Things to do in Tanzania

56 reviews

Serengeti National Park is an iconic nature reserve in Tanzania, famous for its vast tropical savanna landscapes and large-scale wildlife populations. The park is home to various large animals, including wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, lions, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. A natural phenomenon known as the "Great Migration" takes place here all year round. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles follow the fresh pastures brought by the rainy season, migrating in a clockwise cycle between the southern plains, the Western Corridor, and the northernMara River. The migrating herds stretch for dozens of km, creating a spectacular scene. At the beginning of each year, wildebeest herds gather in the southern plains to calve, with hundreds of thousands of calves born in a short period. Afterward, the herds move northwest, facing ambushes by crocodiles in the river as they cross the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor. The herds continue north to stage even more stunning river crossings along the banks of theMara River, before turning back south to complete the annual cycle. The park covers a vast area, with distinct landscapes and animal distributions in different regions. The central Seronera area has a high density of animals all year round; the southern plains have open terrain and are the core area for the calving season; the Western Corridor features a landscape of alternating rivers and woodlands; and the northernMara Riverbasin is famous for its river crossing views. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe wildlife behaviors up close, such as lion prides hunting, cheetahs chasing prey, and elephants roaming.

Tanzania · Serengeti

2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Zanzibar Island

7.4

4.8/5

104 reviews

Zanzibar Island is located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania and is known as the Spice Island due to its historical abundance of spices like cloves. Since ancient times, it has been an important transit point for African, Arab, Indian, and Persian merchants traveling across the Indian Ocean, where diverse cultures have converged and blended over centuries to form the unique Swahili culture. The island's core historical area is Stone Town, where winding, narrow coral stone alleys resemble a labyrinth, lined on both sides with intricately carved wooden doors and ancient buildings with ornate balconies. These wooden doors, known as Zanzibar doors, are carved from hardwood, with facades that blend Arab motifs and Indian spike decorations, serving as a microcosm of the multicultural fusion in Stone Town. The city is also dotted with historical landmarks such as the Old Fort and the Palace Museum. In addition to its profound history and culture, the coastline here is equally impressive. Palm-fringed white sand beaches stretch for several km, and the surrounding waters feature well-preserved coral reefs, making them popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island is also home to Jozani Forest, which is inhabited by the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, making it a great destination for travelers who enjoy natural ecosystems.

Tanzania · Kati

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mt Kilimanjaro

7.3

4.9/5

88 reviews

Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, with an elevation of approx. 5,900 m. Located in northeastern Tanzania, it consists of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Uhuru Peak on the Kibo cone is the summit of the entire mountain. This dormant volcano rises from the East African plains and is known as the "Roof of Africa." The mountain features distinct vertical climate zones from base to summit—tropical rainforest, cloud forest, heathland, and alpine desert, leading up to the ice-capped arctic zone. During the climb, you can traverse a variety of distinct natural views. The mountain is home to alpine plants unique to Kilimanjaro, such as the giant groundsels, and animals like chameleons and warthogs occasionally appear in the forests. There are seven climbing routes open to climbers, each with its own characteristics. The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is a classic route with a long history and is also a route with huts along the way, making it suitable for beginners. The Machame Route, or "Whiskey Route," is known for its diverse views and is slightly more difficult, but it is popular due to its good pace for altitude acclimatization. The Lemosho Route starts from the west side of the mountain and offers fewer crowds and beautiful views, making it suitable for those with ample time. Each route usually takes several days to complete, and altitude acclimatization is the key factor for a successful summit. The summit ice cap includes the Rebmann Glacier, Furtwängler Glacier, and others. The presence of year-round ice and snow near the equator creates a unique natural view. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the ice cap area has shrunk significantly.

