Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kigoma, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kigoma, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Kigoma is a Tanzanian town located in the western part of the country between 04°53′ S latitude and 29°38′ E longitude at an elevation of 775 meters. It is located on the eastern shore of Tanganyika Lake, functioning as the administrative centre of Kigoma Region. Kigoma is situated near the border of Burundi with Tanzania, around 790 km northwest of Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania and 1230 km northwest of the nation’s largest city, Dar es Salaam. Kigoma is a port town and also famous as a beach destination, receiving a substantial number of tourists for its pristine beaches on the Lake Tanganyika.

 

Connectivity to Kigoma:

Kigoma Airport hosts a small airport with flights from Dar es Salaam, Tabora, Mpanda and Mwanza, catered by Air Tanzania, Auric Air and Precision Air. It takes around 3 hours from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma by flight. The distance of 4 km from the airport to the town centre can be crossed by a rental vehicle.

Located on the Central Line of the Tanzania Railways Corporation, Kigoma is accessible by train from Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Tabora. Bus connection from Kigoma to other prominent cities in the country is limited, so hiring a car would be a better option for intercity travel and sightseeing purposes.

 

Food and Shopping in Kigoma:

Other than traditional market, Kigoma houses many modernized shops with branded products as well as locally produced clothes and leatherworks. Sun City is one of the recommended restaurants in Kigoma.

 

Things to do in Kigoma:

  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Traditional shopping
  • Chimpanzee viewing

 

Tourist Attractions in Kigoma:

 

Lake Tanganyika:

The Lake Tanganyika is a lake with many notable titles, including the 2nd deepest and 2nd largest freshwater lake in the world. The lake is shared between 4 African countries, Burundi, Zambia Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The town of Kigoma is situated on the eastern shore of the lake, where visitors can enjoy different water sport activities like swimming, fishing and boating.

 

Ujiji:

Ujiji holds the recognition of the oldest town in western Tanzania and is also noted historically as the meeting point of many eminent personalities Henry Stanley and Dr. David Livingstone. The town also witnessed the visit of Richard Burton and John Speke, who reached the Lake Tanganyika first time at Ujiji’s shore. The town is situated around 10 km south of Kigoma.

 

Gombe National Park:

The Gombe National Park is situated to the north of Kigoma, which takes around 4 hours by public taxi to reach from Kigoma and costs $3.50 per way. Located around 10 miles north of Kigoma, the park is especially famous for chimpanzee viewing. The entrance fee for the park is $100 for 24 hours, which is the highest fee for any national park in Tanzania.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Kigoma includes:

  • Mahale Mountains National Park
  • Livingstone Museum & Memorial
  • Kigoma Airport
  • Kigoma Port
  • University of Dodoma
  • Gaddafi Mosque in Dodoma
  • Katavi National Park
  • Northern Kahama Game Reserve
  • Mahale Mountain National Park
  • Ugalla River Game Reserve
  • Kimisi Game Reserve
  • Kigosi Game Reserve
  • Moyowosi Game Reserve

 

Best time to visit Kigoma:

Throughout the year is best, especially during the months between June and October is ideal to travel Kigoma in Tanzania.

 

Accommodation options in Kigoma:

Visitors can find all sorts of hotels in Kigoma, mainly budget and mid range hotels that are located on the beach line offering decent facilities and services at an affordable budget. The most popular hotels in Kigoma are listed below:

  • Lake Tanganyika Hotel
  • Coast View Hotel
  • Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
  • Nzimano Hotel
  • Jakobsen’s Beach and Guesthouse
  • Poyongo Lodge
  • Kungwe Beach Lodge
  • Lake Tanganyika Hotel
  • Greystoke Mahale
  • Diocese of Kigoma Community Centre

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Jambiani, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Jambiani, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Jambiani is a village on the island of Unguja in the Zanzibar archipelago belonging to the East African country, Tanzania. Located between the villages of Paje and Makunduchi between 6°19′ S latitude and 39°33′ E longitude, Jambiani is a well known fishing village and tourist destination, home to several famous hotels and resorts to serve tourists visiting the island from the mainland Tanzania and many other African and Asian countries during the dry season to explore its pristine beaches. The island of Unguja is home to many nature reserves, of which all can be accessed from Jambiani.

