Things to Do in Tanzania

Tanzania offers a plethora of activities, including safari, trekking, and beach excursions. Common among them is their occurrence in Tanzania’s breathtaking natural environments. From expansive savannas to dense jungles, frigid alpine summits, and tropical coastlines. Tanzania offers numerous nature-based activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Perpetually at your service: Our seasoned local guides guarantee your safety while providing insight into a whole new realm.

Romantics will appreciate a traditional safari paired with an enchanting hot-air balloon excursion over the awakening savannah.

Birdwatching and wildebeest migration excursions are ideal for environment enthusiasts. Those seeking adventure may choose to embark on a journey, engage in scuba diving, or participate in a guided walk.

Couples, families, and photographers will appreciate the autonomy of a private Tanzania safari. Conversely, a small group safari offers a genuine experience with similar individuals at a lower cost.

1. A historic walk through Stone Town

The capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, is situated on the west coast and is recognized as the historic district of Zanzibar Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This location is evidently rich in history, characterized by a dense array of houses interspersed with 19th-century mosques and palaces, constructed during its peak as a commerce hub.

The Beit-al-Ajaib, or “Palace of Wonders,” has been transformed into a museum that provides an in-depth understanding of Zanzibar’s culture. The third level features balconies that wrap the structure, providing views of the Old Arab Fort, the centre of Stone Town, and the harbour. This vantage point is exceptional; although there is an admission cost for the building, it serves as a wonderful starting location, offering a remarkable overview of Stone Town below.

Continue traversing on foot, as losing your way among the narrow streets and alleyways offers the most authentic experience of Stone Town. As you navigate the serpentine lanes branching from Mizingani Road along the waterfront, uncover the renowned doors of Zanzibar. These are intricately carved wooden doors, adorned with elaborate iron and brass embellishments, situated within the historic structures. These doors amalgamate Swahili, Omani, and Indian elements, serving as a testament to Zanzibar’s intricate history.

2. Fishing in the Selous Game Reserve

What an excellent method to enhance diversity in your safari experience. Dedicate an afternoon to exploring one of the lakes or surveying the sandbanks of the Rufiji River. Your seasoned guide will position you optimally to engage with the tenacious freshwater fish in these waters while navigating around the local hippopotamus.

The lakes and rivers harbor a diverse array of catfish, with some specimens reaching several feet in length. Nonetheless, the primary objective is the most formidable of all African freshwater fish, the tiger! You will instantly recognize if you have caught one of these, as the water will erupt with a spectacular aerial show of shimmering silver, crimson fins, and razor-sharp fangs. It is probable that your duration will be brief, although a modicum of patience and a stroke of fortune may result in the acquisition of one of the coveted large tigers.

3. Flamingo Watching on Lake Manyara

The Flamingo migration is more challenging to forecast than the Great Wildebeest Migration, although it is equally remarkable to observe when they arrive in the thousands at Lake Manyara. An exceptional photographic opportunity or only the occasion to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

Depart from your campsite to either savour sundowners or coffee by the shores of Lake Manyara in Northern Tanzania, while observing the sunrise or sunset above the myriad of blush-colored birds, or alternatively don rubber boots and wade through the muck among them. Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its stunning avifauna that congregates in flocks of thousands along the lake’s periphery during the wet season. The park is home to over 400 bird species, making it a favoured destination for avid birdwatchers, who can anticipate observing more than 100 distinct species in a single day.

4. Hot air ballooning over the Serengeti

Ascend above the Serengeti’s savannah grasslands in a hot air balloon at sunrise, observing wildlife below and concluding with a champagne bush breakfast.

Hot air ballooning above the Serengeti provides a distinctly unique vantage point for your safari experience. Observe the airborne vistas and recognise the vastness of the park, witnessing the initial sunlight dissipate the morning fog below. Observe hippos frolicking in the rivers below and giraffes elegantly approaching their acacia tree lunches. During the appropriate season, one may witness the migratory herds from an aerial perspective, an experience that is absolutely indelible. Upon arrival, you will be presented with an exquisite champagne brunch in the bush to prepare you for the remainder of your safari day. This is a unique experience, whether you are commemorating a birthday, honeymoon, or indulging yourself.