Tanzania · Rombo

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater

6.9

4.5/5

4 reviews

Ngorongoro Crater is located in northern Tanzania and is one of the best-preserved large, intact volcanic craters, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The crater is approx. 19 km in diameter and is surrounded by steep walls hundreds of meters high, with the bottom forming a self-contained, closed ecosystem that is home to approx. 25,000 large wild animals year-round. It is one of the places in Africa to see the "Big Five"—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffaloes. The crater has a high density of lion prides and is also a region in Tanzania for viewing the endangered black rhino. Old bull elephants with huge tusks are often seen in the Lerai Forest, and leopards also prefer to roam in these woods. Lake Magadi in the southwest of the crater is a shallow alkaline lake; during the wet season, flocks of flamingos gather here, with the pink birds contrasting against the white alkaline lake surface. Unlike most African savanna reserves, giraffes and impalas do not live on the crater floor, which gives the animal community within the crater a unique composition. Descending to the crater floor in the early morning, animals are more active in the cool morning light. However, the crater rim is at an altitude of over 2,000 m, and there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. It feels quite cold on the crater floor in the early morning, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing.

Tanzania · Ngorongoro

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Tanzania

Tarangire National Park

6.3

10 reviews

Tarangire National Park is a classic safari destination in northern Tanzania, named after the Tarangire River that runs through the park. The river flows year-round. During the dry season, as water sources in the surrounding grasslands dry up, herds of wildlife gather along the riverbanks, making it easier to encounter animals coming to drink during game drives along the river. The park is famous for its large elephant herds and baobab tree landscapes. Herds of elephants wandering among the sturdy baobab trees create an iconic African savanna scene. Sometimes you can even see lions resting on tree branches or African rock pythons coiled in the trees. In addition to elephants, animals such as giraffes, elands, zebras, wildebeests, and olive baboons are also frequently seen in the grass and woodlands. This is also a favorite spot for birdwatchers, with hundreds of bird species such as ostriches and secretary birds inhabiting the area, adding many surprises to your safari.

Tanzania · Babati

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

5.9

1 reviews

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is located in northeastern Tanzania, and the entire park is centered around the "Roof of Africa," Mt Kilimanjaro. This snow-capped mountain, with an elevation of nearly 5,900 m, consists of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, with the main peak, Uhuru Peak, standing on the edge of the Kibo crater. Despite being located near the equator, the summit is still covered with glaciers and snow, and this spectacle of an "equatorial snow mountain" makes it a sought-after destination for hikers. Climbing is the core activity in the park. Starting from the base, you will pass through lush tropical rainforests, open alpine moorlands, and then enter the barren desert zone before reaching the frozen crater, feeling as if you have traveled from the equator to the polar region in just a few days. The park offers several well-established routes, such as Marangu, Machame, and Lemosho: the Marangu route features hut accommodation along the way and is jokingly called the "Coca-Cola route," while the Machame route is known for its diverse scenery and is called the "Whiskey route." Most groups set off in the dark in the early morning to summit, aiming to stand on the edge of the crater before sunrise to watch the sea of clouds unfold beneath their feet.

Tanzania · Rombo

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Dar es salaam

Mbudya Island

5.8

4.9/5

17 reviews

Mbudya Island is an uninhabited island off the coast north of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and is part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve along with Bongoyo Island and Pangavini Island. The island features white sand beaches on both its east and west sides, and the water is clear and turquoise. It is often compared to a mini Zanzibar near Dar es Salaam, and you can reach the island by speedboat from the northern coast of the mainland in approx. 20 minutes. Shallow coral reefs are located near the shore. At low tide, the shallows form a natural swimming pool. The water is calm and teeming with tropical fish, making it perfect for snorkeling beginners. You may have the chance to spot hawksbill turtles among the reefs, and the island is also home to large coconut crabs.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Tanzania

Stone Town

5.7

4.5/5

51 reviews

Stone Town is located on a headland jutting into the Indian Ocean on the west coast of Zanzibar Island and is a well-preserved ancient trading town on the Swahili Coast of Eastern Africa. Over a thousand years of monsoon trade have layered the cultures of Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe into this district: old houses built of coral stone, Arab stone bench terraces, and Indian carved wooden balconies with veranda-style facades often stand side by side in the same narrow alley. The old town still has hundreds of carved wooden doors, studded with brass nails and engraved with intricate patterns, known as Zanzibar doors. Walking around and looking up to spot these doors is a joy in itself when exploring Stone Town. During the day, it is perfect for wandering into the alleys, where the scent of cloves and cardamom from spice shops, the chatter of old men playing chess, and the dazzling array of craft shops make up the fabric of life in the old town; after dark, the seaside Forodhani Gardens turn into a lively open-air night market, filled with the aroma of grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.

