I was lucky enough to visit Tanzania earlier this year with my father, and it was incredible. Whenever I visit someplace, I love finding places that are a little more off the beaten track – the secret sights and spots other tourists miss out on.

Here are five of the most amazing hidden gems in Tanzania to check out on your travels.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a fantastic part of Tanzania, consisting of plains, savanna, woodlands, and forests. It’s the perfect destination for a safari, as it sees part of the Great Migration, which is where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle make their way across to the Masai Mara in Kenya. It’s also home to the colossal Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, which is an incredible sight to see.

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Zanzibar

Zanzibar has so much to see and do, from embarking on a spice tour (perfect for foodies) to heading to Stone Town and learning more about the culture and history of the area. The local markets offer up amazing handcrafted items such as wooden ornaments, artwork, and clothing, as well as fresh food. Compared to a lot of other African countries, the prices are pretty reasonable, too.

Be sure to head to one of the stunning beaches in the area to snorkel, grab a meal at The Rock restaurant or just relax on the white sands. You can also speak to locals about hiring a boat for the day or watch the sunset on a dhow cruise with your loved ones.

Pemba

The island of Pemba is a beautiful haven with stunning turquoise waters, beaches, and islets, as well as contrasting vegetated hills further inland. Visit the ruins of Ras Mkumbuu and Mkama Ndume, both in Chake Chake, to get a feel of the local history and culture. If you want to spot some animals, the Kidike lying Fox Sanctuary is well worth a visit!!  

Moshi

You will find Moshi in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, so it’s a great place to stay if you’re planning on trying to conquer the giant mountain, known as the “Roof of Africa”. The stunning Lake Chala is thought to be a caldera from a volcanic eruption over three million years ago, but now it’s a beautiful place where you might be able to spot some wild monkeys!

The Kikuletwa Hotsprings is one of the best things in the area, and you will feel as though you have stumbled into paradise. Make an effort to talk to some of the local Maasai people to really get a feel for Tanzania, too.

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Jambiani

Jambiani is made up of several little villages, where you’ll see an abundance of fishing boats and seaweed farms. The Jambiani Beach is one of the most beautiful around, with huts and palm trees, but not too many other people.

The Kuza Cave Culture Centre is an excellent way to learn more about the area, through dance and drumming, as well as exploring the cave itself and swimming in the healing mineral waters at the underground water table.

These are just five of the best-hidden gems of Tanzania, but they are worth a visit! Although there is merit to hitting the tourist spots (after all, they’re popular for a reason) there is something even more magical about finding somewhere less crowded and knowing you’re seeing something a little more unique!

Did I miss any out? Let me know in the comments!