Top 18 Must-See Attractions in Tanzania for Your Dream Vacation

Things to do in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of our favorite countries in all of Africa. People welcome you with open arms yelling “Jambo,” and everyone always seems to have a huge smile on their face. The landscape is lush and beautiful, the energy is vibrant and exciting, and the wildlife is second to none.

1. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Our number one pick for adventure in Tanzania is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. To climb to the roof of Africa to Uhuru Peak and look out over the Furtwängler Glacier is an awe-inspiring sight.

Climbing the Machame Route gives you an extra day to acclimate to the elevation, and it is considered the most scenic route. You will have an excellent chance of reaching the summit of one of the most famous climbs on earth. At 5895 meters, it is a feat to be proud of when you reach the summit. Don’t miss this trek of a lifetime.

Hot Tip: Choose an experienced provider in Moshi, such as Kessey Brothers, who we found exceptional.

2. Safari in the Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is Africa’s number one wildlife destination, and with good reason! Each year, over a million wildebeest migrate over its great plains alongside thousands of other herbivores during the Great Migration. Besides wildebeest, you’ll also catch sight of impalas, gazelles, and zebras roaming freely among the Big Five as they traverse between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in neighboring Kenya.

Moreover, don’t limit yourself to migration season. Visiting the Serengeti provides amazing wildlife viewing year-round, where you can spy lions, cheetahs, elephants, and leopards living in their natural habitats on the vast African plains.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as one of the greatest places globally to view wildlife in their natural habitat.

3. Scuba Dive in Zanzibar

No trip is complete without island time, and Zanzibar is paradise on earth. This beautiful island, located in the Indian Ocean, is surrounded by turquoise waters just waiting to welcome you.

This spice island is stunning above the surface with its white sand beaches and equally beautiful below with exceptional diving opportunities. Considered to have the best diving on the entire east coast of Africa, snorkelers will be equally pleased. Make your way to the north of the island to Nungwoi and snorkel only 800 meters off the coast at the Kendwa Reef.

4. Explore the Beaches of Zanzibar

Zanzibar boasts some of the most beautiful beaches globally. While visiting Stone Town showcases a taste of old Arabia, the beaches transport you to paradise. Notable beaches include Nungwi, Paje, Jambiani, and Matemwe.

5. Stone Town – Birthplace of Freddie Mercury

Zanzibar is famous for its beaches and turquoise water, but walking around Stone Town makes for an interesting day. Freddie Mercury of Queen was born in Zanzibar, and visiting his house door and Mercury’s bar for a drink was a personal highlight. However, Stone Town offers much more than just this attraction.

Once the hub of the spice trade and a dark chapter in the history of the slave trade, walking through the narrow alleyways allows you to admire the famous Zanzibar doors, breathe in the aromas of spices, and visit the old fort and night markets.

Hot tip: Stone Town’s maze-like streets can get very hot. Choose accommodation on the waterfront to keep cool.

6. Gombe Stream National Park

Located on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream is a protected area made famous by Jane Goodall. Hire a guide to take you trekking to see the famous chimpanzees of the area, where sightings are almost guaranteed.

Besides chimpanzees, you’ll also encounter olive baboons, red colobus, redtail, and blue monkeys.

7. Marvel at the Rift Valley

The Great Rift Valley spans from Lebanon all the way through Africa, cutting through Tanzania before ending in Mozambique. It is a breathtaking expanse in Tanzania that encompasses the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti.

Consider staying at the Kilimamoja Lodge for a stunning view of this massive valley.

8. Visit the Iraqw Village

The Iraqw Village, located near the town of Karatu close to the Ngorongoro Crater, was a highlight during our Tanzania visit. This tribe, originating from Ethiopia, warmly opens its doors to tourists to share about their customs, language, and way of life. If you’re considering visiting one village in Tanzania, make it this one!

9. Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai Gorge)

Oldupai Gorge is often referred to as the cradle of civilization. In the 1970s, Mary and Louis Leakey discovered the existence of the first human species dating back 3 million years, establishing that humans evolved in Africa.

10. Take a Balloon Safari

If you’re up for a splurge, taking a hot air balloon over the Serengeti Plains is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Glimpse wildlife from above and enjoy an adventurous flight across Africa. Balloon flights culminate with champagne and breakfast, setting you up for a fantastic day!

Prepare to spend upwards of $600 for a balloon safari over the Serengeti, but it’s worth every penny for this unique experience.

11. Tarangire National Park

While it may not be the largest or most famous park in Tanzania, Tarangire National Park packs a punch with its unique animal encounters. From ostriches mating to lions perched in trees, Tarangire is an excellent location to spot diverse African animals.

By staying at the Sopa Lodge inside the park, you can gaze over the plains, witnessing wildlife at sunrise and sunset.

12. Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world not submerged in water, harboring around 45,000 animals living harmoniously. Visiting this crater allows for an amazing experience as you watch wildlife flourish within the volcano. Within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, you can glimpse massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, impalas, buffalos, and elephants roaming the stunning landscape. You’ll likely spot a lion or two, and if you’re lucky, a rhino may also cross your path.

13. Visit a Maasai Village

A trip to East Africa wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a Maasai tribe. The original nomads and Maasai warriors will welcome you into their villages, showcasing their fire-making skills and performing traditional dances.

