Things To Do In Tanzania
Tanzania Things to do – these are distinct packages overflowing with safari, trekking, and beach wonders! The land of safaris will go beyond your wilderness expectations. Home to towering twin peaks of Meru and Kilimanjaro, diverse national parks, pristine white sand beaches and archipelagos. Tanzania truly has so many things to do.
In the following, we’ll give you a thorough list of Things To Do In Tanzania, where you can do them, the costs of activities, and what questions we get most often from travellers.
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Wildlife Safaris And National Parks – A Whole Collection!
One of the primary Things To Do In Tanzania is wildlife safaris in the diverse and renowned national parks. Go large or stay home! This expression fits perfectly when it comes to Tanzania’s National Parks. Home to some of the largest concentrations of wildlife and birdlife on the planet – the name Tanzania is synonymous with wildlife!
Here are some of the national parks that you should certainly consider adding to your Tanzania Safari Tours itinerary:
Serengeti National Park – Home to the legendary Great Wildebeest Migration, the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park are filled to the brim with safari activities. Take your pick from cultural tours and game drives to hot air balloon rides and walking safaris.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area – A unique highland ecosystem with a high concentration of wildlife, including the big five.
Tarangire National Park – See the life-giving baobab trees and enormous herds of elephants on game drives here.
Lake Manyara National Park – The paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts and home to the special tree-climbing lions (you won’t find them anywhere else in Tanzania).
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – Hikers Celebrate!
Are you up for a challenge, hikers, around the world? Then, the Uhuru Peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is waiting for you in anticipation. Conquer this achievement and tick off a major item from your dream board. The peaks may be hidden from faraway sights but once you climb this free-standing mountain and reach the summit, the views are out-of-this-world.
- It never hurts to know your options, 7 routes are used by climbers to scale Kilimanjaro.
- Though, the most popular Kilimanjaro Routes are Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, and the Northern Circuit.
Beaches And Coastal Destinations – Perfect Bliss!
The white sand beaches and warm azure waters of Tanzania’s coast are a great way to wind down and relax. The following are the primary coastal destinations along with the highlighted Tanzania Things to do there:
- The Zanzibar archipelagos – Famous for its pristine turquoise waters, and day trips around the cultural hub of Stone Town.
- Mnemba Island – Take part in activities like dolphin and whale watching.
- Kizimkazi Island – Enjoy a visit to the Jozani Forest, spice tours, and dolphin watching.
- Mafia Island: A more secluded and exclusive island with great marine life.
- Dar es Salaam: Tanzania's largest city and a gateway to the coast, with plenty of attractions and activities.
Bagamoyo: A historical town with a rich past and beautiful architecture.
Cultural Tours – Experiences That Enrich!
The native tribes of Tanzania have a unique heritage. Learn about their traditional custom and rituals on Safaris in Tanzania. Simply head out on cultural excursions and visit the villages of the native communities. They include the following:
- Learning about the Maasai way of life and culture, and participating in traditional activities like spear throwing and dancing.
- Spending a day with the Hadzabe tribe and learning about their hunting and gathering lifestyle.
- Visiting a traditional Chaga village and getting insights into their customs and traditions.
- Discovering the culture and history of the Swahili people. They have a unique blend of African, Arab, and European influences in their culture.
Lakes Of Tanzania – Soar Along The Shores!
Each of the wonderfully scenic lakes of Tanzania offers a unique perspective of the surroundings, birdlife, and wildlife.
Activities like canoeing, boat tours, sport fishing, and specialized birdwatching safaris are all part of the charm of Tanzania Safaris along the lake shores. Below are some destinations you won’t want to miss out on:
- Lake Victoria – With Tanzania Safari Activities like birdwatching to see the shoebill stork and boat tours.
- Lake Tanganyika – See a wide range of primates and go on a photographic Tanzania Safari.
- Lake Natron – Go on Tanzania Cultural Tours, enjoy sundowners, and guided tours to see the hominid footprints.
- Lake Eyasi – Cultural Tours to the establishments of the Hadzabe tribe, seeing traditional dance performances, and sunset boat rides along the lakeshore.
Adventurous Activities – For The Thrill Seeker In You!
