11 Unique Attractions In Tanzania you didn`t know Existed.

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. This is because of the various tourist attraction sites the country has to offer. From beautiful parks (Serengeti to Lake Manyara) very well known National Parks. However, there are unique attractions in Tanzania that are little known but incredibly beautiful. Here is a list of the 11 unique attractions in Tanzania.

11.) Isimila Stone Age Site.

Tools found on this site, are over 100 years old. Axe, scrapers and flints, It has a small museum with beautiful displays describing some of the discoveries.

Isimila is also the site where many fossilized bones were found including those of a mammal. Related to the modern giraffe, but having a much shorter neck.

The list also includes an extinct hippopotamus with unusual periscope-like projections. There is a small museum, and local experts to guide you.

Access to Isimila.

When you are at Iringa, you can take public transport or a Taxi and be dropped at Isimila Junction. From there it is just a 15Mins Walk.

10.) Lake Natron.

The nearest towns to Lake Natron are Arusha in Tanzania and Magadi in Kenya. It is the most important breeding site for Lesser Flamingos in the world.

East Africa has 1.5-2.5 million Lesser Flamingos. Amazingly representing three-quarters of the world population and most of them are hatched at Lake Natron.

Food is plentiful, nesting sites abound – and above all, the lake is isolated and undisturbed.

The lake and its ecosystem provide a source of livelihoods to the local communities. Lake Natron in Tanzania is one of the most serene lakes in Africa.

The alkaline water in Lake Natron has a pH as high as 10.5 and is so caustic it can burn the skin and eyes of animals that aren’t adapted to it.

Making it one of the unique attractions in Tanzania. The water’s alkalinity comes from the sodium carbonate and other minerals that flow into the lake from the surrounding hills.

The deposits of sodium carbonate — which was once used in Egyptian mummification — also acts as a fantastic type of preservative for those animals unlucky enough to die in the waters of Lake Natron.

How Much to Lake Natron?

• Bus Return Ticket: $13.50.
• Entrance fees: $35 one of Payment.
• Government fees per 24Hours $35.
• Optional Masai Guide fees $20.
• Camping (Accommodation) $15.

9.) Prison Island. 

Changuu Island also known as Prison Island lies about 30 min by boat from Stone Town. The island was formerly owned by an Arab.

He saw the use for the confinement of refractory slaves but no prisoners were ever housed here.

Instead, the island became a quarantine station for yellow fever epidemics. General Lloyd Mathews bought it.

The jail (goal) which still stands was built in 1893 and hence the name “PRISON ISLAND”. In 1919 the British governor of Seychelles sent a gift in form of four Aldabra giant tortoises to Changuu.

Presently this species is considered vulnerable and has been placed on the IUCN Red List. There is a dedicated foundation on the island which looks after the tortoises’ welfare.

Here you can take a tour to visit the historic Prison Island with its giant land tortoise. While on the island you will be able to observe and feed the tortoises, swim, sunbathe and snorkel. What a unique attraction in Tanzania. Source Viator.

8.) Mbozi Meteorite.

This meteorite, weighing an estimated 25 metric tonnes, it’s around 3m long and 1m tall

It is the most popular tourist attraction found in the Songwe region. Weighing in at a cool 12 tones.

The irregularly shaped Mbozi Meteorite – which lies on the southwestern slope of Marengi Hill.70 kilometres west of Mbeya, off the road to Tunduma – is the world’s eighth-largest known.

Why the Mateorite didn`t Burn.

The meteorite is a fragment of interplanetary matter that was large enough to avoid being completely burned up when entering the earth’s atmosphere.

But the fragment is small enough to avoid exploding; of the estimated five hundred meteorites that fall to earth each year.

Only thirty per cent of strike land and less than ten are reported and recorded. The Mbozi Meteorite has been known for centuries by locals, who call it Kimwondo.

However, the absence of legends recounting its sudden and undoubtedly fiery arrival indicate that it fell to earth long before the present inhabitants arrived.

