27 Top Things to See and Do in Tanzania

Even those who have experienced a wildlife safari before should not miss the opportunity for a fabulous game drive. There are plenty of parks and reserves to choose from, ranging from the world-renowned Serengeti, to pretty Tarangire, and the small but beautiful Arusha National Park. While all offer scores of wildlife, Tarangire is most often chosen for its large elephant populations, while Arusha features exquisite scenery that is second to none. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Serengeti is, of course, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, famed for its large populations of predators and annual wildebeest and zebra migration.

If you are willing to put up with the smell, then the Hippo Pool in the Serengeti National Park affords excellent hippo sightings, where hundreds of these large creatures vie for space in a relatively small, muddy pool while river carp jump around in the water.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a magnificent ancient volcanic caldera that teems with wildlife and verdant vegetation. Here, visitors can enjoy a classic ‘Big Five’ safari experience as game-viewing is plentiful and easy. The crater has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to hold one of the largest densities of mammals in Africa. A variety of flora can be found within its compact area that attracts an enormous diversity of game; the only exceptions being giraffe and impala that are thought to not frequent the crater due to the lack of open woodlands on which to graze.

The Maasai are a semi-nomadic tribe, among the original inhabitants of Northern Tanzania, who have lived in the Serengeti according to traditional customs for thousands of years. They are a proud warrior race that is often admired for their striking looks, dramatic red clothes and beautiful beaded jewellery. A cultural trip into their lives will reveal all sorts of interesting facts, such as the legends of the Maasai warriors and why ritual song and dance are so important to the tribe. Make sure you book a visit through a reputable establishment to ensure an authentic tribal experience.

The Zanzibar archipelago is located within the calm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Tanzania. It is a region that has seemingly stood still in time where colourful, quaint villages mingle with aromatic spice markets, old architecture, fishing boats, rice plantations and gorgeous sandy beaches. Its tropical climate means that just about every day is a beach day with the reefs around the island ideal for snorkelling and a large variety of watersports. Swim with dolphins, explore rustic fish markets and admire the history of the eclectic melting pot that is Zanzibar.

One of the most unique and breathtaking ways of uncovering the panoramic beauty of Tanzania is by taking to the skies in a hot-air balloon. These fabulous trips usually take place at dawn when the air is still and the soft light of a new day pans over the plains, boasting quintessential images of Africa that simply cannot be matched. The aerial tour allows you to truly comprehend the size of the animal herds that graze the savannah plains, and photographic opportunities from this vantage point are absolutely amazing. End the trip with a Champagne breakfast for an extra special touch.

For an out-of-this-world experience, head to Lake Natron in the Arusha region of Tanzania. This shallow, salt and soda lake has high levels of alkalinity that result in the water concentrating into a caustic alkaline brine. This in turn attracts salt-loving micro-organisms that give the lake its characteristic pinky-red hue. The temperature of the water often hovers around an astounding 60°C (140°F) making it inhospitable to all but a few living creatures. Natron is also the only regular breeding ground in East Africa for the lesser flamingo.

Rated as one of the world’s most spectacular natural events, the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti is one show not to miss. The annual event sees millions of wildebeest and zebra, followed by antelope, and, of course predators, migrate in a clockwise direction around the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. Rainfall patterns dictate exactly when the migration will take place, but the action usually starts hotting up in May. It reaches its peak in July when the animals risk their lives and put themselves at the mercy of thousands of Nile crocodiles in order to cross rivers and get to the rich grazing in the northern Serengeti.

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa as well as the biggest tropical freshwater lake in the world. It is shared between Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, with the former retaining the lion’s share of the lake. It makes for a refreshing break from the wildlife safari circuits and maddening crowds, offering peace and relaxation. Explore the waterside charm of the little towns along the shore and the subsistence communities who live in relative isolation.

The enormous diversity of landscape and flora that stretches across Tanzania makes it an excellent bird watching location that will delight ornithologists with rare and endemic sightings. Over 1,000 species have been recorded in the country and among those that are endemic, the most spectacular are thought to be the Udzungwa forest-partridge, Mrs Moreau’s warbler, Loveridge’s sunbird, and the Usambara eagle-owl. Look out for pretty pink and white flamingos that frequent the lakes and visit the quiet and immaculate Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania for a flurry of fabulous feathers.

Nature-lovers should take some time to embrace the peace and solitude of the Olmoti Crater. Here, the grassy floor offers good grazing for eland, buffalo and reedbuck and there is also a picturesque waterfall to admire. The remote and pristine location is one of the lesser frequented tourist destinationsand perfect for an unhurried nature hike. The 3,700m (12,139ft) high crater is also home to a wide variety of nectar-feeding birds, such as the Golden-winged and the Eastern Double-collared sunbirds, malachite and the Mountain greenbul. Olmoti Crater can be accessed via the Maasai village of Nainokanoka, and you will be accompanied by an armed ranger to ensure your safety.