 

How to reach Jambiani?

The Abeid Amani Karume International Airport or Zanzibar International Airport is the airport serving all parts of Zanzibar Archipelago, including Jambiani. The airport covers many prominent European, African and Asian cities like Dar es Salaam, Amsterdam, Rome, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Kilwa, Mafia Island, Manyara, Mwanza, Nairobi, Muscat and Johannesburg. The airport is located in Stone Town, around 55 km northwest of Jambiani.

Dalla-dallas (minibuses) and taxis run between the airport and Jambiani that nearly take a one and half hour for travel. Dalla-dallas (minibus) is also an option to move within Jambiani.

 

Food and Shopping in Jambiani:

There are shops limited in number in Jambiani, so visitors are advised to reach the major town on the island, Stone Town for memorable shopping.

List of the tourist favor restaurants in Jambiani include:

  • The Stone Culture Restaurant
  • Racoco Restaurant
  • Blue Oyster Hotel Terrace Restaurant
  • Bahari Pizza Restaurant

 

Things to do in Jambiani:

  • Exploring beaches
  • Swimming
  • Boat riding

 

Places to see in Jambiani:

 

Beaches of Jambiani:

Those prepare plan to visit Jambiani, who first choose beaches of Jambiani to explore as that are marvelous, offering amazing water sport activities. White sand and turquoise waters, everything will be a memorable experience for visitors.

 

Paje:

Paje is a nearby village of Jambiani, famous as a great kiteboarding point, mainly for beginners. Paje is situated around 6 km north of the heart of Jambiani.

 

Makunduchi:

Situated around 13 km south of Jambiani, Makunduchi is a town, renowned among both locals and visitors for Mwaka Kogwa or Mwaka Koga celebration, which is a traditional event celebrated in July/August annually.

 

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park:

Established in 2004, the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is Zanzibar’s only national park, located around 25 km northwest of Jambiani. Covering an area of 50 sq. km, the park is home to a wide range of animal and bird species, including typical Zanzibar red colobus, Procolobus kirkii. A great place for adventure enthusiasts.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Jambiani include:

  • Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
  • Mtoni Palace Ruins
  • Forodhani Park
  • Uroa Bay
  • Maisha Mazuri Horse Riding Club
  • Nungwi Natural Aquarium
  • Obama Beach Zanzibar
  • Kiwengwa Caves
  • Palace Museum
  • Zanzibar Land Animal Park
  • Mbweni Ruins
  • Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
  • Prison Island
  • Creative Solutions Center

 

Best time to visit Jambiani:

The best time to visit Jambiani can be said in various verticals, though the most preferred time is from June to October when Jambiani’s beaches welcome tourists with white and dry sand and pleasant weather.

 

Accommodation options in Jambiani:

Though small in size, the village of Jambiani houses numerous qualified hotels, resorts vocational rentals, BB and inns with different rejuvenation services, including spa and sauna. Advance booking is preferred by most hotels of Jambiani. The prominent hotels in Jambiani include:

  • Blue Oyster Hotel
  • Mamamapambo Boutique Hotel
  • Villa de Coco
  • Spice Island Hotel Resort Zanzibar
  • Coral Rock Hotel
  • Visitor’s Inn Hotel
  • Ras Shungi Beach Resort
  • Raha Lodge
  • Casa Del Mar Hotel Jambiani
  • Red Monkey Beach Lodge
  • Muba Guest House
  • Pakachi Beach Hotel
  • Kimte Beach Inn
  • Fairytale Villa & Guesthouse
  • Mbuyuni Beach Village

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Iringa, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Iringa, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Iringa is a city in the Iringa Region of Tanzania, geographically positioned at 7°46′ S 35°42′ E, around 260 km south of the national capital, Dodoma and 500 km southwest of the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam. Iringa is the seat of the Iringa Region, located between the two major national parks of the country, Ruaha National Park to the west and Mikumi National Park to the east. Iringa is renowned as one of the important educational centres of the country with many reputed learning centres, including the Mkwawa University College of Education, Iringa University College and Tosamaganga High School. Iringa is also famous for the popular Neema Crafts Centre.

