25+ Amazing Things To Do in Tanzania

Tanzania is far more than a safari destination. Beyond game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, you can float over the plains in a hot air balloon, walk with armed rangers, climb Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, track wild chimpanzees, meet Maasai and Hadzabe communities, explore historic Stone Town and snorkel coral reefs off Zanzibar and Mafia Island. This guide lists 26 really amazing things to do in Tanzania, with where to go, the best time and a short description for each, written from first-hand experience by our friendly and experienced local safari team based in Arusha, northern Tanzania.

26 Amazing Things To Do in Tanzania

The twenty-six experiences below are arranged as image cards, each showing the type of experience, where to go and the best time of year, with a short description from our guides. Use the filter buttons to show only wildlife, adventure, trekking, culture or beach experiences, and the page numbers to browse every card. Select any card to open the full guide for that park or activity, then tell us your favourites and we will combine them into a private tailor-made Tanzania itinerary. Every experience listed here can be arranged privately, at your own pace, with expert local guides.

01Follow the Great MigrationWildlife experienceWhere: Serengeti, Ndutu and the northern SerengetiBest time: January to February, July to OctoberMore than a million wildebeest and zebra circle the Serengeti ecosystem all year. Calving season brings thousands of newborn calves and predator action to the southern plains, while dramatic river crossings take place in the north. Our guides track the herds closely and place you in well-located camps for the best possible sightings throughout the year.Experience 01 of 26Explore Great Migration safaris →02Descend into Ngorongoro CraterWildlife experienceWhere: Ngorongoro Conservation AreaBest time: Year-roundA game drive on the floor of the world's largest intact volcanic caldera is unforgettable. Lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and the rare black rhino live within its steep walls, giving you one of Africa's best chances of seeing the Big Five in a single day, with breathtaking views from the forested crater rim early in the morning.Experience 02 of 26Explore Ngorongoro Crater guide →03Float Over the Serengeti by BalloonAdventure experienceWhere: Central Serengeti and seasonal Ndutu flightsBest time: Year-round, weather permittingDrift silently over the Serengeti at sunrise as the plains glow gold beneath you and herds, giraffes and big cats appear below. After landing, enjoy a celebratory bush breakfast in the wilderness. Balloon flights have limited daily places, so we recommend reserving them early when you confirm your private safari itinerary, for the best chance of a place.Experience 03 of 26Explore balloon safaris →04Watch Big Cats in the SerengetiWildlife experienceWhere: Seronera, central and southern SerengetiBest time: Year-roundThe Serengeti has some of the highest predator densities in Africa, with lions resting on rocky kopjes, leopards draped in sausage trees and cheetahs hunting on the open plains. Patient game drives with an experienced guide often reward you with thrilling hunts, playful cubs and unforgettable close encounters with Africa's great predators in their natural habitat.Experience 04 of 26Explore Serengeti guide →05See Elephants in TarangireWildlife experienceWhere: Tarangire National ParkBest time: June to OctoberTarangire is famous for large elephant herds gathering along the Tarangire River beneath ancient baobab trees, especially in the dry season. The park also offers lions, leopards, giraffes and more than five hundred bird species, and it is an easy first stop on a northern Tanzania safari from Arusha, Karatu or Lake Manyara on your way north.Experience 05 of 26Explore Tarangire guide →06Explore Lake ManyaraWildlife experienceWhere: Lake Manyara National ParkBest time: Year-roundLake Manyara packs groundwater forest, an alkaline lake and the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment into one compact park. Look for its famous tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, elephants and flamingos, and ask about canoeing on the lake when water levels allow. It is a rewarding stop between Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater on any northern Tanzania safari.Experience 06 of 26Explore Lake Manyara guide →07Go on a Walking SafariAdventure experienceWhere: Arusha National Park, Ruaha, NyerereBest time: June to OctoberLeave the vehicle behind and explore the wild bush on foot with an armed ranger and expert guide. Walking safaris reveal animal tracks, medicinal plants, insects and birds you would miss from a car, and the feeling of being in wild Africa on foot is thrilling, peaceful and deeply memorable for every guest who tries it.Experience 07 of 26Explore walking safaris →08Take a Night Game DriveAdventure experienceWhere: Selected areas where permittedBest time: Year-roundAfter dark, the bush comes alive with nocturnal animals very rarely seen during the day. On a night game