Each corner of the world undoubtedly has its unique beauty. If you’ve been longing to experience something a tad different from your usual holidays, considering a trip to the sunny continent of Africa can really shake things up. Out of the 54 countries that occupy this massive landmass, Tanzania, located on the eastern shore, is certainly one of the top choices. Perhaps best known for its untamed wilderness, it is the site of the world-famous Serengeti National Park as well as the continent’s highest mountain peak. But what else is there for an adventurous traveler to explore? Read on to learn about what Tanzania has to offer.

Before you go

Before you begin your Tanzania adventure, it’s a good idea to get some basics about this country down. Tanzania is located just below the Equator and has a generally pleasant tropical climate. However, don’t be fooled: Tanzania is large so the weather can be quite different depending on which part you are visiting. Temperatures can get as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) at times so you’ll likely need to pack warm clothes, too, for this tropical adventure. As for seasons, it should be mentioned that as a traveler, you probably want to avoid the hot and humid rainy season that typically occurs from November-December and from March-May.

While the official language of Tanzania is Swahili, you will get away with speaking English in most places. As for your travel budget, Tanzania is rather affordable. Carry a Visa card and you’ll be able to pay in most places, though, if you are planning to see remote corners, be sure to withdraw cash from an ATM beforehand. Additionally, as it usually is when traveling to a tropical destination, certain vaccinations might be in place prior to getting permission to enter the country. Even if not obligatory per se, they are still highly recommended.

Get to know the amazing animals of Africa

Getting up close with the local fauna is a coveted experience you should not miss out on when you’re visiting the amazing country of Tanzania. Serengeti National Park allows for superb animal-watching experiences. You can witness the world’s largest animal migration, the wildebeest migration here, alongside the “Big Five.” You may also want to consider the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where countless animals flock to a water reserve, creating an impressive sight. Lake Manyara National Park is also a prime place for bird watching, while you can spot forest animals in Arusha National Park, with an impressive backdrop created by Mt. Meru.

Admire the Kilimanjaro

Another unmissable experience in Tanzania is seeing the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as it towers over the landscape. This landmark has become a symbol of the country, and you can rest assured there will be plenty to see in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. The native villages dotting the map will show you the real face of Tanzania, while hidden waterfalls will fill you with awe. While climbing the mountain itself may not be for everyone, the opportunity is there. Experienced hikers can certainly challenge this giant, minding that it takes about a week to summit at a reasonable pace. However, there are still plenty of hiking opportunities scattered about if you prefer staying closer to sea level.

Take a dip in the turquoise waters

Tanzania is bordered by the Indian Ocean on the east, which not only lends it beautiful white sand beaches but a great number of islands as well. You have probably already heard about the archipelago of Zanzibar. If you have the opportunity, by all means, visit Zanzibar and take a few days to relax in the sun and enjoy some surfing. If you are up for more water adventures, head to Mafia Island and look below the surface. This is a world-class snorkeling destination so you can expect a colorful array of sea creatures if you decide to dive underneath the waves. Pemba Island is also a great candidate if you are a lover of the underwater world.

Get in touch with the locals

Sometimes, we just want to turn off and relax, while other times, we want something more from our travels. It’s not only the location that makes a country unique; it’s also its people, so getting in touch with the locals and delving deeper into their culture is what’s going to leave a truly deep impression, both on you and on them. So, take it a step further and don’t just be an observer. Look for a chance to volunteer overseas and contribute with your help to make a difference in a developing country. Sign up for an environmental conservation program and do something for the environment, or interact directly with the people and empower them through teaching. Needless to say, this is a great way to steer clear of generic tourism and experience the place in a truly authentic way.

Explore the south

While most flock to the north of the country, the south should not be disregarded either. With fewer tourists, it offers something different, for sure, and can expand your horizons vastly. For instance, the Selous Game Reserve is the largest such reserve on the continent. The fact that its southern area is untamed wilderness that is essentially a forbidden area is testament to the greatness of nature that is so clearly still a ruling power, despite the fact that it’s easy to forget when we spend our days in cities, surrounded by concrete. Ruaha National Park can also provide fantastic safari opportunities. Considering that nature escapades are certainly still one of the top wellness travel trends today, Tanzania proves to be a great destination overall. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to give yourself to Mother Nature during your travels.

Tanzania is renowned for its natural treasures: every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this place to experience the African wilderness (this number being as high as one and a half million before the pandemic.) If you get the chance to travel to this beautiful country, it will be a trip of a lifetime.