Tanzania is a popular destination among tourists looking to explore more of Africa and for good reasons. This East African Gem is home to some of the most infamous safaris—a tourist activity Africa is popularly known for—yet still has so much more installed for tourists and travelers.
If you’re wondering what these touristy and fun things to do in Tanzania are, then you’re reading the right blog post. If you’re still undecided, may I be so bold as to recommend you start with our blog post on the best places to visit in Africa?
Still here? Great! Let’s talk about the 10 incredibly fun things you can do in Tanzania during your visit.
Top 10 Things To Do In Tanzania
1. Visit Mafia Island
Mafia Island is one of the most popular islands in Zanzibar, Tanzania, particularly among, Scuba divers, birdwatchers, and game fishermen. You can choose to go snorkeling and see the world’s biggest fish swim while enjoying a swim with the smaller fish and exploring its diverse coral reefs.
It’s said that Mafia Island has some of the best and most diverse corals in the world—while I haven’t visited every single place before, I can say for a fact that it’s pretty impressive.
Beyond the underwater activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, you can go kayaking, sport fishing, or exploring historical sites. You could also choose to visit villages around the island or even walk the natural trail and enjoy birdwatching.
Exploring Mafia island is definitely a fun thing to do in Tanzania and should be at the top of your list when visiting. The best time to travel is somewhere between June and July or late September and October when the weather is quite dry and sunny. But that’s not to say you won’t enjoy your visit any time of the year. It’s an all-year-round fun place to visit in Tanzania.
To get to Mafia Island, all you have to do is book either a flight or ferry from Zanzibar to the island. A ferry should take about 3 hours, and let you enjoy a peaceful ride, but a flight is shorter, almost half the time, but then, you just might not get the same view as a ferry.
2. Visit Stone Town
Zanzibar is known for popular activities like snorkeling and diving. But personally, if you’ve got Mafia Island for all that, why not just see something Mafia Island doesn’t have? The former capital of the Zanzibar sultanate, a popular spice market, and the former main slave-trading port in the whole of East Africa, Stone Town.
Stone Town is one of the oldest cities in Zanzibar and home to some impressive, fun, and cheap things to do in Tanzania as a whole, like visiting the Old Fort whose history is pretty impressive. From an Arab fort to a prison, barrack, garrison, and many more.
Visiting Stone Town is a must-do thing for any tourist looking to explore the history and culture of Zanzibar. Besides the Old Fort, you can explore the infamous spice market, Christ Church Cathedral, and Prison Island.
P.S.: Stone Town is heavily influenced by Muslim culture, so make sure to dress accordingly to avoid any ill experiences.
3. Hike to The Summit of Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the tallest mountains in Africa and a popular tourist destination for hiking. While it might not be as challenging as the Himalayas and Andes, the low temperature and occasional high wind can make it a difficult and thrilling trek for hikers.
It’s considered one of the seven summits in the world, and the easiest to climb, so even if you’re an inexperienced hiker, reaching the summit can be your first step to exploring other summits. Beyond just hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, you can explore the surrounding national park and enjoy a blissful safari.
Hiking to the summit of Kilimanjaro is one of the top things to do in Tanzania as a tourist to get the full experience.
4. Climb The Ol Doinya Lengai
To the Maasai people of Tanzania, the Ol Doinya Lengai mountain is considered the mountain of God and is a sacred mountain where they go to make sacrifices and worship. The Ol Doinya Lengai is an active volcano in northern Tanzania with an elevation of 9442 feet.
The climb to the summit of Ol Doinya Lengai, might not be very easy if you’re a new mountaineer, especially during the steep descent into the summit. But the view from the top is always worth the effort. On a good day, you can get a view of the Serengeti, Mount Meru, and Kilimanjaro. The most beautiful fact about The Ol Doinya Lengai is how the view can change week by week. On some weeks, it can be empty and on other days, the active volcano might have a lava cone forming.
5. See Serengeti From Hot Air Ballon
Serengeti is beautiful from the ground, but you know what’s even more beautiful than exploring from the ground? Seeing it from a hot air balloon. The view from the hot air balloon is one of the most incredible things you’d experience during your trip to Tanzania and in my book, is a must-do thing for any visitor. For approximately $600 or less, you get breakfast under the acacia trees and get to see the beautiful scenery and animals in the Serengeti National Park.
6. Lake Manyara National Park
From the famous tree-climbing lions to different species of birds, Lake Manyara National Park is one of the best places to visit in Tanzania. The area covers approximately 127.4 square miles with some of the most scenic landscapes.
The most interesting part of Lake Manyara National Park is the alkaline Lake Manyara which is a must-see. The lake attracts thousands of flamingos and other bird species, creating a magical landscape that is nothing short of breathtaking.
Visiting Lake Manyara National Park is a thing to do in Tanzania.
7. Swim in Kuza Cave Pool
Kuza Cave is an ancient limestone cave in Jambiani Zanzibar with beautiful crystal-clear turquoise water. The pool is about 3 meters deep but has some deeper chambers as you go. It’s considered an underground Oasis which might not be far from what it is. Beyond just taking a relaxing swim in its pool, you can take Swahili cooking and dancing lessons, view artifacts of the ancient Tanzanian people, and learn more about the different cultures.
A swim in this large pool is definitely a top thing to do in Tanzania.
PS: The area is a sanctuary for wildlife like monkeys, birds, butterflies, and bush babies.
8. Tour Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam might not be the capital of Tanzania but is an important metropolitan city in Tanzania. It offers a perfect blend of modernity, history, and cultural experience. One of the highlights of Dar es Salaam is the countless stunning beaches. Like Coco Beach which is a popular place to go and relax and Mbudya Island for snorkeling or just enjoying a beach day.
You could also enjoy the local life of the people by visiting the Kivukoni fish market.
Exploring Dar es Salaam should go on your list of fun things to do in Tanzania.
9. Diving and Snorkeling in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is known for beautiful beaches and islands that rival both Mauritius and the Maldives. The Mnemba Atoll is a perfect place to go diving to see dolphins, sea turtles, and reef sharks. It’s the only protected marine reserve on the island and a perfect spot for anyone looking to partake in these activities. There are other places to go diving in Zanzibar that might work as well.
Diving and snorkeling in Zanzibar is a must-do activity for anyone looking for an underwater adventure.
10. Safari
There is no visit to an African country without exploring its safaris. Tanzania is no exception. If you’re looking for the best things to do without safari, then you already have nine from my list. But in my opinion, you need to take a Safari tour.
Tanzania is world-renowned for incredible wildlife and Safari experiences. It’s home to numerous national parks, some of which I already included on this list, and many more like the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Arusha National Park. Exploring Tanzania’s national parks can be an amazing experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
Conclusion
Tanzania is blessed with some of the most beautiful scenes, popular cities like Dar es Salaam and historical sites like the Old Fort makes Tanzania a perfect African Gem to explore. It has everything you need for almost all kinds of travelers. From beach lovers to mountaineers and history lovers. The things to do in Tanzania are just endless.
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