12 Incredible Experiences in Tanzania

While many recognize Tanzania for the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, this East African gem is rich in history and wild landscapes waiting to be explored.

Across the nation, numerous national parks host Africa's largest wildlife populations. The coastal region boasts stunning islands with warm waters, revealing an underwater realm bursting with vibrant life. In the cities, architecture narrates tales of conflict, resilience, and triumph. Although a lifetime wouldn't suffice to uncover all its secrets, here’s a curated list of must-do activities in Tanzania to kickstart your adventure.

1. Experience Diving and Snorkeling in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a true African paradise, featuring warm, azure waters that caress miles of pristine white sandy beaches—it's the stuff of dreams. But don’t miss out on the wonders beneath the surface. Vibrant schools of fish, playful bottlenose and spinner dolphins, and graceful whale sharks elegantly navigate through the mesmerizing, colorful coral reefs.

Tip for planning: The waters surrounding Mnemba Island and Kizimkazi Beach are prime spots for water activities, but every beach in the archipelago presents fantastic opportunities.

2. Experience the Serengeti from a hot-air balloon

Few sights in the world compare to the enchanting view of the Serengeti's vast plains. For centuries, the Maasai people have inhabited this land, coexisting with a remarkable variety of wildlife and plant life that is truly unique.

As dawn breaks and the hot-air balloon is inflated, the sun gradually rises, illuminating the colorful clouds. Below, a diverse array of wildlife—thousands of antelope, warthogs, zebras, lions, rhinos, and elephants—begin their day in the vast landscape.

Tip for planning: The Great Migration occurs from May to September, making this an ideal location for viewing it.

3. Conquer Mt Kilimanjaro

Mt Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and a dream destination for thrill-seekers. Reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (uhuru translates to 'freedom' in KiSwahili), perched at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) on Kibo’s crater rim, is an exhilarating achievement.

Planning tips: The typical duration to reach the summit is five days, although certain paths may take longer due to the terrain, traffic, and scenic stops. There are about eight routes to Uhuru Peak, with Marangu and Rongai being the easier options. Machame, Shira, and Lemosho are more challenging, but few accomplishments can compare to standing at Africa’s highest point.

4. Enjoy a night in an underwater room near Pemba

The Manta Resort's Underwater Room is a wooden structure anchored to the ocean floor off the coast of Pemba Island. Amidst the tranquil blue waters, it seems to float effortlessly, creating a surreal experience. Rest assured, everything is securely anchored.

On the deck, bask in the sun by day and marvel at a sky full of stars at night. When you're ready, descend the stairs to a modern underwater bedroom, encased in glass walls, where you can experience the wonders of the ocean. While it comes at a cost, the anticipation of each night's adventure is exhilarating.

5. Dine at The Rock in Zanzibar

The Rock is a charming restaurant built upon a rocky foundation on the ocean floor at Michamvi's Pingwe Beach, Zanzibar. During low tide, you can stroll up the steps into this delightful spot brimming with exquisite flavors and aromas, but at high tide, it transforms into an island accessible only by boat, earning its nickname, Tidal Island.

Dining at The Rock is more than just satisfying your hunger; it elevates your culinary experience. Although European-inspired, the menu is a delightful fusion of local ingredients (seafood, fruits, and vegetables) and aromatic spices, blending Asian and African influences beautifully. The grilled lobster paired with scarab potatoes and salad is nothing short of divine.

6. Swim with whale sharks at Mafia Island

Mafia Island, often referred to as Whale Shark Island, is Tanzania’s hidden gem. Like Zanzibar, it’s part of an archipelago but lacks the heavy tourist traffic found on Unguja Island. Swimming through coral surrounded by smaller fish while observing the world’s largest fish is a memorable experience – despite their size, they are surprisingly swift.

Planning tip: Whale Shark Island is home to these gentle giants from October through March.

7. Indulge in the delights of Forodhani Night Market in Zanzibar

As the sun dips below the horizon at Forodhani Gardens, the hustle and bustle of daily life in Zanzibar slows down. In its place, chefs donning white jackets and top hats set up stalls to offer a vibrant array of Tanzania’s best street food.

The tables are brimming with falafel, tandoori chicken cutlets, nyama choma (grilled meat), sizzling skewers of octopus, fish, and other seafood, spicy samosas, and coconut bread. Don’t miss out on the Zanzibar pizza, which is essentially a fried egg omelet mixed with dough and chopped veggies. Pair your meal with refreshing sugarcane juice.

8. Ascend Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano

Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano situated in the continental rift zone of the Arusha region in Tanzania. In the past century, it has experienced 16 eruptions, and thermal activity continues. This volcano captivates geologists because it produces the coldest black lava on Earth (510°C/950°F), which solidifies into a white rock. The panoramic views from the crater rim are awe-inspiring: on clear days, you can see Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru, and the Serengeti.

Planning tip: Be cautious of the extremely steep climb, which takes around six hours to finish; many seasoned climbers have attempted this mountain, and some have not completed it.

9. Discover the history of enslavement at the Slave Market Exhibit in Zanzibar

From 1698 to 1897, Zanzibar was notorious for hosting one of the globe’s most infamous slave markets. Tippu Tip was the most notorious and affluent trader in the area, and his former residence now serves as a museum for visitors.

The Slave Market Exhibit starts with a powerful sculpture of enslaved individuals in chains—crafted from original links—by Clara Sörnäs in collaboration with students from Bagamoyo College. Following the abolition of the slave trade in 1873, missionaries constructed the Anglican Cathedral over the original market site. Visitors can now explore two of the 15 small, damp chambers that once confined enslaved people underground.

10. Experience a luxurious getaway on Thanda Island

For those ready to splurge, transform your stay off the Indian Ocean coast into an extravagant experience. Thanda is a private island focused on marine conservation, offering opportunities to swim with whale sharks, engage in deep-sea fishing, or dive in the largest protected marine reserve in the Indian Ocean.

Planning tip: Feeling extravagant? For several thousand dollars extra, you can arrange for a private helicopter to whisk you to the reserve, alongside a luxurious yacht for an idyllic ocean experience.

11. Immerse yourself in a day with the Hadzabe people

Tanzania boasts over 100 ethnic groups offering cultural tours, including the famous Maasai in the northern highlands, the Chagga in the Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru areas, and the Hehe people of Iringa in southern Tanzania. The Hadzabe people, residing by Lake Eyasi, are among the last hunter-gatherer communities in Africa, akin to the San of Southern Africa, though no direct connection is known.

Planning tip: You can arrange a cultural tour with the Hadzabe people through local accommodation providers. This experience includes participating in a game hunt, an exciting yet fulfilling activity where men seek bushmeat while women gather roots and berries. A day with them offers authentic insights into their daily life, rituals, beliefs, and ceremonies.

12. Step back in time at the Olduvai Museum

Two million years ago, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was home to some of our earliest human ancestors. The world learned of this remarkable region in 1959 when paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey uncovered hominid fossils, sparking international interest.

Located on the edge of Olduvai Gorge, the Olduvai Museum showcases crucial remnants of early life in East Africa and narrates the area's rich history. Embark on a journey filled with wonder, and be sure to see the ancient hominid footprints that are over 1.6 million years old.