10 Best Things to Do in Tanzania

By Africa Exotic Holidays

June 17, 2025

There’s something so beautiful about Tanzania that it feels almost timeless. While many people first hear about the country through the dramatic images of the Great Migration, that’s only a small part of what this East African nation holds.  Beyond these, there are so many other popular Things to Do in Tanzania.

The more you explore this country, you realise its richness. Starting from feeling the morning chill on a game drive to the silence at Kilimanjaro’s summit, the list of activities you can take part in Tanzania is endless.  Our Safari Tours in Tanzania would also take you to the coastal islands of Zanzibar, where you’ll get a taste of fresh seafood.  

Tanzania is a country of grand landscapes and wild beauty. And while it would take years to see the entire country, here are 10 Best Things to Do in Tanzania, each of which offers a glimpse into why this country captures the attention of safari lovers from all over the world.

1. See the Serengeti from a Hot Air Balloon

The only way to understand how big Serengeti National Park is to see it from above. As the sun rises, start your day by floating peacefully over the wide-open plains in a hot-air balloon. You’ll be viewing groups of antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, and elephants from a bird-eye perspective.

• From May through September, millions of animals make their way across the plains during the Great Migration. Taking a hot air balloon safari will help you watch the migration from a very different perspective.
• Balloon rides generally begin at dawn. You’ll get the best light and wildlife viewing opportunities around this time.
• Be sure to book in advance, as this is one of the most popular Tanzania Safari Experiences during the peak season.

The view from the sky gives a peaceful and almost surreal perspective of one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles.

2. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

They say every mountain has a story, but Mount Kilimanjaro feels more like a dream written into the sky. Rising 5,895 meters above Tanzania, this towering giant has pulled in adventurers from every corner of the world. For some, it’s a test of endurance. For others, it’s a box on the bucket list. But for everyone who reaches Uhuru Peak, it becomes a memory that never fades — standing at the roof of Africa, with nothing but clouds below.

The climb offers many paths:

• The Marangu and Rongai routes draw those looking for a steady, manageable journey.
• The Machame, Shira, and Lemosho routes wind through wild, breathtaking scenery but demand more effort.
• Treks generally take 5 to 9 days, depending on the chosen route and pace.

Most travellers trust experienced guides and book Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages with experienced tour operators to handle logistics, safety, and altitude adjustments.

3. Explore the Wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater

It’s like you’ve entered a secret universe when you travel into the Ngorongoro Crater. A volcano erupted a long time ago and formed this caldera. Some of the most diversified wildlife populations in all of Africa currently live on its steep walls.
You can see grasslands all around you, and something is always moving. Lions repose in the shade, elephants stroll gently over the broad space, and the zebra and buffalo herds cross calmly.

• Lake Magadi is in the middle. It is where the flamingos gather, making the lake pink.
• To see the Big Five, get up early in the morning. That’s when the animals are most busy and the light is soft.
• You will see the Maasai people still live high up and let their cattle graze along the edge of the crater, just like they have for generations.

In Ngorongoro Crater, you can see an entire environment all in one place. People, animals, and plants all live together on the land, which is still not common in many places around the world.

4. Ascend Ol Doinyo Lengai, also known as “The Mountain of God”

Ol Doinyo Lengai has an eerie quality. From the Rift Valley, its steep slopes rise swiftly, and it stands alone as a peak over the vast fields. The Maasai nickname it the “Mountain of God,” and you can see why. Unlike other volcanoes, its lava flows out thinly and swiftly. When it cools, it makes weird white formations that look like they belong in a different world. It feels like walking on frozen snow.

• It’s not easy to climb. It can take up to six hours to get to the top because it’s very steep and hard at times.
• Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and the faraway Serengeti are just a few of the beautiful sights you can see from the top.
• Scientists are still fascinated by the mountain’s unique, low-temperature lava flows that move and change all the time.

