Secret Tanzania

Tanzania’s best attractions you may never heard of

Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Zanzibar may grab the headlines, but the world-renowned triptych only scratches the surface of Tanzania’s wealth of natural wonders. Adventure travel company Unzip Tanzania aims to showcase some of the country’s more under-the-radar attractions through its group holiday adventures. Founder Fahad Fuad (right) explains how the homegrown company aims to get more Tanzanians exploring their country and reveals some of his favourite untapped destinations.

As a content creator, Fahad Fuad has been “privileged” to explore his home country extensively. Now he wants to encourage more Tanzanians to catch the travel bug and see more of the wonders of their own country. “Tanzania is so beautiful, and I want to enthuse more people to get out there and see it,” he says. Four years ago, he set up travel company Unzip Tanzania, which organises group trips to some of the country’s most remote and wonderful locations, such as the near-forgotten historic Swahili port of Pangani and hidden wildlife gem Mkomazi National Park. The eco-friendly trips – with plenty of hiking and camping they are designed to leave no trace on the environment – aim to enthuse young Tanzanians with a love of travel and an appreciation of their country. “You cannot protect what you do not love or do not know,” says Fahad. “Our customers get to see how beautiful this country is and are moved to champion and sustain it. That’s why we started Unzip Tanzania.” The group travel means there is plenty of opportunity to meet new friends as well as new parts of the country. “The group travel means whoever wants to join in – single travellers, friends, whoever – are welcome. They will have a beautiful experience.” Here, Fahad shares some of his favourite secret getaways.

For an island wildlife getaway…

Mafia Island

For me, this is the most splendid beach destination we have in Tanzania. Its coral reefs attract whale sharks, which you can swim with for an unforgettable experience. The island is far less crowded with tourists than Zanzibar Island is a perfect destination for a beach getaway.

This lush, fertile area now has an area designated as a natural forest reserve

For a beautiful adventure…

Mbeya

This city might not have the wildest experiences such as in Arusha, but Mbeya is the most adventurous destination in Tanzania due its beautiful landscape and range of unique experiences such as Kaporogwe waterfalls, a natural huge water drop in the Livingstone Mountains. You’ll also find Matema beach on Lake Ngosi, coffee and tea plantations to explore, the beautiful ‘Serengeti of Flowers’ Kitulo National Park and volcanic crater Lake Kisiba.

For wildlife free of human life…

Mkomazi National Park

Tanzania has 22 National Parks and Mkomazi is one the most unique and underrated of them. It is home to breeding sanctuaries for the critically endangered black rhinos and wild dogs and you can get to see the most rare of antelopes, the gerenuk. As a safe place for these endangered species, it gives hope for the ecosystem and is the perfect wilderness getaway.

For a hidden mountain gem…

Mgeta

A true hidden beauty that lies within the Uluguru mountain range in Morogoro. This lush, fertile area now has an area designated as a natural forest reserve. A trip here is an opportunity to experience the real life or rural Tanzania and get to see the spectacular Hululu waterfalls.

For close encounters with chimpanzees…

Gombe National Park

This is the smallest of all the national parks in Tanzania, but with no roads and only forest trails it is one of the wildest. It borders Lake Tanganyika and is home to troops of habituated chimpanzees – a population that has been the key to understanding this close relation to humans through the pioneering work of primatologist Jane Goodall. The chimpanzees are one of the most rare species to witness when in Tanzania and making your way to Kigoma you can also get to experience sport fishing and learn more about the history of Tanzania and the expeditions of British explorer and missionary Dr David Livingstone.

For history lovers…

Kilwa Kisiwani

Lovers of Swahili culture must take an adventurous route to the island of Kilwa Kisiwani, a World Heritage Site that holds the remains of the oldest standing mosque in East Africa along with other vestiges of what was one of the most powerful Swahili settlements of the Middle Ages. When you’ve had enough soaking up the history, there are some amazing untouched beaches to enjoy here.

For sensational sunrises…

Udzungwa National Park

Last but not least is the Udzungwa National Park, set among forested mountains and containing a host of huge waterfalls, including Sanje Falls, the tallest and the largest within all the national parks of Tanzania. If you get the chance, make sure to camp and experience the sunrise at the Sanje campsite. Your eyes will never have seen such beauty.

More information

To find out about the latest Unzip Tanzania adventures – including a trip into the Udzungwa Mountains from March 26 to 28 – visit the Facebook site @unziptanzania, email contact@unziptanzania.co.tz or call +255 769 966 190.