Tanzania safari guide

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Tanzania Travel Guide - Home  - Travel Blog

3 Top Cities To Visit In Tanzania

Sunrise in Tanzania

Tanzania is a popular safari destination, especially with regard to the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti. However, the East African country’s cities also have plenty to offer tourists. Here we outline three cities which are definitely worthy of a visit.

1.  Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam lies on the Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania and is a busy port, the second-largest in East Africa. What started as a small Zaramo fishing village has developed into a major city with a number of fascinating attractions.
Aerial view of Dar es Salaam
Aerial view of Dar es Salaam by Chen Hualin on Wikimedia Commons

The National Museum has a number of history exhibits, particularly fossils of human ancestors that were found by the famous anthropologist Louis Leakey. The museum also features an open-air Village Museum, where visitors can learn more about the Tanzanian people. This museum features re-created traditional homes of the various Tanzanian tribes and offers spectacular tribal dancing displays.
Village Museum in Dar es Salaam
Village Museum in Dar es Salaam by O.Mustafin on Wikimedia Commons

The Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve lies off the coast of the city and spreads over four uninhabited islands, namely Bongoyo, Fungu Yasini, Mbudya and Pangavini. Those who appreciate nature can visit the islands, with Mbudya and Bongoyo being the most popular. This is due to the fact that those islands feature facilities for visitors and wonderfully attractive beaches, backed by vegetation.

Another great opportunity is the regular Dekeza dhow trips, which leave from Kipepeo beach and head to Sinda Island. The dhows head along the edge of the coral reefs and allow for a snorkeling adventure or fishing trip, or even a sunset cruise.

Dhow
Those who appreciate things that are a little wacky and fun will enjoy the Wonder Market, where disabled artists create sculptures, candles, world-class jewelry and other craft items from recycled metal, glass, car parts and whatever else they can get their hands on. The workshop has a shop where their artwork can be purchased as an ideal gift for loved ones at home.

2.  Arusha

Arusha is the gateway to many adventures in Tanzania, including the national parks to the north, including the Arusha National Park and the Tarangire National Park. The former is a one-hour thirty-minute drive from the city, while the latter is a three-hour drive from Arusha.
The sprawling city itself has much to offer, particularly for its great dining and great hotels. The city enjoys a temperate climate all year round due to the fact that the city is around 1,300 m in altitude and close to the foot of Mt. Meru.
Woman selling her wares in Arusha
If visitors haven’t already booked a safari, never fear, as tour operators hang around on Boma Road and the bus stations offering safaris, along with souvenirs to take home.

3.  Zanzibar City

The fascinating old city of Stone Town features beautiful historic and colonial buildings, palaces and an old Anglican church which used to be a slave market. Another fascinating place is the Mercury House, where Queen vocalist, Freddie Mercury is said to have spent some of his childhood. Also of interest is the House of Wonder, a Sultan’s palace, and an old Portuguese fort.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Anyone looking for a parasailing adventure in Tanzania should head to Zanzibar and Zanzibar City. Tours on offer cater for solo flying or in-tandem parasailing offering incredible aerial vistas of the city from the air.

Romantic couples should visit Nakupenda, a sandbank off the coast of Stone Town. The name translates as “I Love You” and it is the perfect place to hang out together on the sand. Alternatively Prison Island is home to giant tortoises and is the perfect place to snorkel among the brightly colored coral and tropical fish.

Giant Tortoise in Zanzibar City
Enjoy your visit to some of Tanzania’s fascinating cities – learn about the culture, have an adventure or simply relax on the beach.
 


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