Things to do in Tanzania

Visions of lions prowling across the savannah and herds of wildebeest stampeding to safety are what tempt most visitors to book a holiday in Tanzania, and there’s no question that an East Africa safari is one of the top things to do in Tanzania. But it’s only the start of the country’s attractions.

Along with a string of national parks on Tanzania’s northern and southern safari circuits, there’s also a chance to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, explore the countryside, learn more about local life and lounge on glimmering white sand beaches on Zanzibar for some Indian Ocean relaxation.

But best of all, it’s easy to combine some – or all – of the fantastic things to do in Tanzania into one unforgettable holiday.

One of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, around two million wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and antelope travel hundreds of miles from their calving grounds in the Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara as part of the Great Migration.

The highlight is the hazardous Mara River crossing when these mega herds brave broken legs, strong currents and crocodiles, on top of hunger, thirst and exhaustion, plus the ever-present danger of predators on land, all to reach the new grazing across the border in Kenya.

Watching the drama of this life-or-death struggle is unforgettable, but it’s not the only way to experience the Great Migration, with a chance to see young being born from late January into February, as well as other river crossings as they venture north, and the journey south as the herds complete this circular annual journey.

You might not associate Tanzania with growing coffee, but the high-altitude volcanic soils around Kilimanjaro are perfect for high-quality flavours. And you can visit some of the coffee plantations in the area around Moshi and Arusha, including the village of Uru, where the community works together in a co-operative to ensure sustainable coffee production.

Hike through the plantations as you learn about the entire process from growing the coffee cherries to picking, drying, roasting and grinding the beans, before finally turning them into your own perfect cuppa, for a taste of the finished product. It’s the perfect way to experience a slice of local life in Tanzania too.

A holiday in Tanzania is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about local culture, from visiting Maasai villages to discovering the history of Stone Town in Zanzibar. But there’s also a chance to spend time in local villages, experiencing a small taste of everyday life as you go. In Kidia village at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, you can even try your hand at making some traditional dishes, such as ‘Ng’ande’, made from beans, green bananas, onions, tomatoes and carrots. It’s easy to combine with a visit to one of the nearby coffee plantations, where you can brew your own cup to enjoy after lunch.

From its white sand Indian Ocean beaches to the fascinating heritage of Stone Town, there’s plenty to tempt you to Zanzibar – and it also makes the perfect relaxed end to a busy safari holiday or a challenging climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. This archipelago is made for chilling out by crystal clear turquoise waters, or snorkelling and diving to the colourful marine world of the coral reefs beneath.

Save time to head out on walks in Jozani Forest, home to endangered red colobus monkeys, or explore the spice plantations which gave Zanzibar its nickname of the Spice Island. One of the unmissable things to do in Zanzibar is soaking up the mix of influences which have shaped Stone Town’s historic streets. Once a major trading port, people and customs travelled across the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and Mediterranean mingled with Swahili heritage.