Things To Do In Tanzania

       Amazing Things to do in Tanzania

Tanzania is an East African country renowned for its vast wilderness areas and a stunningly diverse array of experiences, from epic safaris to tranquil island getaways. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a beachcomber, the incredible things to do in Tanzania offer a perfect trip for everyone.

Here’s why Tanzania is a top-ranked destination for adventure and relaxation:

1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Tanzania’s most famous image is Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), which is Africa’s tallest mountain. Unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, people visit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park more for the opportunity to admire the stunning snow-capped mountain and, for many, to attempt the ascent. Although Mount Kilimanjaro may be climbed year-round, the optimum time to do it is from late June to October, when the weather is dry. Over a million years ago, volcanic action in the Rift Valley built Kilimanjaro, a World Heritage Site.

2. Serengeti safari 

Serengeti National Park is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary in northern Tanzania, famous for its vast plains and incredible wildlife. The park’s name comes from the Maasai word “Siringet,” which means “the land of endless plains,” a perfect description of its sprawling landscape. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable safari experience.

Here are some of the best things to do in Tanzania‘s Serengeti:

• Witness the Great Migration: This is arguably the most famous and spectacular natural event in the world. Each year, over a million wildebeest, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles, make a perilous journey across the plains in search of fresh grazing. The dramatic river crossings, especially at the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, are a highlight for many visitors.
• Go on a Game Drive: Classic game drives are the quintessential Serengeti safari activity. Expert guides will take you through the park’s diverse ecosystems, from open grasslands to kopjes (rocky outcrops), to spot the incredible array of animals. The Serengeti is home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), and it boasts the highest concentration of large predators in the world, including the largest lion population in Africa.
  

  Experience a Hot Air Balloon Safari:

• For a truly unique perspective, take to the skies in a hot air balloon at sunrise. Floating silently above the plains, you’ll get a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the landscape and the wildlife below. The safari concludes with a celebratory bush breakfast upon landing.

3.Ngorongor Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Tanzania, is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and dense concentration of wildlife. Often referred to as “Africa’s Eden,” this massive, intact volcanic caldera is home to an incredible array of animals living in a unique, self-contained ecosystem.

Here are some of the best <b>things to do in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which includes the famous crater:

1. Go on a Game Drive in the Crater: The primary attraction is a thrilling game drive on the crater floor. The relatively small size of the caldera (around 264 square kilometers) and its high concentration of wildlife make for excellent viewing opportunities. You have a great chance of spotting the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhino) in a single day. The crater floor also features a soda lake, Lake Magadi, which is often home to thousands of pink flamingos.
2. Take a Walking Safari: While you can’t walk on the crater floor itself, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers fantastic opportunities for guided walking safaris along the crater rim and in the surrounding highlands. These walks provide a different perspective on the landscape, allowing you to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem and enjoy breathtaking views.
3. Visit a Maasai Village: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the few places in Tanzania where human habitation is permitted. The semi-nomadic Maasai people live alongside the wildlife, and a visit to a traditional Maasai boma (homestead) offers a unique cultural experience. You can learn about their customs, daily life, and the harmonious relationship they maintain with the land and animals.

Explore the Olduvai Gorge: Just a short drive from the crater, this is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Often called the “Cradle of Mankind,” the gorge is where some of the earliest human fossils and stone tools were discovered. A museum at the site provides fascinating insights into human evolution.

4. Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, known for its stunning white-sand beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. The “Spice Islands” of Zanzibar have been a hub of trade for centuries, blending African, Arab, Indian, and European influences into a unique and captivating destination.

