The Ultimate Tanzania Bucket List
10 Bucket List Destinations In Tanzania
Planning a trip to Tanzania? You're not alone! The country has been on the rise as one of Africa's most popular safari destinations. If you're looking for an ultimate bucket list for this beautiful country, we've got just the thing: our personal Tanzania bucket list with 10 places that are sure to leave you awe-inspired and wanting more.
Start your journey in the north with a visit to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain. Continue on to some of Tanzania's stunning national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater – home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Make sure to explore the Zanzibar Archipelago for a dose of tropical paradise, and don't forget about Dar es Salaam, the vibrant coastal city that offers plenty of cultural attractions.
All of that, and we have not even started yet with our list of ten yet.
Ready for an adventure? Here are 10+ must-see safari destinations in Tanzania:
We have compiled a shortlist of "out-of-this-world" destinations in Tanzania that are sure to leave you awe-inspired and wanting more!
1. Mount Kilimanjaro
Best for hiking
Interested in photographing or Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the world-famous and iconic mountain located in northern Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The mountain is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging but rewarding experience that will leave you feeling accomplished. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking and well worth the effort it takes to get there.
Click this link for the Best Mt. Kilimanjaro Hiking Safaris and book your trip today!
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2. Serengeti National Park
Best for wildlife, birdlife and photography
The Serengeti National Park is one of Tanzania's most popular wildlife destinations. It's home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
With so much wildlife on offer, it is hard not to want to visit this national park. With knowledgeable guides, exceptional safari options and the best in safari lodges and camps, we at Uyaphi.com can highly recommend this as one of the best destinations for those seeking out the very, very best in wildlife.
Click here to learn more about the Serengeti National Park safari options that we have on offer (all of which can be tailor-made to suit your every whim).
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3. Serengeti balloon safari
Just a simply amazing experience
Are you looking for a truly exhilarating experience and one that will be remembered for a lifetime?
Serengeti balloon safaris are the ultimate way to experience Africa's wildlife. It's an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective on this vast and varied landscape as you drift silently over the plains, taking in the sights and sounds of Africa's wildlife. Ballooning in the Serengeti is highly recommended!
A hot air balloon excursion is available at most (if not all) safari lodges and camps within the Serengeti National Park and surrounding conservancies.
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4. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Best for wildlife, scenery, culture and coffee farming
Are you looking for an amazing destination that includes wildlife, scenery, culture and coffee farming?
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the most amazing places in Tanzania. It's home to the famous volcanic crater, the largest unbroken caldera in the world. And it covers a large amount of varied terrain between Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Parks.
Stay at some of the finest lodges and camps on the crater rim; each well placed to offer fantastic views of the crater floor. Other accommodation options include luxurious coffee plantation stays; the choice is yours.
Please view our selection of Ngorongoro lodges, camps and boutique hotels in and around the greater conservation area and start planning your safari today!
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5. Lake Manyara National Park
Best for wildlife, tree-climbing lions and photography
Have you ever wanted to see the famous Lake Manyara tree-climbing lions?
Lake Manyara National Park is the perfect destination safari for any safari, whether it be your 1st or 50th. Lake Manyara National Park is known for its large population of elephants, hippos, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, buffaloes and more and lets us not forget about the excellent birdlife, with over 350 species. It is also home to tree-climbing lions - so keep an eye out for them as well!
Click here now for more information about visiting Lake Manyara National Park!
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6. Tarangire National Park
Best for birding, wildlife, scenery and photography
Are you planning a safari in Tanzania? Tarangire National Park needs to be on your safari itinerary.
Tarangire National Park is the perfect place for safari, nature and wildlife lovers. The park has an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, lions and leopards, to mention only a few. It's also home to over 400 species of birds! Tarangire National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Tarangire National Park is perfectly matched with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara National Parks; the perfect Tanzanian northern circuit safari awaits.
Your safari starts today, have a look at our Tarangire National Park lodge and camp options!
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7. Gombe National Park
Best for chimpanzees, baboons and monkeys
Gombe National Park is a world heritage site located in western Tanzania on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. An amazing place to visit?
Gombe National Park was founded in 1960 by Jane Goodall, who started her famous study of chimpanzees here. The park is home to not only chimpanzees but also Olive Baboons, Blue Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, and the Red colobus Monkey. A visit to Gombe is incomplete if one does not visit the amazing Kakombe and Mkenke waterfalls. Then there is Lake Tanganyika, the world's second deepest lake and Africa's longest and deepest lake.
All in all, an extraordinary destination awaits for those that venture out of Tanzania's famed safari circuits. Gombe National Park will fast become your favourite park in East Africa.
Safari activities here include; birding, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises, walking safari, mountain trekking, kayaking, sports fishing and finally, snorkelling and diving.
And then, of course, there is a visit to the Jane Goodall Institute.
