While the beaches are what Zanzibar is best known for, take a wander around Zanzibar City, the self-proclaimed capital of Zanzibar. Expect local sellers flogging their wares, and the aroma of spices following you everywhere. This is a colourful and culturally unique experience on Zanzibar.
Just off the coast of Zanzibar is Prison Island, which can be reached by boat. As its name suggests, it was once the site of a prison, but now it is a popular destination for tourists to visit, as well as marvel at the Nakupenda Sandbank and bask in the glorious sunshine.
This can be done anywhere along Tanzania’s coastline into the Indian Ocean, but Zanzibar is the best place to do so, due to the huge concentration of green turtles off the coastline of the island. Swim in the clear waters with these gentle marine creatures for an experience that you’ll never forget – and bring some snorkelling equipment and an underwater camera for the best experience.
Find natural hot springs near Arusha, formed from Tanzania’s volcanic past. These are a welcome relief in the cooler months and help the local coffee growers. Visit some of these farms and enjoy locally-produced Tanzanian coffee while sitting next to one of the region’s stunning waterfalls at the same time: paradise.
Thanks to its proximity to both the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park, both are easy to visit from Arusha. Get yourself onto a safari, and see animals how they’re supposed to be appreciated: in the wild and in their natural habitats. Expect everything from leopards, baboons, lions, elephants, hippos, rhinos, giraffes and more.
Due to its idyllic location on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, you can visit the village named after the mighty mountain itself if you stay in Moshi. This is a great way to see authentic Tanzanian village life and culture, from how they make a living to how they use the geographic and geological advantages of where they live – and have lived – for thousands of years. Plus, you get to walk part of Mount Kilimanjaro, so what’s not to love about that?