The Most Beautiful Towns In Tanzania
The Most Beautiful Towns In Tanzania : Tanzania is a curious blend of old and new, with ghosts of former residents lingering in the streets, hovering midway between modernity and deep cultural roots. Buildings represent global interests and customs, blending to create an eclectic and colorful contrast. Tanzania has it all, from sophisticated skyscrapers in Dar es Salaam to old slave traders’ homes in Stone Town and traditional rural communities that serve as gates to the ever-popular wildlife safari circuits!
- Stone Town
Stone Town, Zanzibar, is a deteriorating but hauntingly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the historic part of Zanzibar City and is a great example of an East African Swahili coastal commercial town. Its historic and outstanding buildings show the many yet homogeneous cultural aspects that comprise the city’s people. Many of the buildings are a complex synthesis of Swahili, Indian, Arab, and European influences, and they were built with coralline ragstone and mangrove timber before being plastered and lime-washed. Simple ground-floor Swahili cottages coexist alongside two-story structures featuring open courtyards accessible via a small passage and marked by intricately carved double ‘Zanzibar’ doors.
A few points of interest: The town’s major buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries and include monuments such as the Old Fort, built on the site of an earlier Portuguese church; the House of Wonders, a large ceremonial palace; and the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, which commemorates David Livingston’s work in abolishing the slave trade.
- Mbeya
Mbeya is a prosperous town in south-west Tanzania, located at the foothills of the tall Loleza Peak, between the Mbeya and Poroto mountain ranges. It owes its existence to the finding of gold in the area and is now an important commercial and transit hub for Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi. The mountains around the town are covered in deep and verdant forests teeming with bird life, while the Kitulo Plateau to the east of the city is a favorite walking and hiking destination due to the beautiful wildflowers that blanket the region. The town is also located in a significant coffee, banana, and tea agricultural zone, as well as near the picturesque Ngozi Crater Lake. Mbeya’s temperate atmosphere and picturesque hillside surroundings make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Several points of interest: Visit Kitulo National Park, Mbozi Meteorite, Ngozi Crater Lake, and the Daraja la Mungu bridge.
- Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s commercial port and one of Africa’s fastest-growing city. It also has the greatest population in East Africa, with almost 2.5 million people roaming its streets every day. The city is frequently a visitor’s first impression of Tanzania because it houses the country’s primary international airport. It exudes a distinct metropolitan culture influenced by African, Indian, and Arab cultures, as well as a huge industrial port and a vibrant waterfront. Despite not being the prettiest town in the country, it is worth visiting because of its distinct and distinctive vibe.
Several points of interest: The city’s attractions include the Kunduchi and Coco beaches, the Botanical Gardens, and the National Museum.
- Moshi
Moshi rests serenely at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, providing a sample of what may be enjoyed in Tanzania’s northern areas. It is a highly inhabited city, and many visitors are either on their way to Mount Kilimanjaro or have recently completed the trip! Because it is located in the heart of one of Tanzania’s major coffee-growing districts, the city has a more relaxed, laid-back ambiance and a more prosperous sense than other cities in the country. It caters well to tourists, and there is lots to do in and around town, including hiking, camping, cultural tours, and horseback riding. Moshi is also widely regarded as the cleanest city in Tanzania.
A few points of interest: While Mount Kilimanjaro is the main attraction in this area, there are lots of other things to see and do, such as treks to the Materumi waterfalls, the beautiful Lake Chale, and the Kikuletwa hot spring. There are two golf courses to enjoy.
- Kilindoni and Butiama Beach
Kilindoni is a settlement on Mafia Island, the southernmost island off Tanzania’s coast and the largest of a tiny archipelago of picturesque Indian Ocean islands and atolls. It is also the birthplace of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, and is most famous for its beautiful and tranquil beach. Visitors can swim in the ocean, explore the coral reefs, and indulge in simple pleasures like a sundowner picnic on the beach. The island lies off the beaten route, so it is always calm and serene, with nature and marine life at their best. Kilindoni is little more than an airfield and a port, as sea or air are the only ways to reach the island; yet, the trip is worthwhile for the breathtaking vistas.
A few points of interest: Around the island, visitors can explore Ras Kisimani, an old village going back to the 12th century that has been submerged by rising sea levels; Bwejuu Island, a popular snorkeling area; and Ras Mkumbi’s lighthouse.
- Arusha
Arusha is best known as the gateway to Tanzania’s immensely popular northern safari circuit, and it is a hive of activity throughout the year. It is largely lush and green, with a cosmopolitan air, and has lovely views of nearby Mount Meru as well as numerous places to dine, drink, and stay. It’s a terrific place to get last-minute Tanzanian souvenirs or mementos, but be mindful of who you buy from. While some touts sell legitimate things, others are looking to make quick cash.
Several points of interest: Nearby attractions include Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park, the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, and Mount Meru.