 

History of Iringa:

Iringa derives its name from the Hehe language term ‘lilinga’, which means ‘fort’. Iringa originated as a defense base in the beginning days of the German rule in Tanzania. Prior to the arrival of Germans, Iringa was settled by Hehe people, led by Chief Mkwawa, whose fortress still can be seen in Kalenga, a nearby village of Iringa.

 

Connectivity to Iringa:

There is an airport in Iringa, situate around 17 km away from the midpoint of the city. The airport is catered by Auric Air (with flights from Dar es Salaam, Mbeya) and Flightlink (Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Mbeya). One way travel between Iringa and Dar es Salaam costs more than two hundred US dollars.

Iringa can also be accessed from Dar es Salaam by bus service, offered by JM Luxury and Sumry Bus.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Iringa:

Iringa is culturally distinct city, home to two famous typical cultural centres Matumaini Women’s Centre and Neema Crafts, where traditional items like bags, bracelets, earrings, flip flops, aprons and toys can be purchased at affordable prices. Neema Crafts centre also houses a restaurant with different delicious European and Tanzanian dishes.

 

What to do in Iringa?

  • Bird watching
  • Swimming
  • Game drives
  • Traditional shopping

 

What to see in Iringa?

 

Neema Crafts Centre:

The Neema Crafts Centre is an award winning organization and one of the highlights of Iringa. It aids tourists coming to the city in exploring the local culture, historical sites and national parks. Handicrafts products produced there are unique, colorful, affordable and worth a purchase.

 

Isimila Stone Age site:

The Isimila Stone Age Site is a popular archeological site, situated around 20 km southwest of the city of Iringa, where visitors can find stone tools dating from 70,000 years ago. This site can be explored best through a guided tour.

 

Kalenga:

Kalenga is one of the villages belonging to the Iringa Rural district, situated around 15 km away from Iringa. The village is mainly noted for fortress belonged to the Hehe tribal leader Chief Mkwavinyika Munyigumba Mwamuyinga or Chief Mkwawa.

 

Gangilonga Rock:

The Gangilonga Rock is a natural rock formation and great view point, situated on the outskirts of Iringa city. Visiting it in group is suggested as it is not a safe place, otherwise visitors can consider a guided tour for safe exploration.

 

Matumaini Women’s Centre:

Situated in the district of Saba Saba, the Matumaini Women’s Centre is an organization supporting young unmarried womens to strengthen their lives by providing education and training on different subjects. It is a distinct place, shouldn’t be missed.

 

List of other places of interest in Iringa include:

  • Kombangulu
  • Mkwawa Golf Course
  • Iringa Swahili School
  • Iringa University College
  • Mkwawa University College of Education
  • Iringa Cemetery
  • The old Boma
  • The Mikumi National Parks
  • Ruaha National Park
  • Mnazi Bay Marine
  • Selous Game Reserve

 

Ideal time to visit Iringa:

The best time to explore the beauty of the historic and natural sites of Iringa is from June to August.

 

Where to stay in Iringa?

