Are you planning your trip to Tanzania and looking at what are the best things you should do when you are here? Then this guide is for you. Tanzania is a land with rich history, wildlife and vibrant culture including indigenous tribes.
We have prepared this guide to make sure it helps you plan and decide what to do before landing here. In case you want to talk directly to our travel expert please reach out to us here.
Now let’s explore the top things to do in Tanzania.
Check out the Best Tanzania Safari Packages To Book Today!
Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti
The Great Migration is one of the most dramatic wildlife events you should witness while in Tanzania. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, make a journey across the Serengeti plains in search of fresh grazing lands.
This epic migration event attracts predators such as lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, making it the best experience for safari enthusiasts. To be honest, you don’t just go and experience this phenomenon. The best time to witness this event is during July and october. Make sure you have a special request for your tour operator on this.
Safari in Tarangire National Park
Known for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire National Park is a must visit for the first time wildlife lovers. Most of the time it is offered with a combination of other parks including Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Despite the large number of Elephants, the park is home to a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species.
Tarangire River plays a huge role when it comes to the park ecosystems. During the dry season, animals are getting closer to the river to make sure they get consistent water. This provides excellent game-viewing opportunities for travelers in Tarangire National Park.
Safari in Selous Game Reserve
Spanning over 50,000 square kilometers, Selous Game Reserve or Nyere National Park is Africa’s largest protected wildlife area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering an untouched safari experience far from the crowds.
Rufiji River plays a big role in the ecosystem of Selous National Park. This is the home of diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, Lions and the elusive African wild dog. Unlike traditional safaris, in Selous you can also organise a boat safari and even walking safari. Selous is very common for a day trip safari starting from Zanzibar. You can learn more here.
Visit Kilwa Kisiwani
Do you love history? Then Kilwa Island is waiting for you. The island played an important role in the middle ages as a trading spot between the Indian ocean. Kilwa Kisiwani is now a fascinating archaeological site showcasing remnants of a grand past which is one of the reasons listed at a UNESCO world heritage site. The ruins of palaces, mosques, and fortresses tell the story of an ancient civilization that played a crucial role in East African trade.
Visit Arusha National Park
Located just a short ride from Arusha city, Arusha National Park is a hidden gem offering spectacular views of Mount Meru, the symbol of Arusha and Tanzania’s second highest peak. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys.
Unlike other national parks, Arusha is not popular like Serengeti or Ngorongoro but it offers a variety of activities like canoe safaris in Momella Lakes, allowing you to explore the beauty of the park. You can also take a walking safari to experience the wild with your feet and hands.
Safari in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is the best of all national parks not just in Tanzania, but in the African continent. Serengeti is known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles constantly traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing lands. Going safari here provides an opportunity to witness the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
The park’s vast open landscapes, dotted with acacia trees and big animals like elephants and giraffes provide a classic African safari experience. You are not allowed to come with a drone but trust me the view is spectacular even without a drone, you witness it with your naked eyes.
One of the best moments for photographers and travelers in Serengeti is during sunrises and sunsets, when you see the Hot Air Balloon flying over the plains. You can also join balloon safari with us, please contact us for more.
Check out our guide on the best places to take Safari photos in Tanzania!
Day Trip Safari in Mikumi National Park
Located near Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar islands, Mikumi National Park is a great option for those looking for a shorter yet best safari experience. Mikumi is referred to as a “mini-Serengeti,” Mikumi offers excellent wildlife viewing, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hippos.
The park provides the best game viewing, resembling the famous landscapes of Serengeti. If you are in Zanzibar, or Dar es Salam and looking to take your day trip safari, then Mikumi would be the best option.
Snorkeling & Diving in Zanzibar Islands
Visiting Zanzibar is one of the best things you can do in Tanzania. Zanzibar archipelago has an incredible marine ecosystem which supports a variety of marine creatures. The island’s warm, turquoise waters and healthy coral reefs make it a top destination for divers and snorkelers.
