Things to do in Tanzania - Tourist Attractions in Tanzania

Tanzania is an amazing country that is home to some of Africa�s most well-known national parks and natural features, including the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. Take a look at our advice on the top things to do in Tanzania!

The most popular activities in Tanzania and the major reasons people visit there are safaris and other wildlife-related activities, as well as the lovely beaches of Zanzibar, which appeal to anyone wishing to spend some time lazing in the sun.

1: Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

At 5,895 meters, it is Africa�s tallest mountain, located in Tanzania at 19,340 feet. It is the world�s largest free-standing mountain range. Kilimanjaro�s three cones are Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The mountain�s top and the tallest of the three volcanic structures is Kibo also known as Uhuru/ summit peak. While Mawenzi and Shira are no longer active volcanoes, Kibo is dormant and could erupt at any time. The climb to the top of Africa�s tallest mountain, Kibo/ Uhuru peak, takes nearly four to eight days (ascending and descending), and there are nearly seven different routes to take, each with its own set of challenges and rewards.

1: Northern circuit route

2: Lemosho route

> An excellent route to climb Kilimanjaro by with a high success rate

> Remote and spectacular approach with dramatic gorges, and views of west Kilimanjaro

> Allow climbers to walk high, sleep low enabling better acclimatization

3: Machame route (whiskey route)

> Highly recommend best success rate

> Allows walk high, sleep low for better acclimatization

> Stunning scenery climbing through five diverse climatic zones

4: Marangu route (Coca Cola route)

>Much lower success rate

>Dormitory style accommodation which can be noisy

5: Rongai Route

>Offers a true wilderness experience on the early stages of the climb

>Less natural acclimatization with no opportunities to walk high, sleep low

6: Umbwe route

>Very remote and quiet to the first two days

> Steep, short route with very low success rate

>Poor acclimatization due to rapid ascent

7: Mweka route

>For descending after the summit back town

2. Balloon Safari over the Serengeti National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises of 1.5 hectares of savannah and a wealth of wildlife, making it the oldest and most popular national park in Tanzania. Famed for its annual great migration, the park sees an influx of zebra, Thomson�s gazelle and wildebeest stomp through the vast open plains, followed by their predators including big cats. Balloon safaris over the national park are available all year round, offering a unique view over the picturesque Serengeti with flawless photography opportunities of the wildlife and scenery. The balloons used have the capacity of carrying up to 16 people and often include champagne breakfasts in the bush followed by a drive through the national park. 

3.    Visiting the Ngorongoro conservation area

This is Tanzania�s only conservation area, located in the northern circuit and bordering the national parks of Manyara and Serengeti. The Ngorongoro conservation area is densely packed with attractions, the most notable of which is the world�s largest caldera, the Ngorongoro crater, whose walls are unbroken and which supports a greater diversity of biodiversity, ranging from wild animals to enormous numbers of bird species.

Ngorongoro is also recognized for its vast population of lions, herbivores, and many bird species, in addition to the Ngorongoro crater. The Empakai crater is another popular destination in the Ngorongoro Conservation area, but don�t overlook the active volcanic peak of Doinyo Lengai, which the locals refer to as Mlima wa Mungu, or �mountain of God.� The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is where you can see how the Maasai people live and interact with animals. Different tourism activities such as game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, photography, picnicking, and bush meals can all be done within the Ngorongoro conservation area.

4.    Visiting the larger herd elephants in the Tarangire National Park

Tarangire national park, like the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro conservation area, is located on the northern circuit, just a few kilometers from Arusha town, and shares a boundary with Lake Manyara. Tarangire NP�s largest elephant population, which is regarded to be the highest in Tanzania, is one of the main attractions that has helped it become world famous thus Top 10 Things to do in Tanzania.

As the dry season from June to October, and the terrain becomes increasingly dryer, you�ll encounter big elephant herds of up to 300 elephants mining the dry riverbed of the Tarangire River in search of underground streams of water to quench their thirst. Apart from having a higher concentration and population of elephants, Tarangire National Park is also known for being home to giants such as baobab trees (which grow in open acacia) and tree-climbing African pythons (which were mostly seen during fire outbreaks in the park), as well as many bird species, both resident and migratory.

5.    Visiting the tree climbing lions in the Manyara national park

Lake Manyara National Park is a protected area located between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley in Tanzania�s Arusha and Manyara Regions. It has a surface area of 325 km2 (125 sq. mi), with a lake surface area of 230 km2 (89 sq. mi). It is concentrated in a variety of environments, ranging from groundwater forest to grassland. Tree climbing lions are well-known in the park, but other wild species such as wildebeest, gazelles, buffaloes, and hippos can also be spotted.

Don�t forget that the park is a bird sanctuary. There are around 350 bird species, ranging from water birds to forest birds, as well as resident and migratory species. In this tree climbing lion national park, you will be able to go on a game drive, a walking safari, take photographs and film, as well as picnicking.

