Things to Do In Tanzania

Things to Do In Tanzania

Tanzania is a beautiful East African country with many amazing places to see and things to do. From incredible safaris and beaches to fascinating history and culture, Tanzania offers wonderful travel experiences. This article will highlight the top things every visitor should try to do when traveling around Tanzania.

Enjoy Thrilling Safaris and See Amazing Wildlife

One of the top things to do in Tanzania is going on safari to see incredible wildlife. Tanzania has some of Africa’s best and most famous safari destinations, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and more. 

Witness the Epic Great Migration  

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth. Every year, nearly 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate in a circular pattern across Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing land. The best place to observe the Great Migration is in the Serengeti, especially from December to March when the herds gather in the southern part of the park to give birth. Sitting at a camp and watching thousands of animals run by is an unforgettable experience.

Seek Out the Big Five

One of the main goals of many safari-goers is spotting the “Big Five” – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Tanzania is blessed with some of the best places on the continent to have a chance at seeing them all. The Ngorongoro Crater has the highest density of predators in Africa, making it a prime place to look for the Big Five. You also have excellent chances of spotting them while on safari in the Serengeti or Tarangire. 

Marvel at Tree-Climbing Lions

An unusual behavior seen in Tanzania is tree-climbing lions. Lake Manyara National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda are the only two places where lions are known to lounge up in trees. Scientists are not totally sure why they do this, but the elevated view likely helps them spot potential prey. It’s quite a sight to see these massive cats relaxing high up in acacia trees. Night drives in Lake Manyara offer visitors the best opportunity to witness this rare event.

Observe Abundant Birdlife 

With over 1,000 species of birds recorded across the country, Tanzania is a birder’s paradise. Parks like Tarangire are especially good for spotting birds, thanks to the Silale Swamps providing a consistent water source that draws in many feathered creatures. The migratory patterns even bring in species from Europe and Asia during certain months. So keep your binoculars and bird book handy while on safari to check some species off your life list!

Seek Out Endangered Species

In addition to the more common safari species, Tanzania has populations of some critically endangered animals. Ruaha National Park contains 10% of the world’s remaining lions along with endangered African wild dogs and cheetahs. Meanwhile, less-visited parks like Rubondo Island give visitors the chance to potentially encounter sitatunga antelope and chimpanzees. Spotting these threatened creatures is a special treat for wildlife lovers.   

Meet Incredible Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees share 98% of human DNA, making them our closest animal relative. Tanzania provides some amazing opportunities to get up close and personal with these delightful primates. 

Gombe Stream National Park is world-famous as the site of Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimp studies which began in 1960. Today it is possible to trek through Gombe’s forests and observe the well-habituated chimp families in their natural habitat. An even more remote option is Rubondo Island National Park where a population of chimpanzees inhabits the dense forest alongside other wildlife. Coming face-to-face with chimps is a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

Take Thrilling Aerial Tours  

For an extraordinary perspective on Tanzania’s epic landscapes, consider seeing them from up above on an aerial tour.

Float Over the Serengeti in a Hot Air Balloon

Drifting over the boundless Serengeti Plain in a hot air balloon as the sun peeks over the horizon is a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience this iconic park. As animals roam below completely unfazed, you’ll gain perspective on the enormity of this ecosystem. Serengeti Balloon Safaris offer fantastic opportunities to observe the wildlife and scenery while floating peacefully through the air.  

Fly Over Africa’s Great Rift Valley

Stretching over 3,000 miles from the Middle East down through East Africa, the Great Rift Valley is one of the continent’s most prominent geographical formations. Tanzania provides some of the most spectacular places to admire it from above. Companies like Coastal Aviation offer scenic flights over places like Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater for bird’s eye views of the Rift Valley’s steep escarpments and glittering soda lakes. You may even spot elephants or flamingos thousands of feet below!

Relax on Idyllic Beaches & Islands

After thrilling wildlife encounters on the mainland, spend some time unwinding on Tanzania’s world-class beaches and islands.

Lounge on the Shores of Mnemba Island 

For pure tropical paradise, it doesn’t get much better than Mnemba Island. Encircled by vibrant coral reefs, this tiny private island off the coast of Zanzibar has some of the most picturesque shores in Africa. With just one luxury lodge offering a dozen beachfront bandas (thatched-roof bungalows), the island makes for an ultra-exclusive and romantic getaway. The diving and snorkeling is considered some of the best in East Africa too.

Experience Legendary Zanzibar  

The famous Spice Islands of Zanzibar have enchanted visitors for centuries with their intoxicating scent of cloves, winding alleys, storied history, and beautiful beaches. Spend lazy days lounging on the white sand or snorkeling the reefs surrounding islands like Mnemba, Prison and Chumbe. The UNESCO-listed Stone Town is also a joy to explore, especially at sunset when the sky illuminates the elaborate doors and archways of the town’s Arab, Indian, and European-influenced architecture. 

Find Seclusion on Lesser-Visited Islands

While Zanzibar gets most of the hype, Tanzania is filled with dozens of lesser-known tropical islands where you can play out your own private island fantasy. Places like Fanjove offer a Robinson Crusoe-esque escape with just a single guest lodge nestled on a remote coral island. Or check out islands like Kisiwa Panza and Mbudya which contain empty stretches of powdery sand fringed by palm trees – perfect for relaxing, beachcombing or planning an epic picnic. 

Discover Fascinating History & Culture 

In addition to wildlife and beaches, Tanzania provides the chance to learn about unique local cultures and the country’s intriguing past at sites scattered across the country.