For people who like to be challenged, climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai is a wild and powerful experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

5. Visit Olduvai Gorge, the Cradle of Mankind

Long before safaris were even a thing, this part of Tanzania was home to some of the oldest people in the world. At Olduvai Gorge, you can walk in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors. Few activities you can do at Olduvai Gorge include:

• Visit the Olduvai Museum, which highlights notable discoveries made by paleoanthropologists like as Mary Leakey.
• See hominid footprints that are believed to be 1.6 million years old.
• Discover fossils that date back nearly two million years.

This is not only one of the most popular tourist Destinations In Tanzania, but it is also considered to be one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.

6. Experience Safaris in the Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is often overlooked, but it offers a less crowded and more personal safari experience than its more famous neighbours.

• It is famous for its vast elephant herds and towering baobab trees.
• Home to more than 500 different species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
• You can participate in walking safaris in Tarangire. They provide people with a more intimate opportunity to explore the natural world.

The best time to go is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. That’s when animals gather around the Tarangire River. People who want a peaceful addition to their private safari in Tanzania will find that Tarangire lives up to their expectations.

7. Discover Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a very tiny park in comparison to many of its neighbouring parks in the northern safari circuit. Nonetheless, it manages to pack an enormous variety into its limited space.

• It is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Yes, lions who climb trees. This phenomenon is rare and visible only in Lake Manyara.
• Travellers come to see thousands of flamingos make a pink blanket across the lake.
• Hippos, elephants, and innumerable birds live in its marshes and woods.

Those who are trying to see as much as they can in a short amount of time will find Lake Manyara to be an ideal stop because it is simple to incorporate into safari excursions that travel along the northern circuit in Tanzania.

8. Snorkel and Dive in Zanzibar

After you have finished your safari, you should travel to the east to the coast, where you can find Zanzibar beach vacations that offer an entirely different kind of excitement. You’ll see that coral reefs that are brimming with life can be found hidden among the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

• Dive or snorkel around Mnemba Island and Kizimkazi Beach to witness dolphins, colourful fish, and whale sharks.
• Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters.
• Watch traditional dhow boats sail over the horizon at sunset.

When it comes to Tanzania Travel Activities, Zanzibar’s seas offer some of the best opportunities for those who are interested in discovering life below the waves.

9. Sleep Beneath the Sea on Pemba Island

One can have a truly one-of-a-kind experience by travelling to Pemba Island, where the Underwater Room at the Manta Resort offers the opportunity to sleep within the water. This floating wooden construction provides a one-of-a-kind lodging experience, as it is located off the coast:

• The upper deck is great for sunbathing and stargazing.
• Below deck, glass walls expose the surrounding marine life 24 hours a day.
• The room lies anchored on the ocean floor, giving a calm, private world beneath the surface.

No Tanzania Luxury Safari Itinerary would be complete without this experience, despite the fact that it is not inexpensive.

10. Swim with Whale Sharks on Mafia Island

Swimming with whale sharks off Mafia Island is one of the most amazing Things to Do in Tanzania. It’s something you don’t get to do very often. This secluded island is far away from the bustle of Zanzibar. The water is pristine, and the world’s biggest fish (whale sharks) swim by in peace. As you float next to them, surrounded by schools of smaller fish, it feels like you’re in a dream—a serene, weightless meeting with one of the ocean’s genuine giants.

• Here, you may swim with whale sharks in a way that feels natural and close.
• The best time to see whale sharks is from October to March, when they come close to the island.
• Even though they are very big, these lovely animals are not dangerous to swimmers.

This uncommon marine adventure is a great way to add some excitement to any safari or beach trip in Tanzania.

A Taste of Tanzania’s Best!

Now that you’ve had a glimpse into Tanzania’s best, what’s left is to experience it for yourself. Some places speak through their landscapes, others through the quiet moments you didn’t expect — Tanzania offers both.

When you’re ready to turn plans into memories, Africa Exotic Holidays is here to craft your journey with care, local knowledge, and the freedom to explore Tanzania in a way that feels entirely your own.