While the Serengeti is the star attraction, there are many things to do in Tanzania besides viewing the wildlife. Although, you have to do that when you go! Here are some things that will entice you to make your next Adventure an African Adventure in Tanzania.
Things to do in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of our favourite countries in all of Africa. People welcome you with open arms yelling “Jambo” and everyone always seems to have a huge smile on their face. The landscape is lush and beautiful, the energy was vibrant and exciting and the wildlife is second to none.
1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Our number one pick for adventure in Tanzania is to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. To climb to the roof of Africa and look out over the Furtwängler Glacier is an awe inspiring sight.
Climbing the Machame Route gives you an extra day to acclimate to the elevation and it is considered the most scenic route. You will have an excellent chance of reaching the summit of one of the most famous climbs on earth. At 5895 metres, it is a feat to be proud of when you reach the summit. Don’t miss this trek of a lifetime.
Hot Tip: Book in Moshi with Kessey Brothers. We went with them, booked the day we landed in Kilimanjaro Airport and loved every minute of our tour. Read More about our climb up Kilimanjaro
2. Safari in the Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is Africa’s number 1 wildlife destination. And with good reason! Every year over a million wildebeest migrate over its great plains alongside thousands of the other herbivores of Africa like the gazelle and zebra.
Don’t limit yourself to migration season only though. Visiting the Serengeti offers amazing wildlife viewing year round as you spy lions, cheetahs, elephants and leopards living in their natural habitats on the vast African plains. Read More
3. Scuba Dive in Zanzibar
No trip is complete without island time and Zanzibar is paradise on earth.
This spice island is not only beautiful above its turquoise water with its sandy white beaches, it is beautiful below. Considered to have the best diving on the entire east coast of Africa, snorkellers will also be satisfied with what they will see. Read More. Make your way to the north of the island to Nungwoi and snorkel only 800 metres off the coast at the Kendwa Reef.
4. Explorer the Beaches of Zanzibar
Zanzibar has the most beautiful beaches in the world. While visiting Stone Town gives a feel of old Arabia, the beaches transport you to paradise. Beaches to hang out in Zanzibar include: Nungwi, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe and more. Check out the best beaches in Zanzibar.
5. Stone Town – Birthplace of Freddie Mercury
Zanzibar is known for its beaches and turquoise water, but walking around Stone Town makes for an interesting day.
Freddie Mercury of Queen was born in Zanzibar and it was a highlight for us to see the door to his house and to visit Mercury’s bar for a drink. Okay, so maybe I am too much of a Queen fan there are a lot of other things to do in this UNESCO World Heritage town.
It was once the king of the spice trade and sadly the slave trade. Walk through the narrow alleyways and marvel at the famous Zanzibar doors, (Freddie Mercurie’s old house has a door saying Mercurie’s house) smell the spices and visit the old fort and night markets.
Hot tip: Stone towns stone maze streets get very hot. Choose accommodation on the waterfront to keep cool.
6. Gombe Stream National Park
Located on the north Shore of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream is a protected area made famous by Jane Goodall.
Hire a guide to take you to trek and see the famous chimpanzees of the area. You are almost guaranteed a sighting of our closest cousins.
7. Marvel at the Rift Valley
The Great Rift Valley spans from Lebanon all the way through Africa through Tanzania to where it ends in Mozambique.
It is a beautiful vast site in Tanzania housing the Ngorongoro crater and the Serengeti.
Stay at the Kilimamoja Lodge for the very best view of this massive valley you’ll have anywhere.
8. Visit the Iraqw Village
The Iraqw Village located near the town of Karatu, not far from the Ngorongoro crater was a highlight for us when visiting Tanzania.
This tribe hails from Ethiopia and opens its doors to tourists where they teach you about their customs, language and way of life. If you are going to visit one village in Tanzania, this is it!
9. Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai)
Oldepai Gorge is known as the cradle of civilization. In the 1970’s Mary and Louise Leakey discovered the existence of the first human species dating back 3 million years. This significant find established the fact that humans evolved in Africa.
10. Take a Balloon Safari
If you are up for a splurge, there is nothing better than taking a hot air balloon over the Serengeti Plains.
See wildlife from above and have a great adventure flying over Africa. Balloon flights end with champagne and breakfast starting your day off right!
Be prepared balloon safaris on the Serengeti go as high as $600 but if it’s your once in a lifetime trip, it’s worth every penny.
11. Tarangire National park
It may not be the largest or most famous park of Tanzania, but the Tarangire National Park packs a punch.
It was in Tarangire that we had some of our most unique animal encounters in Tanzania. From an ostrich mating to lions in a tree, Tarangire is an excellent spot to see African animals.
By staying inside the park at the Sopa Lodge, we had the opportunity to look out over the plains and marvel at wildlife coming in at sunrise and sunset.
