Tanzania is one of the most exciting and amazing tourist locations in the world, as it is home to colorful markets, rich culture and history, spectacular flora and fauna, friendly locals, world class facilities, mouthwatering cuisine, stunning national parks, and breathtaking beaches. In Tanzania, tourists can enjoy some places that are not too popular with visitors, but should be on every travel lover’s wish list. Here are some of Tanzania’s best kept secret places to travel to.
- Ol Doinyo Lengai
Located near the Gregory Rift in the Arusha region, Ol Doinyo Lengai is a stunning volcano which is called “Mountain of God” by locals. The site is a unique and extraordinary oddity as the lava fountains become hard while they are midair. One can climb the slopes of the rock formations around the active volcano vents. This is also the only volcano known to have carbonatitite, a rare low-temperature lava that is black like oil, but turns into a whitish powder when cooled.
- Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is one of the most extraordinary and amazing tourist spots in East Africa. Also known as Oldupai, this spot is where scientists found fossil fragments of the first human species back in the 1960s. The gorge is called the “cradle of humankind” as researchers discovered evidence of some of the oldest known human species that date back to 1.9 million years ago! Visitors can learn about the history of the region, and look at ancient hunting tools!
- Lupita Island
Tourists can also visit the pristine Lupita Island. The location offers breathtaking views of Lake Tanganyika, lush greenery, and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy exciting activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and snorkelling!
- Kondoa Irangi
At Dodoma, Tanzania’s political capital, tourists can visit Kondoa Irangi, where they can find 150 to 450 decorated rocks carved into a hillside. The ancient Paintings are said to be over 50,000 years old!
- Totem Island
One of the best lesser-known islands in Tanzania is Totem Island, which is called “Island of the Dead” because of its ancient ruins. Tourists can visit the mysterious Amboni Caves where they can find animal footprints, ancient paintings, and signs of witchcraft. They can also enjoy activities such as snorkelling, swimming, boating, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, and windsurfing at the beach!
- Bagamoyo
Bagamoyo is one of the most interesting towns that tourists can visit in Tanzania. Located a few kilometers north of Dar es Salaam, this town has a rich history. During East Africa’s colonial era, it used to be a center for missionary activities, and under Arab rule, it was a terminal point on the coast for trading caravans. Visitors can also learn about the slave trade which took place here. The architecture is a unique combination of Arabic and European influences. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists can visit places such as the Kaole Ruins, the Catholic Museum, and the Caravan Serai Museum!
- Lake Natron
Tanzania is home to beautiful lakes such as Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. A lesser visited lake is the unique Lake Natron, an alkaline lake that looks pink as it is home to many microorganisms. The contains deposits of soda, salt, and magnesite, and is known for its huge population of Lesser Flamingos. Nearby, tourists can take a trip to the Gelai volcano, or to Peninj, an archeological site where an ancient fossil hominid jaw containing adult teeth was found!
