As COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen, one can hardly blame a travel-starved Hong Konger for wanting to hop on a plane right away and see the world. But while most will travel to popular destinations like Japan, Korea, the United States and Britain, the wide world offers many more possibilities. Read on for exiting tips for top tourist experiences in Tanzania.

After years of staycations, why not explore somewhere new and uncharted – Why not kick-start your new holiday season with amazing experiences in Tanzania?

Exploring Tanzania will open your eyes to the magnificent African continent. Tanzania not only offers national parks with safaris full of unique wildlife, it also has numerous landscapes that will take your breath away like the snow-capped peaks of famous Mount Kilimanjaro.

However, for those wanting to relax, the pristine beaches of Tanzania are a pleasant alternative. The country also offers historical towns with outstanding architecture, reflecting a past that has helped shape the country’s society.

Aside from the tourist spots, you should also enjoy the local culture and cuisine. It goes along with the overall experience of exploring Tanzania.

Check out the following top tourist experiences in Tanzania for a unique time:

Stone Town

Stone Town is a must-stop in the heart of Zanzibar. Plenty of landmarks here have been restored as museums and tourist attractions, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Explore the 19^th Century Arabian homes standing in the narrow streets and alleys. Pay close attention to the fascinating, intricate designs of the carved wooden doors which reflect Zanzibar’s history of being a prominent Swahili trading town in the Indian Ocean.

And don’t miss the old churches such as Christ Church, the Anglican Cathedral. Built in 1873, the 150-year-old church is considered a classic example of East African Christian architecture.

Take a stroll along Creek Road, where you can find City Hall and the famous Darajani Market. Major highlights are Forodhani Gardens, the Old Dispensary, the former sultans’ home, and the People’s Palace.

Selous Game Reserve

Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa. Located in south Tanzania and taking up a whooping 5% of the country, the reserve has been protecting the nation’s unique wildlife since 1922. There are over 350 recorded species with antelopes, giraffes, lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, rhinos and more. The river, which cuts the reserve in half, is the best spot to see water-based wildlife.

Unfortunately, while visitors can’t go to the southern part as it’s heavily forested and has dangerous cliffs, travellers can explore the north side of the Rufiji River, where you can see open grassland, rivers, hills, and plains. Between July and October, the summer weather makes the experience better.

Arusha National Park 

While small by country park standards at 137km² , (Hong Kong has 443 km²  of parkland!) Arusha National Park in Tanzania has a massive range of habitats, such as the forests of Mount Meru, the Ngurdoto Crater, and the Momella Lakes. You can imagine the diversity these specific spots offer to African wildlife!

Check out the black and white Colobus monkeys in the forested area while also seeing buffaloes, zebras, and warthogs near the bodies of water. The Momella Lakes offer an array of bird species, and most visitors will also take a climb up Mount Meru, one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Africa.

The stunning views from the summit will be worth the difficult climbing experience. Although the ascent is steep, you can see the forest, moorland, and parkland.

Ruaha National Park 

Ruaha National Park is the largest national park in Tanzania. It protects herds of buffaloes and gazelles and has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the nation. Also, take photos of the gorges, trees, and the fascinating landscape.

The Great Ruaha River offers incredible wildlife viewing on its banks. The river is also relevant for local communities as they obtain electricity from the hydroelectric dam at Kidatu. If you’re into birdwatching, you can see over 400 bird species.

Getting there: Tanzania eVisa

With so many amazing spots, traveling to Tanzania seems like a dream. Start thinking about your plans in Tanzania and confirm the travel documents you need before your trip. Luckily, residents of Hong Kong holding an HKSAR passport do not need a visa to visit Tanzania for up to 90 days. However for a longer stay, and for  other nationalities including British and Chinese passport holders must apply for a [Tanzania eVisa]. All visitors must also prove that they have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Simplify your visa application process through iVisa.com.

iVisa.com can process your tourism, volunteer work, or transit visa. Gather the requirements, provide your basic details, and leave the rest to the experts. It will only take you 15 minutes to complete the online form and acquire your digital documentation. An eVisa is valid for up to 3 months and allows a single entry to Tanzania.

These points of entry accept this type of visa: Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), Namanga land border, or the Tunduma land border.

Travel to Tanzania and enjoy amazing sites!

I-VISA with additional reporting by Cyril Ma