8 Best Things to Do in Tanzania For a Vacation
Of 195 UN-recognized countries in the world, Tanzania is the country of the Great Migration, the world’s most iconic wildlife event. Why Visit Tanzania?
Unlimited Wildlife to explore - From the Big 5 to millions of bird species.
Culture, Tradition, and festivals bring unforgettable experiences.
Beauty and landscapes the world has never seen, from the rolling plains of the Serengeti to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the attractive beaches of Zanzibar.
Visit Tanzania if you're seeking an escape from the bustle of daily life, a vacation that leaves you with unforgettable memories.
In this article, I share my top 8 things to do in Tanzania for a vacation like no other.
1. Witness the Great Migration - Serengeti National Park -
The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on Earth. When most people think of Tanzania, they think of the Great Migration.
Millions of wildebeest and zebras embark on a dramatic journey across the savannah, pursued by predators, creating a riveting natural drama.
You can’t miss it! You’d feel like you’re watching a classic National Geography Movie, so entertaining, scary, and frightening, but also exciting and breathtaking.
There’s nothing quite like the Great Migration in Tanzania.
About the Serengeti
The Serengeti is the most visited National park in Tanzania, with nearly half a million tourists from around the world every year. And they all come here to witness this Great Migration.
The Great Migration is one of the must-visit places in East Africa. Here’s why:
The sheer scale of the migration is awe-inspiring.
Witnessing predator-prey interactions in their natural habitat is a unique experience.
It's a wildlife spectacle you'll remember for a lifetime.
The vast plains of Serengeti are the epicenter of this phenomenon, especially around Seronera, Ndutu, and Lobo.
The park's history dates back to 1951 when it was officially established to protect the unique ecosystem.
Tips for a great experience:
Visit during the dry season (July to October) for the best chances to witness the migration.
Hire a knowledgeable guide to maximize your wildlife encounters.
2. Fly to Zanzibar for Incredible Spice farm tours.
Zanzibar puts Tanzania on the map. The city was recently named among the top 3 most beautiful cities in Africa by a famous US magazine.
Millions of tourists visit Zanzibar every year to enjoy spice farm tours, scuba diving and snorkeling excursions, Zanzibari food, and stone town explorations. Zanzibar is among the safest places for tourists, in Tanzania and in Africa.
The Zanzibar archipelago has a wild reputation for its beautiful Waters of the Indian Ocean and Spice-Infused Culture. Ever heard the story of the Indians and spice trade in World history?
Zanzibar gets its nickname: “spice town” from the huge East African spice transactions carried out here many years ago.
The history of the region is interwoven with the spice trade and a cultural melting pot that includes Arab, Indian, and African influences.
So if you’re a foodie, I can’t think of a better place on earth than Zanzibar, to discover first-hand, some of the world’s best spices, from the largest spice farms on the continent of Africa.
A 2-hour spice farm tour in Zanzibar, with a tour guide, seeing happy and welcoming farmers, participating in cooking exhibitions, and shopping for your own spices is the highlight of any Tanzanian vacation.
Getting a first-hand taste of the almighty East African foods and spices is always worth the trip.
But away from food, Zanzibar's beaches and unique marine life make it a competitive site for beach vacations or scuba diving adventures.
Here’s everything you need to know about scuba diving in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Top places for beach vacations:
Nungwi and Kendwa beaches offer some of the most beautiful coastal scenery.
What do do here?
Try the local seafood,
explore the historic Stone Town,
Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters to discover colorful marine life.
The best time to visit Zanzibar for spice tours is during the dry season from June to October.
Consider learning a few Swahili language phrases to better bond with the people and culture.
3. Scuba diving away from the Crowds - Pemba Island
After 40+ years of scuba diving around the world, I couldn’t think of a better place to go on a memorable scuba diving adventure.
Pemba Island Tanzania is a hidden gem for scuba enthusiasts, often called the little sister to Zanzibar, or better still, Zanzibar’s hidden jewel.
This is because although Pemba Island is among the most competitive scuba diving destinations in Africa, it is still gaining popularity, with a few hundred dive excursions every year.
On Pemba Island, you can expect to meet Africa’s purest and clearest waters, pristine coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
Top places: Dive sites like Misali Island and Fundu Gap are a paradise for divers and are quickly becoming among the best diving destinations in the world for curious divers.
Pemba Island has a rich history dating back to the 6th century and was a hub for trading spices and precious goods.
Tips: Dive in Pemba with a local guide who knows the waters intimately, and don't miss the opportunity to explore underwater caves and dramatic drop-offs.
Eager to learn more about Pemba Island for your next vacation, we’re happy to give you personalized guidance to help you plan your trip.
