Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in Tanzania: A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers

You will be surprised to know this: Tanzania is where Dr. Jane Goodall began her chimpanzee research in 1960, studied wild chimpanzees, and made important discoveries about our evolutionary cousins. And did you know that over a quarter of the country’s area is protected for wildlife, which is one of the highest proportions in the world?

If you are excited to visit this country, which is full of wildlife and nature, read this guide to understand all about the landscape, climate, and top tourist attractions in Tanzania. Also, remember to purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance to secure your trip.

Tanzania’s Natural Landscape and Climate

Tanzania is a big country in East Africa. It has a diverse landscape, from mountains and plains to deep lakes and beaches.

Mountains and Highlands

In the north of Tanzania, there are big mountains like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. Also, there are mountain ranges like the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the northeast. In the southern part, there are highlands which have good soil for growing crops like coffee, tea, and vegetables.

The Great Rift Valley

A big crack in the Earth called the Great Rift Valley runs through Tanzania from north to south. It was formed millions of years ago when the ground split apart. The valley has many deep lakes like Lake Natron, Lake Manyara, and Lake Eyasi. Also, the Ngorongoro Crater is part of this valley.

Central Plateau

Most of central Tanzania is a large flat area called the Central Plateau. The land is dry and full of grasslands. In this area is the Serengeti National Park.

Lakes and Rivers

Tanzania has many big lakes. Lake Victoria in the north is the largest lake in Africa and one of the sources of the Nile River. Lake Tanganyika, situated in the west, is one of the deepest lakes in the world.

Climate – Weather in Tanzania

In general, the country has two main seasons: rainy and dry.

• Hot and dry season: From June to October, the weather is cool and dry.
• Short rains: From November to December, there is a short rainy season. It does not rain all day but there are short heavy showers.
• Long rains: From March to May, it’s the rainy season. It rains heavily during this time and some roads may become muddy.
• Hot season: From January to February, it is very hot and the temperature is around 30°C.

Learn About Tanzania Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions in Tanzania are: wildlife, mountains, beaches, and culture. The best places to visit in Tanzania are:

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park, located in northern Tanzania is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. It has open grassland spread over acres of land. You can experience the Great Migration, which is one of the biggest animal movements on Earth. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains from Tanzania to Kenya and back, in search of fresh grass and water.

You can also spot the big five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. There are many safari lodges and camps where you can stay and watch lions resting, cheetahs running, and hippos in the river.

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is next to the Serengeti and is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is a huge volcanic crater, about 20 kilometres wide, and is a huge bowl-shaped area formed when a volcano collapsed. Animals live inside it like a natural zoo because the crater walls are high. One critically endangered animal to watch here is the black rhino.

Near the crater, there is Olduvai Gorge, where early human fossils were found. Another unique spot is the Shifting Sand Dunes, which have black sand due to volcanic ash.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. It is in northern Tanzania and can be seen from far away because of its snow-covered peak. In spite of its location being near the equator, its peak is covered with ice. If you plan to climb this peak, it will take around 6-8 days. You will experience different climate zones: rainforests at the base, then desert alpine deserts in the middle, and ice peaks at the top.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean near the coast of Tanzania. The main island is called Unguja, and its capital is Stone Town. Beach lovers can enjoy the soft sand and crystal clear water here.

You can also visit the Kuza Cave, which is an underground pool inside a limestone cave. Zanzibar is also known for spices, and you can smell and taste cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla grown on local farms.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is less crowded than the Serengeti. There are large herds of elephants and tall baobab trees. The Tarangire River runs through the park and animals gather here during the dry season in search of water. You can see lions, giraffes, zebras, and many types of birds here. The park is quiet, so it’s great if you want a peaceful safari experience.

Lake Manyara National Park

You can visit Lake Manyara National Park on your way to the Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti. It is famous for the large number of flamingos that gather to feed on the alkaline water of the lake. The entire landscape turns pink due to the massive number of flamingos that wade through the water.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is part of a marine park and is full of coral reefs, whale sharks, sea turtles, and colourful fish. You can experience diving and snorkelling here. You can also visit the area on a boat or relax on the quiet beach.

Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is the biggest city in Tanzania, where you will find the city market and lots of restaurants.

The Kivukoni Fish Market is famous for a variety of fishes. Nearby there are Mbudya and Bongoyo Islands, and are part of a marine reserve. You can visit these beaches; they are very clean. At night, Dar es Salaam gets lively and there is music and dance on the streets.

Conclusion

Tanzania is a beautiful place in East Africa and home to various wild animals and endangered animals. Visiting this place with your family will be a beautiful experience. But remember, before you leave on your journey to watch the lions and rhinos, buy travel insurance online from Bajaj General Insurance to protect yourself and your family from any emergencies that may strike without prior warning.

FAQs

What language do people speak in Tanzania?

The residents of Tanzania speak Swahili and English.

Can I see the Great Migration in Tanzania?

Yes, you can see the Great Migration between June and September in the Serengeti National Park.

What is the time difference between India and Tanzania?

Tanzania is 2 hours and 30 minutes behind India.

Do I need vaccinations before visiting Tanzania?

Yes, you may need some vaccinations like yellow fever; check with your doctor before travelling.

Do Indians need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Yes, Indian travellers need a visa, which can be applied for online (e-visa) before travel.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.