Top 10 Hidden Gems in Tanzania You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Whenever someone hears of Tanzania, he immediately imagines the Serengetti, the Mount Kilimanjaro, or the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. Although these are all popular destinations in the world, there are innumerable under-the-radar spots in Tanzania, which are as enigmatic, as cultural or natural beauty just as much. To the most intrepid tourists who seek to explore some of the least obvious attractions in the city, here are ten wonderful yet under appreciated attractions that you have likely never visited.

Lake Natron The Flamingo Paradise.

Lake Natron is a beautiful soda lake with red and pink colors positioned in the north of Tanzania, bordering Kenya, where the alkalinity is so high. The lake is hostile to majority of life, but it is the ideal breeding area of millions of flamingos which changes the lake to a lake of pink every year. It is dreamy and out of this world, with the volcanoes that surround it, and the Ol Doinyo Lengai(the Mountain of God) which looms over it.

Kondoa Rock Art Sites

The Kondoa Rock Art Sites in Central Tanzania are a UNESCO World Heritage site that hardly any of the travelers explore as they tend to be shadowed by the big game safari in Tanzania. These caves and rock shelters are covered with ancient paintings dating back thousands of years which provide an insight on the early human life and culture. The bright animal illustrations, hunting, and rituals are an excellent insight into the pre-historic era of Tanzania.

Pangani – Seashore Beauty without the Tourists.

Pangani is a sleepy Swahili seaside resort where they can enjoy the Zanzibar, but in a more relaxed way. Pangani which is a former trading hub now has beautiful beaches, colonial buildings and boat rides on the Pangani river. The resorts of Zanzibar are busy unlike Pangani which is the place to visit when one wants to relax and experience the culture.

Kitulo Plateau -Tanzania Garden of Flowers.

The Kitulo Plateau National Park has been described as the Serengeti of Flower and is a dream to a botanist. It is found in the southern part of Tanzania and turns colorful during rainy season with hundreds of species of wild flowers many of which are rare or endemic. It is like walking through a large natural garden in hiking among the waving grasslands. Birdwatchers will also be happy because Kitulo is a habitat of a variety of migratory and resident bird species.

Mafia Island -Dive into Serenity.

Mafia Island is the best kept secret of Tanzania, whereas Zanzibar gets the lion share of the attention. It is an idyllic Island within a preserved marine reserve hence it is a paradise to snorkelers and divers. The most eco-tourism attraction sites in Mafia include whale sharks, coral reefs and pristine beaches. It is ideal to the tourists who desire the tropical beauty but not the tourist rush.

Ruaha National Park- Wild Safari Adventure.

Ruaha National Park is the largest but least visited in Tanzania being overshadowed by Serengeti and Ngorongoro. This is a secret gem with rocky terrain, large herds of elephants, and an animal population is as good as its more well-known counterparts. There are fewer tourists on the ground so safari here is brash and true-to-life and you may spend hours without passing an approaching vehicle and each animal sight will be memorable.

Matema Beach- Having a serene time at Lake Nyasa.

Matema Beach is a peaceful scenic beach on the northern side of Lake Nyasa (or Lake Malawi), and is encircled by green hills and fishing villages. It is ideal to swim, canoe or to enjoy the water by taking a rest. The lake is also endowed with rare species of cichlid fish species thus a snorkeling and underwater photography heaven.

Udzungwa Mountains- Galapagos of Africa.

The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania and is also referred to as the Galapagos of Africa due to its amazing biodiversity. In this case, you will have rare species of monkeys, such as the Sanje Mangabey and even some rare waterfalls like the mighty Sanje Falls. Walking in its green rainforests is like entering a new world.

Ujiji – Where History Lives

Ujiji is located on the banks of Lake Tanganyika and is one of the oldest towns in Tanzania and it is here that the famous explorer Henry Morton Stanley supposedly met with the great doctor, Dr. David Livingstone and said the words, Dr. Livingston, I presume? Nowadays, the visitors have the opportunity to visit museums and monuments dedicated to this event in the history and also to see the colorful local markets in the town.

Gombe Stream National Park -Chimp Haven- Jane Goodall.

The Gombe Stream National Park located at the shore of the lake Tanganyika is small but the world knows it as the location where Jane Goodall made her historic research on the chimpanzees. Very few traveling tourists go to Gombe, and those who do end up visiting chimpanzees in the wild and also enjoy stunning sights of the lake.

Why These Hidden Gems Matter

The Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar will always remain the most popular sites in Tanzania, but when one goes off the boiled path, one will find another equally fascinating side of the nation. Flamingo-covered soda lakes to ancient rock art, untouched beaches to untouched forests, these places reveal the deeper tale of the Tanzania landscapes and culture, as well as biodiversity.

Going to these less-known destinations, the tourists not only have a more genuine experience but also contribute to the local communities and spread the benefits of tourism throughout the nation more equally.

Final Thoughts

Tanzania is far greater than what lies within its landmarks. To the tourist who wants to be authentic, peaceful and adventurous, its secret places provide them the chance to bring close to nature and culture what few other places provide the adventure with.

Therefore, when you are planning your adventure in Tanzania, next time visit beyond the obvious. Explore flower-filled plateau, jump off Mafia Island or explore the ancient rock art. You will find that the best treasures of Tanzania are not the ones that you have already heard about but the ones that have been lying silent in wait till you discover them.