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Things to do in Tanzania

There are things to do in Tanzania to suit virtually every traveller. From the classic game drives in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Selous, to trekking up beyond the clouds to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Don't overlook the culture - with a walk across the savannah with a Maasai guide, a visit to the Datooga tribe or a few days soaking up the Swahili culture of the coast and islands providing an alternative view of Tanzania.

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Things to do in Tanzania

Game drives

From the epic expanse of the Serengeti to the self-contained basin of the Ngorongoro Crater, a Tanzanian safari is as close as you can get to playing a starring role in the Lion King. The Big Five can be found here – the crater being the most likely place to tick them all off – but it’s the Great Migration that draws so many to this part of the world.

Andrew Appleyard, from our supplier Exodus, explains why this is one of his favourite things to do in Tanzania: “For me, it is one of the top five wildlife sights in the world, it’s quite unbelievable. You can see the migration from miles away as there’s a huge spiral of vultures in the sky where the river crossings are. You’ve got the huge Nile crocodiles there which only actually eat twice a year – during the river crossings. They have one of the lowest metabolism rates of any animal. They’ll bury the wildebeest or zebra in log jams in the river so they nicely soften up, then just tear the meat off. You can actually smell it from quite a long way off – all the carcasses on the river.”

For wildlife fans who fancy something a little different, the southern parks have populations of African wild dog, a rare creature with strangely pretty “painted fur”. Or head to the shores of Lake Tanganyika to track chimpanzees.

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Over native 260 tribes live here, as well as Arabs and Indians who have migrated over the centuries; Tanzania’s culture is even more diverse than its wildlife.

Culture

The Maasai live throughout the north – and a walking safari with a Maasai guide is an eye-opening experience as they reveal not just animal tracks and traces, but medicinal plants and the secrets of the savannah that come with a lifetime of living in the bush. Contrast this with the Swahili culture of the coast, or the Datooga with their distinctive facial tattoos. Just be sure to travel with an ethical operator.

Despite the number of celebrities summiting the mountain, and the thousands of charity climbers, Kilimanjaro has not lost its appeal or its sense of mystery.

Kilimanjaro

Standing guard over the plains of the Serengeti, Kili is visible for miles, an unexpected, snow-capped backdrop to the Big Five. There are six official routes – but we highly recommend the longer trails, which allow more time to acclimatise to the almost 6,000m altitude – meaning you’re more likely to make it to the peak. The porters and guides are fantastic, the hearty food will keep you going – and our hand-picked tours are committed to ensuring your safety as well as the welfare of the local staff.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Tanzania or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Beaches

Trade Winds, Spice Routes and Persian, Omani and Swahili traders have put Tanzania’s coastline and archipelagos on travellers’ maps for centuries. But happily, today the draws are not slaves or spices – but sea and sand.

Zanzibar is the biggest and best-known of all Tanzania’s islands; its Indian Ocean beaches are some of the best places to kick back after a dusty week on safari – or scaling the chilly heights of Kilimanjaro. Break up your beach days with trips to the atmospheric alleyways of Stone Town or the protected Jozani forest, which shelters endemic red colobus monkeys.

Mafia and Pemba Islands are a secluded divers’ paradise, with green turtles, whale sharks and pristine reefs found offshore. Few visitors sail across to these islands, so you’ll have their exquisite beaches virtually to yourself – shares with the odd fisherman and an occasional turtle hatchling. Chumbe is quieter still – a private island with no more than 14 guests at any one time. True castaway bliss.

More about Tanzania

Best time to visit Tanzania

The best time to visit Tanzania is when two million animals make the precarious Mara River crossing in June and July - but outside of those months you can still track the migration elsewhere in the Serengeti.

Tanzania travel guide

Tanzania plays host to some of Africa's most iconic sights: the plains of the Serengeti, the Wildebeest Migration, the snow capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the tall silhouettes of the Maasai.

Tanzania map & highlights

Our interactive map, top highlights and sample itineraries will help you plan where to go in Tanzania, and choose the best off-the-peg or tailor made holiday for you and your travel companions.

Safaris in Tanzania

An absolutely standout destination for wildlife, safaris in Tanzania take advantage of this country’s huge parks, abundant fauna and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

For a taste of true African wilderness, well away from the safari crowds, head to southern Tanzania.

Serengeti, Tanzania

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park fits most people’s idea of a classic African landscape – sweeping plains, herds of wildebeest, elephants plodding in front of silhouetted acacia trees and lions snoozing in the long grass.

Trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro

Towering over the Serengeti plains, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s tallest peak, but the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

The Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

A highlight of most northern Tanzania safari holidays, there’s nowhere quite like the Ngorongoro Crater.

The Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

A year-round movement of some 1.5 million or so wildebeest, zebra, eland and gazelle, the Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania is one of the world’s biggest wildlife spectacles.

Tanzania safari & beach holidays

Combine game drives to see the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, or a walking safari in Selous, with snorkelling over Mafia Island’s pristine coral reefs and you’ve got the ultimate Tanzanian wildlife adventure.

Travelling in Tanzania with kids

There is a whole Lion King cast of wildlife in Tanzania - with school summer holidays being one of the best times to spot the Big Five and the Wildebeest Migration.