10 Top Things to See and Do in Tanzania

Even those who have experienced a wildlife safari before should not miss the opportunity for a fabulous game drive. There are plenty of parks and reserves to choose from, ranging from the world-renowned Serengeti, to pretty Tarangire, and the small but beautiful Arusha National Park. While all offer scores of wildlife, Tarangire is most often chosen for its large elephant populations, while Arusha features exquisite scenery that is second to none. The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Serengeti is, of course, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, famed for its large populations of predators and annual wildebeest and zebra migration.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Arusha National Park, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater is a magnificent ancient volcanic caldera that teems with wildlife and verdant vegetation. Here, visitors can enjoy a classic ‘Big Five’ safari experience as game-viewing is plentiful and easy. The crater has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to hold one of the largest densities of mammals in Africa. A variety of flora can be found within its compact area that attracts an enormous diversity of game; the only exceptions being giraffe and impala that are thought to not frequent the crater due to the lack of open woodlands on which to graze.

The Maasai are a semi-nomadic tribe, among the original inhabitants of Northern Tanzania, who have lived in the Serengeti according to traditional customs for thousands of years. They are a proud warrior race that is often admired for their striking looks, dramatic red clothes and beautiful beaded jewellery. A cultural trip into their lives will reveal all sorts of interesting facts, such as the legends of the Maasai warriors and why ritual song and dance are so important to the tribe. Make sure you book a visit through a reputable establishment to ensure an authentic tribal experience.

The Zanzibar archipelago is located within the calm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Tanzania. It is a region that has seemingly stood still in time where colourful, quaint villages mingle with aromatic spice markets, old architecture, fishing boats, rice plantations and gorgeous sandy beaches. Its tropical climate means that just about every day is a beach day with the reefs around the island ideal for snorkelling and a large variety of watersports. Swim with dolphins, explore rustic fish markets and admire the history of the eclectic melting pot that is Zanzibar.

One of the most unique and breathtaking ways of uncovering the panoramic beauty of Tanzania is by taking to the skies in a hot-air balloon. These fabulous trips usually take place at dawn when the air is still and the soft light of a new day pans over the plains, boasting quintessential images of Africa that simply cannot be matched. The aerial tour allows you to truly comprehend the size of the animal herds that graze the savannah plains, and photographic opportunities from this vantage point are absolutely amazing. End the trip with a Champagne breakfast for an extra special touch.

Rated as one of the world’s most spectacular natural events, the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti is one show not to miss. The annual event sees millions of wildebeest and zebra, followed by antelope, and, of course predators, migrate in a clockwise direction around the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. Rainfall patterns dictate exactly when the migration will take place, but the action usually starts hotting up in May. It reaches its peak in July when the animals risk their lives and put themselves at the mercy of thousands of Nile crocodiles in order to cross rivers and get to the rich grazing in the northern Serengeti.