Tanzania · Stone Town

No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

5.6

4.4/5

62 reviews

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in northern Tanzania, a vast protected area that combines volcanic landscapes, dense wildlife, and the nomadic lifestyle of the Maasai people in one place. About 2 million years ago, a massive volcano in the area erupted violently and collapsed inward, leaving behind a huge crater nearly 20 km in diameter and about 600 m deep. The crater contains meadows, swamps, springs, woodlands, and a saltwater lake, forming a nearly self-contained ecosystem, which is why it is often called the "African Eden." Tens of thousands of large animals inhabit the crater floor year-round: wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move in herds across the meadows, elephant herds are accustomed to roaming around the Lerai Forest, and lion prides, leopards, hyenas, and jackals prowl the area. With the addition of buffaloes and the rare black rhino, a single game drive offers the chance to see the "Big Five." During the dry season, water sources shrink, and animals gather around springs and swamps, making it the golden time for viewing and photography. When the water in Lake Magadi is shallow, thousands of flamingos turn the lake surface pink, a scene that photographers often wait to capture.

Tanzania · Ngorongoro

No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Tanzania

Coco Beach

5.5

4.2/5

24 reviews

Coco Beach is located on the coast of Oyster Bay in the east of Dar es Salaam and is a popular public beach in the city, as well as a traditional gathering spot for locals on weekends. Fine, soft sand stretches along the bay, lined with rows of coconut trees. Unlike resort beaches geared toward tourists, this place retains the authentic atmosphere of daily life in Tanzania: on weekends, the beach is bustling with noise and music, with locals gathering in groups to swim, play soccer, and picnic, making it as lively as an endless seaside market. The snack stalls along the beach are a signature experience here: freshly grilled meat skewers over charcoal, cassava snacks, and freshly opened coconuts. Enjoying them while feeling the sea breeze is a direct taste of the local flavor.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Tanzania

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Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma

5.4

Tanzania · Mugumu

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Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour

4.6/5

268 reviews22 booked

Departs from Nungwi

Free cancellationBook now for todayDuration: 4.5–6 hrs

FromUS$18.94

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13 days · Mombasa - Tanzania - Seychelles - - Mahe Island

14D13N • Kenya + Nairobi + Maasai Mara National Reserve + Amboseli National Park + Serengeti National Park

Explore the three major reserves of Masai Mara, Serengeti and Amboseli with multiple in-depth wildlife tracking safaris. Take a boat cruise on Lake Naivasha to visit the hippo habitats. | Unwind at two distinctive wilderness accommodations including Maranake Wilderness Lodge and Kibo Safari Tented Camp. | Get one-on-one guidance for all vaccination-related inquiries and travel with an experienced professional driver and guide.

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationPrivate Tours

From USD 9,701

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Experiences you can't miss in Tanzania

Featured Day tours in Tanzania

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Moshi sunset experience

4.9/5

· 15 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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FromUS$12.00

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Duration: 6 hrs

English

FromUS$133.17

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Lamu: Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide

Duration: 3.5 hrs

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FromUS$40.22

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Featured Food & drink in Tanzania

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Zanzibar: Nakupenda Sandbank & Prison Island Trip with Lunch

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 7 hrs

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FromUS$75.38

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Zanzibar: Jozani Forest,Red colobus,the Rock Restaurant tour

Duration: 6 hrs

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FromUS$115.00

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Zanzibar: Spice Farm & Sunset Cruise Submarine adventure Tour

