Places to Visit in Tanzania
Located in East Africa near the equator, Tanzania is one of the best countries to visit in all of America. From the world’s best safaris to the world’s tallest freestanding mountain and much more, Tanzania has it all. My friend and I spent two weeks exploring the wonders of Tanzania and I can’t wait to share this story “Places to Visit in Tanzania” with you. We flew into Kilimanjaro airport to fly to Tanzania. Then Our Tanzania adventure started with a safari by our guides. First, we went to Lake Natron, now it was a long 5-hour drive on muddy roads to reach here, with incredible landscapes we saw zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest on the way. When we reached Lake Natron. We paid a fee to the local tribe to enter the area and then we walked towards our lodge. Where we stayed in the tents made in the bushes, and after resting for a while here Went to see the lake and I was completely blown away by the scenery here.
Lake Natron
Lake Natron is known for being home to the largest population of flamingos in the world. It is a salt lake and is called the deadliest lake on earth mainly because not many animals can survive in salt water. But flamingos thrive because they are protected from most predators and feed on algae in the water. It was the most epic spot with flamingos flying by and views of the surroundings. At the end of the day, I experienced one of the best sunsets of my life. The cloud turned into a cotton candy color and the wildebeest running here looked very beautiful. I mean this place is amazing. In this blog “Places to Visit in Tanzania”, I have tried to visit all the places. So that you do not have any problem in planning your trip here.
Odono Lengai
Late after Natron, we decided that we wanted to go climbing on a volcano called Odono Lengai. which was at an altitude of 3000 meters. It is known as the Mountain of the Gods by the local tribes and after climbing it I find out why it is so named. We started climbing this volcano at midnight. I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But I finished my climb on one of the most difficult volcano climbs. The hike of my life was straight up the side of a volcano and my head and knees ached. My mind was prompting my body to crawl. Because it was very steep but we reached the top right around 6:00 am and the sun started climbing up. I could not believe my eyes that I was standing on the periphery of a volcano and the volcano was very deep. Here inside was black bubbling lava. And it is said to be the coldest lava in reality.
I could see that the landscape extended forever as it was being kissed by the golden light of the setting sun, a sight I will never forget. The sound of the volcano was so loud that he could hear the earth moaning. And after resting for about 30 minutes it sounded like a strong thunderstorm. I stood on the volcano rim and watched the scenery below remind me of the quote from The Lion King where Mufasa Simba says that “Everything in the light touches is our Kingdom” It is the mightiest Was one of the views I’ve ever seen.
When I was coming back from the other side of the volcano, I saw mud boiling like volcanic lava. And after seeing this, our guide asked us to descend toward the ground below the volcano. It was already dark when we reached our car after trekking up the volcano for almost 2 hours to avoid the midday sun. So it took me a total of 12 hours to tour the volcano. Even though it was one of the toughest physical challenges I’ve ever done. It was one of my all-time favorite travel experiences.
Arusha
After seeing the volcano we are going to Arusha. If you are flying into Kilimanjaro airport, then Arusha is the nearest big city and it is about 20 meters from the airport. I was inspired by Arusha, it’s a civilized city that is super lush with fairly cool temperatures. There is plenty to do in and around the city. Arusha has a cool place. There is Napuru waterfall which is located in the Maru forest and is located at a distance of about 30 minutes. The area here from central Arusha is amazing, it is a lush green rainforest full of giant trees and beautiful vegetation. Which is relatively easy to descend to the bottom of the waterfall. It only takes 30 minutes. The trail is absolutely beautiful, I feel like walking in a garden. After walking some distance you reach the waterfall. I was just surprised after reaching here that how tall this waterfall was even the flow of the waterfall was not very fast but in other parts of this year the falls are very fast.
Mount Kilimanjaro
If you are in Arusha, we can highly recommend coming here for a nice day trip after visiting Mount Kilimanjaro. It is located in the northern part of the country right next to Kenya bordering Geta Manjaro. Tanzania has one of the most prestigious places in the whole of Africa. Manjaro is the highest peak in Africa and also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world with a height of 5895 meters. The best thing about Kilimanjaro is that you can climb it without any technical climbing here. One can simply walk to the top, the trek takes 5 to 10 days. It depends on the route the longer the trek the more likely it is to challenge your body.
Mount Meru
Another amazing mountain to climb in Tanazia is Mount Meru. It is the second-highest mountain in this country with a height of 4562 meters. There is a Dorma volcano here and it takes about 3 to 4 days to reach here. Now many people may overlook Mount Mary but if you want to experience fewer people and a more affordable adventure than Kilimanjaro. So Mount Meru is worth it.
Like Kilimanjaro you’re about to hike through there are different climate zones. But, amazingly, we’ll get an amazing view of Kilimanjaro in the distance. This is easily one of the most underrated peaks in the whole of Tanzania.
Usambara Mountains
Afterward, we are going to visit the Usambara Mountains, located about 6 hour’s drive from Arusha. Usambara mountains are one of the most beautiful but less explored places in Tanazia. If you want to explore these Usambara mountains, you will likely start in the town of Lushoto. If you decide to do the hike then you can hire a local guide to take you through the mountains. Or if you’re adventurous you can do it yourself. You can spot local fauna like monkeys or the shy chameleon here.
One spot near Lushoto with incredible viewpoints is the Erante Viewpoint. It offers another spectacular view of the lush green Usambara Mountains as this spot is near the town of Mambo which is called the real viewpoint and offers some phenomenal views of this special spot in Tanzania.
Will explore the phenomenal places of Tanzania in the next trip. Till then bye, see you in the next blog.
Well, that is it from my “Places to Visit in Tanzania”. There are so many places that I wish I could include in this blog. So maybe I will have to make a part 2. Let me know where your favorite place in Tanzania is.
I wish everyone to explore this beautiful world and learn the things to make our world a better place to live. With this, if you enjoyed reading this blog, do comment and share it with your friends and family and keep following Nomad Rahgir..