5. Ngorongoro Crater game drive

Investigate the inactive volcanic crater of the Ngorongoro Crater in a safari vehicle; this distinctive site offers an exceptional wildlife drive, and the striking landscape to the enchantment.

The Ngorongoro Crater harbours a plethora of species that is meticulously safeguarded and hardly departs from the steep inclines of the crater’s walls. The concentrations of wildlife here are notably remarkable, featuring substantial populations of lions, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, as well as cheetahs and leopards. The resident black rhino is highly coveted; this presents an optimal opportunity to observe these gentle giants in Northern Tanzania, so maintain readiness with binoculars and remain vigilant in your search for them.

Night Drives in the Tarangire

Night drives are prohibited in numerous national parks in Tanzania. In Tarangire, you can venture out with your guide, probing the darkness with a spotlight. This is when the tension escalates in the African savanna.

You have spent the day traversing on foot with your guide or covering distance in the safari vehicle. You would have observed spectacular wildlife, including large herds of elephants and buffalo, lions resting in the shade, and leopards dozing in trees. However, night is when the bush truly awakens; it is during this time that animals congregates, eyes straining into the darkness, attempting to detect movement, sounds, or strange scents. The underbrush is rife with anxiety, followed by alarm calls, terror, and a flurry of movement as the predators advance.

Conversely, nocturnal drives offer a chance to observe wildlife that remains elusive during daylight hours. The porcupine, honey badgers, and hyenas emerge. Nightjars rest on the road’s pathways; the underbrush transforms into an alternate realm in the absence of light.

Search for the migration herds

One of Africa’s most emblematic events – the migration of two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles within the Serengeti-Maasai Mara environment.

Locating the herds necessitates a considerable amount of luck, patience, and remaining in the appropriate vicinity. The herds migrate every month or two, propelled by instinct and the pursuit of fresh pastures. Observing their congregation on the southern Ndutu plains for parturition or witnessing wildebeest traversing the expansive grassy savannah in serpentine formations is a remarkable spectacle. River crossings are unpredictable, often taking days for the initial zebra or wildebeest to enter the swift currents, evading crocodile jaws and stirring up dust as they near the riverbanks. The documentaries may portray the process as effortless; however, it is essential to recognise that extensive time is frequently invested on location to capture these moments. Thus, if you are fortunate enough to discover the herds at the correct moment, consider yourself really lucky.

Searching for big cats in Ruaha

Devote your days in Ruaha to locating the indigenous big cats: lions basking on the rocky kopjes, cheetahs pursuing their prey across the green savannah, and leopards concealed in the branches of trees.

Ruaha’s varied environments support a multitude of species, including abundant plains game that serve as prey for the region’s large felines. Cheetahs are not present in the adjacent Selous Game Reserve; therefore, embarking on a safari to Ruaha will provide the opportunity to observe these remarkable predators in action. The limited number of safari camps in the park makes it uncommon to encounter another vehicle on a wildlife drive, enhancing the sense of adventure and fulfilment. There is indeed a plethora of predators, notably a robust lion population. A pride of twenty or more lions is not unusual. Imposing adult lions with splendid manes are frequently observed, and the rough landscape notably attracts leopards to this region as well. The park also contains wild dogs and cheetahs, however they are more challenging to see due to their extensive roaming territories. Hyenas and jackals are also present and are typically heard after dark, as they frequently visit camps.

Selous walking safari

Accompany your guide on foot while you investigate the Selous, concentrating on the intricate intricacies of the ecosystem that are frequently overlooked during a game drive.

We advise morning walks to capitalise on the early light. Examine the tracks of animals that traversed near the camp overnight as you explore the vicinity with your guide. Pause to appreciate the avian fauna and heed their vocalisations, observe as warthogs amble by with tails elevated like antennas, and discover the defensive mechanisms of the whistling thorn acacia against herbivorous antelopes. Encountering a giraffe or a herd of elephants presents a markedly different experience compared to observing them from the safety and luxury of a safari vehicle. Traversing on foot decelerates your pace, allowing you to absorb the auditory landscape and inhale the aromas, presenting an invaluable opportunity during your safari experience.

