Are you planning your trip to Tanzania? This guide is for you. Most people think that Tanzania is only about a wildlife safari, they forget that this is the country of more than 60 millions people. There are a lot of things happening beside Safari. We have prepared this guide to showcase other things you can experience in Tanzania as a tourist.
Here are the best things to do in Tanzania besides Safari.
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.
Visit Kilwa Kisiwani
Do you love history? Then visiting Kilwa island is one of the best things to do besides Safari. 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.
Snorkeling & Diving in Zanzibar Islands
Visiting Zanzibar is one of the best things you can do besides safari 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.
Udzungwa Mountains
Visiting Udzungwa Mountains is one of the best things you can do in Tanzania besides safari. 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.
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).
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.
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.
Sleep in Underwater Room at The Manta Resort
Once you finish your Safari in Tanzania mainland, you can 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.
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 foods to try in Tanzania.
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.
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
For an unforgettable Tanzania experience, don’t just get satisfied with safari, 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 best places in Zanzibar islands.
