Tanzania is among the most visit African safari destinations and countries to visit on the African continent. The people are very hospitable and will welcome you with huge smiles beaming from their faces. The country prides in a beautiful landscape and the wildlife safari in Tanzania can be compared to none other across the entire continent. Although Serengeti National Park is the primary tourist attraction in Tanzania, there are a number of different things to do during your visit in this country among which are game viewing; don't miss out on the amazing culture especially of the Maasai people; the amazing water sport activities are also worth exploring just as the beautiful coastal beaches.
Top 32 best things to do during your Tanzania Safari
1: Boat ride on River Rufiji – Selous National Park
This is among the highlight activities in Selous National Reserve found in Southern Tanzania. The waters of the river are crowded with large numbers of hippos as well as crocodiles, in addition to giraffes, elephants and buffaloes which are commonly seen drinking water on the banks of the river lined with borassus palms. The boat rides will give you an up-close view of all these different animals and the numerous birds in the area including the fish eagles, African Skimmers, bee-eaters, kingfishers plus the yellow billed stocks and the vultures that live up in the riverine trees.
1: Climb Mount KilimanjaroMount Kilimanjaro is also known as the rooftop of Africa considering the fact that it is the highest mountain on the continent. this a snow-capped mountain can be ascended through a number of routes however the Machame route offers hikers an additional day to enable them properly acclimatize to the high elevation. In addition it is regarded as the most scenic mountain route on Kilimanjaro and it offers you very high chances of reaching the Snow covered summit. So don't miss-out in engaging in this once in a lifetime adventure as you make your way to the top of the 5895 meter high mountain.
3: Take a safari to Serengeti National ParkThis park is regarded as the number one wildlife destination well known for it wildebeest migration that sees close to 2 million animals including wildebeests, zebras and gazelles migrate across the wide Serengeti plains in search for fresh pastures and water, however during your visit you shouldn't limit yourself to just the migration season but rather enjoy the rich diversity of wildlife living within the park all year round among which are lions, leopards, antelopes, hyenas, cheetahs and elephants to mention just a few
4: Engaged in scuba diving or snorkeling on the Zanzibar islandsAny tour to Tanzania is considered complete after you have explored the beautiful Zanzibar islands. Also known as The spice island this beautiful destination offers crystal clear warm waters that meet the pristine white sand beaches where are you can enjoy a very memorable alone time. Along the eastern coast of African Zanzibar is considered to have the best diving sites with a number of them ranking among the best sites on the international chat.
5: Visit the chimpanzees at the Gombe stream National ParkSituated on Lake Tanganyika's southern shores the Gombe stream National Park which is among the protected areas in the country became famous following the great groundbreaking work done by Jane good. This is the best place to trek Chimpanzees in Tanzania, and fortunately there are professional guides who will be able to lead you on the amazing adventure of searching for the chimps within their natural habitat. Chimpanzees are considered to be the closest living relatives to man, and within this park viewing them is guaranteed.
6: The big fiveIt is no lie that Tanzania is best known as a tourist destination where the big 5 animals which included rhinos, Lions, buffaloes, leopards and elephants can be seen. Nearly all the national parks found in this country will offer you great views of most of these animals.
7: Explore the rift valleyExtending from Mozambique in southeastern Africa through Tanzania to the Ethiopian highlands, the rift valley is one of the prominent natural geographical features on the continent. During your visit you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of beautiful sites within this amazing feature such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater. You will get an opportunity to spend a night in one of the amazing accommodations such as the Kilimamoja Lodge where you will enjoy views down into the massive valley
8: Visit Iraqw VillageSituated close to Karatu town, near the Ngorongoro Crater the Iraqw village is another recommended place to visit while on holiday in Tanzania. The little kids here are very lively and will be very excited to see you. This unique tribe originates from Ethiopia and welcomes different tourists from all parts of the world who come to learn about the unique traditional lifestyle, language and customs of these native people. Iraqw is a highly recommended option when it comes to cultural visits in Tanzania.
9: Enjoy a meal at The Rock RestaurantThis beautiful restaurant found on the Island of Zanzibar stands marvelously on a rocky outcrop that protrudes from the waters of the Indian Ocean. It rewards its guest very breathtaking views of the ocean. Guests can choose to either sit inside or outside. When the tide is low you can access the restaurant through a staircase however when the tide is high you will use a boat.
10: Walking SafariWalking Safari in Tanzania will reward you particularly with an intimate feel for the true African wilderness. They normally begin in the morning and are led by an armed ranger taking about 2 hours. Walking safari can be enjoyed in Selous game reserve and will offer you an opportunity to see different bird species and animals such as elephants and zebras.