Iringa houses many well facilitated hotels that are spread up all around the city and on the outskirts, with a blend of modernized and traditional amenities exclusively prepared for visitors. Some such nice hotels in Iringa include:

  • M R Hotel
  • Ruaha Hilltop Lodge
  • Ruaha River Lodge
  • Iringa Lutheran Centre
  • Neema Crafts Guest House
  • Wilolesi Hilltop Hotel
  • Isimila Hotel
  • Karibu Home
  • Sunset Mountain Lodge
  • New Ruaha International Lodge
  • Jongomero Camp
  • Mdonya Old River Camp
  • Tandala Tented Camp
  • The Old Farm House
  • Mufindi Highland Fishing Lodge

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Geita, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Geita, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Geita is a Tanzanian town, situated in the northwestern part of the country in the heart of a gold mining area of Tanzania. Geita is also the name of one of the newly formed Tanzanian regions and serves as the administrative centre of that region. Geita is located around 90 km west of the country’s second largest city, Mwanza, 1150 km northwest of the nation’s largest city Dar es Salaam and 660 km northwest of the country’s capital, Dodoma. Geita geographically coordinates with 2°52′17″ S latitude and 32°13′46″ E longitude.

 

History of Geita:

Geita came to limelight with the discovery gold minerals in the early 19th century during the German colonial rule that was found in the surrounding hills of what is today’s town of Geita. Though gold mining declined in Geita following the German ceded to British after the outcome of the World War I, Geita regained prominence from its gold mines in the 1990s, which resulted into the establishment of the Geita Gold Mine in the area.

 

How to get Geita?

The Mwanza Airport is the closest airport to Geita, situated around 90 km northeast of the centre of Geita town. It is an international airport receiving flights from Dar es Salaam, Bukoba, Kigoma, Mpanda, Musoma, Rubondo, Arusha, Serengeti, Seronera, Tarangire, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro.

There is a highway B163 leading Geita to Mwanza but that is detached by the Lake Victoria, so visitors also have to travel for small distance by ferry in this route.

 

Food and Shopping in Geita:

There are some nice shopping and restaurant options in Geita, though those seeking upgraded options can head towards prominent city Mwanza (around 90 km northwest).

 

Things to do in Geita:

  • Walking
  • Shopping
  • Day tours

 

Places to see in Geita:

 

Geita Gold Mine:

Being the largest gold producer of Tanzania, the Geita Gold Mine is one of the identities of Geita. Owned by AngloGold Ashanti, this open pit gold mine reveals the history of gold mining in Geita that can be well explored through a guided tour.

 

Lake Victoria:

The Lake Victoria is a place where visitors will get an amazing and real experience of Tanzania’s tour. The southern shore of the lake is situated around 60 km from Geita, can be reached by a rental vehicle. The lake itself holds many world titles, including the largest tropical lake in the world. Including swimming and fishing, every kind of enjoyable water sport activities can be experienced here.

 

Mwanza:

Mwanza is Tanzania’s one of the prominent cities, located on the shore of Lake Victoria, around 90 km from Geita. Nicknamed ‘Rock city’, Mwanza is a modernized city, with all kinds of entertainment options, including clubs, spa, and restaurants. There is also a stadium CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza  that can hold around 35,000 spectators.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Geita include:

  • Rubondo Island National Park
  • Mkomazi Game Reserve
  • CCM Kirumba Stadium
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Lake Manyara National Park
  • Tarangire National Park
  • Arusha National Park
  • Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Bishop’s Cathedral of Arusha
  • Arusha Clock Tower
  • Ol Doinyo Lengai
  • Cultural Heritage Centre Arusha
  • The National Natural History Museum
  • Meserani Snake Park

 

Best time to visit Geita:

The best time to visit Geita depends on visitors’ interest, however, those who are keen to enjoy outdoor activities in Geita can choose the time from June to August.

 

Hotels in Geita:

Geita houses a less number of modernized hotels, so tourists can drive towards the nearby city Mwanza, where all sorts of upgraded hotels can be found, that are listed below:

  • Monarch Hotel & Beach Resort
  • Hotel Tilapia
  • Nyumbani Hotel
  • Hotel La Kairo
  • New Mwanza Hotel
  • Mayi Hotel
  • Royal Orchid Malaika Beach Resort
  • Ryan’s Bay Hotel
  • Gold Crest Hotel
  • Serenity on the Lake
  • Lake Hotel
  • Victoria Palace Hotel
  • Speke Bay Lodge
  • Rubondo Island Camp
  • Wag Hill Lodge
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