Their melodic voices will captivate you, and you won’t be able to resist purchasing a souvenir as a memento of your encounter.

Be prepared: The Maasai have been conducting tours for decades, mastering the art of negotiation. They may quote high prices, but you can always barter.

14. Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, which serves as the source of the White Nile, is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior. Bordered by Kenya and Uganda, this stunning lake should be added to your itinerary when visiting Tanzania.

Although one of the least visited locations in Tanzania, you can take boat trips and enjoy exceptional bird watching along its shores. A recommended boat tour is the journey between Bukoba and Mwanza on the MV Victoria.

15. Lake Manyara National Park

For a premier bird watching destination, Lake Manyara is the place to be. This alkaline lake is renowned for its incredible pink flamingo population. However, in addition to thousands of migrating flamingoes, you can also observe storks, kingfishers, and eagles. It’s not just a bird sanctuary; we were captivated by the baboon colony moving en masse and the picturesque giraffes reflected in the water.

16. Arusha Cultural Centre

Located in Arusha, this cultural center is a new attraction showcasing African art and paintings. It offers a fascinating journey through African culture in a tranquil setting. Sip cappuccinos on the terrace or browse the various gift shops.

17. Shanga Village

Located in Arusha, Shanga Village is a project supporting individuals with disabilities as they refine their skills in arts and crafts. The workshop allows visitors to witness artisans at work while learning how they create glass ornaments, tapestries, and clothing. You can purchase jewelry or other crafts to support this sustainable initiative that emphasizes recycling materials.

18. Arusha National Park

Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania, is frequently climbed by visitors in Arusha National Park. Although it is a thousand meters lower than Kilimanjaro, it still rises majestically to 4,566 meters. When trekking here, an armed ranger is necessary, as wildlife sightings can present unexpected challenges.

Keep an eye out for easily spotted Colobus Monkeys. You may also encounter buffalo, zebras, and our personal favorite, warthogs.

Mafia Islands

Mafia Island, situated in the magnificent Indian Ocean off Tanzania’s coast, offers profound tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty. As part of the Mafia Archipelago, this island is less frequented than Zanzibar or Pemba, making it an unspoiled paradise for visitors seeking serenity.

Spanning around 50 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, Mafia Island’s rich history dates back to the 8th century, featuring sleepy fishing villages, coconut groves, and sandy beaches. Its warm, clear waters harbor vibrant coral gardens, making it a premier destination for diving and snorkeling, while serving as a nesting site for hawksbill and green turtles.

The island’s main attraction, the Mafia Island Marine Park, is Tanzania’s first marine park, encompassing diverse ecosystems from coral reefs to mangrove forests, home to a staggering array of marine life. With over 50 coral types and 400 fish species identified so far, it’s a dream for both snorkelers and scuba divers.

Furthermore, the island is one of the few places globally where you can experience the incredible spectacle of whale shark migration between October and March.

Pemba Island

Pemba Island, part of Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago, is a quieter and lesser-known sibling to the popular Zanzibar Island (Unguja). Known as “The Green Island” in Arabic, its landscape is a lush tapestry of dense forests, mangroves, and verdant hills, interspersed with traditional Ngezi villages.

Pemba’s economic backbone revolves around its agricultural affluence, particularly in clove production, which has earned it the nickname “The Spice Island.” Visitors are enchanted by its rich aroma of spices mingling with the salt-tinged ocean air, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.

Renowned for its pristine coral reefs, Pemba is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, brimming with an abundance of diverse marine life. Adventure seekers can also explore the island’s untamed wilderness by hiking through the Ngezi Forest, home to many endemic species.

Visitors can delve into local traditions, learning about the island’s Swahili culture while exploring historical sites such as the 15th-century ruins at Ras Mkumbuu and the ancient walled city of Chake Chake.

For relaxation, luxurious eco-resorts like the Manta Resort provide unparalleled experiences, featuring unique underwater rooms.

Selous Game Reserve

Covering approximately 50,000 square kilometers, the Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves globally and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in southeastern Tanzania, Selous is renowned for its diverse landscapes, which include grassy plains, woodlands, swamps, and savannah. The mighty Rufiji River, the largest river in Tanzania, bisects the reserve and supplies an essential water source to its abundant wildlife, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem.

Renowned for its impressive wildlife concentrations, the reserve hosts significant populations of large mammals, including elephants, black rhinos, African wild dogs, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. Additionally, it boasts over 350 bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers.

The reserve uniquely offers diverse safari experiences, including walking safaris, boating safaris on the Rufiji River, and classic game drives, providing various perspectives to appreciate its stunning landscapes and wildlife.

19. Cycle the Country

If you’re seeking an epic adventure, consider cycling from Arusha in the north to Mbeya in the south. Experience everything Tanzania has to offer from the seat of a bicycle, traversing through coffee plantations and lush countryside.

This is the Africa you have always dreamt of, with epic climbs through tropical forests and a combination of paved roads and bumpy trails that challenge and excite. Continue your journey to the country’s capital, Dodoma, and explore areas that many travelers miss, allowing you to connect with local people over a refreshing drink at a roadside stop.

Watch our video of the Best Things to do in Tanzania

These are the best things to do in Tanzania that we have experienced. If you think we missed something, feel free to let us know your thoughts!