Spice Tour

Given the nomenclature of the Spice Islands, one cannot explore this region without engaging in its historical context with a Spice Tour on the island.

The history of Zanzibar is inextricably linked to the cloves, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and other spices that have contributed to its nomenclature. Its association with these remarkable spices originates in the 16th century when the islands became as a vital waypoint on the spice trade routes. Your tour will guide you through communities and spice farms, enabling you to observe farm workers ascend trees in search of particular plants, thus allowing you to witness the entire process firsthand.

Sunsets over the Rufiji

The sunsets on the Rufiji River are among the most magnificent we have ever observed.

Navigate the Rufiji River on a small vessel, observing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants approaching to drink. Recline on the riverbank, savouring a chilled beer while seeing the enchanting sunset illuminating the river with a myriad of hues. It is truly the most awe-inspiring spectacle.

Visit to the Shanga workshop

Visit the Shanga workshop in Arusha, a socially responsible enterprise that employs individuals with disabilities to produce exquisite handcrafted jewellery and glassware. Appreciate the exquisite works while supporting the local community.

Since 2007, the Shanga workshop has employed skilled individuals with impairments in its own facility. These proficient artisans produce superior products employing many skills, including glassblowing, Maasai beading, and traditional weaving.

You will have the opportunity to tour the workshop, observe the artists at work, acquire knowledge about the beading process, and even create your own necklace design. Discover the remarkable initiatives of the Shanga Foundation, where profits are allocated for the creation of new products and the sustained employment of individuals with disabilities. Ultimately, explore the store and select a distinctive gift to bring home for family or friends, or retain for personal enjoyment!

Walk to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Embark on an adventure trek to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim, accompanied by a naturalist and rangers from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

This afternoon’s excursion through the African bush will lead you through magnificent, pristine woods, where your guides will highlight distinctive flora, remarkable fauna, and uncommon avian species. The climb ascends the crater slopes to the rim, offering breathtaking views of the crater below.

Walking safari from Lamai

Lamai is of the rare camps in the Serengeti authorised to conduct walking safaris. This is an excellent method to traverse this rugged region, commencing on foot from the campsite in the morning light.

Accompany your knowledgeable guide as you descend the kopje hill where the camp is situated, pausing to appreciate the dynamic vistas. A walking safari entails a leisurely pace, inhaling the aromas of the wilderness, attuning to avian sounds, and observing a family of warthogs as they scurry away, pausing with tails elevated like antennae, attempting to discern the source of their disturbance. One may see a tower of giraffes, admiring their height in a manner unattainable from a safari vehicle. A stroll, however not solely focused on observing large wildlife, can constitute the most unforgettable aspect of your safari as you immerse yourself in the terrain you are traversing.

Walking safaris in Ruaha

The thrill of a walking safari is unparalleled, and Ruaha National Park serves as an exceptional location for exploration on foot.

Embark with your knowledgeable safari guide, tracing wildlife through their footsteps and observing markings on trees and vegetation. Observe the intricate details, such as a caterpillar traversing the road, or pause to appreciate a honeyguide bird as it flits among the trees. Walking allows you to observe your environment and wildlife in a tranquil manner, experiencing them on their own terms. Warthogs will not flee as far, while impalas may snort and dash but thereafter gaze at you directly—this experience markedly contrasts with that of a game drive.

Wildlife in the Tarangire

Tarangire is second to the Serengeti in terms of game density. It is a region characterised by substantial populations of breeding elephants and buffalo. Majestic baobabs offer shelter for resting lions, while nocturnal excursions present the chance to observe elusive leopards in pursuit.

Tarangire serves as an excellent starting point for a safari in Tanzania’s renowned northern region. This park, less renowned than the adjacent Serengeti, hosts a remarkable abundance of migratory wildlife. Buffalo herds numbering in the hundreds and substantial breeding groups of elephants migrate between the Sllale Swamp and the Tarangire River, while the plains wildlife exhibits diversity, and the habitat offers a wide array of habitats conducive to a robust predator population. The avifauna is remarkable, with 550 species documented in the area.

