Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Tanzania is a destination where you’ll find the breathtaking beauty of nature, incredible wildlife, and rich culture with lots of activities to make any traveller happy. With high mountains, savannah, and warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Tanzania has it all when it comes to adventure and exploration. These are the top 10 things to do in Tanzania that let you have a wonderful time. Tanzania offers a perfect mix of wildlife safaris, stunning beaches, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. From the Serengeti National Park to Zanzibar’s white sand beaches, here are the top things to see in Tanzania.
10 Things To Do In Tanzania
Here is a list of the top things to do in Tanzania, from exploring the ancient ruins to snorkelling in colourful coral reefs.
1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim / Wikimedia Commons
One of the Seven Summits of the world, Mount Kilimanjaro, is in Tanzania. This is the highest mountain in Africa, with a height of 5,895 meters, and an explorer’s dream. Kilimanjaro is famous for its snow-capped peak, and the journey there is steep but worth it. The trek to Uhuru Peak is physically challenging, but you can see all the different habitats as you ascend, from rainforests to deserts. You can reach there by several routes, but the most commonly known are Marangu, Machame, and Lemosho.
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern Tanzania
2. Go On A Safari In Serengeti National Park
Photo: Grahampurse / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most extreme natural spectacles in the animal kingdom takes place on the Serengeti: The Great Migration. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains, pursued by predators, and in a continuous loop in search of greener pastures land during this time. Such migration is beautiful and part of the ecosystem that has been there for a long time. Serengeti safari will take you close to the “Big Five” of Africa (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), along with cheetahs, giraffes, crocodiles and an uncountable number of birds.
Location: Serengeti National Park, Northern Tanzania
3. Relax On The Beaches Of Zanzibar
Photo: Humphrey Muleba / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The beautiful archipelago of Zanzibar, off the Tanzanian coast, is a perfect place for tourists who are in search of adventure. The sand here is powdery white and has turquoise and green coral reefs. It is a good place to rest after a safari or a climb. The island is also a paradise for divers, where you can get some of the best diving in East Africa. There are coral reefs on Mnemba Island and Pemba Island, where you can snorkel and dive to see the sea turtles, whale sharks, etc., and you can swim with dolphins.
Location: Zanzibar Archipelago, Off the coast of Tanzania
4. Explore Ngorongoro Crater
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / Wikimedia Commons
Referred to as the Garden of Eden, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most unique wildlife experiences in Tanzania. Formed due to the collapse of a massive volcanic caldera millions of years ago, it is now a paradise for wildlife. It is home to thousands of animals, including elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and the endangered black rhino. The lush, fertile floor of the crater supports a variety of vegetation, making it a great spot for wildlife to thrive throughout the year. A safari to Ngorongoro Crater is an adventurous activity and offers amazing views of the surrounding areas with a chance to witness wildlife.
Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania
5. Mingle With The Maasai Tribe
Photo: Helga76 / Wikimedia Commons
Tanzania is home to a variety of ethnic groups, and one of the most famous is the Maasai tribe. The Maasai are semi-nomadic herders known for their distinct clothing, jewellery, and warrior traditions. A visit to a Maasai village will give you an insight into their fascinating culture, ancient customs, and way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. You can watch traditional dances, learn about Maasai rituals, and even participate in a cultural exchange with the tribe.
Location: Maasai Villages, Serengeti Region, Northern Tanzania
6. Discover The Ruins Of Kilwa Kisiwani
Photo: CosMapi / Wikimedia Commons
The Ancient Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani is an absolute must for history lovers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, on an island off the coast of southern Tanzania, was a rich Swahili trading city from the 9th to 19th century. They are ruined mosques, palaces and tombs, all built from coral stone, and offer a view of the Swahili coast’s ancient past. Not only is Kilwa Kisiwani historical but also an attractive site with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. A trip through the ruins is a time machine, and you can discover the island’s strategic position as an African, Middle Eastern and Asian centre of trade.
Location: Kilwa Kisiwani Island, Southern Tanzania
7. Visit The Selous Game Reserve
Photo: Aron Marinelli / Unsplash
The Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, with more than 50,000 square kilometres. It is home to animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and more than 400 birds. Selous is also less crowded than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, so if you want to go on a quieter safari, it is the place for you. Selous has different safari experiences, from game drives to boat safaris along the Rufiji River, where you can spot crocodiles, hippos, and other birds.
Location: Selous Game Reserve, Southern Tanzania
8. Snorkel With Whale Sharks In Mafia Island
Photo: Nina R / Wikimedia Commons
A small island off the coast of Tanzania called Mafia Island is where you’ll have one of the rarest experiences of swimming with the world’s largest fish, whale sharks. They are very big and friendly, and it is an adventure to swim with them. Diving and snorkeling at Mafia Island is a paradise with beautiful coral reefs abundant turtles, and tropical fishes. Mafia Island also is smaller than Zanzibar, so it’s quieter. The island’s sandy shores, warm water, and marine life are the ideal location for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts.
Location: Mafia Island, Off the coast of Tanzania
9. Trek To The Summit Of Ol Doinyo Lengai
Photo: milosh9k / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re a backpacker who wants to summit a really special mountain, Ol Doinyo Lengai is the one. This volcano in the Great Rift Valley is what the Maasai call the Mountain of God. The top is a difficult climb but worth it with an amazing panorama of the surrounding landscapes, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Ol Doinyo Lengai has been known for its peculiar black lava, the coldest lava on Earth. Ol Doinyo Lengai’s steep hills and the desert heat make it difficult to climb. But for those who love to hike and love geology, the experience is nothing short of epic.
Location: Ol Doinyo Lengai, Great Rift Valley, Northern Tanzania
10. Explore The Historical Sites Of Dar es Salaam
Photo: Arnold Tibaijuka / Wikimedia Commons
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital city, is an economic powerhouse but also a cultural and historical centre. There are several old buildings in the city, such as the National Museum of Tanzania with an artefact collection dating back to the Paleolithic age. There are colonial style, colourful markets and the Old Fort that was constructed by Omani Arabs in the 17th century. Dar es Salaam is not as well known as the other Tanzanian destinations, but there is something fascinating about this intersection of history, culture, and modernity.
Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania is an exceptional destination of beauty and adventure, and the experiences there are unmatchable. Whether it is a climb to the highest point in Africa, an animal safari, or just being a part of local culture, Tanzania is an adventure for all travellers. If you’re ready to experience the beauty of Tanzania and have unforgettable experiences, plan a trip with TripXL. You can spend your time enjoying the rest with our Tanzanian destination expertise.
Cover Photo: Hendrik Cornelissen / Unsplash
