The Most Beautiful Towns in Tanzania

The Most Beautiful Towns in Tanzania : Tanzania is a country with great diversity in culture, wonderful nature, and incredible wildlife. There are plenty of wonders to see in this country. Tanzania has everything, whether you like animals, cultures, or breathtaking mountains. The wildebeest migration, which premieres in the Serengeti National Park, is remarkable—a great spectacle for every safari-goer. While wildlife safaris are famous in Tanzania, town tours should not be downgraded. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the captivating towns in Tanzania.
- Moshi
Moshi is a bustling town in the northern part of Tanzania. It’s rich in cultural diversity since many Kilimanjaro hikers start there. So, you’ll meet with people of every ethnicity and race. This vibrant town has quiet streets and beautiful markets.
How to reach Moshi
Moshi is quite accessible to everyone. It is just a one-hour drive from the Kilimanjaro International Airport, a busy airport that receives thousands of international flights.
Highlights
- Picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day
- Plenty of world-class hotels and lodges
- Peaceful and welcoming streets
- Best shopping places for Kilimanjaro gear
- Close to Kilimanjaro International Airport

What to do in Moshi
Moshi is usually taken as a starting point for Kilimanjaro climbing, but it’s a gem for many tourist activities. You can engage in many things, including:
- Moshi town tour. Explore this amazing town. Visit vibrant markets to mingle with vendors. The Mbuyuni Market, Moshi’s largest market, is open every Tuesday and Friday. Visit this stunning market to buy food, clothes, and many other things. Another market is the Memorial Market.
- An excursion to Kikuletwa Hot Springs. If you want a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of town, this hot spring is ideal for you. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or enjoy a picnic lunch.
- A trip to Materuni Waterfall
- Run the Kilimanjaro Marathon. If your trip falls in February, don’t miss out on running this world-class marathon. You can choose a half marathon, full marathon, or 5 km fun run.
- Moshi bike tours. Enjoy biking around the streets of Moshi. You can also cycle on the outskirts of Moshi.
- Kilimanjaro day tour. Instead of paying for the whole Kilimanjaro hike, you can trek this great spectacle on a day tour. This is always done on the Marangu route.
- Coffee tour. Get to know local farmers and how they grow, harvest, and process coffee.
- Karatu
Karatu is a small, calming, peaceful, and picturesque town located between Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. This wonderful town is a safari junction when moving from Tarangire National Park or Lake Manyara to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro. The easiest way to reach Karatu is by car.
Highlights
- Cheaper accommodation options
- Panoramic scenes
- Vibrant Maasai markets
- Karatu Market (7th and 25th of each month)
- Coffee tour and beer brewing
- Delicious street foods
What to do in Karatu
- Cultural tourism. Visit Maasai village to pass the time. Learn more about their cultural heritage.
- Visiting local markets
- Mto wa Mbu village tour
- The Stone Town
The Stone Town is a fascinating historic town on the western coast of Unguja Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. This town has an incredible history ranging from Arabs, Indians, and Swahili. The architecture in this town speaks a lot about its origin. Several merchants have been in this town, including Indians, Persians, Arabs, and Europeans.
Highlights
- Ancient coral stone buildings
- Vibrant streets and markets
- White sand beaches
What to do in the Stone Town
- Taste local dishes at Forodhani Gardens.
- Attend festivals at Mtoni Palace.
- Discover unique designs of doors.
- Explore signature paintings like Tinga Tinga.
- Walk in the street with a guide.
- Snorkeling and scuba diving
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Arusha
Arusha is an enchanting safari capital in the northern part of Tanzania. This bustling town is the base of many safaris to iconic safari destinations like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, etc. Arusha is picturesque and wonderful with calm streets and an iconic setting.
How to reach Arusha
Arusha is easily accessible. It is only a 45-minute drive from the Kilimanjaro International Airport. Arusha also has a well-established ground transportation system. The streets are quiet and clean.
Highlights
- Mount Meru
- Plenty of safari lodges
- Outdoor activities
What to do in Arusha
- Arusha town tour. You can tour around this iconic town. Visit the Tanzanite Experience Museum to learn more about this precious stone available in Tanzania only.
- Visit the National Natural History Museum. You’ll learn more about the history of Arusha, wildlife, culture, and human history.
- Buying jewelry and souvenirs at the Cultural Heritage Center and the Maasai Cultural Museum.
- Coffee tour. Visit coffee plantations on the slopes of Mount Meru. Witness how the farmers convert coffee beans into fresh coffee mugs. Taste the Tanzanian coffee.
- Hike Mount Meru. Spend 3- or 4-days climbing Mount Meru, the fifth-highest peak in Africa. Enjoy panoramic views of the Arusha town, Momella lakes, and Kilimanjaro.
- Arusha National Park Day Tour. See wildlife at Arusha National Park. Wake up early and drive for 1 hour to the Momella gate. See animals including buffalos, giraffes, baboons, antelopes, colobus monkeys, etc., then return to your accommodation.
- Canoeing at Lake Duluti. You can also embark on a canoe safari through Lake Duluti. Enjoy the picturesque setting while discovering beautiful birds.
- Visit Serengeti. It’s interesting to begin your safari to the Serengeti from Arusha. Spend your night after your flight while thinking of the next day in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro.
- Mwanza
Mwanza is an interesting town nestled on the shore of Lake Victoria. Mwanza has incredible street and local life. You can reach it by road or flight from other towns like Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanga, Mbeya, etc.
Highlights
- Lake Victoria
- Saanane Island National Park
- Bujora Cultural Center
- Rock City Mall
- Wonderful culture
- Five-star hotels
What to do in Mwanza
- Boat cruising on Lake Victoria
- Day trip to Saanane Island
- Mwanza city tour. Visit the Rock City Mall, Bismarck Rock, and more.
Tanzania has incredible wildlife, cultural diversity, and history. While exploring all these, you can have a glance at its unique towns and cities. If you’re interested in visiting this fabulous country, please contact us.