One of the most famous spots is Mnemba Island, Chumbe Island, Tumbatu and the Menai bay area. The common marine creatures that you will spot in Zanzibar are whale sharks, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, turtles and a variety of colorful tropical fishes.
Sea Walk Adventure
Experience the magic of the ocean in Zanzibar without the need for diving or swimming skills. In this unique excursion you will walk along the seabed while wearing a specially designed helmet that supplies a continuous flow of oxygen.
As you walk in the waters, you’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful tropical fish swimming effortlessly around you, this is the perfect excursion for couples or honeymooners.
The tour has a tour guide who is experienced and will direct you in the tour. Regardless if you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, this adventure is for all, and on top of that, this tour is done at the best beach of Zanzibar islands (Nungwi beach).
Udzungwa Mountains
Visiting Udzungwa Mountains is one of the best things you can do in Tanzania. The mountains offer one of East Africa’s best hiking experiences in tanzania. This is the home to healthy green rainforests, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife including some species of primates, birds, and unique plant life found nowhere else on Earth except here. The simplest way to trek on Udzungwa mountains is after finishing your Safari in Mikumi national park because they are not very far from the park.
Lake Eyasi
This is a seasonal soda lake located southwest of the Ngorongoro Crater. One of the famous lakes in Tanzania, attracting thousands of flamingos and other different migratory birds. Beyond its natural beauty, Lake Eyasi is home to the famous indigenous communities who still practice their traditional hunter gatherer, Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. As a visitor, you can join the Hadzabe guys on hunting and learn about their ancient survival techniques.
Hot-Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti
Imagine you are experiencing the drone view of the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park at sunrise time, witnessing thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles in their home. A hot air balloon safari is a must do thing if you visit Serengeti.
This excursion offers a once in a lifetime aerial view of one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves (Serengeti). Join the balloon safari to spot lions stalking their prey, elephants moving in herds, and giraffes gracefully wandering through the landscape.
Sleep in Underwater Room at The Manta Resort
Once you finish your Safari experience, book a stay at The Manta Resort’s Underwater Room, located off Pemba Island in Zanzibar. This floating wooden room offers a luxurious experience, from sunbathing on the rooftop deck to relaxing in the middle of the ocean. This is the best place where you will have the perfect relaxing time after a long time safari from Tanzania national parks.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), is a dream destination for most trekkers worldwide. Climbing this majestic mountain is both a physical and mental challenge, but reaching the final Peak offers one of the best experiences which everyone would need to feel. There are multiple routes to choose from when climbing mount Kilimanjaro, each with varying levels of difficulty, time and the views.
Dine at The Rock Restaurant
The Rock is not just a restaurant, but it’s an experience. This is the restaurant in Zanzibar which is built on top of rock on Michamvi beach. You can simply walk on foot to the restaurant at low tide and by a small boat at high tide.
The menu at the Rock Restaurant features fresh seafood with local spices. There are also international cuisines served here, like Italian or continental foods. If you are on your honeymoon or just visiting as a couple, you can book your romantic dinner to enjoy your time with your partner.
Check out our guide on the best Restaurants in Zanzibar.
Explore Forodhani Night Market
As the sun sets over Stone Town, Forodhani Gardens transforms into a bustling food market where local chefs/ vendors showcase Tanzania’s best street food. From grilled seafood skewers to Zanzibar pizza and Urojo (Zanzibar mix).
This bustling market offers a variety of swahili cuisine like shelisheli la Kukaanga, Samosas, Prawns skewers, octopus skewers, fresh coconut, sugarcane juice and so on. Forodhani is not only about food, but also for entertainment, this is the famous place where young people come and jump into the ocean, you might have come across on social media.
Visit Mafia Island
If you are coming to Tanzania and looking for the tropical experience with less tourist crowds, then you should visit Mafia Island, this is Tanzania’s hidden gem offering one of the best snorkeling and diving sites. The island is known as “Whale Shark Island,” because of its rich marine biodiversity which supports a lot of Whale sharks.