If you’re up for an adventure then a variety of Things To Do In Tanzania are on offer. The following are the central highlighted Tanzania Activities that are guaranteed to get your pulse racing. While also satisfying that curious thrill seeker in you.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides – Not only will you get a bird’s eye view of the scenic landscapes of Tanzania but you’ll get your dose of adrenaline too.
- Diving and Snorkelling – The Green Island of Pemba, just north of Zanzibar has thrilling offshore coral reefs that are the staple of deep-sea diving and snorkelling.
- Biking Tours – Feeling energetic? Then head to Arusha National Park and test the strength of your legs on biking tours.
Paragliding – The gentle airflow and high terrain of Tanzania guarantee a great paragliding adventure. So, the question is, are you up for it?
Birdwatching – Calling Up All Bird Enthusiasts!
Home to over 1,100 species of birds, Tanzania should be on the checklist of every birdwatching enthusiast out there. From the elusive and beautiful sunbird to the gigantic Marshall eagle, there’s a plethora of species that will satisfy every keen birdwatcher. Here’s a run-through of what Tanzania Destinations to visit for birdwatching:
- Lake Manyara National Park – Home to over 400 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.
- Arusha National Park – An ideal place to spot forest birds like the turaco and trogon.
- Serengeti National Park - A diverse range of habitats that attract a variety of birds, including endemic, migratory, and raptor species.
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Tanzania Foods – Filling, Fulfilling, And Flavoursome!
Safaris to Tanzania would be incomplete without trying out the local delicacies that will be on display on almost every street corner. What Tanzania Foods miss in fancy, they more than makeup for it in terms of deliciousness and hearty goodness.
- Swahili Food: A blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences, with dishes like pilau rice, chapati, and Ugali.
- Zanzibar Cuisine: Fusion of African, Indian, and Middle Eastern flavours, with dishes like seafood curries and grilled fish.
- Coffee Tours – Tanzania is known for its high-quality coffee, with several tours available to learn about the process and taste the different varieties.
Volunteering Services – Where Knowledge Meets Impact!
When searching for Things To Do In Tanzania, this is probably not the first thought that comes to mind. But, Tanzania offers several opportunities to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of the native communities.
Medical and Healthcare Programs: Assist in healthcare facilities and help provide medical services to underprivileged communities.
Volunteer at an orphanage or local school: Several organizations offer opportunities to teach, mentor, or provide support to children in need.
Conservation and wildlife programs: Get involved in efforts to protect Tanzania's wildlife and natural habitats.
Festivals And Events – Explore Tanzania’s Cultural Melting Pot!
Tanzania is home to over 100 different types of culture and is often referred to as the cultural melting pot of Africa. With so many diverse cultures out there, cultural festivals and events are bound to happen over the course of the year. Here are some notable festivals you should consider checking out:
Zanzibar International Film Festival: A week-long celebration of African and international cinema, held annually in July.
Kilimanjaro Marathon: Popular running event taking place in Moshi every year in February.
Sauti za Busara Music Festival: A four-day music festival in Zanzibar that celebrates African music, held annually in February.
Mwaka Kogwa Festival: New Year's celebration in Zanzibar that includes traditional dances and rituals, held annually in July.
Historical Sites – Further Immerse Yourself In Tanzania’s Culture!
Everyone looking for Things To Do In Tanzania knows about the wildlife of the Serengeti and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. But, only a select few get to experience the rich history of Tanzania. The best way to experience this is by visiting some historical sites.
Tanzania has several sites that offer a glimpse into its rich history and ancient civilizations:
Olduvai Gorge: Paleoanthropological site in the Great Rift Valley where several important hominid fossils have been discovered.
Bagamoyo: Historic town on the coast of Tanzania that was once a major centre for the East African slave trade.
Kilwa Kisiwani: Ruined city on the southern coast of Tanzania that was once a major trading centre in the Indian Ocean.
A Quick Rundown Of Top-Rated Things To Do In Tanzania
Let’s give you a quick summary of what the Best Things To Do In Tanzania are. We’ll offer useful explanations of the activities, and costs. This way you’ll be able to figure out what activity you’d like to take part in.