We went on Safari to Tanzania with Go Ahead Tours, check out their website for Tanzania safari adventures.
12. Nogorngoro Crater
It’s the largest unbroken caldera in the world that is not submerged in water and it houses 45,000 animals living in harmony.
Visiting the Ngorongoro crater is a beautiful experience watching wildlife within the volcano. Massive herds of wildebeest, zebras and elephants roam the landscape and you will come across a lion or two and if you are lucky, a rhino may cross your path.
13. Visit a Masai Village
You cannot visit East Africa without visiting a Masai Tribe.
The original nomads and Masai warriors will welcome you into their villages showing you how they make fire while putting on performances and jumping high in the air.
Their majestic voices will win you over and you won’t be able to leave without digging deep into your wallets to buy a souvenir.
Be prepared: The Masai have been running tours for decades and know the art of the deal. They’ll quote high prices but you can barter.
14. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is the source of the White Nile and it is the largest lake in Africa. It is the second largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior. Bordered by Kenya and Uganda, this lake is not to be missed when visiting Tanzania. It is one of the least visited places in Tanzania, but you can take boat trips and do some amazing bird watching on its shores.
15. Lake Manyara
For a more popular bird watching destination Lake Manyara is the place to be.
This alkaline lake is famous for its pink flamingo population. But aside from the thousands of migrating flamingoes, you also see storks, kingfishers and eagles. It’s not just for the birds though, we were mesmerized by the baboon colony walking en masse like Planet of the Apes to the forest and the statue-like giraffes reflections in the water.
15. Arusha Cultural Centre
Located in Arusha the cultural centre is a new attraction housing African art and paintings.
It’s a fascinating walk through African culture all in a tranquil setting. Sip cappuccinos on the terrace or browse the gift shops.
16. Shanga Village
Also located in Arush, the Shanga Village is a project that helps disabled people hone their skills selling arts and crafts.
The workshop lets you walk through to enjoy artisans at work and learn how they make glass ornaments, tapestries and clothing. You can buy jewelry or other crafts to support the project that runs on a sustainable model of recycling materials.
17. Arusha National Park
Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and people come to Arusha National Park to climb this mountain. Mount Meru is a thousand meters lower than Kilimanjaro, but it is also beautiful. The free standing volcano rises 4,566m high into the sky. When trekking here you need an armed ranger as there is an abundance of wildlife that could put you in a bit of a pickle if you were on your own.
18. Cycle the Country
If you want an epic adventure. Take a ride from Arusha in the north to Mbeya in the south. See everything that Tanzania has to offer from the seat of a bicycle. Ride through coffee plantations and lush countryside.
This is the Africa you have always dreamed of. Epic climbs through tropical forests, switching between paved roads and bumpy trails will challenge and excite you. Make your way to the Capital of the country Dodoma. See a Tanzania that other travellers never will and get to know the people of Tanzania up close and personal as you stop for a coke on the side of a highway.
Watch our video of the Best Things to do in Tanzania
And these are the best things to do in Tanzania that we’ve done. What did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.
If you enjoyed all these top Tanzania attractions, save our post to Pinterest for future travel planning.
This is a complete list for. I have heard beautiful things about Zanzibar. From Ngorongoro Crater to Stone Town, the beaches and the street food. I would to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, the biggest mountain in Africa. Thank you for the list buddy.
Thanks for sharing such an informative article
Tanzania is really a beautiful place! But I never had gone there. I just visited Kenya with my uncle last year. I really want to visit again and this time I will go there, hope so. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures and helpful post with us!
Indeed Tanzania has more to offers beyond wildlife which it is mostly known for. Its tourism potential is vast for visitors with an interest in culture, local experience, mountain climbing and beaches! It definitely has all one would need.
I love everything on this list but I think you forgot the nightlife. Hahaha! Go big or go home, right? There are some pretty great bars in Dar and Arusha.
Wow you’ve listed some of the best things to do in Tanzania. Visiting next week. Surely going to cover all the places mentioned.
RIDETZ (www.teamtfft.org/ride) is a perfect way to bike across Tanzania! 400 miles from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean in support of orphan and vulnerable children in Tanzania.
Learn more: http://www.teamtfft.org/ride
What a beautiful photographs – you almost can’t believe it’s real.
I hope I will get to visit one day.
I recently came back from a short vacation in Zanzibar, the local people were so friendly and I definitely thought Tanzania has so much to offer! I really want to visit again and this time spend few weeks exploring places like Kilimanjaro and Serengeti…
Cheers Dave & Deb for such a detailed post. This is going to help us for sure when we plan our next trip to Africa 🙂
We have never thought about traveling Africa too much as the flights were always really expensive so we didn’t want to commit that many points to lose just yet 🙂 However reading through this and seeing the amazing images has moved Africa up a few notches on our bucket list. We will give it a realistic goal of 2019. Thanks for the inspiration!
