Best cities in Tanzania: a complete guide for travelers

The exact number of cities in Tanzania is difficult to determine because the country's administrative system is based on city and municipal councils rather than on a formal classification of settlements as cities. In practice, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Dodoma are generally regarded as the 3 major cities in Tanzania. Dodoma is the capital of Tanzania, while Dar es Salaam is the country's largest city, with more than 5 million residents. 

Tanzania city guide: major cities at a glance

Tanzania has two cities with populations exceeding one million:

• Dar es Salaam, with a population of 5,383,728 according to the latest 2022 census
• Mwanza, with a population of 1,104,521

The capital, Dodoma, ranks third, with 765,179 residents. Since it has not yet reached the one-million mark, it is not always included among the country's largest metropolitan areas.

In total, Tanzania has just over 100 cities and towns with populations exceeding 20,000 people. However, the total number of settlements is impossible to determine, as the country is home to thousands of tiny villages or hamlets, some of which exist only seasonally. 

Cities closest to popular tourist destinations

Why does Tanzania have two “capitals”?

Officially, Tanzania has only one capital city – Dodoma. Since being designated the capital in the 20th century, Dodoma has served as the country's political center. However, Dar es Salaam, the former capital, remains Tanzania's economic hub. The headquarters of banks, businesses, embassies, and international companies have largely remained in Dar es Salaam, which continues to be the country's largest and most developed city.

Historically, Dar es Salaam developed as Tanzania's principal metropolis. The city's rise began in the 1860s, when it was founded by the Sultan of Zanzibar. It is home to the country's main seaport and largest airport. Much of Tanzania's business activity is concentrated here, and young people from across the country move to Dar es Salaam to study and start their careers. In this sense, Dar es Salaam serves as Tanzania's commercial capital.

Dodoma was declared the country's official capital by Tanzania's first president, Julius Nyerere, in 1974. The goal was to move the capital to a more central location within the country. However, the transfer of government institutions took decades. It was only in 2016 that Parliament and several ministries completed their move to Dodoma. Dodoma itself was officially granted city status (jiji in Swahili) only in 2018. The relocation of government agencies is still ongoing.

Largest cities in Tanzania by population

Population figures are based on the 2022 census conducted by Tanzania's National Bureau of Statistics and compiled by the authoritative City Population website. All figures refer to urban populations.

Best Cities to Visit in Tanzania

Here are some of Tanzania's most interesting cities for travelers, starting with those located closest to the country's famous national parks.

Arusha

Arusha lies in northern Tanzania at the foot of Mount Meru, just 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Mount Kilimanjaro. Many travelers exploring Tanzania's Northern Circuit pass through the city on their way to Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park, and Tarangire National Park. Many visitors spend two or three days in Arusha before or after their safari.

Thanks to its elevation of about 1,400 meters (4,600 feet), Arusha enjoys a mild climate. The city is surrounded by coffee plantations, so visitors can easily try locally grown Tanzanian coffee in the city's many cafés and restaurants. Arusha also offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit most tastes and budgets.

Things to do in Arusha:

• Explore the city center around the Clock Tower while sampling street food and local cuisine at the city's many restaurants
• Visit nearby coffee plantations on a guided tour
• Go on a shopping tour around the city
• Visit African art at the Cultural Heritage Centre
• Enjoy a walking safari or canoe safari in Arusha National Park
• Go horseback riding in a private wildlife reserve

Travelers who love mountains and nature may also enjoy climbing Mount Meru. Visible from much of the city, the mountain may look deceptively approachable, but the ascent typically takes three to four days.

Moshi

Moshi is a small town at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Almost everyone planning to climb Africa's highest mountain spends some time here. Located 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Arusha at an elevation of about 900 meters (3,000 feet), Moshi enjoys a warm, mild climate and offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro's summit, which is often snow-capped, especially during the rainy seasons.

Most residents of Moshi belong to the Chagga people, who have traditionally inhabited the slopes of Africa's highest mountain. Moshi ranks 16th among Tanzania's largest cities by population. The town is even quieter and safer than neighboring Arusha, attracting travelers who want to escape the bustle of the country's larger cities.

Things to do in Moshi

• Explore the historic center and enjoy a cup of coffee at the iconic Union Cafe
• Take a trip to Materuni Waterfall, and at the same time learn about Chagga culture, and try coffee brewed from locally grown Arabica beans
• Visit Chemka Hot Springs
• Go kayaking on Lake Chala
• Explore the Rau Forest by bicycle
• Take a trip to Mkomazi National Park, one of the best places in Tanzania to see rhinos up close

For more ideas, see our article on things to do in Moshi.

Kigoma

Kigoma lies in western Tanzania on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the deepest lake in Africa and the second deepest in the world. This quiet port city attracts travelers who appreciate remote destinations and unspoiled nature.

Kigoma serves as the main gateway to two of Tanzania's most remote national parks – Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream. Both can only be reached by boat across Lake Tanganyika. These forested mountain parks are famous for their primates, which have been studied by scientists for decades. Gombe Stream became internationally known in the 20th century thanks to the pioneering chimpanzee research conducted there by Jane Goodall.

There are a couple of historical attractions worth visiting while you're in town. One is the MV Liemba, a German steamship that took part in World War I before being converted into a passenger ferry. Another is the Livingstone Museum, dedicated to the explorer David Livingstone. Nearby stands a monument marking the famous 1871 meeting between Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone, whom Stanley had been sent to locate.

If you're planning to visit Tanzania's port on Lake Tanganyika, be sure to read our guide to Kigoma.