6.      Scuba Diving off Mafia Island Zanzibar

Situated off the coast of Tanzania, Mafia Island is the largest of a small archipelago of islands. The island is known for its deep sea fishing and scuba diving, with most of the island�s residents being fishermen. Aquatic life is plentiful off the coast of the island, with coral gardens remaining unspoiled through the protection of the Mafia Island Marine Park. Situated between the Rufiji River delta and the open Indian Ocean, the park combines a diverse range of unique landscapes under the sea. With outstanding reefs, divers can swim with whale sharks as well as over 400 species of fish. The island hosts several dive sites that vary for all diver levels from beginner to experience.

7.    Beaches of Zanzibar

The island of Zanzibar is bursting with an array of beaches, which can be the ideal way to relax after a safari. The east coast provides continuous coral reef with white sandy beaches, lined with coconut palms and small coves that shelter from the wind. Non-tidal beaches can be found along the northwest coast of the island, between Nungwi and Kendwa, allowing for all day swimming whereas the coral cliffs and lagoon coves of the southwest allow for an escape to a less touristy spot. The southwest islands have secret beaches that make for perfect picnic spots whilst the northeast island of Mnemba is suggested to be one of the finest beaches in Zanzibar.

8.    Maasai Cultural Tour

Living close to the game parks, the Maasai are a world-renowned tribe situated in northern Tanzania, known especially for their unique customs and dress. Although very little is known about the origins of the Maasai tribe, their family history spans over a 2,000 year period. Maasai village and cultural tours are available to allow tourists to experience the authentic lifestyle of the Maasai people whilst acting as a two-way learning experience. Whilst tours vary, most will include a night stay in a Maasai village, giving guests a chance to immerse themselves in this way of life.

9.    Chimpanzees of Gombe Stream National Park

Stretching over 20 square miles, this fragile strip of chimpanzee habitat is the smallest national park in Tanzania, sitting along the steep slopes and river valleys near the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. This unique park became world renowned when Jane Goodall, a conservationist, founded The Gombe Stream Research Center in 1965, to advance the revolutionary findings about chimpanzee tool-making and other behaviors. The chimpanzees are now accustomed to human visitors, with beachcomber olive baboons also habituating the area as well as over 200 types of bird including the fish eagle. During the evenings, hundreds of small boats can be spotted bobbing on the lake, with glowing lanterns creating a picturesque setting. Chimpanzee treks are held in the national park, but visitors can also hike, swim, snorkel and visit local sites.

10.  Historical Sites in Stone Town (Zanzibar)

The Stone Town of Zanzibar is a unique place filled with an intriguing history, being a Swahili coastal trading town. Explorers, exotic spices, sea traders and Sultans are all part of the history of Stone Town and many historical sites remain intact to be visited. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprises of interesting architecture of coral stone buildings in narrow streets, with a range of influences from various cultures and traditions being imprinted across the area. A non-governmental organization of over 200 members of citizens of Stone Town work to preserve the areas heritage and culture. 

11.  Materuni waterfalls & Coffee Tour

This very impressive Waterfall is one of the tallest in the area, spewing crystal clear glacier water 70m into its basin. The beautiful path leading to Materuni Waterfall is located 2500m above sea level. It traverses thru valleys and hills covered by tropical rainforest, past coffee, banana, and avocado "shambas", the Kiswahili word for farms. On a clear day, great views of Kibo and Moshi can be seen. The hike to the base of the Waterfall can be demanding and hiking boots are recommended. Upon reaching the bottom a picnic lunch will be served before returning to Materuni village, the starting point of the hike. Hiking boots and a pole are highly recommended. If a pole is not available the guide will construct one from tree branches found in the area.

On the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro lies the village of Materuni. It is one of the many villages in Tanzania populated by the Chagga tribe. Materuni village produces many perishable goods including yam, sugar, maize, and beans. However, the main crop that is grown is coffee. In the village you will be able to learn about the process from which coffee is grown, to when it is finally poured, steaming hot into the cup. You will pick your own coffee, remove the cover, and then with coffee that has been previously dried out, crush it into coffee granules. After experiencing the complete coffee production process you will be able to enjoy your very own, satisfying and rewarding cup of fresh coffee.

You will also learn how the Chagga tribe lives, such as their home set-up, the types of food they cook and eat, and how they rear their animals.

Coffee Tour

Materuni village produces many perishable goods including yam, sugar, maize, and beans. However, the main crop that is grown is coffee. In the village you will be able to learn about the process from which coffee is grown, to when it is finally poured, steaming hot into the cup.

You will pick your own coffee, remove the cover, and then with coffee that has been previously dried out, crush it into coffee granules. After experiencing the complete coffee production process you will be able to enjoy your very own, satisfying and rewarding cup of fresh coffee. You will also learn how the Chagga tribe lives, such as their home set-up, the types of food they cook and eat, and how they rear their animals. After the tour, we will drop you at your hotel at end of the tour.