There are many a must thing to do in Tanzania and are very similar to those in Kenya with a special twist. The Lion King made the Serengeti National Park famous. This also happens to be one of the best places where you can find an African Safari. What you can find in Tanzania that you can’t find anywhere else in Eastern Africa is the beauty of Zanzibar.
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous national parks and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the Serengeti. Most visitors will find themselves passing through Dar es Salaam and heading out on safaris and various wildlife viewing adventures.
For those who want to take a break and spend some time soaking up the sun, the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar beckon. Off Pemba and Mafia islands is a whole other kind of natural wonder, one most appreciated by the scuba divers and snorkelers who come here from around the world to experience the coral gardens, colorful fish, and crystal-clear waters.
You can find unspoiled beaches along the mainland and even find incredible diving opportunities on the island of Zanzibar. Many people also don’t know that you can find two of the oldest stone age sites in the world right in Tanzania.
From climbing Kilimanjaro and witnessing the Great Migration to lazing on a sugar white beach on Zanzibar, Tanzania is the perfect place to start ticking off any travel Bucket List. Here are the best things to do in Tanzania:
Top A Must Thing to Do in Tanzania
African Safari in Tanzania
There are only two countries in the world where you can witness the unique great wildebeest migration. It is either you head to Kenya in Masai Mara National Reserve or go to Tanzania. Tanzania is one of the countries that is known for great African wildlife that include the “The Big 5” while on safari in Africa.
Tanzania is home to two of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa. There is the great plains of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater also known as the ‘Garden of Eden’.
The vast plains of the Serengeti are home to the Great Migration. This is an annual event that sees massive herds of ungulate follow the rains to greener and tastier pastures.
The Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive and unfilled volcanic caldera, is home to a huge variety of wildlife. An African safari to these national parks is a must thing do in Tanzania.
While most safari-goers flock to Tanzania’s northern parks, don’t forget the country’s south. It’s home to one of the largest reserves in the world, the Selous Game Reserve. This is nearly four times the size of Serengeti National Park and it’s even wilder.
Then there’s newly-minted Wami-Mbiki Wildlife Management Area, a great place to get close to elephants, giraffes, hartebeest and zebra. In Tanzania, you’re spoilt for choice.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
When visiting Eastern Africa most tourists go on an African Safari. This is almost always followed by a trek to the highest mountain in Africa. This should be a must thing to do in Tanzania in one’s lifetime.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that Mount Kilimanjaro is an easy climb. Compared to Everest, it is. But the climb up Kibo – the snow-topped crater that is the highest point of Kilimanjaro – is steep and bitterly cold. But is you are looking for a worthy challenge, of course, it’s worth it. The view from the top is spectacular and the sense of achievement you’ll feel is unparalleled. But make no mistake, you are testing yourself against all that nature can throw at you.
In order to conquer Kilimanjaro, careful planning is essential. Pick the right route for you as there are many routes up Kilimanjaro. Upu should also choose the right guide. You need to get yourself into shape. The risk of altitude sickness can be lessened by taking an extra day to do the climb, but lack of fitness is not so easily overcome.
While there are plenty of hardships to endure and even some danger to avoid there’s also an enormous amount of pleasure to derive from climbing Africa’s highest mountain. Concentrating on the positives will not only make the trek more enjoyable, it will also help to spur you on to the summit.
Witness the Great Migration
There is a reason why they call it ‘great migration’. Here, some two million ungulates over a million-wildebeest including zebra, gazelles and eland rumble across the sweeping savannah of Tanzania’s Serengeti. It’s one of nature’s greatest spectacles and a highlight of any visit to Tanzania.
There isn’t just one Great Migration experience. Depending on where you are at any given time, you might see massed herds in the south, the action-packed river crossings, or the rumbling exodus to the north.
Head to southern parts to see the huge herds gathering from April to May, to the Grumeti River from May to July for the crossing, or to the northern zones July-September to see the herds spread across the plains or over into Kenya. This qualify as an a must thing to do in Tanzania.
Have a Taste of the Spice Island
Languishing a stone throwaway by speed boat from mainland Tanzania in the turquoise-blue Indian Ocean, si the island of Zanzibar. The Spice island conjures images of perfect, palm-swayed beaches, white sand, billowing sailing boats and smiling locals.
Even the narrow streets of Stone Town, twisting and turning through ancient Arabic buildings, look like an exotic film set. Whether you want to laze on a pristine white beach or becoming actively involved in island life, Zanzibar has something for everyone.
For those who have done a safari or gone up Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar is a must thing to do in Tanzania. It usually comes at the end and as a place to relax after the events of the tour or mountain climbing.
There aren’t too many places in the world like this island just off the coast where you can find incredible diving opportunities and Africa’s version of the Caribbean. Look for the historic area called Stone Town for those of you that want a little history. As an a must thing to do in Tanzania, take a break after your safari to just relax in Zanzibar.
Trace the Roots of Humanity
It is always good to visit places that most people have not traveled to. if I were to tell you that there are stone age sites in Tanzania that are up to 30,000 years old no one would believe me. Most people think that Africa is only about seeing animals. Tanzania surely breaks that mold by having two of these sites available.
There are many more a must things to do in Tanzania. in this article,we have lumped them together or taken the major attractions. In case you have any unique thing you are looking for, just drop us a line and we will be willing to help you with Tanzania.