Recently updated on July 12th, 2023 at 03:55 pm
With current travel plans on hold, now is the perfect time to start dreaming of your next adventure of a lifetime. An epic safari journey through Tanzania should be at the top of your bucket list for many reasons. Known for being home to the highest mountain in Africa (Mount Kilimanjaro), the sun-kissed beaches of Zanzibar, and boasting bountiful exotic wildlife that can be seen on safari adventures, Tanzania is a magical destination in East Africa that is calling your name.Â
Ready to plan your great Tanzania getaway? Check out the top 9 things to do in Tanzania with these once-in-a-lifetime adventures you can do with Trafalgar.
1. Take in the surrounding views of Africa’s largest lake on a 4×4 vehicle
When travelling to Tanzania, visiting Africa’s largest freshwater lake (the second largest in the world), Lake Victoria, is a must. Located on the borders of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, this 400,000-year-old body of water is home to a variety of wildlife. When travelling with Trafalgar, you’ll have to opportunity to get a front row seat to nature’s most outstanding interactions during a private 4×4 vehicle ride.
What makes Lake Victoria so special is the fact that it’s only one of two places located in East Africa for you witness the sunset over the water. Just before dusk, stroll to the shore and take in the beautiful sunset in all its glory.
2. Discover the UNESCO-listed Serengeti National Park
An epic Tanzania tour adventure would not be complete without a safari game drive through the UNESCO-listed Serengeti National Park. Join Trafalgar and witness the endless and vast plains of the Serengeti during a guided 4×4 safari game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for ‘The Big Five’ (lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffalos and rhinoceros).
The Serengeti National Park is known as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ as it is home to the greatest annual wildlife spectacle on earth – The Great Migration, which takes place from July to October. Your Driver Guide will share a story about how over a million wildebeests, zebra and other gazing animals cross the Mara River annually in search of green pastures.
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3. Witness the breathtaking natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater
Let Trafalgar be your Tanzania travel guide on an adventure to the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, unbroke and unfilled volcanic caldera. While visiting one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world, travellers will have the opportunity to descend hundreds of metres down to the floor of the crater to explore the ample forests and grass plains. All while being on the search for elephants, lions, zebras, wildebeests and much more.
4. Meet a local farming community, Mto Wa Mbu, and learn about their way of life while savouring authentic Swahili cuisine
There is no better way to connect with the culture and history of a destination than by hearing it firsthand from locals. In Mto Wa Mbu, a small town outside the city of Arusha with over 120 ethnic groups, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the local ladies of this extraordinary farming community and learn (and taste) traditional Swahili dishes. You’ll even experience how scrumptious the local banana beer is and sample some yourself too. Stroll through farmlands, local schools and markets and get a glimpse of the livelihood of the families.
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5. Spot the famous tree-climbing lions during a game drive through Lake Manyara National Park
Another iconic park to pay tribute to when travelling to Tanzania is Lake Manyara National Park. Famous for its tree-climbing lions perched on the branches of the acacia trees, this stunning location is a must-see stop. The lake and its surrounding regions are also known to be a haven for flamingos, hippos, baboons and a variety of bird species that make for the perfect safari adventure.
6. Be on the lookout for elephants during an adventure through Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest National Park in Tanzania and is known for its large elephant herds. The natural landscape in this park is believed to be entirely different from anything travellers have seen before in Tanzania. With an expert Driver Guide, scout for the vast herds that roam these plains and admire these gentle giants. The best time to visit magical Tarangire National Park is from late June to October.
7. Sip and savour local flavours at one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations
Did you know that coffee production is Tanzania’s largest exported crop? Tanzania produces around 30,000 to 40,000 metric tons of coffee per year which makes it the perfect destination for those who enjoy a cup of java or two. And, what better way to explore Tanzania’s coffee than with a visit to one of the largest coffee plantations in Arusha? Sipping and savouring the rich aroma of local coffee and lunch should be one of the top bucket list experiences on everyone’s list when thinking of what to do in Tanzania.
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8. Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits that helped Zanzibar earn its title of ‘The Spice Island’
Make your Tanzania travel guide complete with a short trip to Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region off the coast of Tanzania. From the crystal blue water and sandy beaches, Zanzibar is a hidden gem of Eastern Africa. Only a short flight from mainland Tanzania, the colourful history of Zanzibar is yours for the taking. Visit the UNESCO-listed capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, wander through winding alleyways and admire the intricately carved doors and windows of this trading town. An expert will join you as you discover why Zanzibar was named ‘The Spice Island’ during a visit to a local shamba (spice farm). Taste and smell the spices, herbs and fruits and learn how they’ve been cultivated and used for centuries.
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9. Sit back, relax and take in all the sights on one of Zanzibar’s exquisite beaches
Looking for a destination that enjoys a warm climate all year round? Zanzibar is the perfect destination to catch some rays no matter the time of year. Whether you are interested in swaying under a palm or putting your adventure skills to the test with a traditional sail on a ‘dhow’ boat during a Trafalgar optional experience, the tropical atmosphere and cool ocean breeze sounds like the perfect way to relax and revive after a vacation of a lifetime.
Have you travelled to Tanzania before? Share your tips on once-in-a-lifetime experiences others can enjoy in the comments below.