11: Explore the House of wondersThis beautiful construction overlooks the harbor of Stone and it is also known as the palace of wonders. It comprises of beautifully large carved doors which are believed to be the largest in the whole of east Africa. It has a National museum on culture and history that showcases the rich culture of the Swahili people as well as the Indian Ocean coastal people. This museum is found within the huge remarkable pillars and balconies of this amazing structure
12: Explore the Olduvai GorgeThe Olduvai Gorge is regarded as the cradle where civilization began it is here that Dr. Leakey together with his wife discovered evidence of hominid existence. it is alleged that in the 1970's the very first remains of the human species which was dated about 3 million years ago where found in this place by Mary plus Louis Leakey. It was from these findings that it was scientifically concluded that human beings evolved from the African continent
13: Explore the Isimila Stone Age siteThe archaeological site is a popular and very important site in the findings made in relation to the Stone Age era. The findings were uncovered scattered among a remarkable landscape of sandstone pillars that have been eroded. Some of the tools found at this site include scrapers, hammer stones, flints and axe-heads that are predictable to be used between 60,000 – 100,000 years back. You can also visit the museum found at this ancient site.
14: Visit Stone Town Zanzibar – the birth place of Freddie MercuryAlthough Zanzibar is best known for its turquoise water, luxury resorts and beautiful beaches, Its Stone Town is the birth place of Freddie Mercury a well-known British songwriting, record producer and lead vocalist and singer in the rock band Queen. You will get an opportunity to see the door of his home and even visit the Mercury's bar and enjoy a drink there. Another unique thing about Stone town is that it is a UNESCO world heritage site therefore expect to see a lot. This is town was previously the main hub for spice trade as well as the brutal slave trade that happened in the eastern part of Africa. you will enjoy guided walks through the beautiful stone walkways and see the beautiful architecture, colorful busy markets and even get an opportunity to interact with a hospitable people
15: Explore Kitulo plateauFound within the southern Tanzania highlands the kitulo plateau is referred to as 'The Garden of God' by the local people. This montane grassland is a protected area that holds a very unique plant life that includes Orchids. Field scientists back in 2005 discovered within the Livingstone forest found on this plateau
16: Engage in a hot air balloon Safarifor those of you interested in wildlife viewing forget about the traditional game drives conducted in safari vans and leaped into a hot air balloon which will give you yet very unique opportunity of seeing the rich wildlife found in the country. These balloon rides are conducted in the wide plains of the Serengeti and they begin very early in the morning giving you an opportunity to enjoy the sunrise while soaring above the African plains. The balloon flights normally end with a champagne breakfast in the bush and despite their fairly high price tag; they will offer you a lifetime experience that is worth every dollar you will pay
17: Explore Pemba IslandThe beautiful island of Pemba comprises of green hills, numerous club plantations and offers holidaymakers flawless views. The island receives several drivers from all parts of the world who come to explore the Pemba channel that comprises of beautiful coral reefs with a rich marine life. This island separates the mainland of Tanzania from the islands. There is a ruined fort plus museum dated to be constructed in the 18th century within Chake Chake which is the main town here air and a very large number of tourists every year.
18: Visit a traditional Maasai villageWhen we talk about culture and traditions in Africa I believe me most of you have heard about the Maasai tribe. Well no safari in Eastern Africa is complete without meeting the natives of the maasai tribe. When you visit you will be gladly welcomed by the nomadic and warrior maasai people who will give you a great welcome with their traditional vibrant dances, songs and their unique style of jumping very high up in the air. it is quite a very uncommon thing for anyone to visit them and not buy a souvenir from these amazing people; this will actually give you an opportunity to try out you're bargaining skills.
19: Visit the beautiful Forodhani GardensThe beautiful gardens are found close to the waterfront of Stone Town and they are a meeting area for different cultures and a place to enjoy scrumptious cuisine especially as the sun sets. Popular within this area is a food market that comes to life every evening after sunset which is set up within the main square offering both Zanzibar and Swahili themed delicacies including sweet potatoes, grilled sea food, cassava and samosas.
20: Visit the thousands of pink flamingos on Lake manyaraFor holiday makers interested in bird watching and appreciating the gifts of Mother Nature we highly recommend that you visit Lake manyara an Alkaline Lake best known for its high population of pink flamingos that live around this Lake. Because of their high numbers when you watch the lake from a distance you may think it is covered by a pink blanket. The thousands of flamingos migrate to this lake in season, and you will also get a chance to see some other species such as eagles, storks and the Kingfishers. Besides the amazing birdlife you will also be able to catch sight of the fascinating colonies of baboons that live there that are commonly seen walking around.
