15 best things to do in Tanzania

Lying just south of the equator, Tanzania – East Africa’s largest country – is tremendously diverse. With a third of its expanse given over to nature reserves, Tanzania's wildlife is astonishing.

Meanwhile, Zanzibar's beaches and coral reefs are out-of-this-world spectacular. All that considered, it’s impossible to see everything in a single trip, so here’s our overview of the best things to do in Tanzania.

1. Serengeti National Park safari – one of the best things to do in Tanzania

At the heart of Tanzania’s safari scene, the Serengeti is the country’s oldest and largest national park – and one of the best places to visit in Tanzania. It’s world-famous for the Great Migration, when millions of animals thunder across the plains in search of greener pastures.

During the migration’s peak, the park holds the highest concentration of mammals on Earth: around 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 gazelles, and 300,000 zebras – not to mention the 3,000 lions that follow them. Even outside migration season, you’ll find plenty of wildlife, from buffalo and giraffes to cheetahs, leopards, and bat-eared foxes. Birders will be just as happy: expect to tick off hundreds of species in just a few days.

If you’re planning a trip, check out our full guide on how to plan Tanzanian safari – it’ll quicken your pulse and give you the kind of memories that don’t fade. And before you go, read up on how to safari safely and ethically. Respecting the animals and their habitat is just as important as seeing them.

How to get to Serengeti National Park

• Fly in: The quickest option is flying into Seronera Airstrip, located in the park’s central region. Regular flights leave from Arusha and Kilimanjaro.
• Drive in: If you’re up for a road trip, drive from Arusha. It takes around 8 hours, usually broken up with a stop at Ngorongoro Crater.
• Book a tour: Most visitors go with a tour operator who handles transport, accommodation, and park fees.

When to visit Serengeti National Park

• June to October (dry season) is ideal for spotting wildlife as animals gather around water sources. It’s also prime time for seeing the Great Migration cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers.
• November to March is great for birding and seeing the calving season in the southern Serengeti.
• April and May bring heavy rains – fewer crowds, but some roads become impassable.

2. Encounter chimps at Gombe Stream National Park

Covering a strip of hilly country from Lake Tanganyika to the eastern ridge of the Western Rift Valley, Gombe Stream National Park is sliced by thirteen wild river valleys.

Made famous by Jane Goodall, Gombe’s ecosystem is a primate paradise, home to olive baboons and red colobus, redtail and blue monkeys. While these would be a highlight in other parks, at Gombe, they’re supporting acts for the real stars – chimpanzees. 

Alongside tracking chimps in Gombe's evergreen riverine forests, you could also hike to the crest of the Rift Valley ridge, or enjoy a night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. 

Meanwhile, being one of Tanzania’s least accessible parks (there's no road access), Tanaznia's Mahale Mountains National Park is also one the world’s last strongholds for wild chimpanzees.

How to get to Gombe Stream National Park

• Boat only: Gombe is only accessible by boat from Kigoma, which is reachable by plane or train from Dar es Salaam. The boat ride takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the vessel.

When to visit Gombe Stream National Park

• July to October (dry season) offers the best chimp tracking conditions – trails are easier and sightings more reliable.
• November to April brings lush vegetation and excellent birdwatching, though rain can make hiking tougher.

3. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro 

Rising to a peak of 5892m, the ice-capped, dormant volcano of Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain. It's also the world’s tallest free-standing massif, one of the world’s largest volcanoes, and exceptionally beautiful. Little wonder, then, that it features in our run-down of Africa’s most epic mountains. 

For many visitors, the prospect of scaling the mountain is as exciting as it is daunting. The fact that no technical climbing skills are required to reach the summit means Kilimanjaro has something of an easy reputation. Ignore that – the high altitude means climbers may fall prey to acute mountain sickness.

That said, if you take your time and listen to your body, there’s no reason you shouldn’t make it all the way to Uhuru Peak. But fear not if you're looking for an easier option. The mountain also offers less strenuous alternatives, like walking the rainforest on its lower slopes.

