Things to do in Tanzania

Things to Do in Tanzania

Tanzania in East Africa is a popular tourist destination which is best known for the rich concentration of wildlife. With several gorgeous beaches, lofty mountains and rich culture, there are a plethora of other best things to do in Tanzania than a jungle safari. While the traditional buildings in the cities talk about the stories of African history, on the coast, you can find fascinating islands with underwater marvels.

Tanzania is the home to some of the best wildlife parks in Africa so if you are sceptical about what to do in Tanzania, you can always plan your visit to one of them. Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks are some of the world-famous parks in Tanzania where you can go on safaris, game drives, and witness the Great Migration. You can spot the African Big Five including elephants, rhinos, lions and other rare species of animals and birds. For a more adventurous day in Tanzania, you can climb Mount Kilimanjaro or book a hot air balloon ride. To enjoy the beaches of Tanzania, you can go to Zanzibar and if you wish to explore the cultural heritage of Africa, visit Masai Village and Stone Town.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Adventure junkies looking for best things to do in Tanzania should try climbing Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest mountain in Africa. Standing at a height of 5,895 metres, the ascent to Kilimanjaro is of medium difficulty and can be done by anyone above the age of 10. There are seven hiking routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and reach Uhuru Peak in Kibo which is the summit that offers a spectacular view. The climb takes five to nine days to reach the peak and on the trail you can pass through different habitats like rainforests, moorlands and snow-capped craters.

1. Location:

Kilimanjaro region, Northeast Tanzania.

2. Price:

USD 2000

3. Timing:

The best season to go climb mount Kilimanjaro is between June to October


Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Tanzania

Go For Safari

When in Tanzania, you can never miss a jungle safari as it is a year-around destination for a safari vacation. Going on a safari and witnessing the African wilderness is one of the best things to do in Tanzania, thanks to its world-famous national parks. Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park and Arusha National Park are the best wildlife parks where you can watch exotic species like the Big Five. One can also watch Ungulates, cheetahs and antelopes as well as different varieties of birds roaming in their natural landscape.

Price:

approx 250 USD per person per day


Also Checkout: Tanzania Safari Holidays

Explore Serengeti National Park

If you are wondering what to do in Tanzania, take a trip to Serengeti National Park where you can see the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth. Apart from Africa's Big Five, you can also spot other animals like primates, spotted hyena, African golden wolf and more than 500 different species of birds. The park also offers other best things to do in Tanzania like jeep safari, camping, hot air balloon ride, game drive, birdwatching and witnessing the famous Great Migration.

1. Price:

Adults – 60 USD per person, Children between 5 and 16 years – 30 USD per person

2. Location:

Serengeti, Tanzania

3. Timings:

6 AM to 6 PM on all days

Get rejuvenated in the blues of Zanzibar

The pristine waters, shimmery golden sand and the tranquil blue hue of the beaches in Zanzibar offer a peaceful escapade in Tanzania. Nungwi Beach has a plethora of best things to do in Tanzania including adventure activities like snorkelling, kite surfing, diving and swimming with the dolphins. Mnemba atoll, a small island in Zanzibar, is the ideal place to enjoy water sports as the water temperature hovers between 25oC and 30oC which is apt for swimming. Located on the southeast coast, Pazzi Beach is another famous site which is especially popular for kitesurfing and diving.

Location:

Zanzibar, Unguja


Must Read: National Parks in Tanzania

Visit Masai Village

If you are thinking about what to do in Tanzania without leaving a hole in your pockets, take a trip to Masai village. Explore the village and learn about its authentic African community that comprises the people of Masai tribe. You can mingle with the Masai people, witness their mud huts, learn about their culture and lifestyle, and take a sneak peek into their customs and practices. The village houses some of the best things to do in Tanzania like watching the tribal dance and shopping for handicrafts, souvenirs and jewelleries made of beads.

1. Location:

Masai Mara National Reserve

2. Price:

USD 25 per person


Must Check: Tanzania Safari Lodges

Take Hot Air Balloon Ride

Going on a hot air balloon ride tops the list of all the best things to do in Tanzania as it allows you to watch the country from a bird’s eye view. One can also ride on hot air balloons in the national parks of Tanzania, and enjoy this unique experience which allows you to witness animals from a different point of view. You can watch the mystical sunrise view, stunning vistas of the savannah plains and the Great Migration event showing wildebeest herds retreating to the grasslands. Most of the ride lasts for 60 minutes that you can enjoy with your family or friends.

