Travel Muse Magazine

by Ayantu Bedaso & Annaliese Mmari

Tanzania is one of the most extraordinary natural paradises in the world, where you see breathtaking beauty and wilderness in every direction. The country is located in East Africa and is about 947,000 square kilometers of beautiful landscapes. From vast savannas to tropical coastlines to volcanic highlands, the country offers a variety of national wonders. It is here you can find Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s tallest mountain) crystal-clear beaches, stunning islands, and world renowned safari destinations, with diverse wildlife.

This guide comes to you from our heart. The personal connections we have with Tanzania made our experiences very transformative. Anna’s family is from Tanzania, and Ayantu’s is from Ethiopia, also in East Africa. Visiting Tanzania allowed us not only to connect with the land and its beauty, but also our shared regional roots and identity. 

Below are a few must see destinations that we have enjoyed. These spots are perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, seeks adventure, and wants to connect deeply with nature. 

• by Annaliese

Beyond the mountain, the surrounding park and foothills are rich in beauty. The area is covered in lush rainforest, and when I visit, I often walk along winding paths that pass through coffee and banana farms, small towns, and dense vegetation. It is not uncommon to spot lizards and snakes, and occasionally even larger wildlife like elephants or leopards. Being below the mountain is an incredibly grounding experience, it’s a place where daily life and extraordinary nature exists in tandem. 

• by Ayantu

The Pangani River “flows from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean,” where town of Pangani, “is believed to be established before 6th Century BC,” according to their tourism website. The waterway is “important to the region,” supporting a variety of ecosystems and communities along its path.

I went on a sunset boat ride on the river, and it was such a beautiful and calm experience. The sky was filled with warm shades of orange, pink, and gold, leaving a glow across the water. The quiet, gentle motion of the boat allowed me to slow down and truly appreciate the beauty around me.

River cruises here can take a few hours, beginning “at the mouth of the river Pangani where fishermen reel in their day’s catch, then heads up the river along a stunning scenery of never-ending coconut plantations & mangroves.”

Music filled our boat, while I relaxed. Local Tanzanians provided us a glimpse of their culture as they performed local upbeat tunes on their drums. They were dancing, and the joy they exhibited was contagious, and had many people (including myself) swaying along with the beat. It didn’t feel like just a performance, but rather a shared moment of celebration.

The group size was very intimate, with people from around the world, but in the moment, it felt like the differences between us didn’t matter. Conversation flowed and by the end of the ride I learned so much about my fellow travelers. It no longer felt like I was in a boat with strangers, but with people who made my experience more meaningful.

 This is the type of activity that pulls you from your own thoughts and worries. You stop planning, stressing , or being absorbed in your daily tasks. After the ride, you’ll find yourself reminiscing on this moment because you’re left with an experience that stays with you long after it ends. 

Serengeti National Park

• by Annaliese

Serengeti National Park is one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world, known for its sweeping landscapes and unparalleled wildlife. “It comprises 1.5 million hectares of savannah and one of the largest annual migrations on Earth,”  according to UNESCO, who has named this gorgeous place a World Heritage site.

As a child I spent many months at a family friend’s resort in the Serengeti, where I had an unforgettable experience of watching elephants and following lions on safari cars. I have never seen such vast, untouched wilderness, with so few signs of human presence. Two summers ago I went here again on a safari with my family, and one moment in particular stayed with me. Our vehicle came within inches of an elephant, as we were all sitting in awe, it casually peed on our car, instantly turning the whole experience into something hilarious. Moments like these reveal both the brilliance and unpredictability of wildlife. Being in the Serengeti changed the way I understand nature’s scale, beauty, and force.

Nungwi Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Sanctuary 

• by Ayantu

If you’re seeking an unforgettable  experience while visiting Zanzibar, swimming with turtles is a must! There are a couple of places on the island where you can do this, but I visited the Mnarani Turtle Conservation Sanctuary.  This place is more than simply a tourist destination; it’s a community-led “sanctuary committed to the nurturing and rehabilitation of marine turtles.” One of the most meaningful traditions here happens every February when they host an party to release the now-rehabilitated turtles back into the ocean, showcasing the community’s commitment to conservation.

When I visited, I was initially very nervous to swim with the turtles, which ranged in size from small to large. They were moving around the water slowly and gracefully. When I sprinkled food, they slowly turned and surrounded me from all angles. It was such a surreal experience and I felt a part of their world for a moment. The experience became even more meaningful when I spoke with staff who were deeply passionate about the rehabilitation efforts. They shared that many turtles are rescued from fishing nets or boating accidents.

The sanctuary’s commitment to educate visitors on challenges turtles face, and the work required to protect them, allows visitors to leave with more than just amazing memories. You’ll gain a deeper understanding on the fragility of marine life and the importance of conservation within Zanzibar!

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

• by Annaliese

The moment you begin descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, it feels like you are entering a hidden world untouched by time. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is “the world’s largest caldera”– a massive, bowl shaped depression formed when a volcano erupted and collapsed on itself. “The property has global importance for biodiversity conservation due to the presence of globally threatened species.”

My time here was simply magical. The drive down is both exhilarating and nerve-racking, as the narrow dirt road twists along the edge of a steep cliff. But any fear quickly fades as the landscape opens up into a breathtaking view of lush greenery and vast plains that are full with life. At the base of the 610-meter-deep crater, I was surrounded by an incredible concentration of animals, rhinos grazing in the distance, hippos lounging in pools of water, lions resting in the grass, and hundreds of zebras moving in herds across the land.  

I have never seen so many animals gathered in one place. It felt surreal, like stepping into a living wildlife documentary. Guided by safari drivers, my family and I explored the crater in a doorless vehicle, which made the experience more immersive. Ngorongoro is such a unique and special experience that stays with you long after you leave. 

Tanzania is universal magic

From the golden sunset of the Panagani river, towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful turtles of Zanzibar, the country holds extraordinary spots. However, what makes Tanzania especially special is how it allows you to slow down and reconnect with our world’s immense beauty.  For us, our experiences were very personal, but Tanzania’s magic is universal. No matter where you come from, your visit to Tanzania will allow you to connect with the land and the people. If you ever have the opportunity to go, take it. You will not be disappointed!

Below is the map of the five wonder-filled places we spotlighted above. Visit Tanzania’s official tourism website for more help planning your trip!