The Central and Western Zone
(Dodoma, Tabora, Kigoma, Katavi) of Tanzania
This zone offers remote wilderness and a deep sense of discovery, ideal for seasoned travelers looking for authentic, off-grid adventures.
Katavi National Park is among the least visited but most rewarding, with raw wildlife encounters and dramatic savannahs. In Kigoma, travelers can visit Gombe Stream National Park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, famous for Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research.
The region’s relative isolation ensures a more personal and untouched experience of Tanzania’s wild side.
Katavi National Park
One of Tanzania’s most isolated and least-visited national parks, Katavi offers a raw, untouched wilderness ideal for seasoned safari-goers seeking solitude. Located in the western part of the country, Katavi is known for its vast floodplains, seasonal lakes, and large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and elephants. Predators like lions and leopards are also commonly sighted.
Visitors can expect uncrowded game drives, dramatic wildlife scenes around drying rivers during the dry season, and a true sense of being in the wild.
Gombe Stream National Park
Made famous by Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking chimpanzee research, Gombe Stream National Park is a remote strip of forest along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The park is accessible mainly by boat from Kigoma and offers an intimate, immersive experience.
Visitors trek through lush forest to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, often catching close-up glimpses of their complex social behavior. The park is also home to other primates, birds, and butterflies, and the lake provides a stunning backdrop for hikes and swims.
Lake Tanganyika
The second-deepest freshwater lake in the world and one of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Tanganyika stretches across four countries, including Tanzania. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, rich biodiversity—especially hundreds of endemic fish species—and scenic beauty.
Visitors can swim, snorkel, kayak, or take boat trips along the shoreline. Fishing villages and nearby parks like Gombe and Mahale offer cultural and wildlife encounters, making Lake Tanganyika a rewarding mix of relaxation and adventure.
Ujiji Museum
Located near Kigoma on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the Ujiji Museum commemorates the famous meeting between explorer Henry Morton Stanley and missionary Dr. David Livingstone in 1871. The museum houses artifacts, historical photographs, and colonial-era relics that detail this chapter of African exploration.
Visitors can stand at the reputed meeting spot and view a large mango tree planted to mark the event. It’s a fascinating destination for history lovers and those interested in colonial-era exploration.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains is a stunning, remote park on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, only accessible by boat or charter flight. It is one of the best places in the world to see wild chimpanzees, with trekking opportunities through lush montane forest that hugs the Mahale mountain range.
Aside from chimps, visitors may encounter red colobus monkeys, forest birds, and butterflies. The pristine beach and turquoise lake offer relaxation after a day’s trek, creating a unique combination of forest and lake experiences.
Kigoma Town
Perched on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Kigoma is a vibrant town that serves as a gateway to western Tanzania’s natural and historical attractions. It’s a key access point for visiting Gombe and Mahale National Parks and holds colonial charm with old railway buildings and bustling markets.
Visitors can enjoy lakefront views, explore the port, or learn about the town’s trading history. Kigoma is also a cultural melting pot with influences from Congo, Burundi, and local Tanzanian communities.
Tabora Railway Station
A historic stop on Tanzania’s central railway line, Tabora Railway Station dates back to the German colonial period and was once a crucial hub for inland transport. The station is still operational today and retains its classic architecture and cultural charm.
Visitors can appreciate the colonial design, observe local transit life, and understand the role the railway played in shaping inland Tanzania’s development. It’s an interesting stop for those curious about the country’s infrastructure and history.
Dodoma Parliament House
As the political heart of Tanzania, Dodoma is home to the Parliament House, where national legislative sessions take place. The building is modern and symbolically designed to reflect unity and governance, often surrounded by well-kept gardens and flags.
Visitors may not be allowed inside without special permission, but the exterior is worth viewing, especially for those interested in national politics and administration. The area also reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to develop Dodoma as the official capital.
Livingstone Memorial
Situated near the town of Ujiji, the Livingstone Memorial marks the site where David Livingstone lived and preached during his time in East Africa. It commemorates both his missionary work and his significant exploration of the region. The monument is simple but powerful, with plaques and an informative display about his life and travels.
Visitors can reflect on the intersection of European exploration and African history while enjoying views of the nearby lake.