21 Best Sights in Tanzania

Between the Tanzanian coast and the islands of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island is the country's first marine national park and has some of the better snorkeling around. It's home to 400 species of coral and 200 species of fish. There's scuba diving, snorkeling, island hikes, and outrigger boat rides.

The island can only be visited on an organized day trip. Price includes boat transfers, lunch, snorkeling, forest walk, and V.A.T.

This bronze statue was erected by the British in 1927 in memory of African troops who died during World War I; the word askari means "soldier" in Swahili. It stands on the site of a monument erected by Germany to celebrate its victory here in 1888. That monument stood only five years before being demolished in 1916.

If you are heading to the National Museum it's well worth a quiet stroll through the indigenous plants in the botanical gardens. It provides respite from the city underneath purple bougainvilleas and blue jacarandas.

This tiny island, just a 20-minute boat ride from Stone Town, was once a prison and a quarantine location, hence its more well-known name of Prison Island. Now it's a tropical paradise that's home to the giant Aldabra tortoise (you can visit the tortoises for a small fee), the duiker antelope, and a variety of birds and butterflies. There's also decent swimming and snorkeling and arranged beach barbecues by tour operators. Note that 70% of the island is private property and thus inaccessible.

You can visit Changuu Island on a tour, or arrange transport with the myriad of little boats that line the beach outside Archipelago Waterfront Cafe. There's no entry fee for the island itself.

A must-see in Stone town, this was the first Anglican cathedral in East Africa and its crucifix was carved from the tree under which explorer David Livingstone's heart was buried in the village of Chitambo. Built in 1887 to mark the end of the slave trade, the cathedral's high altar was constructed on the site of a whipping post. The moving and contemplative slave memorial and slave trade exhibit are sobering reminders of the ravages of slavery across East Africa and on the island. Nearby are underground chambers in which slaves were forced to crouch on stone shelves less than 2 feet high. It is recommended to take a guide with you as with such a poignant space you would want to get as much information as possible.

If you haven't yet picked up your gifts and curios, then stop by Arusha's Cultural Heritage Centre. Designed to resemble the Uhuru peak of Kilimanjaro, it's a monolith of a curio shop only 3 km (2 miles) out of town. You can buy carvings, jewelry (including the gemstone tanzanite), colorful African clothing, local music, and much more. It's a bit pricey so take advantage of the free museum that is part of the complex to get your money's worth. There are also detailed exhibits on various aspects of Tanzania's culture and heritage and an extensive art gallery.

This gable-roofed structure, built in 1904 and also known as Estella Market, houses a sprawling fruit, fish, meat, and vegetable market. Goods of all sorts—colorful fabrics, wooden chests, and all types of jewelry—are sold in the shops that line the surrounding streets. To the east of the main building you'll find spices laid out in colorful displays of beige, yellow, and red. On Wednesday and Saturday there's an antiques fair. The market is most active in the morning between 9 and 11.

The scent of cloves hangs heavy in the air as stevedores load and unload sacks of the region's most valuable crops. Every day you'll spot dhows arriving from the mainland with deliveries of flour and other goods not available on the islands. Fishermen deposit their catch here early in the morning. This is a seedy area, so be cautious.

This pleasant waterfront park is a favorite spot for an evening stroll both for locals and tourists. Dozens of vendors sell grilled fish under the light of gas lanterns—not all the food is great, but the atmosphere is fantastic for a visit, especially during the evening hours.

Always try to smell the seafood before you eat it as some of it can be old, and don't be pressured by any of the vendors. You should look at everything before making your decisions.

Known as the House of Wonders, Beit el-Ajaib was the first building in Zanzibar to use electric lights, and this four-story palace is still one of the largest buildings in the city. Built in the late 1800s for Sultan Barghash, it was bombarded by the British in 1886, forcing the sultan to abdicate his throne. Due to a partial collapse in 2020, the palace is closed to the public though restoration efforts are underway. However, the building is still worth checking out for its architectural elements and historical significance.

Jozani Chakwa Bay National Park, Zanzibar's only national park, is home to this reserve where you'll find the rare Kirk's red colobus monkey, which is named after Sir John Kirk, the British consul in Zanzibar from 1866 to 1887. The species is known for its white whiskers and rusty coat. Many of the other animals that call this reserve home—including the blue duiker, a diminutive antelope whose coat is a dusty bluish-gray—are endangered because 95% of the original forests of the archipelago have been destroyed. There are also more than 50 species of butterfly and 40 bird species. The entry fee includes entrance to the forest and a circular boardwalk walk through mangrove swamps, plus the services of a guide (tip him if he's good).

Early morning and evenings are the best time to visit.