Two thirds of Lake Manyara National Park are covered by waters of the same name. Home to thousands of flamingos and other diverse wildlife, the serene and picturesque lake is ideal for bird watching and canoe safaris.

Metema Beach on Lake Malawi is slightly off the usual tourist track and offers peaceful tranquility in a beautiful setting. Situated at the foothills of the Livingstone Mountains, this heavenly spot is great for swimming, and the more active can hike to the nearby waterfall.

Once an outback for convicted prisoners, today Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is most visited for its resident colony of Giant Aldabra tortoise, an endangered species that arrived in Zanzibar as a gift from the government of the Seychelles. Some are over 100 years old and amble peacefully among other wildlife that includes colorful peacocks and butterflies, as well as shy buck.

Located in the Arusha National Park, this mountain is the fifth-highest on the African continent and the second-highest in Tanzania. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savannas and are covered in lush and beautiful forestswhere birds and monkeys thrive. Although leopards are also known to frequent the area, they are notoriously difficult to spot.

Also sometimes referred to as the Palace of Wonders, this remarkable structure overlooks the waterfront of Stone Town and features enormous, carved doors that are said to be the largest in East Africa. Inside the rise of striking tiers of both pillars and balconies, one will find the National Museum of History and Culture, showcasing Swahiliculture and the people of the Indian Ocean.

Housing a great selection of modern and antique art, the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is a place where Tanzania’s past mingles with its present. Explore the history of more than 100 tribes that inhabit the country and pick up carvings, books, gemstones and clothing to take home as souvenirs.

This amazingly beautiful forest holds significance as one of the last remaining sanctuaries in the world for the red colobus monkey. It covers approximately 2000 hectares (4942 acres) of whole ground-water forest, coral rag forest, and a salt marsh area, and also incorporates a large mangrove swamp. Other animals that call this forest home include sykes monkeys, bushbabies (also known as galagos) and Aders’ duiker.

The Old Fort is the oldest building in Zanzibar and one of Stone Town’s most popular attractions. The edifice, with its pale orange ramparts, was built by Omani Arabs when they seized the island from the Portuguese in 1698. Over the years it has been used to house everything from a prison to a tennis club.

Mafia Island is surrounded by a protected marine park and attracts the interest of scuba divers and snorkelers from around the world. The clear waters showcase an excellent coral garden that attracts scores of tropical fish and the island is also a traditional breeding ground for the green turtle, a species that is close to extinction.

The snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro are a magnificent sight to behold. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, as the mountain rises, it changes from farmland to rainforest and alpine meadows, before finally transforming to a barren, lunar landscape at its peaks. The rainforest zone is where plenty of wildlife can be found, while birds of prey prefer the alpine region.

Mto Wa Mbu, meaning ‘River of Mosquitoes’, is a bright and vibrant village in the Arusha region of Tanzania. It is a favorite pit-stop for travelers and offers everything from petrol to souvenir stalls selling trinkets, crafts and blankets. The village is also a good place to pick up fresh fruit, while the local inhabitants are said to represent just about all of Tanzania’s 120 tribal groups.

These pretty gardens are located near the shoreline of historic Stone Town, and serve as a meeting point and melting pot of cultures and cuisine—especially when the sun goes down. Sunset sees the appearance of a highly popular food market, located in the main square, that serves up Swahili and Zanzibar delicacies, such as grilled seafood, samosas, cassava and sweet potatoes.

This gorgeous island is adorned with lush, green hills and clove plantations, and presents visitors with picture-perfect sights. The Pemba Channel, with its coral reefs and abundant marine life, separates the island from mainland Tanzania and is a highly popular diving site. The main town of Chake-Chake keeps visitors busy with a ruined 18th-century fort and museum.

The Kitulo Plateau is located within the southern highlands of Tanzania and referred to by locals as The Garden of God. The protected area of montane grassland holds much unique flora, such as orchids, and, in 2005, field scientists discovered a new species of primate on and around Mount Rungwe and in the Livingstone Forest area of the plateau.

The Isimila archaeological site is one of the most significant Stone Age finds ever identified, scattered amid a dramatic landscape of eroded sandstone pillars. Tools found on the site include hammerstones, axeheads, flints and scrapers that are estimated to be between 60,000 and 100,000 years old. There is also a small museum on site.

This unique restaurant in Zanzibar stands amazingly on a rocky outcrop protruding from the middle of the Indian Ocean. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and has indoor and outdoor seating. You can walk up to the restaurant staircase at low tide, but high tide calls for a boat ride.