5 Reasons Why it’s Worth Exploring Tanzania Beyond Zanzibar

5 Reasons Why it’s Worth Exploring Tanzania Beyond Zanzibar

Are you looking for a peaceful escape from your monotonous daily routine but want to avoid the vacation crowds? Well, we’ve got you covered! Head over to Tanzania and explore the region beyond Zanzibar. Although Zanzibar is a wonderful place for a vacation, there are many other areas of Tanzania that are relatively unexplored but they’re just as beautiful and less crowded!

Here are 5 reasons why it’s worth exploring Tanzania beyond Zanzibar:

1. Swim with the Whale Sharks at Mafia Island!

Did you know that whale sharks are the largest fish of the ocean? Well, you get to swim with them, only at Mafia Island! It’s a wonderful experience that you’ll remember for an entire lifetime. You can also go scuba diving and snorkeling in Mafia Island and explore the underwater world!

Here are a few other activities that you can enjoy at Mafia Island:

• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Windsurfing
• Picnics
• Birdwatching – An interesting species of bird that you won’t be able to find anywhere else is the shorebird!
• Picnics by the shore

2. Pemba Island

If you’re a fan of seafood, head over to Pemba Island and go fishing! You get to eat the fresh catch of the day and nothing tastes better than fresh seafood out of the ocean! There are many species of fish that you can catch there which include broadbill swordfish, black marlin, and blue marlin. Not only this, but Pemba Island is also known for its diving! With a visibility of about 30-40m, you get to spot unspoiled coral reefs and a very diverse species of marine life. The Swiss Reef (for turtles), Shimba Hills (red tooth trigger fish), The Edge (white tip sharks) and the Njao Gap are just a few of the many diving sites accessible around Pemba Island!

Other than diving, here are a few other Pemba Island activities:

• Visit the Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary
• Explore the Ngezi Forest Reserve
• Go on a spice farm tour
• Visit the Pemba Museum

3. Visit Tanga, Tanzania

Tanga is a port city located in Tanzania. There’s a lot to explore in this beautiful and lively city! Here are some of the top places to visit or activities to do in Tanga:

• Amboni Cave exploration

A guide will be available to assist you through your journey through the caves, the history of which still hasn’t been fully explored. However, the caves are beautiful and worth the visit!

• Explore the city’s architecture

Rent a bike and wander off in the city to be amazed by the extensive architecture of the city.

• Chill at the Tanga Beach and bathe under the sun! The Tanga Beach Resort and Spa is a luxurious resort, ideal for family vacations and honeymoons!

4. Selous Game Reserve

Wander through the largest game reserve of Africa, the Selous Game Reserve! It’s listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centers. If you’re looking for a retreat from your busy routine into unspoiled and unaltered natural beauty, then Selous Game Reserve is the destination for you! It contains many air strips, so getting to the Game Reserve from Zanzibar, Arusha and Dar es Salaam is easy. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can drive with the appropriate vehicle.

Embark on a flying safari, boat safari or walking safari and sight hundreds of wildlife animals including lions, giraffes, zebras, impalas, buffaloes, black rhinos and African wild dogs!

The Selous Game Reserve is also the natural habitat of over 350 species of birds, so it’s an excellent place for birdwatching.

Other attractions in the Selous Game Reserve include:

• Rufiji River
• Volcanic springs
• Great Rhuha River

5. Lake Victoria

Explore Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria! Here are a few activities to do or destinations to visit in this region:

• Visit the Dancing Rocks that border the Lake. The Dancing Rocks are so named because of the beautiful boulders that exist in the area. You can also get a beautiful view of the lake from the Dancing Rocks!
• Visit the Saanane National Park and observe the zebras, monkeys and birds there.
• Take a trip to the Mwanza Art Gallery
• The region of Lake Victoria consists of the Sukuma Tribe. Explore their rich cultural heritage and history at the Sukuma Museum!

So, what are you waiting for? Explore Tanzania as a solo traveler! It’s a great idea to do so, here’s why! Check out these 5 places beyond Zanzibar and see how magnificent each of these destinations is!