Price:

approx USD 500 per person

Stroll around Stone Town

If you are still pondering over what to do in Tanzania, you can plan your trip to Stone Town and stroll around with your loved ones. The oldest site of Zanzibar, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its rich cultural heritage. The traditional Arabian houses edging the narrow streets and alleyways of the city, intricately carved wooden doors in Indian houses and the ancient churches add to the charm of Stone Town. Forodhani Gardens, the Arab Fort, The Old Dispensary, Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church and Hamamni Persian Baths are some of the renowned attractions in Stone Town.

Location:

Zanzibar

Game Drive around Ngorongoro Crater

Embark on an adventurous game drive in Ngorongoro crater without thinking twice about what to do in Tanzania and get lost in the beauty of lush green forest. The grassy Ngorongoro crater has its own ecosystem where you can discover numerous wildlife species including the Big Five and a variety of herbivores and predators. If lucky enough, you might easily spot cheetah, jackal, gazelles, flamingo and bat-eared foxes and more than 400 species of colourful birds.

1. Price:

100 USD per person for half day tour, 180 USD per person for a full day tour

2. Location:

Great Rift Valley, Northern Tanzania

3. Timings:

6 AM to 5 PM

Witness the Great Migration

In case you are looking for the best things to do in Tanzania on a budget, visit Serengeti National Park to witness the famous Great Wildebeest Migration. The Great Migration is an 800-kilometre long trek of the wildebeest herd accompanied by zebras, gazelles and ungulates. It is the largest mammal migration on earth as two million migrate from Southern Serengeti to west and north before coming back to south. You can watch the animals gathering around River Grumeti in southern Tanzania to quench their thirst. Plan your visit between the months of June to September, which is the best time to witness the great migration.

1. Location:

Serengeti National Park, Northern Tanzania, East Africa

2. Timings:

6am to 6pm everyday

3. Price:

approx 150 USD

Visit Lake Manyara National Park

Wildlife enthusiasts do not have to worry about what to do in Tanzania and headout to Lake Manyara National Park. Tourists can also indulge in fun activities such as canoe safaris, forest walks, tree-top canopy walks, bike tours and more inside the park. Along with the African Big Five, you can spot exotic species like tree climbing lions hanging down from acacia trees, klipspringer and impalas.

1. Location:

Lake Manyara National Park, HR35+JPV, Msasa Ranger Post, Tanzania

2. Price:

59 USD for adults, 17.7 USD for kids between 5 and 15 years

3. Timings:

6:30 AM to 6:30 PM

FAQ's Of Tanzania

What are the best things to do in Tanzania?

  • Go for wildlife safari
  • Witness the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration
  • Take part in game drives
  • Take a trip to Masai Village
  • Visit Stone town
  • Go snorkelling in Zanzibar beaches
  • Indulge in a hot air balloon ride
  • Taste the authentic African cuisine

What do people do for fun in Tanzania?

There are several activities which one can do in Tanzania for fun that includes going on a hot air balloon ride in the national parks, scuba diving in Zanzibar Island and enjoying lively nightlife at bars and pubs. Other best things to do in Tanzania for fun is hiking to Mount Kilimanjaro, marvelling at the gorgeous Rift Valley, exploring the wildlife parks, etc.

What is culture like in Tanzania?

Tanzania is the most ethnically diverse country in Africa with over 130 ethnic groups and local languages. It has been the cradle of several cultural groups that have migrated over the centuries and hence portrays age-old customs and traditions. Some of the communities found in Tanzania are Sukuma, Chagga, Haya, Nyamwezi and Maasai.

What is Tanzania famous for?

Tanzania is a popular tourist destination that is widely famous for its exotic wildlife, rich culture, lush green islands and lofty mountain peaks. It is one of the most spectacular safari destinations in the world which lets you witness fauna from all over the world, African Big Five and the amazing wildlife migration.

What is the best time to visit Tanzania?

The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season from July to October when wildlife viewing is at its finest. The grasses and bushes of the wildlife parks are less dense which makes it easy for spotting the animals. You can also witness the Great Migration River crossings during the dry season.

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