How to get to Mount Kilimanjaro

• Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport: It’s the main gateway, located about an hour from the town of Moshi, the usual base for treks.
• By road: From Arusha, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Moshi. Most tour operators arrange transfers.

When to visit Mount Kilimanjaro

• January to March and June to October are the best windows for climbing – drier weather and clearer skies.
• April and May see heavy rains, making trails slippery and visibility poor.
• November and December can be rainy too, but with fewer trekkers on the mountain.

4. Visit Kilwa Kisiwani’s UNESCO Heritage Site

The spectacular ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani (“Kilwa of the Island”) sit on the mangrove-rimmed island of the same name, 2km across the water from Kilwa Masoko’s port.

At its height, this island-state was the most important trading centre on the East African coast, its riches first made from gold, followed by ivory and the slave trade.

Its ruins include a fourteenth-century palace that was the largest stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa. There are also several mosques, dozens of Shirazi graves set amid gigantic baobab trees, and a well-preserved Omani fortress.

If you’re planning a trip to Tanzania and want to dig into the country's deep and layered history, Kilwa Kisiwani deserves a spot on your Tanzania itinerary. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the most evocative and rewarding places to explore if you're into ancient architecture and coastal culture.

How to get to Kilwa Kisiwani

• Boat from Kilwa Masoko: Local boats make the 10-15 minute crossing from the port to the island. Arrange through a guesthouse or local guide.
• Getting to Kilwa Masoko: Fly from Dar es Salaam or drive (around 5–6 hours) along the southern coastal road.

When to visit Kilwa Kisiwani

• June to October is dry, cooler, and ideal for exploring the ruins comfortably.
• November to March is hotter, with occasional rain – still manageable but bring sun protection and water.
• April and May can see heavy rain and difficult travel conditions.

5. Discover Ngorongoro's world wonder

Justifiably hailed as the “eighth wonder of the world”, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is genuinely jaw-dropping. Put simply, for animals, this place is a haven. For nature-loving humans, it’s pretty darn close to heaven.

Created by volcanic upheavals that accompanied the formation of the Great Rift Valley, the spectacular 8288-square-kilometre site occupies the highlands between the valley and the Serengeti Plains.

The magic begins the moment you pass through Lodoare Gate, where the road climbs through Oldeani Forest. Soon enough, you’re stunned by an unforgettable view of Ngorongoro Crater. This unbroken, enormous caldera was created by a collapsed volcano.

Offering a shifting patchwork of green and yellow mist-streaked hues, and the shimmer of the Serengeti Plains, Ngorongoro’s varied habitats virtually guaranteeing sightings of the Big Five. Namely, elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos.

The birdlife isn’t half bad either, with ostriches, Verreaux’s eagles, Egyptian vultures, kori bustards and lesser flamingos among the many, many highlights.

How to get to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• By road: Most visitors travel from Arusha, about a 3-4 hour drive via the town of Karatu.
• Fly in: There are small airstrips nearby (like Lake Manyara), with transfers arranged by lodges or safari operators.

When to visit Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• June to October is the dry season – the best time for wildlife viewing.
• November to May is greener, with fewer visitors and excellent birding, especially from December to February.
• March and April are rainiest – beautiful and lush, but some tracks may be tricky to navigate.

6. Take to the lakes

Each of Tanzania’s great lakes – Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika , and Lake Nyasa – has ferry services that afford another perspective on Tanzania. These journeys are often convenient, and invariably unforgettable.

Lake Victoria

The most relaxing and enjoyable way to travel between Bukoba and Mwanza on is on the MV Victoria. This was built in Scotland in 1959–60, and reassembled on Lake Victoria in 1961. 

As it sails at night in either direction, you won’t see much more than the bobbing lights of fishermen, but the daybreaks and sunsets never fail to stir the soul.  

Lake Tanganyika

The MV Liemba, has been ferrying passengers and cargo up and down Lake Tanganyika for over eighty years.