If you are feeling brave and interested in experiencing Dar's fish market at its nosiest and fishiest then wake up early and head down to Kivukoni. There is no charge to walk around. Be prepared for quite a smell, but the sight of hundreds of weathered fishermen hauling in their catch and the thrumming sounds of commerce—bargaining and haggling, prepping the seafood—is a fun experience. Please don't purchase any of the seashells or turtle products on sale.

If you prefer to be accompanied by a guide, take part in a city tour, which will include a stop at the market.

Northeast of the Ngurdoto Crater, this series of seven lakes was formed by lava flow from the nearby Mt. Meru. Each body of water has its own distinct color thanks to varying mineral content, which attracts different types of birds—more than 400 species of birds have been spotted in the area. Reedbuck and waterbuck are also common sights near the dirt road and there are numerous observation points along the way for getting a closer look at the flora and fauna. You can also arrange through your safari company to go on a canoe around the smaller portion of the lake. Keep an eye out for the thousands of flamingos that feed on the algae that cover the lake in a pink hue at certain times of the year.

Because it is not as well-known, the slopes of Mt. Meru are blissfully uncrowded.

Although Meru looks diminutive alongside Kilimanjaro, do not underestimate what it takes to climb to the top. You must be in good shape, and you need to allow time to acclimatize.

Climbing Mt. Meru itself takes at least four days when it is dry; during the wet season the tracks can be very slippery and it can take more than four days. Huts along the way sleep 24–48 people, but inquire beforehand whether beds are available. You can arrange for no-frills journeys up the mountain through the park service, or book a luxury package through a travel company that includes porters to carry all your supplies. Either way you'll be accompanied by an armed guard to protect you from unfriendly encounters with elephant or buffalo. The rim of Meru Crater has a breathtaking view of the sheer cliffs rising to the summit. Keep an eye out for a diminutive antelope called the klipspringer.

Grab some snacks and plenty of bottled water and head to this charming sandbank that's about a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town. A lovely, sandy beach and place to snorkel make it a great day trip. You can hire a boat from the harbor to take you there on a negotiated fee for a few hours or, if you prefer to be fully catered to, go with a tour company who will provide the shade and the beach picnic with seafood and drinks as part of their price. Be warned it will get crowded in high season.  There is no shade on the island, so make sure you bring a hat and umbrella. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

After entering the park through the Ngurdoto Gate, you'll pass through the fig, olive, and wild mango trees of the Ngurdoto Forest. Farther along is the Ngurdoto Crater, which is actually a caldera, or collapsed crater. Unlike the nearby Ngorongoro Crater, this caldera appears to have had two cones. There are no roads into the crater itself, so the buffalo and other animals that make their homes in the swampy habitat remain protected. You can do a day safari around the rim, where you'll find a misty landscape covered with date palms, orchids, and lichens. The grasslands to the west are known as Serengeti Ndogo ("Little Serengeti") and boast a herd of Burchell's zebras, thriving because there are no lions nearby.

Expect traffic during peak season.

With intricately carved wood balconies that make it resemble a wedding cake, this former dispensary shines again after being renovated by community groups. Built at the turn of the last century, it was donated to the city by an Indian merchant named Tharia Topan. Today it houses shops, galleries, and a small café. The views from the rooftop are lovely.

Built by the Portuguese in 1560, this bastioned fortress is the oldest structure in Stone Town. It withstood an attack from Arabs in 1754 and was later used as a jail; prisoners who were sentenced to death met their ends here. It has undergone extensive renovation and today is headquarters for many cultural organizations, including the famous Sauti za Busara and Mashariki Jazz and Folk music festival. There is also a craft market inside. Performances of traditional dance and music are sometimes staged during the week. Check the office and posters outside for details.

Built by French missionaries more than a century ago, this ornate church is based on the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, in Marseille, France. It's now one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, with twin spires that you'll see as you arrive in Stone Town. The front entrance is normally locked—head 'round the back to find a way in. If there are no private services on it is beautiful and serene to sit in for 10 minutes.

Apart from the Leakey fossil discoveries, which are some of the most important in the world, there are galleries that detail the history of Tanzania from occupation to independence. A contemporary art gallery and pleasant outdoor exhibits of an iron dinosaur, past presidential cars and a tribute to the US embassy bombing makes for a good morning outing. This is also a spot to learn about Tanzania's tribal heritage and the impact of the slave trade.

This well-worn center is worth a stop if you're traveling with kids. It's a community development project, and your entry fee pays for local farmers to bring in cocoons (most of which are sent to museums overseas) and helps preserve the forest. Guided tours end in a visit to an enclosure filled with hundreds of colorful butterflies and some chameleons.