If spotting a rare rhino on Africa’s endless plains has been a lifelong dream, then Tanzania, one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in the world, should be on your must-see list. The country has made major strides in wildlife conservation and has 22 national parks to explore with dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and natural wonders.
While a visit to the Serengeti during the great migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Tanzania has so much more to offer beyond safaris, including some of the world’s best scuba diving off Zanzibar and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. If you’re seeking the trip of a lifetime, here are our top picks for unforgettable experiences in Tanzania.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Climb Africa’s Tallest Mountain
Tanzania is the destination for another lifelong dream for some: climbing Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro. The world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano that has five unique climates to hike through, including a rainforest, alpine desert, and an arctic zone that includes the remains of the spectacular Furtwängler Glacier at the summit.
While it certainly isn’t an easy feat to trek 19,341 feet to Africa’s highest peak, if climbed pole-pole (Swahili for “slow-slow”), Kilimanjaro is an accessible challenge for even those that aren’t an Ironman or Ironwoman. WHOA (Women High on Adventure) leads Kilimanjaro climbs on International Women’s Day every year and full-moon, women-only treks to Kilimanjaro. What could be more memorable than reaching the roof of Africa under the glow of a full moon?
Witness the Great Migration
One of the most unforgettable wildlife wonders to witness is the yearly migration of giant herds of grazers — more than 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras — to greener pastures. The great migration is an ongoing event throughout the year as the herds move in a circular path across the seemingly never-ending plains of Serengeti in northern Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Don’t despair if you can’t visit Tanzania during the migration. Tanzania has incredible wildlife viewing opportunities during other times of the year.
Connect with the Local Culture
Tanzania is home to more than 120 ethnic groups and tribes, making it one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse countries in Africa. There are a wide variety of cultural experiences to enjoy.
The Maasai people are probably the most widely recognized tribe, known for hunting, herding cattle, traditional red clothing, and semi-nomadic lifestyle. There are many ways to meet the Maasai, so make sure to book an experience with a qualified tour operator.
Search for Wildlife Underwater off Zanzibar
After you have looked for the Big 5 in the Tanzania bush, head to the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar to search for life under the sea. With some of the most diverse reefs in the world, the Zanzibar Archipelago is a scuba diver’s paradise.
Unguja Island, the largest island and the most developed, is colloquially referred to as Zanzibar and draws in most of the tourists. But Zanzibar’s neighboring Mafia Island is a diver’s dream, a quieter escape with unspoiled beaches and some of the richest and most diverse reefs in the world. Mafia Island Marine Park holds approximately 50 genera of coral and 400 species of fish.
Explore Stone Town
Make time to visit Stone Town, the historical heart of Zanzibar. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is an excellent example of a Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. The unique architecture is characterized by carved wooden doors and ornate balconies, as well as influences from Arab, Indian, and European cultures. Wander through the many winding streets and alleys, and make time to visit the museums, palaces, and bazaars that tell Stone Town’s story.
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