Destinations

This incredible diversity is reflected in Tanzania’s protected areas, which cover more than 40% of the country. With 22 national parks, as well as expansive game reserves and wildlife management areas, Tanzania offers one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the African continent. It is home to 80% of the remaining African lion population and nearly 40% of the African elephant population, along with a host of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Here, wildlife roams freely in unfenced, pristine wilderness—unlike in many other safari destinations where human intervention shapes the landscape. Tanzania offers an authentic safari experience where the land itself dictates the rhythms of life.

Tanzania’s rich cultural tapestry also sets it apart. The country’s relatively high population density provides ample opportunities for visitors to engage with local cultures and witness everyday life. Whether in bustling towns or remote villages, authentic interactions with Tanzanians are never far away.

Tanzania’s vastness extends beyond its mainland, with over 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) of Indian Ocean coastline. Iconic islands like Unguja and Pemba in the Zanzibar Archipelago, along with Mafia Island, and a number of private islands, make Tanzania an unparalleled destination for combining bush and beach adventures—all within its borders.

Tanzania’s shores also touch three of Africa’s Great Lakes: Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa (a.k.a. Lake Malawi). These lakes are natural wonders of the world. Lake Victoria is the second-largest freshwater lake globally by surface area, after North America’s Lake Superior. Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake, stretching 420 miles (676 kilometers), and ranks second by volume and depth (4,820 ft/ 1,470 m), following Russia’s Lake Baikal. Lake Nyasa (Malawi) holds the world’s highest number of fish species and ranks eighth by surface area. Together, these three Great African Lakes contain over 30% more freshwater than North America’s five Great Lakes combined.

I focus on Tanzania because it’s the country I know intimately—this is where I can add the most value to your journey. Explore the "About" and "The Experience" sections of the website to learn more.

Below, you’ll find a selection of Tanzania’s best destinations. Click on any of the photo tiles below to explore an individual destination. For the national parks, I aim to provide photographs from both the dry and green seasons, giving you a better sense of how the landscape transforms throughout the year. Also keep an eye on my Blog and subscribe to my newsletter, where I’ll be sharing stories and experiences from many of these incredible places.