Best Tourist Activities in Tanzania | Africa Finest Adventures

Top & Best Tourist Activities in Tanzania

Discover the most exciting and diverse activities to experience in Tanzania, from mountain climbing to cultural tours. Each activity offers unique insights into Tanzania's natural beauty and cultural richness.

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1. Mountain Climbing (Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru)

Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). It attracts trekkers from around the world who want to conquer its summit. The mountain is a dormant volcano and offers several trekking routes, such as the Machame, Marangu, and Lemosho routes, catering to different levels of difficulty. Mount Meru, the second-highest peak in Tanzania, is located in Arusha National Park. It offers a more affordable and less strenuous alternative to Kilimanjaro, with scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including wildlife like giraffes, buffaloes, and birds. Climbing either mountain provides an extraordinary experience of both adventure and natural beauty.

• Locations: Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in Northern Tanzania
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to climb Kilimanjaro and Meru is during the dry season, which runs from January to March and June to October. This is the period when conditions are most favorable for a safe and successful climb, as the weather is drier, and the paths are less slippery. The rainy season, which runs from March to May, is less ideal for climbing due to muddy and challenging conditions.
• Cost: The cost for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 for a 7-day trek, depending on the route chosen and the tour operator. This price includes park fees, guide fees, porters, and equipment rental. For Mount Meru, a 5-day trek will cost approximately $800 to $1,500, depending on the tour package.
• How to Access: Kilimanjaro is most commonly accessed from Moshi or Arusha, which are both close to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Most climbers use the main gates at Marangu, Machame, or Lemosho, each with a different access route and difficulty level. Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park, and treks begin from Momella Gate, which is accessible from Arusha.

2. Game Drives

Game drives are the quintessential Tanzanian safari experience. Visitors embark on guided tours through some of Tanzania's most famous wildlife reserves. The Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, making it the most iconic safari destination. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a concentrated area for wildlife spotting, including lions, elephants, and rhinos, all within a natural volcanic caldera. Tarangire is famous for its vast herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees, while Lake Manyara is home to flamingos, baboons, and tree-climbing lions. Each park offers a unique opportunity to observe Tanzania’s diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

• Locations: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park
• Best Time to Visit: The best time for game drives in Serengeti and Ngorongoro is during the dry season, from June to October, when animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. For Tarangire and Lake Manyara, the dry season is ideal, but the wet season (November to May) is also great for birdwatching, as migratory species visit these parks during this time.
• Cost:Game drives typically cost between $150 and $600 per day for private vehicles. Prices for group game drives can range from $100 to $250 per person. Costs include park entry fees, a guide, and vehicle rental, but food and accommodation are usually extra. The exact price depends on the length of the safari, the type of vehicle, and the park being visited.
• How to Access: Most safari tours depart from Arusha or Moshi, where tourists can choose day trips or multi-day safaris that include transport, park entry, and guide services. To visit the parks, Arusha serves as a central hub for accessing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. It is also an excellent base for trips to Tarangire.

3. Walking Safaris

Walking safaris are a more intimate and immersive way to explore Tanzania’s wildlife. Instead of observing from a vehicle, visitors walk through the bush with an experienced guide and ranger, learning about the smaller, often overlooked aspects of nature. Areas like Arusha National Park, with its diverse ecosystems of grasslands, forests, and lakes, offer incredible walking safari experiences. Selous Game Reserve provides a unique and remote opportunity to track wildlife on foot. Walking safaris give visitors the chance to explore areas inaccessible by vehicles, offering a chance to observe wildlife behavior from a different perspective and at a slower pace.

• Locations: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Selous Game Reserve
• Best Time to Visit: Walking safaris are available year-round, though the best time is during the dry season (June to October) when animals are more concentrated around water sources. The wet season (November to May) brings lush green landscapes but can make tracking animals more challenging due to thick vegetation and higher water levels.
• Cost:Walking safaris typically cost $100 to $200 per person for half-day or full-day excursions, which include the services of an expert guide and ranger. The price can vary depending on the park and tour operator.
• How to Access: Walking safaris are offered through safari lodges within the parks. They can be easily booked from Arusha or Moshi, where tour operators arrange safaris to Arusha National Park or Selous Game Reserve.

4. Horseback Riding Safaris

Horseback safaris allow visitors to explore the African savannah from a completely different angle. In Tanzania, horseback safaris are popular in the Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti. Riding through these iconic landscapes offers a quiet and serene way to observe wildlife up close, including zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest. The Ngorongoro Highlands, with its breathtaking views of the Crater and surrounding areas, provides a perfect backdrop for horseback exploration. Similarly, the Serengeti is home to vast open plains and wildlife migrations, offering an unforgettable horseback adventure, especially during the Great Migration period.

• Locations: Ngorongoro Highlands, Serengeti
• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (June to October) is ideal for horseback safaris, as it is easier to spot wildlife during this time. Additionally, the weather conditions are more favorable for riding. The months of January to March are also good for horseback safaris as the migration starts, and many animals are in the area.
• Cost:Horseback safaris typically cost around $150 to $250 per person for a 2-3 hour ride. The cost depends on the location, lodge, and length of the safari.
• How to Access: Horseback riding safaris are available at luxury lodges and safari camps in the Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti. These tours can be accessed through safari operators in Arusha or Moshi, who arrange transport to the starting points.

5. Birdwatching

Tanzania is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 1,000 species of birds recorded. Key birdwatching destinations include Tarangire National Park, where migratory birds flock to during the wet season, and Lake Natron, which is famous for its large populations of flamingos. The Selous Game Reserve and Ruinsori Hills also provide excellent birdwatching opportunities with a variety of species, including hornbills, eagles, and parrots. The country’s diverse ecosystems make it ideal for bird enthusiasts seeking rare and colorful species.

