Nyerere

Another top Tanzanian destination is the expansive wildness of Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve). Typically, game drives take place around a chain of lakes, which serve as opportunistic lions’ hunting grounds as they wait for thirsty animals to come drink. A highlight of any visit is taking a boat ride on the slow Rufiji River.

Anticipate getting up close and personal with terrifying crocodiles and avoiding a staggering amount of hippos. In the late afternoon, elephants frequently come to drink, and you may even spot them swimming across the river.

7. Natron Lake

The most bleak of Tanzania’s Rift Valley lakes is Lake Natron. Numerous hot springs bubble on the surface of the crust of salt and volcanic ash that covers the shallow, caustic waters. Remarkably, the only known lesser flamingo breeding site in East Africa is Lake Natron. Ol Doinyo Lengai, which translates to “Mountain of God,” towers over this oddly lovely setting. You can climb this active volcano if you’re feeling daring. The journey often takes place at night and lasts roughly five to six hours.

8. Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park provides the ideal fusion of untamed landscapes, a sense of wilderness, and varied wildlife viewing. It’s no surprise that many Africa enthusiasts love it. Ruaha is a great place to see carnivores. Numerous packs of African wild dogs, prides of more than twenty lions, and good numbers of leopards and cheetahs can also be found there. Large herds of elephants and an exceptionally diverse assortment of antelope, including as sable, roan, and larger kudu, are among the other fauna.

9. NP Mahale Mountains

Mahale Mountains National Park is unquestionably one of Tanzania’s top tourist destinations, despite its lack of popularity. Situated beneath the jungle-covered Mahale Mountains on the sandy edge of Lake Tanganyika, this isolated park is part of the Albertine Rift. It’s worth going out here only for the breathtaking landscape, plus the mood is something out of Robinson Crusoe.

The primary draw, though, is a group of untamed chimpanzees that were acclimated by Japanese scientists in the 1960s. While afternoons are spent boating, swimming, hiking, bird viewing, or simply relaxing on the beach, mornings are typically spent monitoring these gregarious great apes.

10. NP Saadani

There is nothing like Saadani National Park. The only location in East Africa where the woods and the beach meet is here. When you return to camp, take a game drive and dive right into the Indian Ocean. Elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and possibly even lions may be visible. Numerous antelopes are also present, such as the adorable red duiker and the beautiful sable.

A river boat excursion where you can observe hippos and other birds is a highlight of a vacation to Saadani. The beautiful swimming beach also serves as a turtle breeding location, and you may observe the young hatchlings splashing into the sea from July to September. Saadani is a fairly uncrowded place because there are just three tiny lodges, despite its distinct character.