You won’t forget the gorgeous sunsets, or the frenetic activity that erupts in port villages when the ferry arrives. At most ports, it drops anchor offshore, and passengers, luggage and cargo are carried to and from it in small lighters.

Lake Nyasa

A ride on Lake Nyasa is one of Tanzania’s great journeys. Located in the south-west of Tanzania, it extends into Malawi and Mozambique. As a result, it’s also known as Lake Malawi and Lago Niassa. 

The most southerly lake in the East African Rift system, Lake Nyasa is beautiful, and astonishingly biodiverse. It’s home to around 30% of the world’s species of cichlid fish (you’ll see them darting through the clear water), plus plenty of hippos, crocodiles and birds.

How to get to Tanzania's great lakes

• Lake Victoria: Mwanza and Bukoba are the main access points, both reachable by domestic flight or long-distance bus.
• Lake Tanganyika: Fly to Kigoma, or take a train or bus from Dar es Salaam, then board the MV Liemba.
• Lake Nyasa: Mbamba Bay and Itungi Port are entry points. Getting here usually involves a combination of flights and long-distance road travel.

When to visit Tanzania's Great Lakes

• June to October is best for clear skies, calm waters and cooler travel conditions.
• November to March is hotter and more humid, with occasional rain – but also great for birdwatching and lake biodiversity.
• April and May bring heavier rains that can disrupt ferry schedules.

7. Go large at Tarangire National Park

During the July to late October dry season, Tarangire National Park stands head, shoulders and trunk above the herd when it comes to seeing elephants.

In the dry season, when the bulk of the migration congregates around the river and water pools, the area is phenomenal. It draws up to 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras, along with rarities like the fringe-eared oryx. As for the elephants, expect around 3000 of them.

But here even these mighty beasts are dwarfed by the park’s huge baobab trees, many of them over a thousand years old. 

The park contains a range of different habitats, from grassland and woods in the north, to low hills, scrub and swampland further south.

Cutting through these habitats is an evergreen corridor, the Tarangire River, which empties into Lake Burunge in the west. The river is the key to life here, and its northern extent is the most popular area for game drives.

How to get to Tarangire National Park

• By road: It’s around a 2-hour drive from Arusha, often included as the first or last stop on a northern circuit safari.
• By air: There are small airstrips near the park, with scheduled and charter flights available from Arusha and Serengeti.

When to visit Tarangire National Park

• July to October is the best time for wildlife – animals gather at the river and vegetation is sparse.
• November to May is greener, with fewer tourists and good birdwatching, but wildlife is more spread out.
• April can be wet and muddy – some areas may be inaccessible.

8. Hike the Udzungwa and Usambara mountains

Ancient rainforests, rare plant and animal species, and encounters with primates – hiking the Usambara and Udzungwa mountains is one of the best things to do in Tanzania. 

Udzungwa Mountains National Park is an immaculate forest-cloaked wilderness whose 1900 square kilometres are among the most biodiverse on earth. And in good news for visitors looking to get back to nature, there's an extensive network of established trails.

While new discoveries of rare bugs and plants are pretty much two a penny here, Udzungwa is no stranger to turning up new mammals. These include the world’s largest shrew and a new genus of monkey.

The craggy and often mist-shrouded Usambaras also contain some of Tanzania’s most spectacular hiking terrain, and plenty of chameleons, too.

East Usambara, separated from the western range by the Lwengera valley, is renowned for the monsoon-fed rainforests of the Amani Nature Reserve.

Take your pick from eight walking trails to see incredible bird life. Over 335 species have been spotted in the reserve, among them the endangered Amani sunbird, the long-billed apalis, and the banded green sunbird.

How to get to the Udzungwa and Usambara Mountains

• Udzungwa: Accessible from Mikumi or Morogoro by road. The park entrance at Mang'ula is around a 5-hour drive from Dar es Salaam.
• Usambara: Best accessed from Lushoto in the West Usambaras, reachable by road from Arusha, Moshi, or Tanga.