• Locations: Tarangire, Lake Natron, Selous, Ruinsori Hills
• Best Time to Visit: The best time for birdwatching in Tanzania is during the wet season (November to May) when migratory birds arrive in the country. The dry season also offers good opportunities, but the wet season sees the highest diversity of species.
• Cost: Guided birdwatching tours cost around $100 to $150 per person for half-day or full-day excursions. The price may vary based on the location and the expertise of the guide.
• How to Access: Birdwatching tours are offered in parks like Tarangire, Selous, and Lake Natron, with departure points from Arusha, Moshi, or Dar es Salaam. Most safari lodges and camps within these parks offer specialized birdwatching safaris.

6. Zanzibar Beach Holidays

Zanzibar is famous for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural history. The island’s beaches, including Nungwi, Paje, and Kendwa, offer perfect settings for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying water sports like snorkeling and diving. Zanzibar is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its historical stone town, Stone Town, and spice plantations. Visitors can explore the cultural heritage of the island while also enjoying its tranquil beaches and vibrant marine life. Zanzibar is perfect for those seeking a combination of relaxation and cultural immersion.

• Locations: Zanzibar Archipelago
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season (June to October) when the weather is sunny, warm, and perfect for beach activities. The wet season can make the island less enjoyable, but it’s also the time for fewer crowds.
• Cost:Beach holidays in Zanzibar can range from $200 to $1,000+ per person for all-inclusive packages that include accommodation, meals, and activities like snorkeling and water sports.
• How to Access: Zanzibar is easily accessible from Dar es Salaam by ferry (about 2 hours) or by a short flight. There are also direct flights from Arusha and Moshi to Zanzibar.

7. Hot Air Balloon Safari

Experience the Serengeti from above as you drift across the plains during a hot-air balloon safari. See the herds of wildebeest, zebras, and lions from the sky at sunrise.

• Location: Serengeti National Park
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October), during the Great Migration
• Cost: $500 to $600 per person for a one-hour ride
• How to Access: Available in Serengeti with departures from various lodges

8. Chimpanzee Trekking

Trek through the Mahale Mountains or Gombe Stream for an unforgettable chimpanzee encounter. Observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat as they interact and play in the forests.

• Locations: Gombe Stream National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October)
• Cost: $200 to $500 for chimpanzee trekking permits
• How to Access: Accessible via boat or flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Gombe or Mahale

9. Diving & Snorkeling

The waters around Mafia Island and Pemba Island are teeming with marine life, making them perfect for scuba diving. Zanzibar offers easy access to the coast for snorkeling with vibrant coral reefs.

• Locations: Mafia Island, Zanzibar, Pemba Island
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October)
• Cost: $100 to $300 for a day of diving and equipment rental
• How to Access: Flights and boat access from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar

10. Canoeing and Kayaking

Paddle across Lake Tanganyika in a canoe or kayak, observing wildlife along the shores and enjoying the serene environment. Selous Game Reserve also offers water-based safaris, allowing visitors to get closer to animals in rivers.

• Locations: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Selous Game Reserve
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October)
• Cost: $50 to $150 per person for half-day canoeing tours
• How to Access: Available through lodges and camps in Selous and around Lake Tanganyika

11. Cultural Tours

Learn about Tanzania's indigenous cultures by visiting the Maasai villages in the Ngorongoro region or the Hadzabe tribe near Lake Eyasi. Zanzibar also offers cultural tours of Stone Town and spice farms.

• Locations: Maasai Mara, Hadzabe Tribe, Zanzibar
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Cost: $50 to $150 for guided cultural tours
• How to Access: Cultural tours are available via safari operators in Arusha, Moshi, or Zanzibar

12. Canoeing Safaris

Explore the waterways of Selous Game Reserve or Ruinsori Hills in a canoe or kayak. This activity offers an up-close view of animals drinking at the riverbanks, with opportunities for wildlife sightings like hippos and crocodiles.

• Location: Selous Game Reserve, Ruinsori Hills
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October)
• Cost: $100 to $250 for half-day canoe safaris
• How to Access: Available through operators based in Dar es Salaam and Selous

13. Cultural Immersion in Zanzibar

Explore the Spice Plantations, take a Stone Town walking tour, and learn about the island’s Swahili culture, rich in history and blending African, Arabic, Indian, and European influences.

• Location: Zanzibar Archipelago
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October)
• Cost: $30 to $100 for cultural tours
• How to Access: Zanzibar is easily accessible by boat or flight from Dar es Salaam

14. Fly-Camping Safari

A fly-camping safari is a truly rustic adventure, where tourists are taken into the wild and camp under the stars with no permanent infrastructure. It's a thrilling way to experience the wilderness with professional guides.

• Locations: Serengeti, Selous Game Reserve, Ruinsori Hills
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October)
• Cost: $150 to $500 per night
• How to Access: Fly-camping options are available through safari companies in Arusha or Moshi

15. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," is a natural caldera home to a vast array of wildlife. A game drive in the crater offers one of the best opportunities to spot the "Big Five."

• Location: Ngorongoro Crater
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June to October)
• Cost: $100 to $200 for day trips
• How to Access: Easily accessed from Arusha and Moshi via a one-day or multi-day safari

16. Visit the Olduvai Gorge

The Olduvai Gorge is often referred to as the "Cradle of Mankind," as it's the site of some of the earliest evidence of human life. Visitors can take a cultural tour and learn about archaeological discoveries made in the region.

• Location: Serengeti National Park
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Cost: $20 to $50 for entry
• How to Access: A short drive from Serengeti National Park