Fifty Two Experiences

Formed in the Jurassic age 150 million years ago, Amboni Caves is the largest series of limestone caves in East Africa. Up until 20 million years ago, the area was under water. Inside, some of the chambers are treated as sacred and offerings can be found to a fertility god.

A memorial to the askari (African soldiers) who fought for the British against the Germans in WWI. 75,000 East Africans took part in WWI, of which 9,230 died. An additional 1.25 million East Africans served as labourers, of which about 155,000 did not survive the war.

All are welcome to attend a church service at the Azania Front Lutheran Church, a fascinating experience regardless of your religious background. Built by German missionaries in 1898 in a Bavarian style, it serves as a cathedral for the local diocese.

The historic slave market buildings of Bagamoyo have been transformed into an arts and craft market. On display is a colourful array of high quality art from some of Tanzania's best artists.

Float silently over Serengeti National Park while viewing the wildlife from above. Hot air balloons take off from several launch sites early in the morning for the best viewing experience. During the great migration, where over a million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles travel across the Park, a hot air balloon offers the optimal way to capture the full scene.

A prominent landmark in Stone Town, this soaring cathedral was built by British missionaries on the location of East Africa's last permanent slave market. It is primarily built of coral stone and a concrete roof shaped in a barrel vault. Today, the church is a popular tourist destination as visitors come to view both the facility itself, and the monument and museum on slavery in the adjacent square.

The Cultural Heritage Centre in Arusha is one of the largest and most modern facilities showing the art, dance and songs of tribes. Many visitors prefer shopping for art and gifts at this facility due to their reputation for supporting local artists, transparent pricing, and cultural performances.

“Come and Experience the Rhythm of Tanzanian Culture” at the Cultural Arts Centre, hosted by the Tumaini University Makumira. The Cultural Arts Centre is a thriving centre of music and dancing, both traditional and Tanzanian fusion, in the Arusha area. CAC currently employs 15 dancer and musicians who have given about 600 performances to date.

The Dancing Stone on Ukara Island is watched over by a local family that performs songs and dances to move the stone. Ukara Island receives only a limited number of tourists, and visitors can learn about life on this island in the middle of Lake Victoria.

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Learn more about the Dancing Stone from this translated BBC Swahilli article.

With a capacity of 3,000, the Gaddafi Mosque is the largest mosque in Tanzania and the second largest in East Africa. In contrast to many older historic mosques, what makes Gaddafi Mosque interesting is the fact that is new and was funded by Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi. Gaddafi funded mosques and other projects across Africa as part of a long standing campaign to position himself as a pan-African leader.

Made famous by Jane Goodall as the location where she studied chimpanzees, Gombe Stream National Park is located on the western border of Tanzania and the Congo. The relatively small Park is a major destination for visitors seeking to witness chimpanzees in the wild. To limit tourist volume to a manageable level, visitors must obtain a permit from the government and pay a $100 USD fee per 24 hours, the most expensive of any Park in Tanzania.

One of the world's last active hunter-gatherer societies, about 400 Hazda people continue to live traditionally by hunting and gathering their daily food. Intrepid travellers have joined the Hazda people for treks and subsistence hunting to learn about their lifestyle. The Hazda people have occupied their current territory for thousands of years, with relatively little modification to their basic way of life.

Tour the Great Mosque, the Palace at Husuni Kubwa, and other historic ruins situated around Kilwa. Kilwa grew in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and is mentioned by several early chroniclers.  In its heyday, the palace was unrivaled in East Africa for its architectural sophistication and splendor.

Located near Iringa, the Isimila Stone Age Site is one of the important archaeological sites in Tanzania. In the 1950’s, archaeologists discovered fossil bones of extinct mammals and stone age tools that date back 60,000 and 100,000 years ago. The landscape is dotted with stunning geological formations resulting from erosion.

Zanzibar's only National Park, Chawka Bay provides an important natural sanctuary on an otherwise densely populated island. Spread over 50 square kilometers, the Park is a mosaic of tropical and coral rag forest, mangrove swamp, and salt marshes. Chawka Bay is considered one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania.

One of the most iconic natural features and tourist destinations in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is protected by a 1,688 km2 National Park. Hiking up Africa's tallest mountain takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the route taken. While about one third of visitors opt to hike up the mountain, the National Park offers many other sights  and animal viewing opportunities. Just outside the Park boundary is the famous Materuni Waterfalls. 

The Kondoa Rock-Art Sites are a series of ancient paintings dating back as far as 45,000 years ago. Estimates for the number of decorated rock shelters in the region range between 150 and 450. Kondoa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006. As recently as 1970, local Sandawe men were still creating rock art.

In a small jungle on the east coast of Zanzibar, near Jambiani, is a 50 metre round sink hole. The fresh water sink whole was formed through 250,000 years of erosion by rainwater on the soft limestone. The cave is owned by the residents of Kibigija Village and proceeds are dedicated to local education projects.

