Tanzania
Tanzania, located in East Africa, is one of the world’s top safari destinations. With vast savannahs, rich biodiversity, and some of the most iconic natural wonders on Earth, it offers the quintessential African wildlife experience. From the roar of lions across the Serengeti to the whispering waves of the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar, Tanzania is a land of adventure, contrast, and beauty.
Trips to Inspire
Activities To Do In Tanzania
Classic Game Drives
These are the backbone of any safari. Explore the national parks in open-roof 4×4 vehicles, guided by expert trackers who help you spot animals from a safe distance. Morning and dusk drives are the best for spotting predators and other active wildlife.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Float silently over the Serengeti at sunrise for an unforgettable view of the wildlife below. Watch elephants, giraffes, and wildebeests from the air, then enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Walking Safaris
Accompanied by armed rangers and professional guides, walking safaris let you discover nature at a slower, deeper level. You’ll learn about tracks, dung, plants, insects, and the smaller details often missed during game drives.
Bird Watching
With over 1,100 species recorded, Tanzania is a birder’s paradise. Spot kingfishers, hornbills, bee-eaters, flamingos, and raptors in various ecosystems from wetlands to woodlands.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
This once-in-a-lifetime challenge is achievable with good fitness and acclimatization. Popular routes include:
- Marangu (easier, hut accommodation),
- Machame (scenic, more challenging),
- Lemosho (longer, best for acclimatization).
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Zanzibar, Mafia Island, and Pemba offer some of East Africa’s best dive sites. Explore coral reefs, swim with dolphins, and marvel at underwater creatures like sea turtles, lionfish, and moray eels.
Cultural Experiences
- Visit Maasai villages to learn about their traditional lifestyles, dances, and rituals.
- Tour local markets and spice farms in Zanzibar.
- Engage in community tourism in places like Mto wa Mbu, where you can bike through banana plantations, visit schools, or cook with locals.
Destinations To Visit in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
Perhaps the most famous safari destination in Kenya, the Masai Mara is a must-visit for any wildlife lover. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it is a continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The Mara is home to the “Big Five” — lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes — and serves as the stage for one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles: the Great Migration.
Every year, between July and October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing grounds. This migration is one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on the planet and a highlight for any visitor to the park.
Beyond the migration, the Mara’s plains are also teeming with predators, such as cheetahs and hyenas, making it a prime location for observing the drama of the animal kingdom. Visitors can also enjoy cultural experiences with the Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries.
Ngorongoro Crater
Formed by a massive volcanic explosion, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world. Often called “Africa’s Eden,” this natural amphitheater supports around 25,000 animals, including critically endangered black rhinos. The high rim offers stunning panoramic views, while the crater floor is packed with action, especially around Lake Magadi, a soda lake that attracts flamingos and other birds.
Tarangire National Park
This underrated gem is famous for its ancient baobab trees and massive elephant herds. During the dry season (June to October), Tarangire becomes a wildlife magnet, as animals migrate from surrounding areas to drink from the Tarangire River. You may also spot leopards, lions, fringe-eared oryx, and more than 550 bird species.
Lake Manyara National Park
Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park offers diverse habitats — from jungle-like forests to alkaline lakes. The park is home to tree-climbing lions, hippos, baboons, and flamingos. Its small size makes it ideal for a half-day game drive.
Zanzibar Archipelago
A perfect post-safari retreat, Zanzibar is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and rich Swahili culture. In Stone Town, explore narrow alleys, historic Arab houses, spice markets, and mosques. You can also take spice tours inland or go island hopping to places like Pemba and Mnemba Atoll
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the most accessible major summits in the world. Trekkers can hike through five ecological zones, from rainforest to arctic, with chances to see blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and even the occasional elephant on the lower slopes. Summiting Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters is a bucket-list achievement.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Season | Months | Highlights |
Dry Season | June – October | Peak safari season. Great Migration, easy animal spotting, sunny weather. |
Short Rains | November – December | Light showers, fewer tourists, green landscapes. |
Green Season | January – February | Calving in the Serengeti, predator action, great birding. |
Long Rains | March – May | Low season. Heavier rains, fewer crowds, reduced rates. |
Note: While the dry season is generally preferred for safaris, the green season offers excellent value, beautiful scenery, and dramatic predator-prey interactions during the calving months.