While most tourists flock to northern Tanzania and then to Zanzibar, there are a number of great off-the-beaten path locations to enjoy the beauty of Tanzania, its people, while still seeing animals, amazing landscapes, and interesting people. There are hundreds upon hundreds of these spots in Tanzania – below are a few of the more interesting ones – plus it’s a lot cheaper than going with a guide or tour.
Usambara Mountain Range
The Usambara mountain range makes a perfect stop over for those traveling to the northern parks, or en-route to Zanzibar. The Usambaras are two mountain ranges with the highest degree of biodiversity in all of Africa. It’s very cool, green, with lots of rain, but has some amazing hiking for bird and reptile watching as well as waterfalls and hidden villages in the rain forests.
A few of the bigger towns, like Lushoto, have old colonial buildings and hotels, which are great places to stay if you want old world luxury. They tend to be managed by German and Swiss colonial families that have lived in Tanzania for more than 100 years. Pre World War 1 and during the colonial days, the Germans would visit the Usambaras in the summer to escape the heat of Dar es Salaam or Tanga.
A number of ecotourism projects are beginning in this area, because of its proximity to the north and its bio-diversity. If you’re interested in camping, and can’t afford the park fees in the north, there are a number of excellent options here as well.
Off The Beaten Path: A BootsnAll Story
Japhet Jackson visits a traditional festival.
Recommendation:
Hike to Mtae Ville
Udzungwa Mountains
The Udzungwa Mountains, not too far from Mikumi National Park, are a newly protected area open for TO? hikers who want to look at some of the endemic plant and animal species of Tanzania. Much like the Usambaras and looking over the Kilombero Flood Plain, the Udzungwa Mountains offer a range of hikes into the deep rainforest. Although you have to be accompanied by a guide, prices for hiking tend to be much more affordable in the north. The area is also home to elephants, buffalo, and hippos, which give you a safari-like experience for a portion of the cost.
Recommendation:
If you only have a day or two, climb Sanje Falls and sleep at the top, overlooking the Kilombero Flood Plain and the little dotted villages.
Kilwa Masoko/Kilwa Kiswania
Kilwa Masoko is a small coastal town located on the Indian Ocean in the middle of nowhere – on the southern coast of Tanzania. It’s said that the road to Kilwa Masoko is one of the most tiresome, worse roads in all of Tanzania. But, when you arrive, you are treated to a relatively untouched beaches, with few travelers, and an authentic laid back culture. Most travelers visit the area in order to see some of the oldest best preserved Swahili buildings and Arab ruins of the 15the century. Once the road is improved, Kilwa Masoko will become a bigger tourist destination, but now it remains one of those undiscovered spots in Tanzania.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Africa Insiders page.
