The Top 50

Cities in Tanzania

The most important cities in Tanzania at a glance – from the bustling metropolis to the charming small town. Each city links to a detailed page with map, attractions and travel tips.

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Chwaka
city

Chwaka

Chwaka is a vibrant fishing village on the east coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania.

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Pongwe
city

Pongwe

Pongwe is an idyllic fishing village on the eastern coast of Zanzibar, famous for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil tropical beaches.

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Kiwengwa
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Kiwengwa

A luxurious beach stretch on the east coast, often known as 'Little Italy', featuring wide sandy areas and exclusive resorts.

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Mto wa Mbu
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Mto wa Mbu

A culturally diverse village at the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its irrigation systems and red bananas.

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Pemba Island
city

Pemba Island

The 'Green Island' of the Zanzibar Archipelago, famous for clove plantations, hilly landscapes, and world-class diving.

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Uroa
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Uroa

Uroa is a peaceful fishing village on Zanzibar's eastern coast, known for its tranquil beaches and authentic local vibe.

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Kendwa
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Kendwa

A relaxed beach paradise on Zanzibar's northwest coast, famous for its wide sandy shores and legendary Full Moon parties.

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Nungwi
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Nungwi

A lively fishing village on the northern tip of Zanzibar, known for its pristine white beaches and traditional dhow building.

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Chumbe Island
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Chumbe Island

An award-winning private nature reserve off Zanzibar, famous for its pristine coral reef and sustainable tourism.

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Paje
city

Paje

A kitesurfing mecca on Zanzibar's southeast coast, known for its shallow lagoons and laid-back backpacker vibe.

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Amani Nature Reserve
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Amani Nature Reserve

A biodiversity hotspot in the East Usambara Mountains, known for its tropical rainforest and rare endemic species.

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Mahale Mountains National Park
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Mahale Mountains National Park

A remote paradise on Lake Tanganyika, world-famous for its wild chimpanzees and pristine sandy beaches.

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Prison Island
city

Prison Island

A small island off Stone Town, famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises and its history as a former quarantine station.

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Jambiani
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Jambiani

An authentic and tranquil village on the southeast coast, offering a deep insight into traditional Zanzibari life.

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Mafia Island
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Mafia Island

An untouched natural paradise south of Zanzibar, famous for its whale sharks and spectacular Marine National Park.

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Mnemba Island
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Mnemba Island

An exclusive private island paradise off Zanzibar, famous for its crystal-clear waters and world-class snorkeling.

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Lake Eyasi
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Lake Eyasi

A shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley, home to the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and known for authentic cultural encounters.

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Lake Manyara National Park
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Lake Manyara National Park

A diverse national park famous for its tree-climbing lions and vast soda lake filled with flamingos.

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Pwani Mchangani
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Pwani Mchangani

A quiet fishing village on Zanzibar's northeast coast with endless white sand beaches and authentic Swahili charm.

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Matemwe
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Matemwe

A quiet retreat in northeast Zanzibar, ideally located opposite the famous Mnemba Atoll for premier diving.

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Karatu
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Karatu

A lively highland town, known as the gateway to the Ngorongoro Crater and famous for its fertile red soil.

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Empakaai Crater
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Empakaai Crater

A pristine crater in the Ngorongoro Highlands featuring a deep blue alkaline lake and steep, forested walls.

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Usa River
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Usa River

A charming town located between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport, serving as the gateway to Arusha National Park.

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Matema
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Matema

An idyllic fishing village on the northern shore of Lake Nyassa (Lake Malawi) at the foot of the Livingstone Mountains.

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Lushoto
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Lushoto

The main town of the Usambara Mountains, known for its cool climate and spectacular viewpoints.

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Tarime
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Tarime

A mountain town in the northwest, often in the news due to border crime and mining.

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Ngara
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Ngara

A hilly town in the far northwest that took in many Rwandan refugees in the 90s.

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Kilwa Masoko
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Kilwa Masoko

The modern hub of the Kilwa region and stepping stone to the medieval ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani.

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Makambako
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Makambako

A fast-growing transit city where the TAZARA railway and the Tan-Zam Highway meet.

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Muheza
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Muheza

A transit town near Tanga, known for its extensive roadside orange markets.

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Tukuyu
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Tukuyu

A very humid, green town at the foot of Mount Rungwe, ideal for tea and coffee cultivation.

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Makunduchi
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Makunduchi

The second largest town on Zanzibar (Unguja), famous for the Mwaka Kogwa New Year festival.

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Bariadi
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Bariadi

The heart of the Simiyu region, an extremely fast-growing agricultural and livestock trading town.

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Mpanda
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Mpanda

A remote border town providing access to the hard-to-reach Katavi National Park.

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Masasi
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Masasi

An important inland city in the south, famous for the surrounding prominent granite rocks.

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Tunduma
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Tunduma

An extremely busy border post with Zambia that dominates international trade.

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Iringa
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Iringa

A city built on a cliff, known for its cool climate and German colonial history.

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Mkoani
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Mkoani

The main ferry port of Pemba Island, connecting it to Zanzibar and the mainland.

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Tanga
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Tanga

A quiet northern port city, famous for its historical architecture and sisal export.

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Same
city

Same

An important stopover on the highway between Moshi and Dar es Salaam near the Pare Mountains.

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Sengerema
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Sengerema

A bustling market town south of Lake Victoria, connecting the mainland and islands.

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Bagamoyo
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Bagamoyo

An ancient slave trade center whose historical ruins now attract many tourists.

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Bukoba
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Bukoba

The green city on the western shore of Lake Victoria, surrounded by banana and coffee farms.

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Kasulu
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Kasulu

A bustling town near the Burundian border, heavily influenced by regional trade.

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Mafinga
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Mafinga

The heart of Tanzania's timber industry, dominated by huge pine and eucalyptus forests.

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Kilwa Kivinje
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Kilwa Kivinje

An old Swahili trading center with decaying German colonial architecture on the coast.

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Mbeya
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Mbeya

A high-altitude city in the southwest, surrounded by mountains and agricultural lands.

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Tunduru
city

Tunduru

A remote trading center in the south, known for gemstone finds and cashews.

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Udzungwa Mountains National Park
city

Udzungwa Mountains National Park

A biodiversity hotspot featuring mountains, rainforests, and spectacular waterfalls.

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Handeni
city

Handeni

A rural market town in the Tanga hinterland that aggregates agricultural products.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the largest cities in Tanzania?

This page lists the most important cities by population – each with its own detail page, map and attractions.

How do I find attractions per city?

Click a city – the detail page lists the top attractions, a map and travel tips.