On safari, visit a fishing village and through the city on a tuk-tuk!
Tanzania is the land of Kilimanjaro, one of the highest and most impressive mountains in the world. It is the land of the Serengeti, a gigantic nature reserve with vast savannas and forests. The land of wildlife and beautiful beaches in Zanzibar. All absolute must sees when you travel to Tanzania. But there is more, much more even. These three places may be less known, but that makes them even more fun. Discover the real Tanzania at these 3 special and beautiful places!
1. Mikumi National Park
The Mikumi National Park is the third largest national park in Tanzania. From Dar es Salaam – the former capital of the country – you can drive there in about six hours. Even when you are still driving on the highway, the first wild animals pass by. Monkeys, impalas, elephants and giraffes can all be spotted before you even get inside.
Mikumi National Park is a special park because you can literally go among the wild animals here. The elephants just walk around your house in the evening. In a short afternoon tour through the park you can already see a lot of wild animals, you hardly have to look for them. In other parks the safari often goes after the migration of the animals, but that is not necessary here and that is what makes it so special.
Since wild animals such as lions and hippos are more active in the morning, it is worth getting out of bed early here. Then you are much more likely to see them. The highlight of the safari through Mikumi is the spotting of wild lionesses.
2. Bagamoyo
The city of Bagamoyo is located just north of Dar’es Salaam on the coast and is highly recommended to visit. Set aside a day or part of the day for that. It used to be a real trading place, now it is a beautiful fishing village. Bagamoyo played an important role in the history of Tanzania and you can delve further into this in the church and the museum.
The fish market of Bagamoyo is also nice. As a tourist you can also buy fresh fish here that you can take with you to the cook of your stay. He can undoubtedly make a delicious meal with it.
Also nice: the small shops along the side of the road and in the village. You will definitely find some nice things for your home there!
3. Dar es Salaam
And Dar es Salaam is also an absolute must-see. Take the tuk-tuk to drive through it, because you’ll be amazed. Life here takes place entirely on the street, all the shops can be found along the side of the road. Dar es Salaam is also a busy city, everywhere you look you see buses and there is a lot of life in the brewery.
Also walk to the water, where you can see the colorful fishing boats.
Useful Tanzania tips
Also traveling to Tanzania? Then this might be useful to know before you leave!
- It is really warm all year round. Prepare yourself well (and drink lots of water)
- Don’t go on the road at night (or at least not unaccompanied, that’s not very safe)
- Bring binoculars, you will really enjoy them!
- Also pack anti-mosquito stuff because there are quite a few mosquitoes in Tanzania 😉
- Camera with a good lens for far away is also useful, because some animals you can only see from a distance
- Taste: local dishes, the stews are delicious!
- How long should you go? 10 days is enough to make a few beautiful safaris, but if you really want to get to know Tanzania, then allow a few weeks.
