From safaris to versatile cuisine, Tanzania is an African jewel worth visiting. Its name is a compound of two unified states—Tanganyika and Zanzibar. After being a German and then a British colony, Tanzania earned independence on December 9, 1961.
If Tanzania is in the cards, here are a few sites you should check out during your visit.
Serengeti National Park
Tourists from all over flock to Serengeti National Park, hoping for a glimpse of The Great Migration. It’s called The Greatest Show On Earth for a reason. Scores of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras thunder across the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures.
A safari guide can take you to the best viewing spots, with safety in mind. If you really want to get to know the Serengeti, consider the range of accommodations, from mobile tents to lodges.
Mount Kilimanjaro
For those looking to conquer the tallest mountain in Africa, and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, check out Kilimanjaro. This majestic peak soars at 19,341 feet, meaning you can’t climb it all at once. To get used to the altitude changes, you’ll need 5 to 11 days.
Many tour companies offer Kilimanjaro packages, but you’ll want to make sure you have prior mountain-climbing experience.
Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania. The Kariakoo Market and Dar Es Salaam Fish Market, offer an authentic Tanzanian market experience. To learn about the history of Tanzania in general, visit the National Museum.
Dar es Salaam city caters well to foodies. The national dish, ugali, is everywhere. Street foods like mishkaki and nyama choma are just as popular. There’s decent Asian cuisine available too, especially Indian food.
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous province of Tanzania. Getting there takes a bit of effort, which is appealing to tourists who are looking for a location that is off the beaten track. The island boasts beautiful beaches, as well as the Darajani Market in Stone Town. To get here, fly into mainland Tanzania and take a smaller plane or ferry.
