Activities to do in Tanzania

Activities of a variety can be carried out during safaris across the many destinations in Tanzania. These activities can be done solo, as part of a group safari or as a private safari. Families can also visit Tanzania and still find many activities to choose from around destinations in the country. The cost varies for the activities carried out in Tanzania and some of these prices especially for activities carried out in national parks, the prices are determined by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). The activities which carried out as part of day excursions during safaris in Tanzania can cost around 5 USD or more depending on the activity.

The duration of the activities in Tanzania also varies during safaris and can range from 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours and more. Some activities can go for as long as a whole day during safaris in Tanzania. Activities to do in Tanzania include the following;

1. Game drives

Game drives are the highlights of wildlife safaris around the national parks in Tanzania and they are carried out at different times of the day including the morning, afternoon and also in the night in some destinations. The type of vehicles used during game drives in Tanzania are 4×4 safari vehicles which have open roofs where tourists can see wildlife species in the national parks as they drive around the destinations. The best time for wildlife viewing during game drives is in the dry season around June to October and also around December, January and February. During the dry season wildlife species are easy to see especially around the water points. Night game drives in Tanzania involve searching for nocturnal animals and some of the destinations where night game drives are carried out during safaris in Tanzania include Lake Manyara national park, Ruaha national park, Tarangire national park, Katavi national park, Burigi Chato national park and also in Mikumi national park. This activity takes about 2 to 3 hours and is done with ranger guides. Wildlife species which can be seen during game drives in Tanzania include wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, impalas, kudu, waterbucks, hippos, giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hartebeests, gazelles, hyenas, elephants, rhinos among others.

 

2. Hot air balloon safaris

Another activity to do in Tanzania during safaris is the hot air balloon experience which is an activity that involves flying in hot air balloons. The hot air balloon safaris in Tanzania are carried out in destinations such as Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro conservation area, Tarangire national park, Nyerere national park, Ruaha national park among others. The price of the hot air balloon safari is about 600 USD inclusive of park fees, transportation fees to and from the landing point. The hot air balloon safaris in Tanzania start as early as 05:00 am and starts with a briefing done by the pilots. Passengers after the hot air balloon safari enjoy English breakfast and drinks in the wilderness and can continue with other activities after this.

3. Hiking tours

Hiking is another popular activity to do in Tanzania which has many destinations that this activity is carried out including the highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is a place which is added to many tourists lists during their visits to Tanzania. This mountain is located in the northern part of the country and the different routes used during hikes on Mount Kilimanjaro include Machame route, Marangu route, Rongai route, Shira route, Umbwe route and Lemosho route. The highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro is the Uhuru peak at 5895 meters and it takes about 6 days to get to the summit depending on the route used for hiking. Another hiking destination in Tanzania is Mount Meru which is located in Arusha national park. The route which is used for hiking on this mountain is the Momella route. The number of days for hiking to the summit of Mount Meru is 4 days. Other destinations where hiking in Tanzania is carried out include Ol donyo lengai, Ol moti crater, Empakaai crater, Usambara mountains among others. Day tours can be done to these different hiking destinations in Tanzania and some tourists visit the places to just view the mountains which is also a wholesome experience.

4. Cultural tours

What better way to see how the locals live their daily lives than a cultural tour round the different communities of Tanzania. There are a variety of tribes in Tanzania and some of the ones that tourists like to interact with during their safaris in the country include the Maasai, the Hadzabe and the Datoga among others. The cultural tours involve interactions with the locals, getting to know more about their culture and traditions, participating in traditional dances, trying out local foods, visiting the homesteads among others.

5. Bird watching

There are many destinations in Tanzania where birds can be seen during safaris around the country. The best time to engage in bird watching tours in Tanzania is during the months around November to April when migrant birds can also be seen in the country.

6. Canoe or boat rides

There are many destinations in Tanzania for canoe safaris or boat rides and the country has many water bodies such as the Indian ocean, Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Manyara, Momella lakes, Lake Duluti among others. Zanzibar is another place for boat rides and it can also be accessed by ferry. The boat rides usually take about 2 to 3 hours.

7. Beach holidays

Zanzibar island is the destination in Tanzania where beach holidays are popular throughout the year. The island is located on the Indian ocean and is known for its white sand beaches and beautiful resorts and hotels. A number of activities can be carried out during beach holidays in Zanzibar and they include dhow rides, scuba diving, snorkeling, safari blue tours, dolphin tours, stone town tours, spice tours among others.

8. Nature walks

Guided nature walks can also be done during tours in Tanzania and they involve exploring destinations on foot. Destinations where the nature walks are carried out include Ruaha national park. Nyerere national park, Lake Manyara national park, Tarangire national park, Serengeti national park, Arusha national park among others. The activity takes about 3 to 4 hours and is carried out in the company of ranger guides especially in national parks. There are many other activities to do around Tanzania during safaris throughout the year.