21: Enjoy a cultural visit in Mto wa MbuWithin Tanzania's Arusha area is the Mto Wa Mbu village (translated as village of mosquitoes) which is very vibrant and busy. A very large number of travelers stopover in this village not just for a fuel top up but to buy souvenirs, blankets, jewelry and so much more. This is a good place to get yourself some fresh fruits as well during your travels. It is alleged that nearly all the 120 different ethnic tribes of Tanzania are will represented among the natives living in this village
22: Explore the Arusha cultural centerFound within the town of Arusha this culture center is a fairly new site that houses different pieces of African art and paintings. The center offers tourists and opportunity to 'walk' through the unique culture of ancient Africa as it is well displayed in form of art. The center receives hundreds and hundreds of tourists each year; there is also a nice gift shop as well a cappuccino-shop where you can enjoy a nice cappuccino while unwinding
23: The Mafia IslandThis island is bordered by a marine park which attracts a very high number of snorkelers and scuba divers from different parts of the world. it's clear Waters offer a good display of the beautiful coral garden that acts as a magnet to different species of tropical fish and in fact is a breeding area for the green turtles.
24: Visit Shanga villageThe Shanga village found in Arusha town is a project which assists disabled people to enhance their skills in making art pieces and crafts. During your visit you will have a tour of the workshop and see how these artisans use a sustainable model to recycle materials and make beautiful ornaments, clothing as well as tapestries. As a way of supporting this project you can purchase some crafts and jewels from here.
25: Visit the historical Old FortThis is known as the oldest building on the Zanzibar archipelago and it is among the most commonly visited tourist sites in stone Town. In 1698 the Oman Arabs constructed this structure which has fortification painted with a pale orange color after they seized the Zanzibar Island from the Portuguese. Over the past several years it has housed very many things including a tennis club and a prison
26: Take a Biking tour in TanzaniaIn case you are looking forward to having an epic adventure in Tanzania, then embark on a biking tour from Arusha all the way to Mbeya found in the south. You will get an opportunity to see the amazing gifts of nature within Tanzania. while riding your bicycle you will go through beautiful coffee plantations and explore the quiet countryside. you will ride on paved roads, traverse bumpy trails, ascend challenging routes and even meet some of the local people while riding their own bicycles especially in rural Tanzania. you will finally make your way to Dodoma another busy capital in Tanzania and get an opportunity to even take a refreshing soda by the roadside. The riding adventure will give you an up-close encounter of the lifestyle of the native welcoming people
27: Explore Jovani ForestThis is considered to be one of the few remaining natural habitats of the red colobus monkeys across the world which makes it a very important. Jovani Forest covers an area of 2000 hectares whose terrain is comprised of a salt swamp area, coral rag forest and a ground water Forest not forgetting the extensive mangrove swamp. Among the animals found in the forest are Aders' duikers, Skye's monkeys, and bush babies.
28: Explore the Ngorongoro Craterinternationally listed as the biggest unbroken caldera on the planet which is not filled with water but rather serves as home to about forty five thousand (45,000) wild animals that live peacefully in this wildlife 'amphitheatre', a safari in the Ngorongoro crater is definitely a must do activity on your safari in Tanzania. It is quiet a unique experience to watch animals within a volcano 'hole' whose walls are over 600 meters high above the floor of the caldera. Some of the animals you will encounter her include: wildebeests, zebras, lions, elephants and different antelopes
29: Watch the annual wildebeest migrationThis mass movement of nearly 2 million animals that include wildebeest, zebras and gazelles is internationally regarded as one of the most spectacular natural wildlife migration. This large herd for so many years has been marching through the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park in search for water and fresh pastures following nearly the same path year after year. This event attracts thousands and thousands of tourists into the Serengeti national park every year especially during the peak safari season.
30: Prison IslandPreviously this was a holding place for convicted prisoners however today the prison island which is also referred to as changuu island receives thousands of tourists every year to see it's resident colony of the huge aldabra tortoise which is among the endangered species on the Zanzibar island. This special species was given as a gift by the Seychelles government. a number of them are over 100 years old and they are seen strolling peacefully amidst other wildlife such as the shy buck, colored butterflies and the beautiful peacocks.
31: Visit the Serengeti hippo poolFound within Serengeti National Park, the hippo pool is a good place to visit especially when you do not mind the smell. it is characterized by a very large number of hundreds of huge hippos that compete for space within a somewhat small pool of muddy water. it is a very dramatic place to see these land giants
32: Mount MeruThis mountain which is found within Arusha national park is the fifth highest mountain on the whole of the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro. Its slopes rise high above the adjoining Savannah and are covered by verdant forests and vegetation in which different types of monkeys and birds dwell. Leopards have also been recorded to live in this area however they are very challenging to see.