Explore the Swahili Coast  

Stretching along the Indian Ocean coastline, Tanzania’s swahili coast has been involved in Indian Ocean trade networks for over a thousand years. This intermingling of Persian, Arab, Indian, and African influences led to the development of the Swahili culture and language. The coastal trading hubs of Zanzibar, Kilwa, and Mafia Island all preserve this long history in their architecture, food, faith, art, and cultural practices. Wandering the winding alleys of these historic towns transports you right back to the heyday of the dhow trade routes.  

Discover Early Humanity at Olduvai Gorge

Olduvai Gorge holds major significance in the story of human evolution with some of the earliest known fossil traces of our ancient hominid ancestors having been unearthed here. Visiting the museum and excavation sites lets you step back through time almost 2 million years to the days of Homo habilis and glimpse the various turning points that set human evolution on its course. It’s an incredible opportunity to confront our distant past firsthand.  

Learn from Iraqw Traditions

The Iraqw people who inhabit Tanzania’s remote northern highlands have maintained many unique cultural traditions throughout their isolated history. Visiting authentic Iraqw villages around places like Karatu lets visitors see traditional architecture and crafts and learn about age-old customs related to family structure, food, medicine, rites of passage and more that have endured largely unchanged for centuries. It’s a chance to expand your worldview by engaging with different ways of life.     

Admire Tingatinga & Makonde Artworks

Tanzania is home to two internationally renowned painting styles – Makonde carvings and Tingatinga paintings. The Tingatinga Art Cooperative in Dar Es Salaam offers the chance to watch artists at work and purchase paintings in the lively, naïve folk-art style depicting Tanzanian daily life and wildlife. And galleries across the country showcase remarkable ebony wood sculptures in the intricate Makonde style, famously known for their highly stylized faces. Taking home some world-class artwork makes for the perfect Tanzanian memento.  

Challenge Yourself Physically

In addition to sightseeing, Tanzania presents opportunities to push your physical limits with active adventures across the country’s diverse landscapes. 

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro’s iconic snow-capped peak is known around the world as the “Roof of Africa.” Reaching its 19,341-foot summit is an epic yet achievable challenge for adventurers without any technical climbing skills. Hiking through diverse ecological zones to the top and back over several days will test both your physical endurance and mental resolve. Just remember to pace yourself carefully to prevent altitude sickness. Successfully standing on Kili’s summit after such an immense effort is one of the most rewarding things you can do in Tanzania.

Hike Mount Meru First  

If you have your sights set on Kilimanjaro, hike nearby Mount Meru first for great acclimatization and gorgeous Rift Valley views. At 14,980 feet, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s fourth highest mountain, but a more manageable climb, often done in three to four days. Trekking Meru allows you to experience high elevation hiking while warming up for the bigger challenge of Kili. Plus the descent sneak peeks of Kilimanjaro make for phenomenal photo backdrops.

Cycle Across Rural Tanzania

Exploring Tanzania by bicycle provides an intimate, eco-friendly way to connect with local people and cultures. Tanzania offers great routes like the dry Mkata Plains and verdant Usambara Mountains where you can pedal through rural villages and lush tea plantations. Several tour operators like Bike Tanzania Tours organize multi-day cycling adventures complete with gear and support vehicles that focus on sustainable community engagement. It’s a different perspective on the country that adventure seekers will love. 

Dive the Pemba Channel  

Scuba enthusiasts flock to the deep drop-offs of the Pemba Channel near Pemba Island where nutrient-rich upwellings drive an astonishing diversity of marine life. Diving along sheer underwater walls smothered in coral growth reveals all kinds of creatures from reef fish and green sea turtles to giant groupers, dolphins and even migrating whale sharks. The channel also attracts big game fish like marlin and spearfish, so fishermen love exploring these fertile depths too. Pemba is less visited than other Tanzanian islands, making for a more exclusive and remote diving experience.

Shop for Local Handicrafts & Souvenirs  

To take a little piece of Tanzania home with you, shopping for locally made handicrafts and souvenirs is a must. 

Find One-of-a-Kind Artworks

Tanzania has a thriving arts scene with collectible paintings, sculptures, woven goods and more to be found across the country. Seek out colorful modern Tingatinga paintings in Dar Es Salaam, intricately carved Makonde wood sculptures in Arusha, or traditionally handprinted kanga textiles on Zanzibar. Peruse village artisan collectives and open air markets to find unique creations. Haggling is expected, so don’t be afraid to negotiate fair prices.  

Purchase Signature Gemstones   

Tanzanite and ruby are the country’s iconic colored gemstones. Only found in Tanzania, the rare violet-blue Tanzanite has become a coveted jewelry mainstay while the ruby deposits in the Longido region are considered among the world’s finest. High quality loose stones can be purchased from reputable dealers in major cities or set locally in gold or silver by talented jewelers. Tanzanite One and Tanzanite Dream offer particularly impressive collections and craftsmanship.     

Sample Local Spices & Coffee

Fill your bags with flavors from Tanzania. Purchase pungent cinnamon, lemony peppercorns and floral cloves straight from Zanzibar’s spice plantations or explore the curated blends at shops like Kariakoo Market in Dar es Salaam. And export-quality coffee beans from the lush southern highlands make great edible souvenirs for java lovers too. Let the aromas transport you right back to Tanzania.  

Whether you spend your days on exhilarating wildlife safaris, challenging mountain treks or breezy island getaways, Tanzania offers incredible variety. Exploring this captivating country provides opportunities to encounter all kinds of rare and endangered species, immerse yourself in cultures and traditions still thriving since ancient times, lounge on world-class beaches nearly untouched by mass tourism, and so much more. With careful trip planning to make the most of your budget and time, Tanzania is sure to provide a tremendously rewarding African travel experience full of moments you’ll treasure forever.