I recently got back from a trip to Kenya / The Maasai Mara, and now I desperately want to go to Tanzania. I’ve heard so many incredible things… Kenya made me fall in love with Africa, and I bet that this country will do just the same XX
The Masai Mara is amazing too! That was our first real African safari. I remember we took a hot air balloon over the Mara and we floated over The Serengeti. (our pilot got in a little bit of trouble, authorities tracked us down as we landed and said “You have crossed the border!” But our pilot said, “there wasn’t much I could do about the wind!” Haha. I remember going, wow! I’ve now had a mini Serengeti Safari. They are both amazing.
This is awesome post! these kind of information are really helpful for people like me, Thanks
Just discovered your website (yeah, I know, guess I’ve been living under a rock). Anyways, I couldn’t agree more on your post on Tanzania that “Tanzania is Africa.” When I visited Tanzania, it changed my life and represented the quintessential idea I had of African culture. And although I didn’t trek mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti Safari and Zanzibar Island were more than enough to make me long to go back to Tanzania. Did you volunteer there as well? Me and one of my best friends volunteered in one of the most amazing tiny little villages, and it totally change my life! It was one of my favorite things to write about on my blog. Thanks for such wonderful articles.
Tanzania is the best place of travel in Africa , thank you for sharing these pictures and post.
The beauty of Tanzania is unrivaled and the resources it showcases are vast. It is simply recognized as a land of majestic marvels. The wildlife sanctuaries here are fresh and well-maintained. Diverse species of wildlife roam about in its area that serves the real intention of its creation. The wildlife here is free to flourish at its own pace and own fashion. Thus it is no surprise why Tanzania safari is known as the best game viewing trip in the world. For more information you can visit Tribal Tourist website.
Thanks George, we agree, Tanzania is outstanding!
I have been to Africa a couple of times but more on business. But seeing these makes me want to go back for a real adventure.
This article is so enticing. I am getting interested on the places you just mentioned. Also, the images you took from each place are wonderful! Thanks for sharing
Tanzania! What a great place it is, immensely majestic! I traveled to Tanzania last year and it was a dreamworld, but I cannot believe I missed one or two places that you mentioned above, seems I need another trip 🙂
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What an inspiring list! Makes my want to dust off my passport!
.-= Spencer´s last blog ..Puerto Plata Village Hotel =-.
Alright Spenser, dust it off and get yourself to Tanzania. It is an awesome country that we would love to go back to.
All the above places are the best places to visit and explore in Tanzania. It is the ideal and perfect destination to see with plenty of adventurous activities to do and see for visitors.
Great and adventurous list! Another one of my favorite places in Tanzania is the Selous National Park. It’s a vast area that seems almost unexplored, quiet, and far from the common tourist safari’s.
Thanks for the advice on Gombe Stream NP, looks pretty interesting, hopefully I will be able to check that out next month!
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Great list guys.
Over 20 years ago I was ready to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro but at the last minutethey closed off the mountain for a week while ex-U.S.President Jimmy Carter climbed it.
Some Day.
Jason
.-= Jason´s last blog ..Cairo- Egypt- The Art Of The Scam =-.
Great post, and I love the pictures! I’m absolutely DYING to go to Tanzania, and this makes me want to go there even more. I don’t know if I could handle a hike to Kilimanjaro, but I would love to go on a safari and visit Zanzibar! One day…
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This is such a beautiful and inspiring post! I spent some time in Tanzania years ago after I finished peace corps in Namibia. Your photos capture such amazing things about the country. My personal favorite memory of that trip was visiting Zanzibar, and your picture reflects that gorgeous clear water I remember. Of course, I loved how everyone yelled out greetings to us too…
So thrilled to find your site and looking forward to reading more…
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Looks great! We plan to be back to Africa next fall, so this is a tempting post! 😉
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Zanibar looks lovely! Almost like a Thai Island. I’d love to climb Kilimanjaro. Ohh one day I’ll make it to Africa!
.-= Matt´s last blog ..A Day on the Routeburn Track =-.
My father lived in Tanzania when I was in high school, so I had an opportunity to visit Zanzibar and go on safari in some game parks. I can’t wait to revisit next year with Dan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and see other regions!
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What a great list, I feel I should be heading to Tanzania after reading this and seeing those photos!
.-= AdventureRob´s last blog ..Malaysian Night Market =-.
It’s top 5 on my dream destination list. I’m drooling over here!!!
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Tanzania is high on the Bucket List!
I feel inspired! We have been talking about a trip to Africa and Tanzania is on our list, the lure of Zanzibar really pulls me in. As usual, great shots!
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