Attractions Nearby Zanzibar, Day Trips and Excursions

(Zanzibar, Tanzania, TZ, East Africa)

Zanzibar's closest neighbour is mainland Tanzania, a sizeable African country with plenty in the way of natural attractions. Following the events of 1964, the two countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar came together to make up the United Republic of Tanzania.

Nearby on the mainland are the East African countries of Mozambique and Kenya, the latter of which boasts an almost endless selection of national parks and wildlife reserves.

To the south lies Madagascar, an island that is much larger in size than Zanzibar, but which is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. Mozambique's capital of Antananarivo is where much of the best sightseeing resides, with walking tours of the city being recommended, along with tourist-themed land train rides.

Tanzania

In recent years, Tanzania has become more and more popular as a tourist destination. It is easy to see why. Within its borders is an impressive list of attractions. Most visitors come to experience an African safari in one of Tanzania's national parks.

The Serengeti National Park tops the list of 'must-sees'. Others are drawn to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, or Lake Tanganyika, thought to be the second-deepest lake in the world. All this splendid scenery and wonderful wildlife is set against a cultural and architectural backdrop that spans Tanzania's ethnic roots and colonial past. A visit to the coastal city of Dar es Salaam offers plenty of opportunities to explore a variety of museums, as well as the nearby Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve.

Madagascar

If you are the sort of person who likes to spend their time away from home admiring exotic wildlife and spectacular scenery, then Madagascar is pretty much the perfect holiday destination. The island boasts an incredible level of biodiversity, with landscapes that feature both tropical rainforests and deserts, as well as a huge number of animals and plants. The island's national parks tend to be less crowded than in other African countries, as is its coastline. Whale watching is just one of the many attractions that visitors to Madagascar can expect to enjoy.

Mozambique

Mozambique is slowly acquiring a reputation as a holiday destination, although it is hard to shake off the years of political instability that have plagued the country. First-time visitors to Mozambique are best starting their trip in the southern part of the country, which is more tourist-friendly than the northern districts. That said, northern Mozambique has some fascinating attractions, including remote beaches, and plenty in the way of historic and cultural sites.

Kenya

Kenya's preeminence as a tourist destination is well established. For many years, international visitors have come to explore Kenya's national parks, marvelling at the migrating wildebeest and big game on view. Some of the best safari locations include the Tsavo National Park and Hell's Gate. City lovers might like to pay a visit to Kenya's capital city, Nairobi, if they feel the need for an urban antidote to the vastness of Kenya's wilderness landscape.