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8. Mahale Mountain National Park
Best for chimpanzees, forest and Lake Tanganyika
Are you looking for an amazing safari destination that is home to chimpanzees?
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountain National Park was founded in 1968. Mahale Mountain National Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves primates and wants to see some of the most beautiful chimpanzees in Africa. Other wildlife includes blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and leopards, and African wild dogs and lions, but rarely seen.
This is a destination only for those seeking a wild and remote adventure. A safari here will require a truly tailor-made itinerary.
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9. Selous Game Reserve
The best safari experience in Tanzania (in our opinion)
Are you looking for an amazing safari destination that will take your breath away?
Without question or doubt, one of Africa's top safari destinations for wildlife and birdlife sightings. The Selous Game Reserve is Africa's largest game reserve and is home to over 400 species of birds and almost countless mammal species!
You won't want to miss out on the opportunity to view and photograph giraffes, leopards, lions, buffalos, elephants and more. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Selous Game Reserve was established in 1982 for its wildlife variety and undisturbed nature.
Book your safari today to Selous Game Reserve and witness one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations!
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10. Lake Victoria
Best for chimpanzees on Rubondo Island and a bucket list item
Visit Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world!
Straddling the borders of Uganda and Kenya, with most of it lying in Tanzania, Lake Victoria is a great place for its natural beauty, fishing excursions and diverse birdlife. Some of the animals you can see here include hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, elephants, and buffalo. For birders, Lake Victoria can offer exceptional photographic opportunities.
For a truly spectacular destination, have a look at Rubondo Island, a haven for wild chimpanzees, sitatunga antelope, elephants and giraffes.
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Whether you are just starting with the planning process of a Tanzania safari or have travelled through this beautiful country before, we hope the above destination list helps in guiding you on your next adventure.
There is no better country in Africa than Tanzania for those who love wildlife and nature.
Plan your perfect safari today by considering and combining any number of the above 10 Bucket List Destinations In Tanzania.
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Map of Lodges in and around Tanzania
Lodges And Camps In Tanzania
Dik Dik Hotel
Dik Dik Hotel in the small Tanzania town of Arusha is the ideal starting point for visitors eager to explore the splendours of the Tanzanian landscape with its rich flora and fauna, eight hectares of lush tropical gardens compliment the forested environment and attract prolific birds. A popular hotel and for good reason, with excellent accommodation, amenities, facilities and service levels one would be hard-pressed to find better in Arusha.
Rubondo Island Camp
Rubondo Island Camp is the only Lake Victoria accommodation establishment found in the Rubondo Island National Park, an island and forest that is a haven for wild chimpanzee, sitatunga antelope, elephant and giraffe. Rubondo Island Camp offers guests in exclusivity and privacy when on safari here at the edge of Lake Victoria.
Arusha Serena Hotel
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Duluti, surrounded by verdant coffee plantations and rolling hills, the Arusha Serena Hotel offers a spectacular setting. It is, without a doubt, the perfect haven to relax and unwind before or after an unforgettable Tanzanian or East African safari. Its prime location near Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's magnificent national parks, makes it an exceptional choice for any discerning traveller.
Bluebay Beach Resort
Located on the best white sandy beach in Zanzibar, you'll find the magnificent Bluebay Resort. Situated on the East Coast in the Kiwengwa area, this resort is only a 35-minute drive from the town and airport. From the moment you arrive, you'll experience unparalleled comfort and relaxation. The resort offers fantastic services, including Wi-Fi, laundry, and room service, making it one of the top choices on the island. It's the perfect sanctuary for both families and couples.
Sanctuary Kusini Camp
Sanctuary Kusini Camp is perfectly sited in a cluster of kopjes, Kusini's 12 luxury safari tents blend seamlessly into the surrounding game-rich plains, part of the charm here is its remote location offering exceptional and essentially private game viewing. One of the better options for a Serengeti safari in the southern regions of the Serengeti National Park.
Tarangire Simba Lodge
For those seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of Tanzania's magnificent Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Simba Lodge is an exceptional choice. With its superb location and welcoming atmosphere, it is, without a doubt, one of the best options for small groups, couples, and families wanting to experience all this incredible region has to offer.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Palace Hotel is the perfect place to stay for couples, families or honeymooners looking for a wonderfully romantic hideaway in the heart of Zanzibar's historic and culturally rich Stone Town. Zanzibar Palace hotels nine amazing rooms and suites all decorated with the influences of Zanzibar's rich history.
Karatu Simba Lodge
Nestled in the heart of the Tanzanian countryside, bordering the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Karatu Simba Lodge is an oasis of unparalleled tranquility. For those captivated by the allure of rural farming, rich culture, vibrant community life, and spectacular wildlife and birding, this lodge is without a doubt the ultimate destination. Prepare to be immersed in an experience that offers a true sense of peace and quiet, far from the bustle of modern life.