Here you will have opportunities to swim alongside gentle whale sharks. For the best Tanzania experience, we recommend you start with Tanzania safari, then Mafia Island and last Zanzibar islands.
Hike the Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano
Ol Doinyo Lengai, meaning “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, is Tanzania’s only active volcano and one of its unique in the world. Unlike many volcanoes, this mountain erupts natrocarbonatite lava, which is black and extremely fluid but cools into a white rock.
Hiking to the Ol Doinyo Lengai summit is challenging but is one of the best things you can do. On the peak of the mountain, it offers one of the best views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Serengeti.
Spend a Day with the Hadzabe Tribe
Tanzania is home to over 100 ethnic groups, each with a unique cultural heritage but two tribes happened to be famous on social media for tourism purposes, Hadzabe and Maasai tribes. The Hadzabe tribe is a very fascinating tribe which you should explore when visiting Tanzania.
They are living near Lake Eyasi, and are one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in the African continent. Visiting Hadzabe village provides a rare opportunity to learn about their ancient way of life, including hunting with bows and arrows.
Explore the Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places in Tanzania you need to visit, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. This massive volcanic caldera is home to a large concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino).
This is one of the best parks to go Safari in Tanzania because it is the place where you can see all the big five in the same place. Not just a Safari, you can also visit the Maasai villages in the surrounding highlands which is one of the best cultural experiences you can participate.
Track Chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains
On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park offers one of the rarest wildlife encounters, chimpanzee trekking. This is once in a life experience which you can get in very few places in the world.
Here you will hike through dense forests as you follow expert local guides who lead you to a group of chimpanzees, not just random groups of chimpanzees, there is one group of which is commonly used for research and tourism.
Explore the Narrow Streets of Stone Town
Stone Town, the cultural heart of Zanzibar islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its narrow confusing streets, historic buildings, and vibrant local souvenirs stores. The town boasts a unique blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, and European influences, evident in its architecture and culture.
Visiting Stone Town is a must do thing when visiting Tanzania for your Holiday, there are a lot to see including the Arab Old Fort, the House of Wonders, Freddie Mercury House, Darajani Market, Former Slave Market and the Sultan’s Palace. Check out our guide on best things to do in Stone Town here.
Swim with Dolphins Around Mnemba Island
For an unforgettable Tanzania experience, make sure you extend to Zanzibar islands before going back home. Mnemba Island is one of the best places to counter dolphins in Zanzibar, make sure you put it in your bucket list for Zanzibar.
Not only dolphins, this is the best of all snorkeling spots in Zanzibar. You can participate in this tour regardless of where you stay in Zanzibar. Learn more from our guide on the best places to spot dolphins in Zanzibar.
Visit Nungwi/ Kendwa Beach
Nungwi Beach is one of the best beaches of Zanzibar islands, visiting Nungwi can be one of the best things you should put in your bucket list when traveling to Tanzania. The beach is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying and testing the local cuisines from a variety of restaurants available.
You can also engage in water activities such as Kayaking, Sea Walking, snorkeling, diving, and even deep-sea fishing. We can’t mention Nungwi beach without Kendwa beach, which are close to each other. Kendwa and Nungwi beach stands as the best beaches in Zanzibar Island, check out our guide to learn more about Zanzibar beach.
Join Dar es Salaam City Tour
Dar es Salaam is the largest and main city of Tanzania, it offers a fascinating mix of modern and traditional experiences. A city tour of Dar es Salam allows you to explore historical and cultural landmarks, including the National Museum, which houses exhibits on Tanzania’s history, culture, and archaeology.
The lively Kariakoo Market is a great place to experience the bustling local trade, while the Kivukoni Fish Market offers a chance to witness fishermen bringing in fresh catches. Check out our guide on best things to do in Dar es Salam.