drive in selected areas where permitted, your guide uses a red-filtered spotlight to find bushbabies, genets, servals, hyenas and hunting predators, adding an exciting new dimension to your safari after the sun goes down over the plains.Experience 08 of 26Explore night game drives →09Take a Boat Safari in NyerereWildlife experienceWhere: Nyerere National Park, Rufiji RiverBest time: June to OctoberIn Nyerere National Park, Africa's largest protected area, you can glide along the Rufiji River and its lakes on a boat safari. Watch hippos, crocodiles, elephants drinking at the water's edge and many colourful riverside birds from a peaceful new angle, then combine it with game drives and walking safaris in the wild south of Tanzania.Experience 09 of 26Explore Nyerere guide →10Discover Wild RuahaWildlife experienceWhere: Ruaha National ParkBest time: June to OctoberRuaha is one of Tanzania's largest and wildest parks, with rugged landscapes, baobab-studded hills and the Great Ruaha River. It is known for big lion prides, large elephant herds and rare antelopes such as greater and lesser kudu. Very few other vehicles mean exclusive sightings for experienced travellers who love remote, authentic and unspoilt African wilderness.Experience 10 of 26Explore Ruaha guide →11Climb Mount KilimanjaroTrekking experienceWhere: Kilimanjaro National Park, near MoshiBest time: January to March, June to OctoberStanding on Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa, is a life-changing achievement. Kilimanjaro can be climbed without technical mountaineering skills on routes of six to nine days, passing through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and arctic summit zones. Our experienced local mountain crews support you safely every step of the way to the summit and back down.Experience 11 of 26Explore Kilimanjaro packages →12Hike Mount MeruTrekking experienceWhere: Arusha National ParkBest time: June to October, December to FebruaryMount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain, is a spectacular three or four day trek through Arusha National Park. The route passes giraffes, buffalo and colobus monkeys before climbing a dramatic crater rim with views of Kilimanjaro at sunrise. It is also excellent acclimatisation before a Kilimanjaro climb for keen trekkers planning to climb both mountains on one trip.Experience 12 of 26Explore Mount Meru climbs →13Canoe in Arusha National ParkAdventure experienceWhere: Momella Lakes, Arusha National ParkBest time: Year-roundPaddle across the peaceful Momella Lakes in Arusha National Park, watching waterbirds, giraffes and buffalo along the shore with Mount Meru rising behind. Canoeing is a relaxing, active way to enjoy the park, and it combines perfectly with a short walking safari and a search for black and white colobus monkeys in the cool montane forest.Experience 13 of 26Explore canoeing safaris →14Visit a Maasai VillageCulture experienceWhere: Ngorongoro highlands and the Rift ValleyBest time: Year-roundA respectful visit to a Maasai boma offers insight into one of Africa's best-known cultures. Learn about traditional homes, cattle herding, beadwork and ceremonies, and join in songs and dances with your hosts. Visits arranged with the community support local families and add meaningful cultural depth to any private safari in northern Tanzania for the whole family.Experience 14 of 26Explore cultural tours →15Meet the Hadzabe at Lake EyasiCulture experienceWhere: Lake EyasiBest time: Year-roundNear Lake Eyasi, you can spend an early morning with the Hadzabe, one of Africa's last hunter-gatherer communities, joining a respectful hunting walk and learning how they live from the land. Nearby, the Datoga share their traditional blacksmith skills. It is a short drive from Ngorongoro Crater and is a deeply memorable, eye-opening experience for most visitors.Experience 15 of 26Explore Lake Eyasi guide →16Track Chimpanzees in MahaleWildlife experienceWhere: Mahale Mountains National ParkBest time: July to OctoberOn the remote shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park is home to habituated wild chimpanzees living in lush forest. Trek with expert trackers to spend time watching them groom, feed and play, then relax on beautiful sandy beaches. It is one of Africa's most exclusive and rewarding primate experiences, far from the crowds of the northern parks.Experience 16 of 26Explore Mahale guide →17Visit the Chimps of GombeWildlife experienceWhere: Gombe Stream National ParkBest time: July to OctoberGombe Stream, Tanzania's smallest national park, became world famous through the pioneering chimpanzee research of Jane Goodall. Hike through steep forested valleys to observe chimpanzee families up close, watch baboons and colourful birds, and swim in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika after your trek. A truly special experience for primate lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.Experience 17 of 26Explore Gombe guide →18See Flamingos at Lake NatronAdventure experienceWhere: Lake Natron, Rift ValleyBest time: June to DecemberLake Natron is a remote soda lake in the Rift Valley and a key breeding site for