Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s biggest tourist attractions. Mount Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of adventurous trekkers every year, while Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti offer some of the finest safari wildlife in Africa.

All of these attractions are found in the north of Tanzania, but what of the rest of the country? The most obvious alternative might be the eastern coast and the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, but this is hardly off the tourist trail.

The Irish Times is keen to highlight some of the country’s lesser known charms, such as Lushoto, which can be found six hours north of Dar es Salaam. Lushoto is a richly-forested, highland town and offers a range of community tourism opportunities for keen hikers and botanists.

The Irish Times describes the experience: “The gentle hill walks along eucalyptus-shaded trails through cornfields, coffee plantations, pine woods, tropical forest, fruit farms and even vineyards are enchanting… One can walk for days in the gently-sloped hills staying in local guesthouses. It’s one of the few places in Africa where it’s safe and easy enough to walk without a guide.”

Another undiscovered gem is Amani Nature Reserve, which can be reached from Lushoto by descent to the Maasai plains and a bus journey right round the Usambara Mountains. Amani is “a vast tract of mountainous wilderness” and “for walking and mountain biking, it’s pretty close to heaven.”

Visitors to the Reserve can take guided walks and night safaris which reveal an array of monkeys, eagle owls, chameleons, tree frogs and sunbirds. Easily accessible from Amani is the beach town of Pangani, which offers the same tropical charms as Zanzibar, but in a much more secluded setting.

Find more of Tanzania’s hidden gems by reading the full article.

Another way to discover the real Tanzania is to take part in community volunteer projects in Arusha and Moshi. Find out what volunteer opportunities are available with Inspire.