There will not be a moment while you are in Tanzania where you are not intrigued by something, impressed by something, or blown away by something, because it truly is a country with so many unique activities to offer.
There will be days when you will want to sip a coffee in Moshi and relax, but chances are you will be planning your next activity even while trying to relax.
Tanzania is just that great of a destination. That time is precious here! If you are looking for the absolute best way to spend your time in Tanzania, we have some incredible ideas.
Here are Tanzania’s best activities.
Experience the Great Migration
One of the world’s most spectacular events cannot be missed when you are in Tanzania. Luckily, this is a year-round activity that sees the 1.5 million wildebeest migrate through the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Suppose you get to see this in the flesh. The memories will last a lifetime. If you don’t want to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience, check out this Great Migration tour in Tanzania.
Do a Safari & Spot the Big 5
Doing a safari will surely be one of your top things in Tanzania, so we need to remind you that the aim is to spot the Big Five. These include the African Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo, all of which can be spotted, but some may take longer than others, especially the leopards. Suppose you spot the Big Five while on safari to the national parks such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, The Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. In that case, you can genuinely say you have had a fulfilled African experience.
Climb to the rooftop of Africa
Climbing to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro is not for the faint-hearted and takes some training and acclimatization. However, if you are ready to take on this challenge, you should. The best thing about this climb is that there are several routes to choose from depending on your abilities, with Marangu or ‘The Coca Cola’ trail is the easiest. Plus, you will have a guide by your side to get you to the top and back down safely. Finally, there is no better view than from the top of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, so why not go for it.
Here is the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route tour for the easiest and cheapest way to get to the top.
Explore the Forodhani food market in Zanzibar
Stonetown is a vibrant town on Zanzibar Island, known for its narrow winding alleys, markets, craft shops, bazaars, mosques, and rows of houses, but there is a market you should not miss. When the sun is setting in the evening, and the local teens are jumping into the water from the pier, the Forodhani food market comes alive. One of the best Tanzanian activities is to browse here and pick up a few delicacies to enjoy with the locals as the sun goes down.
Try some coffee in Moshi town.
Moshi is not only famous for having a stunning location close to the towering Mt Kilimanjaro, but it is the coffee production hub of the entire country. Here is where you will get the ultimate cup of coffee, and you can even learn about the process of production while you are here. If you are a coffee lover or at least appreciate learning about local produce, then this is an activity you won’t want to miss out on.
Go Scuba diving at Mafia Island.
If you have never heard of this island before, this is your sign to add it to your list, especially if you are an underwater enthusiast. This island is, in fact, famous for its world-class diving, turtle hatching, and its uncrowded beaches, so if you have the time, you must see what it is all about. The best thing is, you won’t need to take a ferry here. But instead, you can take a domestic flight from Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, or any of Tanzania’s safari destinations, which gets you there faster and allows you to take in the view of the wild African bush from the sky.
For more scuba activities, visit Mnemba Island, renowned for its fantastic scuba diving opportunities, coral reefs, and pristine beaches.
Attend the Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party
After all of the sightseeing and cultural visits, you will no doubt want to let your hair down, and one of the best ways to do this is at the Kendwa Rocks Full Moon Party in Zanzibar. So, if you find yourself on the island on any Saturday that falls before a full moon, you can be sure that Kendwa Rocks will be hosting their famous beach party, complete with drinks, dancing under the stars, and the best music.
But, of course, if you are not there during a full moon, don’t worry because you can still enjoy a night out at the hotel’s lounge bar called The Rocks.
Visit a Masai village.
The Masai people are an ethnic group who inhabit various parts of Kenya as well as Northern Tanzania- You will meet them from time to time herding their cattle or even working in some of the leading hotels; however, you will get to meet many more Masai people and learn about their incredible culture, history, and lifestyle, by visiting a local Masai village.
You will learn about their tribal traditions, hear their language and possibly meet someone who has even hunted a lion. By visiting one of the authentic villages, you will get deeper into the Masai culture. This will enrich your entire experience in Tanzania, but make sure you go to a recommended village away from the tourist trail for the best experience.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.
Do we even need to convince you that this is a must-do activity in Tanzania? No, but we will anyway! Seeing the Serengeti from the ground is incredible, with its array of wildlife, stunning landscape, and awe-inspiring savannah sunsets. Still, you will gain a whole different perspective by seeing this region from a hot air balloon. You won’t be short of options if you plan to do this. However, with many tour companies offering this phenomenal trip, it is always good to shop around.
For a chance to visit some remote tribes, explore the African National Parks as well as have the opportunity to soar high in the sky on a hot air balloon safari, check out this tour: Tanzania Wilderness & Remote Tribes
Visit Prison Island
Changuu, also known as Prison Island, is a small island near Stonetown in Zanzibar, used as a prison for rebellious enslaved people in the 1860s, but has also been a coal mine, a holiday resort, a quarantine island for yellow fever, and a haven for a giant tortoise. This is an island with a diverse past and is a must-do activity when in the area.
