Regions at a Glance

Tanzania can be divided into five major travel regions:

Serengeti & Ngorongoro (Northern Circuit)

For whom: Safari enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, first-time visitors
The heart of any Tanzania trip. The Serengeti is the most famous wildlife reserve on earth, the Ngorongoro Crater a natural wonder like no other. Also, Tarangire with its elephant herds and the compact Lake Manyara NP. Most safari operators operate from Arusha on the Northern Circuit.

Kilimanjaro & Arusha

For whom: Mountaineers, trekking fans, adventurers
Africa's highest mountain is accessible from Moshi and Arusha. Several routes lead to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) in 5–8 days. Arusha itself is Tanzania's safari capital and starting point for the Northern Circuit. The nearby Mount Meru (4,566 m) is an excellent acclimatization tour.

Zanzibar

For whom: Beach vacationers, cultural travelers, divers
The Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean offers the perfect combination of culture and beach. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a melting pot of Arabic, Indian, Persian, and African influences. The beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are among the most beautiful in Africa. Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll is world-class.

Dar es Salaam & Coast

For whom: Cultural travelers, divers, off-the-beaten-path
Tanzania's largest city pulses with energy. The historic coastal town of Bagamoyo was once the capital of German East Africa. Mafia Island offers first-class diving away from mass tourism. Mikumi NP is the most easily accessible park from Dar.

Southern National Parks

For whom: Experienced safari-goers, adventurers, exclusivity seekers
The wilder, lonelier side of Tanzania. The vast Ruaha NP has more elephants than any other park in East Africa. The Nyerere Reserve (formerly Selous) is one of the largest wildlife reserves on earth. Katavi is Tanzania's best-kept secret. And in Mahale on Lake Tanganyika, you can observe chimpanzees.