When to visit the Udzungwa and Usambara Mountains

• June to October is dry and best for hiking – cooler temps and clearer trails.
• November to May sees more rain, especially in the East Usambaras, but is rewarded with lush scenery and excellent birdwatching.
• March and April are particularly wet – prepare for muddy trails and leech-rich conditions.

9. Kondoa-Irangi rock paintings

The area between Singida and the Maasai Steppe to the east contains one of the world’s most beautiful collections of rock art. Here, an estimated 1600 works give a vivid insight into humankind’s earliest recorded history.

Collectively known as the Kondoa–Irangi rock paintings (or “Kolo rock paintings”), the oldest are estimated to have been created up to 30,000 years ago. This makes them among the world’s most ancient examples of human artistic expression. 

There are fourteen major sites, each with an average of three painted shelters. Depending on their orientation, the sites are best viewed in the morning or late evening. During these magic golden hours, sunlight enhances the paintings and suffuses the rocks in rich orange hues. One of the lesser-known Tanzania travel tips? Time your visit for sunrise or sunset – it’s when the ancient art truly comes alive.

How to get to the Kondoa-Irangi rock paintings

• By road: Kondoa town is the base, around 4–5 hours by car from Dodoma or Babati. A 4x4 is best for reaching the sites, especially during the rainy season.
• Tours: Guided visits from Kondoa or Dodoma can be arranged, often through local cultural tourism programs.

When to visit the Kondoa-Irangi rock paintings

• June to October is dry and ideal for exploring the sites comfortably.
• November to May brings rain – lush surroundings but muddy access roads. Early morning or late afternoon visits give the best light for viewing the artwork.

10. Roam Rondo Forest Reserve

One of Tanzania’s remaining patches of indigenous coastal forest rises to over 900m on the flanks of the Rondo Plateau. Part of this is protected as Rondo Forest Reserve, with a network of nature trails and eco-tourism experiences.

Somewhat confusingly, Rondo's coastal forest isn't actually by the sea – the term refers to forests that are watered by cyclical monsoon rains.

Here, the surviving semi-deciduous forest is surprisingly biodiverse, with dozens of unique plants, and the world’s smallest known bushbaby. Namely, the Rondo dwarf galago.

Rondo Forest Reserve is also home to some extremely rare birds, among them the East Coast akalat, spotted ground thrush, and Rondo green barbet.

How to get to Rondo Forest Reserve

• By road: Located near Lindi in southern Tanzania, Rondo is best reached by 4x4 from Lindi town – about a 1.5-hour drive.
• By air: Fly to Lindi or Mtwara from Dar es Salaam, then continue by road.

When to visit Rondo Forest Reserve

• June to October is the dry season, best for hiking and birdwatching.
• November to May brings rain – lush scenery, but trails can be muddy and harder to navigate.
• Birdlife is active year-round, with some peak activity after rains.

11. Bliss-out on the best beaches in Tanzania

There’s no better place to relax after a hot and dusty safari, or an epic hiking expedition, than on the best beaches in Tanzania – and Zanzibar easily tops that list.

With a wild and windy beauty, Jambiani’s beach stretches unbroken for 7km. Arguably, this is the best place in Zanzibar to enjoy the pleasures of both beach and village life.

Meanwhile, Bwejuu’s beach has excellent snorkeling spots within walking or wading distance at low tide. Kite-surfing can be arranged through one of the Paje-based centres.

For an intimate experience of rural life, head to the beautiful palm-fringed beach that stretches south of Matemwe. This fishing village retains a tangible sense of community, and the beach is a stunner.

Zanzibar’s coastlines deliver an easy-going escape from mainland adventures – and right now, there’s never been a better time to soak up the sun, sea and soul of the island.

How to get to the best beaches in Tanzania

• Fly to Zanzibar: Regular flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Kilimanjaro and international airports connect you to the island.
• By ferry: High-speed ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town in about 2 hours.