Contact us today to talk to one of our expert tour guides to get help with planning your trip to Tanzania.
Pemba Island and Zanzibar are pretty close Islands and both have something unique to offer scuba divers, based on preference. Find out which of these Islands is best for you, from our ultimate Zanzibar Vs. Pemba Island comparison.
4. Conquer The Roof of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro -
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure of a lifetime. There are few places on earth that provide such awe and inexplicable connection with nature.
This dormant volcano, Africa's tallest peak, offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment like no other.
Top places to explore: Begin your trek from Moshi or Arusha and choose from various routes, including the Machame and Marangu routes.
Tips:
Acclimatize properly,
Choose a reputable tour operator,
Pack well to stay warm on the summit night.
5. Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Witness the Crater's Splendor
Ready for a knowledge trip to Africa?
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera formed over 2 million years ago when a large volcano collapsed on itself. This means that it is a massive crater that has not collapsed or filled with water.
The crater is 19 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter and 610 meters (2000 feet) deep.
The uniqueness of the Ngorongoro Crater is the density of wildlife in the region. It hosts over 25,000 animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo.
Visitors to the Ngorongoro Crater have a very good chance of seeing a wide variety of animals on their safari.
The Ngorongoro Crater is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crater has been inhabited by humans for over 2 million years, and there are many archaeological sites in the area.
Visitors to the Ngorongoro Crater can learn about the history of human habitation in the crater at the Olduvai Gorge Museum.
Tips: Hire a knowledgeable guide to spot the Big Five and other rare species, and don't forget your binoculars.
6. Explore the Baobab Landscape - Tarangire National Park
If you’re in Tanzania, do yourself a favor and visit Tarangire Park. It is truly an Oasis of Wildlife and Baobabs.
Baobabs are nicknamed the “tree of life” because they keep an entire ecosystem in place. The baobabs of Tarangire Park are not just shelters for animals, they’re a magnet for tourists around the world.
It’s such a beautiful sight. You’ll see thousands of these trees flooded with wildlife. It’s beautiful.
Tarangire National Park is a proud host of Tanzania's largest elephant herds and a breathtaking landscape dotted with iconic baobab trees. The Tarangire River is the lifeblood of this park, and it's where you'll find the most wildlife.
The park was established in 1970 and is part of Tanzania's conservation efforts.
Speaking of history, here are 10 other fun facts about Tanzania that will shock you.
Tips: The best time to visit Tanzania for adventure is during the dry season (June to October) for the best wildlife viewing, and embark on a guided walking safari for a different perspective.
7. Experience Tree-Climbing Lions - Lake Manyara
If you asked a child if a lion is a tree-climbing animal, they’d say NO. If you’d love for your kids to experience real tree-climbing lions, book a family vacation to Lake Manyara National Park.
Lake Manyara is one of the few places in the world where you can see tree-climbing lions. These lions have adapted to climb trees to escape the heat and to ambush prey.
It’s not just the jungle’s king that awaits you. The Manyara Park is a birdwatcher's dream, home to an incredible diversity of bird species against the backdrop of the Great Rift Valley.
Birdwatching enthusiasts should head to the lake's shores and the groundwater forest.
Tips: Bring your binoculars and a bird guidebook to identify the countless species you'll encounter.
The park is heavily guarded by a sophisticated security team, both for your and the animal’s safety. Tanzania and all it’s national parks are safe to visit.
And if you’re a woman passionate about solo travel in Africa, you should know that Tanzania is ranked one of the safest countries on the continent for female solo tourists.
8. Experience Wilderness in Solitude - Ruaha National Park
If you’re really passionate about wildlife, Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park will give you the time of your life. There are few places on earth that have more wildlife than Ruaha.
Ruaha is home to the largest concentration of elephants in East Africa, with an estimated population of over 10,000. 1/10th of the world's lion population roams the wilderness of Ruaha, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and hippos.
The park was officially gazetted in 1964 and is named after the Great Ruaha River.
For a limitless Safari adventure, drive for miles and miles around the vast wilderness of the Ruaha National Park. Enjoy remarkable wildlife encounters.
Tips: Visit during the dry season (June to November) for optimal wildlife spotting, and opt for a walking safari to truly immerse yourself in the wilderness.
Eager to visit Tanzania? We’re happy to help you plan your trip. Contact us today for any help and guidance on how to get started.
Conclusion
There you have it, 8 must-do activities in Tanzania for your vacation this year. Chase the drama of the Great Migration, explore underwater worlds through scuba diving on Pemba Island, or conquer the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Don't wait – start planning your Tanzanian adventure today and experience the magic for yourself!
