Discover our members' favourite cities in Tanzania. Feel free to publish your own reviews to take part in this collaborative ranking.
Arusha serves as the primary gateway for Tanzanian safaris. While the city itself lacks architectural polish, it is the essential jumping-off point for the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and treks up Mount Meru. Between expeditions, the local markets, coffee plantations, and Maasai villages provide an authentic look at East African daily life that you simply do not get inside the national parks.
Perched at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is a quiet hub for experiencing authentic Tanzania. While it serves as the primary gateway for summit expeditions, the area offers plenty for casual hikers, including the Materuni waterfalls and the Kikuletwa hot springs. Spend your time browsing local markets or touring nearby coffee plantations. It is a laid-back spot for nature lovers and travelers looking to avoid the heavy crowds found in major safari hubs.
This quiet town in northern Tanzania serves as a practical base for reaching the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, just 20 km (12 miles) away. You can browse the local market, hike through coffee plantations, or visit Iraqw villages for a look at local life. With its rolling hills and relaxed pace, Karatu is a solid stopover for travelers looking to balance rest with safari adventures.
Zanzibar City is the capital of its namesake archipelago, anchored by the UNESCO-listed historic district of Stone Town. You can spend your days navigating narrow alleys lined with intricate carved wooden doors to find landmarks like the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Slave Trade Museum. The city is a sensory experience of local markets and street food at Forodhani Gardens, where sunset views over the water rival the best coastal spots in Florida. While the city core is dense, you are just a short drive from the pristine white sands of Kendwa and Nungwi beaches.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, serves as a gritty, high-energy introduction to the country's coastal culture. You can spend your morning watching the chaos of the Kivukoni Fish Market before heading to Kigamboni for a beach day, a scene that feels much like a less polished version of a Southern California surf town. Between the National Museum exhibits and the constant activity at the harbor, it is a practical home base for travelers planning their next move in East Africa.
In my opinion, Moshi doesn't really have anything striking in terms of architecture. But its location at the foot of Kilimanjaro makes it a must-visit. The city is lively, sometimes a bit chaotic, wit…
In my opinion, Moshi doesn't really have anything striking in terms of architecture. But its location at the foot of Kilimanjaro makes it a must-visit. The city is lively, sometimes a bit chaotic, with its busy streets. It is the starting point for climbing Kili or for more relaxed excursions, like Lake Chala, which is relatively wealthy.
Arusha will surely be your first impression of the great parks region. My opinion is mixed, as you find the downsides of big cities here along with a fair share of economic disparity. But the city re…
Arusha will surely be your first impression of the great parks region. My opinion is mixed, as you find the downsides of big cities here along with a fair share of economic disparity. But the city remains pleasant and will give you a taste of Africa with its colorful market and warm locals.
Upon arrival, Tanzania throws most visitors for a loop, and that was definitely the case for me. In Arusha, there is stifling heat, stark social contrasts, power outages, warnings to be careful at ni…
Upon arrival, Tanzania throws most visitors for a loop, and that was definitely the case for me. In Arusha, there is stifling heat, stark social contrasts, power outages, warnings to be careful at night, ultra-secure residences... it is a shock, as is often the case in Africa. You have to acclimate, accept being approached on the street, and soak in the atmosphere. Because soon enough, the charm starts to work. There are sincere smiles, a slow pace, and a land that really touched me and is worth the trip. In Arusha, the monuments did not really move me. What I loved was walking, strolling without a specific destination, and getting a little lost. The vibe of the streets, the smell of spice…
A town where you can stay to prepare for the climb up Kili. Not that interesting from my point of view.
On the island, there are corners of nature that have remained mostly wild, and it is very nice to relax there, go hiking, or go diving. In Zanzibar City, I was pleasantly surprised by the architecture…
On the island, there are corners of nature that have remained mostly wild, and it is very nice to relax there, go hiking, or go diving. In Zanzibar City, I was pleasantly surprised by the architecture and the cultural activities. The slave market and Prison Island will remind you of the dark times of the African continent.
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