Tanga

Tanga is a port city in northeastern Tanzania on the Indian Ocean coast. Although it is Tanzania's ninth-largest city by population, it is much smaller and quieter than Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar City. Tanga is known for its colonial-era architecture, which reflects both German and British influences. Travelers come here for a relaxed beach atmosphere and a chance to experience local life. 

Things to do in Tanga:

• Explore the city and admire its historic buildings, then visit the fish market in the morning to sample fresh seafood
• Visit the Amboni Caves, which have been protected for more than a century
• Visit the Tongoni Ruins, where the remains of a mosque and stone tombs can still be seen
• Relax on the beaches near the city
• Visit Toten Island, where the ruins of old tombs and a mosque have been preserved

Toten Island is part of the Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park, which also includes Maziwe Island, mangrove forests, and coral reefs along the coast. Visitors may spot green sea turtles and, with a bit of luck, even dugongs.

Other protected areas worth visiting near Tanga include:

• Saadani National Park;
• The Amani Nature Forest Reserve in the Usambara Mountains.

Explore more in our guide to Tanga.

Dar es Salaam

Located south of Tanga on the Indian Ocean coast, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and main transportation hub. Many travelers begin their journeys through mainland Tanzania here or use the city as a gateway to Zanzibar.

Travelers interested in local culture can easily spend a few days here, visiting museums, exploring historic neighborhoods, and sampling Tanzanian cuisine.

Things to do in Dar es Salaam:

• Visit the National Museum of Tanzania and the Village Museum (Makumbusho), where traditional homes from across Tanzania and exhibits on rural life are on display
• Visit Kivukoni Fish Market in the morning to watch fishermen unload their catch and browse the fresh seafood stalls
• Explore the city and visit landmarks such as Azania Front Lutheran Church, St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Askari Monument, and numerous colonial-era buildings;
• Relax at Coco Beach in the Oyster Bay neighborhood
• Enjoy shopping, restaurants, and waterfront views at The Slipway
• Take a day trip to Bongoyo or Mbudya islands, which can be reached by boat from The Slipway
• Go on safari in nearby Mikumi National Park

Zanzibar

Zanzibar City, Tanzania's fourth-largest city by population, is the only urban center on the Zanzibar Archipelago. It is located on the island of Zanzibar, also known as Unguja. The city consists of a modern district and Stone Town, its historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is Stone Town that draws most visitors to Zanzibar City.

Stone Town is a compact maze of narrow alleys lined with coral stone buildings, most of them built in traditional Arab style. The houses stand so close together that in some places even two scooters would struggle to pass each other. Alongside Arab palaces, mosques, and merchant houses stand Indian mansions and European churches. One of the most distinctive features of Stone Town is its beautifully carved wooden doors.

Things to do in Zanzibar City and its surroundings:

• Wander through the maze-like streets of Stone Town and visit the Old Fort, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and Christ Church Anglican Cathedral. For more ideas, see our Stone Town guide
• Sample local street food at the Forodhani waterfront night market. If you're interested in local cuisine, see our guide to food on Zanzibar
• Visit one of the island's famous spice farms
• Relax on Zanzibar's beaches
• Explore Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
• Take trips to other islands in the archipelago, including Pemba, Changuu (Prison Island), Bawe, and Chumbe, many of which are known for their beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving.

In our Tanzania blog, you can find more ideas for things to do on Zanzibarduring your stay. If you're interested in diving, be sure to check out our guide to the best dive sites in Tanzania.

Mwanza

Mwanza, Tanzania's second-largest city by population, is not among the country's most popular destinations for international travelers. However, it's worth visiting if you want to get a feel for everyday life in Tanzania. Set on the shores of Lake Victoria and surrounded by distinctive granite outcrops, Mwanza has a strong fishing tradition. Here you can sample freshly prepared Nile perch and tilapia.

Unlike Tanga or Zanzibar City, Mwanza has few colonial-era buildings. Instead, it reflects the traditions of the Sukuma people, Tanzania's largest ethnic group. To learn more about their culture, visit the Bujora Cultural Centre and Sukuma Museum.

Visit the central market and harbor, take a boat trip on Lake Victoria, or head to Ukerewe Island. Be sure to see Bismarck Rock, the city's iconic balancing rock formation rising out of the lake. At Saanane National Park, Tanzania's smallest national park, you can observe zebras up close.

Mwanza lies relatively close to Serengeti National Park, making even a day safari through the park's western gate possible. For a more immersive wildlife experience, head to Rubondo Island National Park. Located on an island in western Lake Victoria, it offers a rare opportunity to see chimpanzees in the wild.

Iringa

A true hidden gem in central Tanzania, Iringa ranks 21st among the country's cities by population. Geographically, it lies in the country's highlands at an elevation of around 1,600 meters (5,250 feet), giving it a noticeably cooler climate than most of Tanzania. In fact, it is one of the coolest places in the country. Perhaps this pleasant weather explains why Iringa has long been popular with Europeans. 

Iringa stands on the traditional lands of the Hehe people, whose history includes a long and often difficult relationship with the Germans dating back to the colonial period. Several buildings constructed during the German era still stand in the city, and the Iringa Boma Museum will be of interest to travelers. There, you can learn more about the key historical events that shaped the region.

While in Iringa, consider visiting these nearby attractions:

• Tea plantations, as the climate is ideal for growing tea
• Isimila Stone Age Site, a dried-up ancient lake valley famous for its sandstone pillars. Incidentally, this landscape inspired scenes in Mufasa: The Lion King
• Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania's largest and most remote protected areas.

FAQ about cities in Tanzania

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