Tanzania is world-famous for iconic destinations like Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, but for adventure seekers looking to escape the crowds, there’s a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond the popular safari circuits and beach resorts lie lesser-known destinations that offer raw beauty, thrilling adventures, and an authentic taste of Tanzania's wilderness. If you're a seasoned traveler or simply someone who craves something off the beaten path, these hidden spots in Tanzania should be on your list.
For those looking for a truly wild safari experience, Ruaha National Park is a dream come true. As the largest national park in Tanzania, Ruaha offers vast landscapes with hardly another vehicle in sight. Its rugged terrain, dotted with baobabs, is home to large elephant herds, lions, and rare species like the African wild dog.
Ruaha’s remoteness means fewer tourists, allowing for an intimate and untamed safari adventure. Here, you can explore off-the-beaten-path safaris without the crowds, making it perfect for travelers seeking solitude in the wild. Whether on a game drive or a walking safari with expert guides, Ruaha offers an authentic, unfiltered experience of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Hidden on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. One of the few places in the world where you can track wild chimpanzees, Mahale offers a unique blend of wildlife and natural beauty. The dense forests are home to over 1,000 chimpanzees, and guided treks allow you to witness them in their natural habitat.
After a day of trekking, you can relax on the pristine, untouched beaches of Lake Tanganyika, the longest freshwater lake in the world. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Mahale is ideal for travelers who want a remote, off-the-grid experience in Tanzania’s undiscovered wilderness.
Katavi National Park is one of Tanzania’s least visited parks, making it a hidden gem for the truly adventurous. Located in the far west of the country, Katavi offers raw, unspoiled landscapes that feel like a step back in time. Here, wildlife roams freely with little human interference, and you’re likely to have entire stretches of savannah all to yourself.
The park is known for its large concentrations of hippos and crocodiles, especially during the dry season when the Katuma River becomes a lifeline for wildlife. You’ll also encounter lions, buffalo, giraffes, and zebras, with the possibility of spotting elusive leopards and wild dogs. Katavi’s isolation and untamed wilderness make it a paradise for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari.
For travelers looking to escape the crowds of Zanzibar, the small town of Pangani offers a serene coastal getaway with a touch of history. Located along the Tanzanian mainland’s coast, Pangani is a hidden gem that combines beautiful beaches with a rich cultural heritage. This laid-back town was once a bustling trading port, and its history is evident in the colonial-era buildings and Swahili architecture.
Pangani’s beaches are untouched and tranquil, perfect for those seeking relaxation away from the tourist hotspots. It’s also a great base for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the nearby Maziwe Island Marine Reserve. If you’re an adventure traveler who enjoys a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, Pangani is the ideal off-the-beaten-path destination.
The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Known as the "Galápagos of Africa" for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to numerous endemic species, including rare monkeys and birdlife. Unlike the typical safari experience, Udzungwa offers the opportunity to explore Tanzania’s forests on foot, with hikes ranging from short nature walks to multi-day treks.
One of the highlights is the climb to Sanje Waterfall, which plunges over 170 meters into the forest below. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the journey through the lush, tropical forest is a rewarding adventure for those who love nature.
For adventure seekers and repeat travelers, Tanzania’s lesser-known destinations offer an unrivaled sense of discovery. From remote national parks to coastal retreats and mountain treks, these off-the-beaten-path adventures reveal a side of Tanzania few tourists ever see. So, if you're ready to go beyond the ordinary and explore the undiscovered, Tanzania’s hidden gems are waiting to be uncovered.
Due to the recent Covid 19 worldwide pandemic, to keep our guests and indeed our staff safe, we have made some changes to Safari By Z that we would like to make you aware. We believe that with careful planning and consideration by our staff and guests we can continue to provide the best hospitality services on safari. For now, this may be our new norm.
New routines:
All our staff have received full training in health and safety-related to the COVID-19 virus and are required to be extra vigilant with their personal hygiene and daily routines.
Health condition of driver-guides will be monitored for not less than a week before being assigned to take clients on safari.
City transfer and safari vehicles will be regularly disinfected before picking up clients, especially the high-touch surfaces and seats.
Our meet and greet teams at airports will still be there to accompany guests into transfer vehicles. While our vehicles are already cleaned between transfers, they will now also be disinfected between each use.
To keep social distancing, safari vehicles with 4-window seats will be redesigned to take only 2 people in the passenger cabin. Safari vehicles with 6-window seats will still be available for families/group of friends wishing to travel together in one vehicle.
The driver-guide will be at hand to oversee guests observe the recommended physical distancing at park entry gates, picnic sites, and while checking in at accommodation facilities.
Each guest will receive their own adventure kit, which includes a Wildlife Guides' Journal, mini fan and hand sanitizers, as well as a pair of binoculars – all in cleaned before each new set of guests
The driver-guide will take necessary personal protection precautions at all times. Guests are encouraged to come with their own masks;
Please be assured that all our selection of partner properties we work with have their strict COVID-19 hygiene practises in place.
Tanzania wasn't Really affected by Covid 19 to the same extent as most other countries, especially those in Europe and South America.
However, we will keep the above measures in place for your peace of mind. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to the Tanzania for your African safari holiday of a lifetime.