A thousand years ago. The meteorite was officially discovered in 1930 at a time when only the top was visible, making it one of the unique attractions in Tanzania.

To reveal the whole meteorite, the hillside around it was dug away, leaving a pillar of soil under the meteorite.

which was then reinforced with concrete to serve as a plinth. The irregular notches on the pointed end were caused by souvenir hunters hacking out chunks – no easy task given the strength of the nickel-iron of which it’s made.

Most meteorites consist of silicates or stony irons. So, the Mbozi meteorite is uncommon in that it’s composed mainly of iron (90.45 per cent) and nickel (8.69 per cent), with negligible amounts of copper, sulphur and phosphorus.

A visit to the Meteorite Site is always fascinating. Especially if you are in a group and you travel using public transport.

On your way, you will have a better taste of the countryside and face some adventures. This enables the group to also interact with the locals who are ever ready to share views with visitors. Source Tanzania Tourism Board.

7.) Mafia Island.

This Island is one of the unique attractions in Tanzania. Tropical islands are clustered together in the Indian Ocean.

Known as the Mafia Archipelago. They are a 30-60-minute flight from Dar es Salaam and, compared with Zanzibar, are relatively little known – yet if you are seeking an undisturbed beach holiday, they are well worth considering.

Also, Read 11 Unique Attractions in Rwanda you should Visit

On arriving at Mafia’s tiny airport it is clear that the pace of life is slow here. Recently paved roads lead through the otherwise sandy-laned, one-street capital of Kilindoni.

Then give way to friendly farming and fishing villages. On the coast, you’ll find mangrove forests.

A few short stretches of golden beach and a brilliant turquoise sea. Sleepy dhows float between the islands.

The budget you will need for Mafia Island?

• There is a Marine Park which charges $23.50. Please note you will pay if your accommodation is inside but to avoid these you can do your Accommodation at Kilindoni.
• Return flight Varies but it is between $280 – $350 depending.
• You can also use public means, a bus plus Ferry at $24.

6.) Bagamoyo.

This town in Tanzania was founded at the end of the 18th century. Though it is an extension of a much older settlement, Kaole.

It was the capital of German East Africa and was one of the most important trading ports along the East African coast along the west of the Indian Ocean.

Strolling through Bagamoyo’s narrow, unpaved streets takes you back to the mid-19th century. When the town was one of the most important settlements along the East African coast.

It was also, the terminus of the trade caravan route linking Lake Tanganyika with the sea. Slaves, ivory, salt and copra were unloaded here before being shipped to Zanzibar Island.

European explorers, including Richard Burton, Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone, began and ended their trips here.

In 1868 French missionaries established Freedom Village at Bagamoyo as a shelter for ransomed slaves. For the remainder of the century, the town served as a way station for missionaries travelling from Zanzibar Island to the interior.

The Budget you will need for Bagamoyo?

• A trip for two from Dar es Salaam (few people spell this Name Right).
• So you will be taken from your CBD Hotel in the morning. Pay around $330 Depending on which Agent you will use.
• This price will include:
• Transportation in a 4WD Land Cruiser ( Jeep).
• Admission fees.
• Lunch.
• Guide with an English speaking guide.
• Round transport.

5.) Mahale Mountains National Park.

Set among the spectacular, forested slopes of the Mahale Mountains. The Mahale Mountains National Park was originally created to protect the thousands of chimpanzees that inhabit the region.

It is renowned for its fantastic sunsets over Lake Tanganyika, which makes it an essential stop for keen photographers and safari enthusiasts.

The park’s breathtaking array of habitats include rainforest, grasslands, alpine bamboo and woodlands.

Where some 50 species of animals have been recorded, predominant. Among these being representatives from various monkey and ape families, and over 90 unique species of fish swim in the clear waters of the lake.

The Budget for the Mahale Mountains Park.

• Recommended Number Of Days 4.
• How Much? From $1,650 – $2,500 Per Person.
• Price Includes.
• Park fees.
• Accommodation.
• Round trip and Airport Transfers.
• Meals.
• Chimps Permit.
• Please note the tour only allow kids above 15Years.

