Ngorongoro Crater: 12 Places to See in Tanzania
Explore Tanzania's most iconic destinations across a 4,760 km route featuring the Serengeti's Great Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak, the Ngorongoro Crater's wildlife sanctuary, and Zanzibar's coastal charm alongside lesser-known treasures like Lake Natron's flamingo colonies and Mafia Island's coral reefs.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Ngorongoro Crater
- End
- Mafia Island
- Stops
- 12
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Ngorongoro Crater — Massive volcanic caldera teeming with lions, elephants, and rare black rhinos
- Stone Town — UNESCO World Heritage site with vibrant markets, winding alleyways, and Swahili culture
- Tarangire National Park — Famous for large elephant herds and stunning baobab trees with fewer crowds than Serengeti
- Lake Victoria — Africa's largest lake offering fishing, boat trips, and local cultural experiences
- Lake Natron volcanic landscapes — Alkaline salt lake surrounded by dramatic volcanic terrain, famous for flamingo populations and otherworldly mineral-colored waters.
- Ol Doinyo Lengai sacred mountain — Active volcano and spiritual site for the Maasai people, offering challenging treks through stunning highland landscapes and unique natrocarbonatite lava flows.
- Dar es Salaam coastal city
- Cocoa Beach & Bongoyo Island retreats — Pristine sandy beaches and nearby island sanctuary ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and experiencing tropical Indian Ocean island life near the mainland coast.
- Serengeti National Park — Vast plains famous for the Great Migration with millions of animals traveling across the savanna
- Zanzibar — Tropical paradise with turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and rich Swahili culture
- Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest mountain with snow-capped peak, a once-in-a-lifetime climbing experience
- Mafia Island — Hidden gem for marine lovers with pristine coral reefs and whale shark snorkeling opportunities
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit during the dry season to see wildlife gather along the Tarangire River, when animals concentrate at water sources for the most vivid game drive experiences.
- Tip
- Experience the Great Migration by visiting the Serengeti when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in search of greener pastures.
- Timing
- Visit Lake Natron between November and March when hundreds of thousands of lesser flamingos gather to breed, turning the alkaline lake into a living sea of pink.
- Tip
- Attend Kendwa Beach's full moon parties held once a month with music, dance, and fire shows; travelers from around the world join under the glowing moon.
- Avoid
- Do not swim in Lake Natron's water—it is highly alkaline with temperatures that can burn skin; observe the flamingos and landscape from the shores instead.
- Transport
- Use ferries departing from Dar es Salaam's harbor to travel to Zanzibar across the Indian Ocean.
- Tip
- Explore Tarangire National Park which has one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania and features over 500 bird species, with fewer crowds than Serengeti.
- Tip
- Visit Mafia Island for snorkeling and diving with pristine coral reefs and the chance to swim with whale sharks.
- Tip
- Explore Ngorongoro Crater, a massive volcanic caldera teeming with lions, elephants, and rare black rhinos.
- Food
- Visit Kariakoo Market in Dar es Salaam to experience bustling trade with fresh spices, colorful fabrics, and freshly grilled seafood.
- Where to stay
- Stay at Cocoa Beach or Bongoyo Island retreats near Dar es Salaam for a calm escape with palm trees and gentle waves, just across the water from the city.
- Timing
- Experience Serengeti sunrises during game drives for views that bathe the land in gold, or take balloon safaris for a bird's eye view of the endless plains.
Video on this route
Wonders Of Tanzania | The Most Amazing Places in Tanzania | Travel Video 4K