Activities |
Description |
Costs (In USD Per Person) |
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari |
Experience the Serengeti from above on a hot air balloon ride, with the opportunity to spot wildlife from a unique perspective. |
$599 |
Zanzibar Spice Tour |
Explore the spice plantations of Zanzibar and learn about the history and uses of various spices, with the opportunity to sample fresh fruits and spices. |
$25-$50 |
Ngorongoro Crater Safari |
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a natural land that's home to an abundance of wildlife including lions, elephants, and hippos. |
$250-$500 |
Maasai Mara Cultural Tours |
Visit a Maasai village and learn about their traditional way of life, dress, food, and ceremonies, with the opportunity to participate in cultural activities like dance and song. |
$50-$100 |
Tarangire National Park Walking Safaris |
Experience the Tarangire National Park on foot, with the opportunity to spot wildlife and learn about the local flora and fauna. |
$100-$200 |
Scuba Diving at Pemba Island |
Dive into the pristine waters of Pemba Island, known for its coral reefs and marine life including dolphins and turtles. |
$75-$150 |
Selous Game Reserve Safari |
Visit one of the largest game reserves in Africa, known for its diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, and giraffes, on a guided safari. |
$400-$800 |
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb |
Summit the highest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro, on a guided climb, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. |
$1500-$4000 |
Trekking Mount Meru |
Summit the fifth highest mountain in Africa on a guided trek up Mount Meru, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. |
$1200-$3000 |
Lake Victoria Fishing Trip |
Fish for Nile perch and tilapia on the largest lake in Africa, with the opportunity to learn about local fishing techniques and culture. |
$50-$100 |
Stone Town Day Trips |
Explore the historic Stone Town of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on guided day trips, with stops at historical landmarks and markets. |
$25-$50 |
Olduvai Gorge Tour |
Visit the Oldupai Gorge, a significant archaeological site where early human fossils have been found, and see the Shifting Sands, a unique desert-like landscape. |
$100-$200 |
Snorkelling and deep-sea diving at Mafia Island |
Explore the underwater world of Mafia Island, with its colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life, on a scuba diving or snorkelling excursion. |
$50-$150 |
Cultural Tours to visit the Hadzabe Tribes |
Visit the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer communities in Africa, and learn about their traditional way of life and survival skills. |
$50-$100 |
Whole Lot Of Fun Adventures Await You In Tanzania!
Alas, there you have it! These were the Best Things To Do In Tanzania. We’re almost certain that has got you anticipated to visit Tanzania. The next step is going to be what Tanzania Safari Packages you need to consider.
This is where we at African Scenic Safaris can assist you with the help of our tailor-made Tanzania Safari Packages. You can customize your itinerary according to what kind of activity you’d like to take part in.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of Things To Do In Tanzania apart from game viewing and Climbing Kilimanjaro. For example, relaxing on the sun-soaked white sand beaches of Zanzibar, going on enriching cultural expeditions, boat and canoeing trips on the lakes, etc.
Yes, there are! You can visit some of the western circuit national parks like Gombe National Park, and Mahale Mountains National Park. Though the northern safari circuit also has its fair share of remote attractions including off-the-grid camping adventures, and guided walking tours to less frequented regions.
As far as your mind can imagine! Tanzania is home to some of the largest concentrations of wildlife on the entire planet. From the big five and herbivores to the migrating herds and large mammals, everything you wish to see is here.
Deep-sea diving, snorkelling, sport fishing, whale watching, dolphin tours, canoeing safaris, parasailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, etc. are just some of the water-based Things To Do In Tanzania. The stunning archipelagos of Zanzibar are the perfect place to take part in these activities.
In a word, delicious! This is the essence of the Food in Tanzania. From the staple dish, ugali to the spiced cuisines of Zanzibar, foods in Tanzania are sure to please the appetite of food enthusiasts around the world. If you want something a bit different, then visit Middle Eastern restaurants, there are plenty. In our honest opinion though, the best way to enjoy Tanzanian Food is by frequenting street stalls.
Yes, it is possible to go on Safaris in Tanzania without roughing it. Tanzania offers a range of safari experiences from luxury to budget-friendly options. Luxury lodges and tented camps offer a high-end experience with comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals, and exclusive amenities such as spas and swimming pools.