Known for its spectacular setting, Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its expansive elephant herds and unique tree-climbing lions. The lake attracts more than 400 species of bird, and its shores are covered with pink flamingo. As a result, visitors in search of birding opportunities often stop at this National Park.

The Livingston Museum & Memorial, located in Tabora, showcases the life of colonial explorer David Livingston. The facility also describes the history of the slave trade that impacted Tanzania and surrounding areas.

From June to March, Mafia Island offers some of the best diving opportunities in East Africa. Whale sharks are a common site at various times of the year, but the best months to view them are November and December. Beyond diving, Mafia Island offers stunning beaches and relaxing vibes.

One of the most unique sites in Lake Manyara National Park is the famous hot springs with water hot enough to boil an egg.  However, in most areas the water is at a mildly warm temperature that is pleasant for swimming. A small restaurant nearby with bathrooms makes Maji Moto a great destination within the Park to relax.

A common destination for visitors to Dar es Salaam, the Village Museum was established to preserve and showcase the indigenous culture and architecture of Tanzania ethnic groups. The Museum represents Tanzanian rural life as it appeared until very recently. Traditional dances by a rotating series of ethnic groups are performed throughout the day.

Mbeya and its surrounding region offer some of Tanzania's most stunning natural geography, including Ngozi Crater Lake, Daraja la Mungu (natural stone bridge over a river), and the soaring Loleza Mountain. The area is known for its high density of birds and colourful wild flowers. A day trip to Lake Nyasa offers both fishing and beautiful beaches.

The Mbozi meteorite, one of the largest meteorites in the world. Weighing an estimated 25 metric tonnes, it's around 3m long and 1m tall. It has been known for centuries by locals, who call it Kimwondo, but the absence of legends recounting its sudden and undoubtedly fiery arrival indicate that it fell to earth long before the present inhabitants arrived, a thousand years ago.

Located next to the Snake Park, once a week local masai gather to hold a cattle auction. A local guide will walk you through the auction and explain how the bidding process works. Buy a pair of masai tire shoes, or try your hand at bartering if you have an object of value to trade!

Black and Green Mamba, Egyptian Cobra, and Puff Adders are among the snakes on display. Hold a live snake and learn how to safely handle it. Crocodile feeding time is a popular highlight! The Masai Cultural Museum and crafts market offer an opportunity to interact with local masai and learn about their traditional clothing and lifestyle. Visit the Snake Park Bar for a drink before leaving.

Located in a protected harbour close to the border with Mozambique, Mikindani Bay Marine Reserve offers incredible scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. Mikindani itself is a charming historic town characterized by African, Arabic and European architecture. Getting to Mikindani is an adventure in itself, but intrepid explorers make their way to this unique destination.

Mikumi National Park is within a few hours drive of Dar es Salaam, making it a popular destination for weekend trips or shorter safaris. The Big Five are present in Mikumi (cheetah, lions, elephants, buffalo and rhinos), as well as abundant hippos and birding opportunities. One of the most interesting activities available is a guided walk with an armed Park ranger, offering an unparalleled up-close experience.

Chief Mkwawa led a successful campaign against German colonial forces from 1891 to 1898. Faced with capture after a guerrilla warfare campaign, Mkwawa took his own life. The history and legacy of Mkwawa is on display in the Mkwawa Museum in Iringa.

In Swahili, Mtoto Mchoraji means 'Drawing Child'. Mtoto Mchoraji is an Art outreach non-profit organization for youth. Aiming to empower and provide rich creative, explore cultural endeavors, sharing some ideas, having hot meals and also have some fun. Visitors can get involved by visiting the centre, viewing a show, and supporting an aspiring artist.

Dedicated to the life of Tanzania's greatest modern leader, Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere, the museum is located in his home village of Butiama. The museum documents his history during the colonial era, the struggle for independence, and during the subsequent reformation period.

Located in the heart of Dar es Salaam, Mzizima Fish Market is a bustling commercial hub. Fishermen in wooden dhow boats bring in their daily catch, selling to restaurants and individuals.  From tiny sardines, to huge kingfish, to stingray and octopus and squid, to shrimps of all sizes, anything that is caught in the water is up for sale. Watch the non-stop fish auctions where a crowd of mostly woman bid on the catch.

Tanzania's National Assembly takes place in the Parliament Buildings, referred to in Swahili as "Bunge la Tanzania". The Parliament has 393 members, 113 of which are elected from women-only lists as part of a proportional representation requirement. In 1964, the countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form Tanzania and both entities maintain jurisdiction over local issues, while the National Assembly also attends matters impacting the country in its entirety.

Ngorongoro is one of Tanzania's most unique destinations, featuring abundant wildlife within a volcanic caldera (crater) that is 16 to 19 km wide. A high density of wildlife set against the picturesque backdrop of the caldera walls make it one of Tanzania's most photographed locations. Ngorongoro is a Conservation Area rather than a National Park as the masai people live with domestic livestock within it.

