Activities in Tanzania – Experience the Diversity of Africa
Here we show you the most amazing activities that will make your trip to Tanzania truly unforgettable.
On the Road with Wildfinder: Personal, Local, Authentic
Tailor-Made Journeys Instead of Standard Routes
We plan every safari individually – tailored to your interests, your pace, and your vision.
Strongly Connected as a Local Provider on the Ground
Thanks to our base in Arusha, we draw on a trusted network of lodges and partners across Tanzania.
Local Guides with Knowledge – and Heart
Our local guides speak your native language and share with you their homeland, their culture, and their deep understanding of nature.
Support for Conservation Projects and Communities
A portion of our revenue goes to local initiatives – supporting education, wildlife conservation, and fair opportunities on the ground.
Traveling Sustainably – With Respect for Nature and Wildlife
We rely on eco-friendly safari concepts, raise awareness among our guests, and travel in a way that ensures the wilderness remains experienceable for generations to come.
The Best Activities in Tanzania at a Glance
Tanzania is full of possibilities – from classic safari adventures to cultural encounters, from mountain peaks to the beach. To give you a quick overview, we’ve put together the most popular activities in Tanzania for you. Each activity has its own unique charm – whether wild, relaxing, or full of movement. Let yourself be inspired and find out which experiences suit your journey.
Safaris in the National Parks
A safari in Tanzania is one of the most impressive travel experiences Africa has to offer. The world-famous Serengeti with its vast savannahs and the Ngorongoro Crater with its spectacular wildlife density provide ideal conditions for unforgettable sightings. Here, you can witness lions on the hunt, watch giraffes gracefully roam the landscape, or – with a bit of luck – spot a leopard resting in the shade. Our safaris take you not only to the well-known parks but also to more remote, less-visited regions that remain especially untouched. You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides whose trained eyes and deep knowledge create extraordinary moments.
Discover more about our Tanzania Safaris here.
Zanzibar & the Indian Ocean
Zanzibar offers the perfect setting to breathe, relax, and enjoy. Whether you’re snorkeling in coral reefs, strolling through Stone Town, or sipping fresh coconut under the palms – everyone finds their personal oasis here, along with plenty of Zanzibar activities that make the trip unforgettable. Smaller islands like Mafia Island or Pemba are also ideal for divers, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates authentic island life. The combination of safari and beach not only adds variety to your journey but makes it truly complete.
Find out more about your perfect Zanzibar Holidays here.
Kilimanjaro & Mountain Climbing in Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the roof of Africa, but also one of Tanzania’s most impressive travel destinations. Climbing the 5,895-meter-high volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – scenically diverse, physically demanding, and deeply moving on an emotional level. Learn more about planning and route options here: Kilimanjaro Climb. For those who prefer something a little less high but equally immersive in the mountain world, Mount Meru is a fantastic alternative. This 4,566-meter summit in Arusha National Park offers spectacular views and a much quieter atmosphere than its famous neighbor. Whether Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru – a mountain tour in Tanzania combines perfectly with a safari or beach vacation. We’re happy to advise you on the right route, suitable difficulty level, and sustainable local partners.
Walking Safaris
A walking safari is a special way to experience nature – calm, intense, and surprisingly close. Being on foot means perceiving your surroundings differently: the crack of dry twigs, fresh animal tracks in the sand, eye contact with a distant giraffe. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced ranger who not only ensures your safety but also provides fascinating insights into flora, fauna, and tracking. Popular locations for a guided walking safari include Arusha National Park, where you can wander through open landscapes among giraffes and monkeys, or the areas on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, known for their wide views and untouched nature. Such a tour doesn’t require peak athletic performance – but it does call for attentiveness, good footwear, and a willingness to meet the wilderness on quiet feet. If you truly want to feel Tanzania, this is exactly the right place.
Air Balloon Ride Over the Serengeti
A hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have in Tanzania. In the early morning hours, the balloon rises silently over the vast landscape – the sun bathes the savannah in golden light as zebras, wildebeest, and perhaps even elephants slowly awaken below you. Especially during the Great Migration , the view is overwhelming. You’ll see thousands of migrating animals, winding rivers, and grazing herds forming a living pattern across the plains. The silence, the vastness, and the aerial perspective make this experience truly unique. After landing, a stylish outdoor breakfast usually awaits. A balloon ride can be easily integrated into a safari and is perfect for anyone looking for a special perspective on nature – and simply wants to enjoy the moment.
Trekking and Hiking
Tanzania offers ideal conditions for anyone who wants to explore the country on foot. Away from the main safari routes, green hills, waterfalls, and traditional villages are waiting to be discovered. The Materuni Waterfalls at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro are especially popular. The hike leads through lush vegetation, past coffee plantations and small trails with views of Africa’s highest mountain. The Kilimanjaro Plateau is also perfect for day hikes and trekking in Tanzania. You walk through mountain forests and open landscapes with constant views of the snow-capped peak – without having to commit to a multi-day climb. Other great hiking routes can be found in the Usambara Mountains or the Great Rift Valley. Depending on the region, the duration, elevation, and level of difficulty vary. Whether it’s a leisurely walk or an extended trek – hiking in Tanzania, with its unspoiled nature and cultural encounters along the way, is something truly special.