5.Gombe National park

Gombe National Park, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is a destination unlike any other in the country. This small, pristine national park is not about the “Big Five” or sweeping savannas, but rather about an intimate and profound encounter with our closest living relatives: chimpanzees. Famously the site of Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering research, Gombe offers a unique and unforgettable adventure for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Here are some of the best things to do in Tanzania‘s Gombe National Park:

• Chimpanzee Trekking:

  This is the main reason people visit Gombe. Led by experienced guides, you will hike through the dense forest, following the sounds and signs of the chimpanzees. The chimpanzees here are habituated to humans, a legacy of Jane Goodall’s decades-long study, allowing for a rare opportunity to observe them up close in their natural habitat. You can witness their complex social behaviors, from grooming and feeding to playing and communicating.

• Explore the Legacy of Jane Goodall:

  The Gombe Stream Research Centre, established in 1967, is the world’s longest-running study of a wild animal species. You can visit the site where Jane Goodall first set up her camp and see the remnants of her research, gaining a deeper appreciation for her groundbreaking work that revolutionized our understanding of primates.

• Hike to the Waterfalls:

  Gombe’s steep, forested valleys are home to picturesque waterfalls. A guided hike to Kakombe Waterfall is a popular option, offering a refreshing break from the trek and a chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the forest.

• Relax on the Shores of Lake Tanganyika: After a day of trekking, you can unwind on the sandy beaches of Lake Tanganyika. This is not just any lake; it’s the second-deepest freshwater lake in the world. You can swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the beautiful views of the forested escarpment meeting the tranquil, turquoise waters.

6. Mafia Island

Mafia Island, a hidden gem off the southern coast of Tanzania, offers an escape from the crowds and a deep dive into an underwater paradise. As a key part of the Mafia Island Marine Park, this archipelago is a world-class destination for marine enthusiasts, boasting a rich biodiversity and a tranquil, untouched atmosphere.

Here are some of the best things to do in Tanzania‘s Mafia Island:

• Swim with Whale Sharks:

  This is arguably the most famous and sought-after activity on Mafia Island. Between October and March, these gentle giants, the largest fish in the world, migrate to the waters off the main town of Kilindoni to feed on plankton. You can embark on a snorkeling excursion to swim alongside these magnificent, docile creatures, an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience.

• Go Scuba Diving and Snorkeling:

  The Mafia Island Marine Park protects a vast area of the ocean, resulting in incredibly healthy and vibrant coral reefs. Divers and snorkelers can explore a spectacular underwater world with a staggering variety of hard and soft corals and over 400 species of fish. Chole Bay is particularly famous for its rich marine life, including turtles, rays, and tropical fish.

• Explore Historic Ruins:

  Mafia Island has a fascinating history as a former trading post. You can take a boat trip to nearby islands like Juani to explore the Kua Ruins, the remains of a medieval Swahili trading town. Chole Island also features ruins from the 12th century and colonial-era German structures, offering a glimpse into the island’s storied past.

• Visit a Traditional Village:

  The local communities on Mafia Island live in harmony with the environment. A visit to a village, such as those on Chole or Jibondo islands, allows you to witness traditional life, see skilled craftsmen building dhows (traditional boats), and learn about the local culture.

• Witness Turtle Hatching:

  From June to September, you may have the opportunity to see baby green and hawksbill turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. This incredible natural event is managed by local conservation organizations to ensure the safety of the hatchlings.

7. Lake Manyara National park

Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in northern Tanzania, is a picturesque and diverse safari destination. Despite its smaller size compared to its famous neighbors (Serengeti and Ngorongoro), it offers a unique blend of habitats, from groundwater forests to expansive grassy plains and the shallow, soda-ash lake itself.

Here are some of the best things to do in Tanzania‘s Lake Manyara:

>Experience the Treetop Walkway: For a unique perspective, take a walk on the Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway. This suspended bridge, one of the longest in Africa, takes you on a high-flying adventure through the forest canopy, offering a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below and a chance to spot different monkey and bird species.

• Enjoy Birdwatching: The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 400 species recorded. Lake Manyara itself is a major attraction, with its large flocks of pink flamingos that can be seen from a distance. You can also spot pelicans, herons, storks, and a variety of raptors throughout the park’s diverse landscapes.