4.) Olduvai Gorge.

The Olduvai Gorge or Oldupai Gorge is a unique attraction in Tanzania. This country is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world.

It has proven invaluable in furthering understanding early human evolution.

Louis and Mary (Nicol) Leakey are often referred to as the first family of palaeontology. As much of their lives, and later the lives of their children revolved around Olduvai Gorge.

The couple met on a dig in England, and both worked briefly at the Olduvai Gorge before they married in England in 1937.

The Budget for Ol duvai Gorge?

• Entrance fees at $35.
• Great Stopover when driving from Ngorongoro crater to Serengeti and vice-versa.
• Time Spent: Maximum 1hour 30 Minutes you will be Done.
• They have a new Museum.

3.) Selous.

Standing as the largest game reserve in Africa. Selous is also the second-largest conservation area in Africa sized at 50,000 square kilometres with lots of attractions.

It is definitely noted as even four times bigger than the Serengeti. While in Tanzania, it is very special to take a safari to Selous as it is one of the most remote game reserves.

Hence the least visited parks in Africa. Because of it`s elaborate and unique incredible beauty. The Selous has so many safari animals and thus has it in history that UNESCO declared it a world heritage in 1982.

The Budget for Selous Safari?

• A 3 Day Safari is recommended
• Price Range $590 – $ 730 Per Person
• Price Include
• Park fees
• Accommodation in a Mid-Range Camp
• A professional Driver Guide
• Round Transport
• Meals and Drinking Water.

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2.) The Magoroto Forest.

This unique attraction in Tanzania with its tropical rain forest is the perfect spot for a getaway and outdoor camping.

The estate is located at an altitude of 850m above sea level where temperatures are pleasant all year round.

The estate offers stunning views from the Muheza Valley to the Indian Ocean. Magoroto is one of the unique attractions in Tanzania.

Enjoy the lush rain forest with rare plants and bird species. Explore the dense tropical forest with organic spices or have a picnic or swim in the beautiful lake!

Activities at the Forest.

Mountain Hiking (Trekking).

Magoroto Forest offers a total of eight well-documented hiking trails. The trails differ in the level of difficulty providing choices for different trails based on your fitness level.

The trails pass through a number of attractions along the way ending in picturesque viewing points.

Swimming.

Magoroto Lake is manmade and was dug in the year 1956 by the Swiss. The lake has fresh water fed in by natural springs.

It’s 12 metres deep allowing for one of the best diving experiences. Due to the depth of the lake children must always be accompanied by adults while swimming.

Bird Watching Magoroto Forest is designated as an IBA (Important Bird Area) and is populated by numerous bird species.

Spice Tour Cardamom, Black Pepper and Cloves are among the many spices that flourish in Magoroto Estate.

A spice tour gives you an opportunity to learn more about spices, how they are grown and processed.

The spices grown in Magoroto are all organic and packaged in retail packs for you to carry as a souvenir on your departure.

Source Magoroto Forest.

1.) Kikuletwa Hot Springs.

I would confidently say Kenyans frequent this destination more than the Tanzanians. It is one of Kenyan`s favourite destination.

Every weekend is a road party from Nairobi to Kikuletwa Hot Springs. It is located in the middle of a semi-arid landscape. Surrounded by sprawling fig trees.

Amid the trees, it features crystal clear water bubbling from underground springs. If you are not doing a regular road trip from Nairobi.

This is a perfect destination, to take a swim and relax as the fingerlings nibble dead skin off your feet.

Well, after a Kilimanjaro climb or safari, or just to get away for a day. The drive from Moshi/Arusha takes about 1 hour 30 min each way. Kikuletwa hot Springs is definitely one of the unique attractions in Tanzania.

Read:-

• 9 Things to do in Arusha and what is needed at the Border.
• 13 Natural Attractions in Tanzania
• 13 Tourists Attractions in Uganda you had no idea existed.