Tanzania is an amazing destination for travelers wishing to connect with nature and wildlife. From the safaris in Serengeti to the paradisiacal beaches of Zanzibar, this country offers something for everyone.
Given the many options you have to choose from, we have prepared this complete guide of the 10 best things to do in Tanzania that you absolutely cannot miss. You will be able to explore beautiful scenery, surround yourself with breathtaking views, and share the space with wild animals.
Serengeti safari, an experience of a lifetime
Anyone who goes to Tanzania should visit Serengeti National Park to do a Safari. Here you can be a first hand witness of the Great Migration, when zebras, gazelles, wildebeest and other herbivores cross the Serengeti region to go to greener pastures and find water.
Depending on the time of your visit, you can see the migration in different places, you can even observe the birthings of some animals if you are lucky. In this article, you can find out what is the best time to travel to Tanzania.
Explore Serengeti in a hot air balloon
If you want a different experience and the chance to be able to contemplate the scenery in a different perspective, we recommend you book a hot air balloon tour. Seeing things from the air offers an entirely different experience.
You will be able to see the animals of the Great Migration moving if you visit between May and September. From the air, you will see thousands of zebras, antelope, warthogs, lions, elephants and rhinos wandering at your feet.
Zanzibar: breathtaking paradise
Going on safari is a very popular activity but it is definitely not the only thing you can do in Tanzania. The region of Zanzibar is full of amazing beaches to discover. Because the water is so clear, it is a great place to go diving and snorkeling. You will be able to see multicolored starfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, moray eels and surgeonfish.
A great thing about Zanzibar is that the water is warm all year round, so no matter the date you decide for your trip, you will be sure you will be able to swim in the crystal waters or enjoy time in the white sand.
Another thing you can do here is visit Stone Town, a cultural city and also the place where Freddy Mercury was born. You will be able to visit his former home where a museum is also located.
Discover Lake Manyara National Park
This is an amazing protected area between the Arusha and Manyara Regions. It is famous for the tree climbing lions, the ash lake and the pink flamingos. Also, this is the habitat of the biggest population of elephants in the country.
You definitely cannot miss the opportunity to visit this place, you will have an amazing wildlife experience. It is considered one of the best safari parks in Tanzania. If you love birds, here you have fantastic scenery to spot them.
Visit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the best things to do in Tanzania. With 5,895 meters, this is Africa’s highest peak. The snow-capped volcano is a truly majestic mountain. It is something you should see if you travel to the country.
Meet the chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is famous for being a chimpanzee habitat. You may have heard of Jane Goodall, the primatologist who spent many years in the area studying the primates. She made a great contribution to the preservation of the habit and the development of eco-tourism.
Swim with whale sharks in Mafia Island
Swimming alongside an animal as majestic as the whale shark is an incredible experience you shouldn’t miss out on if you are visiting Tanzania. The best time for this is between October and March. With the guided tours there is no experience required and you will for sure remember this experience forever.
Discover Cheetah's Rock
Cheetah’s Rock is a wildlife rescue center where different species live. Here you can take a tour where you will meet different animals that were rescued from hard circumstances. So, if you love animals, you can’t miss this place when you visit Tanzania.
The center offers different tours where you can meet lions, lemurs, zebras and of course cheetahs. They also offer the option of swimming with rescued otters, this one of the cutest experience you can live.
Olduvai Gorge, the birth of civilization
The Olduvai Gorge is one of the best places you can see in Tanzania. This site in the north of the country is believed to be where the remains of the first human beings to walk on Earth were found.
Here you will be able to see impressive views, take a guided tour and visit the museum, where you will encounter fossils, stone tools and skeletons from extinct animals. This is a must if you are interested in the history of humankind and its evolution.
Forodhani Night Market: discover Tanzanian food
If you love to try new food, then Forodhani Night Market is for you. Located in Stone Town, this amazing open-air food market is open every day from 6pm onwards. Here you will find a variety of cuisines, from samosas and pizza to sugar-cane juice.
It is one of the best things to do because you can get a real taste of the warm and vibrant local culture while you enjoy the best street food.