Visit to a Maasai Village and Cultural Insights
A visit to the Maasai is one of the most powerful cultural experiences for many travelers in Tanzania. This semi-nomadic people are known for their colorful clothing, traditional dances, and deep connection to nature. In selected villages, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about their way of life, rituals, and the challenges of modern daily life. A respectful approach is key. We work with communities that welcome visitors and intentionally shape cultural exchange. The focus is on authenticity – not staged tourism. In addition to visiting a village, local markets or schools can often be included as well. This offers a genuine insight into life beyond the usual travel routes. Anyone who truly wants to understand Tanzania should meet the people who shape it – with openness, curiosity, and mutual respect.
Coffee Tours and Plantation Visits
On a coffee tour in Tanzania, you not only gain fascinating insights into cultivation and processing, but you also become part of the process yourself. You’ll learn how the beans are harvested, washed, and dried – and even get to try your hand at it. From roasting to grinding to brewing, you’ll experience how raw beans are transformed into your very own cup of coffee. At the end, of course, you’ll taste it together – often with a view over the green hills where the coffee originates. These tours give you a direct connection to the people behind the product and make it clear how much manual work, knowledge, and passion go into every cup. For coffee lovers, it’s a rich experience – and just as rewarding for anyone interested in getting a closer look at rural life in Tanzania.
Food and Culinary Delights
There are a wide variety of culinary activities in Tanzania. If you’re curious to dive deeper into the local cuisine, you can take part in a traditional cooking class. Together with local hosts, you’ll prepare typical dishes like Ugali, Chapati, or aromatic stews – often over an open fire and using fresh ingredients straight from the market. Another highlight is visiting spice or coffee plantations. There, you’ll learn how cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, or pepper are grown and processed, engaging all your senses as you smell, touch, and taste the origin of many familiar flavors. A stroll through a local market completes the culinary experience. Among colorful fabrics, fresh fruit, and dried spices, you’ll get a true sense of everyday life – authentic, vibrant, and full of lasting impressions.
Boat Tours and Water Sports
Tanzania’s coast and island world offer ideal conditions for activities on and in the water. Whether a relaxing boat tour or an active adventure – here everyone can find their perfect rhythm. Guided dolphin tours are especially popular, giving you the chance to observe these animals in their natural environment with a bit of luck. Diving, snorkeling, and sailing trips are also classics. In the shallow waters around offshore islands, you can explore colorful coral reefs and discover a fascinating underwater world. For those who prefer something more sporty, windy coastal areas provide perfect conditions for kite surfing. The offerings vary by region and season but can easily be combined with relaxation or cultural experiences. Whether as a day trip or part of a longer beach stay – water activities in Tanzania add ease to your journey and reveal another impressive facet of the country.
Mountain Biking Tours Through Rural Areas
Horseback Riding & Riding Excursions
For those who want to experience Tanzania in a special way, horseback riding through the vast landscapes around Arusha or at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro is an impressive alternative to the classic safari. On horseback, you move silently through nature, feel the rhythm of the animal, and take in your surroundings with all your senses. Whether across open plains, rolling farmland, or along small paths with views of Kilimanjaro – riding excursions can be customized. Depending on your preference, they last a few hours or several days and are suitable for both experienced riders and beginners with basic skills. Particularly appealing is the closeness to wildlife, which you discover from a completely new perspective. For those seeking movement, nature, and a certain calm, horseback riding offers an extraordinary and sustainable experience amid the East African landscape.
Conservation and Social Projects
Those who truly want to understand Tanzania encounter not only animals and landscapes but also the people and initiatives that shape and protect the country. Many of our guests wish to make a positive impact beyond travel – often experiencing the most moving moments of their journey. A visit to Nkoaranga Orphanage, a lovingly run orphanage we actively support, offers genuine insights into local life. Schools or other social institutions can also be visited upon request – always in close coordination and with the necessary respect. In the field of conservation, we work together with our partners on sustainable projects. This includes WildlifeNOW – The Mkomazi Project, which is dedicated to protecting endangered species such as rhinos and wild dogs. Learn more about the initiatives we support on our Conservation Projects page.
From Safaris to Kilimanjaro Tours
Tanzania offers an impressive variety of experiences – from classic Safaris and mountain climbs to relaxing beach days. To make sure your trip fits you perfectly, it’s worth clarifying a few questions in advance. The range of activities in Tanzania is vast, but with the right planning, it becomes a harmonious and unforgettable itinerary.
A key factor is the travel season. Some experiences like the Great Migration can only be well observed during certain months, while other activities such as trekking or cultural programs are possible year-round. Your interests also play an important role: Do you want to see animals, stay active, experience new cultures, or simply unwind?
Travel duration is equally important. If you only have a week, it’s best to focus on a few highlights. For longer trips, different regions and activities can be combined easily.
We help you select the Tanzania activities that suit you best and connect everything meaningfully – tailored to your pace, budget, and travel wishes. Step by step, your very own dream trip takes shape.
FAQ – Activities in Tanzania
Which activities in Tanzania pair well with a safari?
Tanzania offers many activities that pair perfectly with a safari. Popular options include beach days on Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro hikes, walking safaris, coffee tours, and cultural encounters with the Maasai. Hot air balloon rides and boat tours also make excellent additions to the safari experience.
Are there activities in Tanzania suitable for families with children?
Yes, many activities in Tanzania are family-friendly. These include game drives, visits to Maasai villages, easy hikes, child-friendly lodge stays, and relaxing beach days on Zanzibar. We tailor every trip individually to the age and interests of the children.
Which cultural experiences are especially recommended in Tanzania?
Recommended cultural experiences include visiting a Maasai village, local cooking classes, markets, coffee tours, and engaging with social projects. These encounters provide authentic insights into local life and make your trip even more diverse and personal.
