Tanzania is a country of extreme beauty and diversity. People who come once almost always end up coming back time and time again to experience the beauty and the diversity of the country. Here are the top 8 places that you must visit when you come to the country.

1. The Serengeti: This is one of the largest national parks in all of Africa and there are some amazing things to do here. We are going to look at all that fits into the dream of an African safari as well as other items that ensure that they are going to have the experience of a lifetime. There is a reason that people call it one of the 10 Natural Travel Wonders of the World. Home to the Great Migration when over 2 million animals traverse the park in search of food, following the rains. The Serengeti also boasts around 500 bird species in the region.

If you are planning to visit, you must think about the size and the timing to ensure that you see everything in its best state. You will want to think about the way that daytime game drives as well. There are many ways that you can see the beauty of the park. You might want to think about walking safaris, night drives, and a view from the back of a horse. There are so many things to see as well that are cultural enrichment pieces you will be surprised at all of the options for you. You must check out a Maasai cultural village which is a good place to learn about the local people and find out what you can do to help the efforts as well of the local people.

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA): This is an incredible national conservation area as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The NCA is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a 600 m deep, 20km across caldera teeming with wildlife.

This is a location that has three amazing craters a swell as a huge savannah, there is also a large amount of bush land. This area is the main point of the Tanzania tourist area. The conservation area itself makes up 8300 kilometers and is the only place where animals and people live in harmony.

The area has over 25,000 animals and over 26 black rhinoceros. There are also many amazing wildebeests, zebras, eland, and gazelles all over the park. The park has the largest population of lions. There are rainforests in the upper rim as well as leopard and elephants. There is a huge amount of wildlife to see and encounter here.

3. Lake Manayara State Park: part of the northern safari circuit. The park is well known for lions, the lake and the flamingos in their thousands. The area is amazingly beautiful being on the edge of the Great Rift Valley wall. There are a huge number of elephants, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, impala, waterbucks, warthogs, and dik diks. Leopards and lions feast on the the largest population of baboons of all national parks in Tanzania. Manyara is not a ‘big’ park by Tanzanian standards and its diverse woodlands, plains and the lake are easily explored in a full day.

The park is available year-round. The dry season is the best time to come and see the animals which is from July to October. From November to June, you can arrive and see many of the best birds.

4. Mt Kilimanjaro:  This is one of the world’s 7 Peaks, and its tallest freestanding mountain. Its snow packed peak, rising from the savannah and its foothills, make sit one of the most picturesque. The peak of the mountain is Uhuru Peak which is 5895m and 19,341 feet above the ground. This is the highest mountain on the African continent. The mountain is also known as a walkable mountain and it is easy to walk up at a slow pace if you are willing to do so.

Thousands of people visit east Africa specifically to hike up Kilimanjaro every year, a tough but doable adventure over 6 – 8 days depending on the route chosen.

5. Zanzibar: Is semi-autonomous and has been a huge hub for spice merchants and explorers. The island and surrounding archipelago grew in popularity from the 1990s and now boasts more than 400 accommodation establishments surrounded by white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and miles of coral reefs. The archipelago is a part of Tanzania and has many small islands and two large ones. The large ones are Unguja and Pemba and they are in the Indian Ocean off the coast. When you visit Zanzibar, you are going to hear the call of nature that continues to bring people back time and time again.

a. Stone Town: This is the historical capital of Zanzibar and there are many amazing sites. Things not to miss include: Makusurani graveyard, Dunga Ruins, Peace Memorial Museum, and the national historical museum.

b. You want to ensure that you take the time to snorkel or to go to the beach.

c. Take a Spice Tour: Since the city is known for all of its amazing spices, if you take a tour you can sample coriander, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, and more.

The climate is temperate and there is rarely hotter than 91 F. You may want to consider that there is a wet season which is March through May. When this happens there is about 12 inches of rain per month. This is also the time of year when you are going to find the least tourists.

6. Selous Game Reserve: Part of the southern safari circuit, less visited but by no means less rewarding than its better known counterpart, The Serengeti. It is the largest game reserve in Africa and has many tings to see. It is around 50,000 square kilometers in size. This is one of the best locations to take a safari to and it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are hot volcanic springs present and lakes that are part of the landscape here. The herds of elephants as well that are a part of the park come because they are attracted by the River Rufiji that is a part of the middle of the park. There are many boat safaris that are down the Rufiji River. There are all kinds of animals to be seen when coming to the reserve as well.

7. Rubondo Island: This is an incredible island in the corner of Lake Victoria. It is a national conservation park. It is 26 kilometers long and is completely untouched. It is a protected habitat for wildlife. It is a place that is completely uninhabited by people and that is full of chimps, elephants, and antelopes. The waters are a breeding ground for many kinds of fish. It is a location that is visited by very few travelers.

There is no time of year that is better to visit. You do however have to consult with a private company to lead you to the island and allow you to enjoy it in its natural beauty.

8. Mafia Island: Mafia is a little-known paradise with few people who visit at a time. It is known for its incredible diving and snorkeling. This area has some of the best reefs in the world and there are many amazing tropical fish. There are many dive sites that are perfect for you if you are just getting started or if you are an experienced diver.

There are many guided and self-guided walking tours that are a great place to enjoy beauty.

The Mafia Archipelago has many sites that go back to the 11th century. Some of the ruins include: Kismani, Mafia, Kanga, Kua and more. There is also a gorgeous mosque from the 15th century and many other 18th century buildings. There are many excursions for people who are interested in discoveries.