Nungwi has quickly transformed from a sleepy fishing village at the north end of Zanzibar to the island's most visited destination. Popular for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, visitors have a wide range of activities to choose from including driving dune buggies to swimming with turtles.

Africa's largest National Park is located only 230 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam. The Park has one of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Tanzania, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, elands, zebra and others. Despite its proximity, the Park sees relatively few visitors and as a result the resident animals have had less human exposure.

Originally built by the Portuguese, and rebuilt by the Omanis, Old Fort has long played a central role in the life of Stone Tone. In 1905, the British turned the structure into a train station for a line that ran to Bububu village. In the 1990s, it was once again repurposed into a cultural center featuring an open air amphitheatre. It hosts the annual music festival (Sauti za Busara) and Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Visit one of the most paleoanthropological sites in the world. Homo habilis, the first human species, occupied Olduvai George roughly 1.9 million years ago. Louis and Mary Leakey excavated much of the site, finding stone tools and a 25-million-year-old Pronconsul primate. On the way to Olduvai George, the shifting sand dunes made of magnetized volcanic ash slowly move across the landscape at 17 meters per year.

While most travellers rush off to Zanzibar for a quick weekend trip, seasoned travellers with a little more time know that Pemba Island is truly something special. With about a third of the population, and vastly less developed, Pemba is the slower, calmer, and more rustic sister of Zanzibar. Come here to relax, enjoy the beaches and beautiful landscapes, and meet the amazing people that call this island home.

Dine at the "Restaurant on the Rock", located just off the coast of Michanwi Pingwe beach. Known for its fine dining and seafood, the small photogenic restaurant has become a popular destination. At low tide, it is possible to walk across the beach but a wooden boat will shuttle you over when the tide is higher.

Tanzania's smallest National Park makes a great day trip by boat from Mwanza. Saanane is the only National Park where De-brazas monkeys are found in Tanzania. Other animals present on the island include impalas, rock hyrax, velvet monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards, agama lizards, pancake and leopard tortoises, and pythons.

Samaki Corner is the central place to meet in Mwanza. Samaki, or fish in swahilli, symbolizes the economic activity of the fisherman that played such an important role in the history of the city. Take a seat and watch the city go by, and perhaps make a new friend or two.

Learn why the coast of Tanzania was nicknamed the "Spice Islands" on a fascinating tour of a clove plantation. Participate in a cassava leaf harvest and take part in a traditional cooking lesson. In addition to cloves, an incredible diversity of spices and fruits can be found growing including nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and ginger root, before moving on to durian and jackfruit, vanilla pods and cocoa, liquorice, breadfruit, saffron, iodine, ylang ylang, lemongrass, pineapples, mangoes, soursop, bananas.

Sree Sanatan, one of Mwanza's most important Hindu temples, is open to visitors during daytime hours. On arrival, members of the temple community often show visitors around the facility and explain their beliefs and local history. Food is served at lunch time and visitors are welcome to join.

The historic area of Zanzibar City, known as Stone Tone, is a medieval era settlement that played an important economic role in the Indian Ocean. After two centuries of rule by the Portuguese, Zanzibar was taken over the Sultanate of Oman. As the British pressed the Oman Sultanate to end the slave trade, many of its leaders fled to Zanzibar to establish a new capital. In the 19th century Stone Town flourished as a trading centre, renowned for the commerce of spices (mostly cloves) and slaves.

Visit the Sukuma Museum, also known as Bujora Cultural Centre, in Mwanza. Experience the traditional dances of the Sukuma people and learn about their rich and colorful culture within the museum. An experienced guide will take you through the facility to offer unique insights and answer questions.

Tanzanite can be found only in one place on earth - the Merelani Hills in northern Tanzania. This stunning blue gemstone is sold around the world for use in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Visitors to the Merelani Hills, while accompanied by a guide, have the opportunity to see the mining process in action and visit one of the mine shafts. 

During the dry season thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park, including large herds of thousands of zebra, wildebeest and Cape buffalo. The park is famous for its high density of elephants and baobab trees. For birders, the Park is a popular destination as over 500 species of birds can be commonly found within its boundaries.

Renowned for its high density of predators, Ugalla River National Park is best visited in the dry season. As water levels recede, animals congregate in close proximity to the pools of water left by the seasonal Ugalla River. In the flat landscape, predators use hilly termite mounds to gain a better vantage point on potential prey. The National Park is relatively new, being established in 2019 from a portion of the Ugalla Game Reserve.

The Urithi Tanga Museum presents Tanzania's colonial history, from the Portuguese, to Germans, British, and finally independence.  The museum director walks visitors through the many historic photographs, bringing to life the history of the historic building and the city of Tanga.

Historians and those with an interest in WWI and WWII may be surprised to learn that Tanzania has seven cemeteries containing casualties. These are located in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Moshi, and Tanga. Tanzania played prominent role in WWI as the core of German East Africa, and served as a British military outputs during WWII.