Duration: 4 hrs

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FromUS$357.00

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Arusha: Sinoni Community Walking Tour with Street Food

Duration: 3 hrs

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NGO Lifted Strong - Traditional Tanzanian Cooking Class

5.0/5

· 20 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

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Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar

Duration: 150 mins

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Zanzibar Cooking Lesson with transfer

Duration: 3 hrs

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Duration: 6 hrs

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Zanzibar: Stone town and Upcycling Workshop Tour

Duration: 6 hrs

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Organic Coffee Tour and Local Food Experience in Arusha

4.6/5

· 7 reviews

Duration: 3 hrs

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FromUS$45.00

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Private Tours in Tanzania

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2D1N • Kilimanjaro 2 days Hike

5D4N • 5 Days Tanzania Join Group Safari from Arusha

7D6N • Wildebeest calving in Ndutu, Tanzania, Serengeti Ngorongoro, upgraded international-chain five-star light-luxury hotels: Four Seasons, Explorer

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

Private guide and dedicated vehicle on hand to ensure you enjoy a private and flexible safari experience. · Book early and receive a complimentary local visa for each traveler. · Choose a campsite near animal habitats for both comfort and adventure.

From USD 4,634

5D4N • 5 Days Tanzania Group Joining Safari, Tarangire/Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater

4D3N • Tanzania Zanzibar Island+Changuu Island: Dolphin Watching Cruise

EnglishGuaranteed departureTour guide includedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

Stay in a retro hotel in Stone Town's old quarter and enjoy an all-inclusive beach hotel experience. · Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar allows you to relish peaceful moments on pristine white-sand beaches. It is a remarkable holiday combining wilderness luxury and romance. · You'll receive one-on-one vaccination consultation and be accompanied by a professional driver-guide.

From USD 1,425

Group Tours in Tanzania

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10D9N • Kenya + Tanzania

Max. 6 peopleEnglishGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Mini Group

Track the Great Migration in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks. · A carefully curated cross-border journey across two East African countries. · Daily departures & guaranteed departures, with full one-stop travel concierge service throughout the journey.

From USD 11,077

5D4N • 5-Days Witnessing the Nature's Greatest Migration in Serengeti

5/5

2 reviews

From USD 1,320

4D3N • 4 Days lodge safari Tarangire , Ngorongoro crater & Walking

5/5

6 reviews

Max. 8 peopleEnglishGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Mini Group

From USD 753

6D5N • Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Tarangire National Park

A 6-day small-group safari featuring Tanzania's top highlights, including Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. · Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by a professional driver-guide with exceptional wildlife-spotting skills, traveling in a specially customized 4×4 safari vehicle in search of wildlife.

From USD 1,494

4D3N • 4 Days Lodges Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Visiting Maasai

4.8/5

18 reviews

From USD 1,629

3D2N • Arusha: 3-Day Camping Safari to Ngorongoro and Serengeti

Choose between a camping safari or lodge accommodations to suit your needs · Enjoy the convenience of a safari that departs from Arusha for flexibility · Experience the thrill of a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Park

From USD 1,914

6D5N • 6-Day Tanzania Mid-Range Lodge Safari with Meals

Discover the iconic savanna landscapes of the Serengeti National Park · Enjoy the comfort of mid-range lodges in scenic locations · Experience the thrill of a safari in the heart of the African wilderness

From USD 2,922

2D1N • 2-Day Tanzania Safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro

Max. 12 peopleEnglishNo mandatory shoppingGroup Tours

Enjoy a flying visit to 2 of Tanzania's most famous national parks · Explore the Tarangire National Park and its diverse wildlife · See the immense elephant herds that roam the savannah

From USD 1,411

Free things to do in Tanzania

Zanzibar Island

Mbudya Island

5.8

4.9/5

17 reviews

Stone Town

5.7

4.5/5

51 reviews

Tanzania · Stone Town

Coco Beach

5.5

4.2/5

24 reviews

Nakupenda Beach

Jambiani Beach

Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority - TAZARA

3.6