A dhow trip on the coast of Zanzibar

Navigating aboard a dhow, the traditional vessel employed in Zanzibar, is the optimal method to see the island’s shoreline. Evening sailing to observe the sunset is the most opportune moment of the day and is exceedingly romantic.

The depiction of a dhow navigating the sunset is a quintessential postcard image, with these rudimentary wooden sailboats scattered around the Zanzibar coastline. These boats have been utilised since the 18th century and continue to be employed now, serving both as a tourist attraction for island tours and as a means of local transportation.

Although dhow excursions throughout Zanzibar are readily available, the optimal route is to the northern region, where one may explore the pristine and isolated shores of Mnemba Island.

Boat safari in the Selous Game Reserve

Experience an intimate encounter with hippos in the Selous’ formidable rivers and lakes during a boat safari, well suited for late afternoons when animals frequently approaches the beach to hydrate.

The allure of the Selous lies in the opportunity to venture onto the water, experiencing wildlife from a distinctly unique vantage point. Observe elephants bathing to regulate their temperature, giraffes leaning awkwardly to drink, and birds returning to their nests to rest as the sun sets. Consider utilising a fishing rod to attempt to capture a tiger fish. As the afternoon progresses, seek a tranquil location to savour a sundowner while listening to the calls of the fish eagles across the sea.

Game drive in Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is a small yet remarkable national park in Northern Tanzania, renowned especially for its flamingos. Embark on wildlife drives in pursuit of tree-climbing lions, elephants, waterbuck, and hippos.

Lake Manyara is a stunning park to explore, characterised by a remarkable diversity of habitats within a compact region. Observe vervet monkeys traverse the trees in forested regions, proceed to the lakeshore to view flamingos, pelicans, and hippos, or navigate the vast grassland to identify plains animals such as zebras and gazelles. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, and experts remain uncertain regarding the rationale behind this habit; some hypothesise it serves as a vantage point to observe prey, while others argue it is due to insects that irritate the lions in the grasslands. Regardless of the cause, it is increasingly exhilarating to maintain an upward and forward gaze during your game drive!

Game drive in the Serengeti

Discover the expansive grasslands of the Serengeti with your safari guide during game drives in the early morning and late afternoon. This national park is among the most renowned in Africa, and its popularity is evident.

The Serengeti is vibrant with abundant big cats, towering giraffes, hippos immersed in dirty ponds, and buffalo grazing on the meadows, ensuring constant excitement. The savannah extends infinitely, punctuated by flat-topped acacia trees, elephants traversing the landscape, and herds of wildebeest meandering in pursuit of fresh grass. Game drives are optimal during the early morning and late afternoon, when wildlife is most active and lighting conditions are ideal for photography. Typically, during the midday heat, you will return to your tent for lunch and a snooze, or proceed to another location for your afternoon safari. Regardless of the season, one would find it difficult to be disenchanted by the stunning landscapes and varied fauna present here.

On safari from Serian Serengeti North Camp

A limited number of safari companies are permitted to operate in the remarkable Lamai Wedge. Serian excels in facilitating exploration of an exclusive, picturesque region renowned for its big game and extraordinary animal encounters, away from the crowds.

To the north of the Mara River is the Lamai Wedge, where undulating savannah juxtaposes with rocky hillsides and expansive fig-tree orchards. Serian’s Serengeti North is situated in a concealed valley of the Wogakuria. Where the undulating grasslands extend towards the lake basin skies, bordered to the north by a series of notable inselbergs.

This obscure region in northern Serengeti, characterised by concealed valleys and undulating hills, is traversed by the Mara River. The Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is located nearby across the border. Kogatende, sometimes referred to as Wogakuria, provides exceptional game viewing experiences devoid of crowds. The migration occurs from June to November, marking the most exhilarating period! Amidst vast panoramic river crossings, one observes crocodiles feasting, while lions, cheetahs, and leopards hunt and revel in the abundance of nomadic giant herds.