lesser flamingos. Walk to the Engare Sero waterfall, explore the surreal landscapes and see the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano rising above the lake. Adventurous travellers can even arrange a challenging night climb to its summit with an experienced local guide.Experience 18 of 26Explore Lake Natron guide →19Hike to Udzungwa's WaterfallsTrekking experienceWhere: Udzungwa Mountains National ParkBest time: June to OctoberThe Udzungwa Mountains are a biodiversity hotspot of ancient rainforest, home to rare primates such as the Udzungwa red colobus and many species found nowhere else. Hike forest trails to the Sanje waterfalls, swim in cool pools and enjoy sweeping views. It combines well with a safari in Nyerere or Ruaha national parks in the south.Experience 19 of 26Explore Udzungwa guide →20Go BirdwatchingWildlife experienceWhere: Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti and beyondBest time: November to AprilTanzania is one of Africa's best birding destinations, with well over a thousand species recorded. Look out for flamingos, pelicans, lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds and colourful bee-eaters, while migrant birds arrive from Europe and Asia during the green season. A keen guide and good binoculars make every game drive across Tanzania even more rewarding and exciting.Experience 20 of 26Explore birding guide →21Explore Stone TownCulture experienceWhere: Stone Town, ZanzibarBest time: Year-roundZanzibar's Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, bustling markets and historic buildings. Join a guided walk to discover its Swahili, Arab, Indian and European heritage, visit a spice farm nearby and enjoy fresh seafood at sunset. It is the perfect cultural start to a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday.Experience 21 of 26Explore Stone Town tours →22Snorkel at Mnemba AtollBeach experienceWhere: Mnemba Atoll, north-east ZanzibarBest time: Year-round, best in calm weatherThe clear, warm waters around Mnemba Atoll are among the best snorkelling and diving spots in Zanzibar. Swim over coral gardens alive with tropical fish, starfish and turtles, and look out for dolphins on the boat trip. It is a wonderful half-day or full-day excursion during a relaxing beach stay after your safari adventure in the north.Experience 22 of 26Explore snorkelling guide →23Relax on Zanzibar's BeachesBeach experienceWhere: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and the east coastBest time: June to October, December to FebruaryAfter the dust and early starts of safari, Zanzibar's white-sand beaches and turquoise water are the perfect place to unwind. Swim, sunbathe, take a dhow sunset cruise or try kitesurfing on the east coast. Short flights connect the Serengeti and Arusha to the island, making a safari and beach holiday easy to combine in one trip.Experience 23 of 26Explore beach guide →24Swim With Whale Sharks on MafiaBeach experienceWhere: Mafia Island Marine ParkBest time: October to MarchMafia Island is a quiet, unspoilt island south of Zanzibar, known for its marine park, coral reefs and seasonal whale sharks. During the season, you can snorkel alongside these gentle giants with experienced local guides, then relax in small, peaceful lodges. It is ideal for divers, snorkellers and travellers seeking tranquillity, nature and genuine island life.Experience 24 of 26Explore island guide →25Combine Bush and Beach in SaadaniWildlife experienceWhere: Saadani National ParkBest time: June to OctoberSaadani is the only Tanzanian national park where the bush meets the Indian Ocean. Enjoy game drives among giraffes, elephants and buffalo, boat trips on the Wami River to see hippos and crocodiles, and relaxing time on quiet beaches. It is an easy, rewarding addition to a Zanzibar or southern Tanzania itinerary, with fewer visitors than the northern parks.Experience 25 of 26Explore Saadani guide →26Swim in Kikuletwa Hot SpringsAdventure experienceWhere: Between Moshi and ArushaBest time: Year-roundKikuletwa, also called Chemka, is a natural spring-fed pool of warm, crystal-clear water surrounded by fig and palm trees. Swim, relax and enjoy a picnic on a peaceful day trip from Moshi or Arusha. It is a perfect way to rest before a safari or recover after climbing Kilimanjaro, and children love the warm, clear water.Experience 26 of 26Explore hot springs day trip →

How To Combine Things To Do in Tanzania

• Safari and beach: Northern parks such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, followed by Zanzibar or Mafia Island.
• Climb and safari: Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, then a short safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro or the Serengeti.
• Culture and wildlife: Lake Eyasi and a Maasai visit combined with Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara.
• Wild south: Boat and walking safaris in Nyerere, Ruaha's wilderness and the Udzungwa waterfalls.
• Primates and beach: Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale or Gombe, then relaxing days on the coast.
• Family adventure: Short game drives, canoeing, Kikuletwa hot springs and a Zanzibar beach finale.