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General
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Safari Circuits
With so many parks and itineraries to choose from, safaris to Tanzania are often divided into regional circuits, or groups of game parks whose geographical proximity and topographical variations make up a varied and diverse group. Some of the circuits are of course more travelled than others. Tanzania’s northern circuit alone easily attracts the majority of tourists. But the northern circuit’s fame and popularity means that other equally stunning but less well-known locations remain little-visited attractions whose beauty is known to only a select few. The southern circuit contains the Selous Game Reserve - Africa's largest game reserve which is bigger than Denmark! Although the northern circuit is the most famous, venturing off the familiar path inevitably rewards visitors with the phenomenal scenery and wildlife experiences.
What follows is a brief write-up of the main attractions of each region in Tanzania, divided into circuits accordingly. Although the western and eastern circuits are not developed as full itineraries per se, there is much in each region that warrants a discerning visitor’s attention. Of course, none of these circuits are a complete itinerary in itself, nor is it set in stone. Rather, they are regional suggestions for travellers wishing to explore a certain part of the country, or for return visitors to travel someplace new. Most safari operators will encourage you to select regions and areas to incorporate into your safari from a few or all of the circuits. Longer descriptions of each of the locations can be found in the ‘National Parks and Reserves’ section below.
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National Parks & Reserves
Tanzania has more land devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. Everything from pristine coral reefs to the Crater Highlands, remote game reserves and the famous national parks are protected by government law and placed in trust for future generations to marvel at in wonder and awe. In addition to a listing of the main attractions of Tanzania, we have included many parks that are largely neglected in favour of the big names like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It is our hope that in writing up these lesser-known locations, visitors may be tempted to include them on their itineraries and encourage tourism to other equally beautiful, parts of the country.
Most hunting reserves have been omitted due to restricted access for safari vehicles and wildlife tourists. Tanzania has incredible biodiversity, so wildlife populations and bird species often vary according to the season and region. A visit to one of the smaller game reserves for a short hiking trip or a day excursion is well worth the effort of an extended itinerary. Off the beaten track, the sights and sounds of Africa truly come alive.
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Town and Cities
Besides the obvious natural attractions Tanzania has to offer, the country's towns and cities also make pleasant stops, with plenty to do and see. Many of Tanzania's coastal cities were founded as port towns from which valuable goods were transported across the Indian Ocean by sailing dhow. On the mainland, many inland towns were important rest stops for trade caravans on their way to Central Africa or Lake Victoria, or returning back to the East African coast. In the northern highlands, many small towns were founded by the Germans as centres of colonial administration and agriculture. Today, Tanzania's towns and cities still specialize in trade and agriculture, and are the centres of economic activity in their regions. Besides their obvious importance for the country's local economy, the towns and cities of Tanzania have many historical and cultural sites of interest to visitors.
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Island
The coast of Tanzania is perhaps most famous for the Zanzibar Archipelago, a cluster of islands that saw the growth and survival of Swahili civilisation and trade until the mid-twentieth century. Zanzibar enchants and beguiles with its oriental mystique and forgotten exoticism -- the very name evokes the Spice Islands and the dhow trade, sultans and palaces built of limestone and coral against the palm trees and the crashing surf. But there’s more to the islands of Tanzania than just Zanzibar. Throughout the archipelago, deserted islands and sandbar beckon and abound. Some have slave caves and colonial graves, other the ruins of sultan’s palaces and stately plantations. In Pemba, villages steeped in culture and tradition preserve the Swahili way of life, almost oblivious to the world around them. On the islands of Mafia, old trading towns line the walkway to abandoned ports and the gentle sea. Throughout the Swahili Coast, diving, swimming, and snorkelling offers superb vistas of thriving coral and marine life. Whether you’re content to stay on the mainland coast, or want to venture off into the atolls and islands of the Indian Ocean, the Tanzanian coast is a place of untouched beauty and enchantment.
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Lakes
The lakes of Tanzania are varied in what they offer the potential visitor. On soda lakes like Lake Manyara and Lake Natron, wildlife gather on the desolate salt flats and shimmering views remind one of a lunar landscape which at sunset descends into shades of various pastels. The soda lakes are alkaline and brackish, home to large populations of pink flamingos, storks, and herons. Bird-watching and game viewing are popular activities, but must be done from a distance as the soda flats along the lake shore are difficult to walk or drive in. Still, a visit to the soda lakes of Tanzania is an unforgettable experience. Game still thrive along their unpopulated shores and the sheer ethereal beauty of the water, coloured silver and white by the mineral deposits, is an unforgettable part of the African experience.
Towns and industry take full advantage of the freshwater lakes in the region, the largest of which is Lake Victoria to the northwest of the country. Fishing has long been a mainstay of residents who live around the natural resources, and transport across Tanzania’s many African borders is also an economically profitable activity. Because of the easy supply of freshwater irrigation, Tanzanians also farm the areas around freshwater lakes extensively, and both subsistence and cash crops are grown around their shores. Visitors to the freshwater lakes can embark on fishing trips, hikes, swim, and enjoy the rich bird and fish life that surrounds the water. In many populated areas, cultural tourism programs are also popular.
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Mountains & Volcanoes
Although Mt. Kilimanjaro tops the list as Africa’s most famous -- and highest -- mountain, Tanzania boasts many other mountain ranges and attractive peaks. Most of the country’s mountains and volcanoes are located in the north and east of the country. They vary from the dramatic crater of Mt. Meru and the active volcano of Ol Donyo Lengai to tamer options like the Usambara Mountains and comparatively gentle slopes of the Crater Highlands. Hiking trips and mountain climbing in Tanzania is becoming a popular option for visitors not content to observe the country from the back of a game viewing vehicle. Instead, adventurous types are taking advantage of the many trails and peaks Tanzania has to offer.
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National Parks and Reserves 