When to visit the best beaches in Tanzania

• June to October is dry, sunny and ideal for lazing on the sand or hitting the water.
• December to February is hot and festive – great for winter sun.
• April and May are rainy, with some beach resorts closing for the season.

12. Explore Stone Town, Zanzibar

Formerly the centre of East Africa’s slave trade, Stone Town is the historic area of Zanzibar Town, the island's capital.

Known locally as Mji Mkongwe (“Old Town”), Stone Town's tangle of twisting streets, bustling bazaars, and grand mansions resembles the medinas of North Africa and Arabia.

While wandering aimlessly is a pleasure, there are specific places to aim for, including the harrowing cells of Africa’s last slave market, and two cathedrals linked to the abolition of the slave trade. 

Stone Town’s showpiece is its grandiose waterfront, home to two majestic palaces and a brooding Omani fortress.

How to get to Stone Town

• Fly to Zanzibar: Zanzibar International Airport is about 15 minutes from Stone Town by taxi.
• By ferry: High-speed ferries from Dar es Salaam dock right in the heart of Stone Town.

When to visit Stone Town

• June to October offers dry, pleasant weather for walking and exploring.
• December to February is hot and lively, with festivals and cultural events.
• April and May are wet – fewer crowds, but rain may disrupt your strolls.

13. Scuba dive the Mafia Archipelago

The coral reefs off Tanzania’s coastline offer some of the world’s finest scuba diving, with the Mafia Archipelago being a prime destination.

Comprising Mafia Island, the much smaller islands of Chole, Juani, and Jibondo, plus a host of minor atolls, much of the archipelago is protected by Mafia Island Marine Park. 

Home to more than four hundred species of fish, over sixty types of corals, 140 forms of sponge, and seven mangrove species, it’s also an important nesting site for hawksbill and green turtles. 

If that wasn’t enough, it’s an extended stopover on the migration route of the world’s biggest fish – docile whale sharks.

How to get to the Mafia Archipelago

• By air: The easiest way is flying from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island – a short 30-minute flight.
• By boat: Local boats can connect you to smaller islands like Chole and Juani, usually arranged through lodges or dive operators.

When to visit the Mafia Archipelago

• October to March is best for whale shark sightings and excellent diving conditions.
• June to September offers cooler, dry weather with good visibility underwater.
• April and May bring heavy rains and rough seas – many lodges close during this period.

14. Explore Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park

The Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park encompasses a network of estuarine, mangrove, tidal, peninsular, island, and coral reef environments.  

The reefs offer superb snorkelling and diving, and its beaches are among Tanzania’s most beautiful, with all the white sand and warm turquoise water you’ve ever dreamed of. 

But beyond all that, the park is a haven for Hawksbill and green turtles, and humpback whales during the July-December migration season. And, largely thanks to its large population of crab-plovers, it's an internationally recognised Important Bird Area.

How to get to Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park

• By road: The park is near Mtwara in southern Tanzania. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Mtwara town.
• By air: Fly to Mtwara from Dar es Salaam, then continue by road or arrange a transfer through a local tour operator.

When to visit Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park

• July to December is ideal for spotting humpback whales and enjoying calm seas for diving.
• January to March remains hot and dry, good for birdwatching and marine life.
• April and May are rainy and humid – boat access may be limited.

15. Soak up Swahili coastal culture

Tanzania’s coast blends centuries of trade, tradition and flavor – and nowhere is that more obvious than in its food. Along the shoreline and out on the islands, seafood is central to Swahili cuisine. Think grilled prawns, octopus curry, coconut-laced sauces and spicy rice – often eaten feet-in-the-sand, with the sea just meters away.

Zanzibar is a standout. In Forodhani Gardens, the nightly food market dishes up local favorites like ghee-fried seafood pizzas and skewers of lobster, calamari and snapper. If you’re after a more romantic vibe, rooftop restaurants and beachside grills serve up sunset suppers with style.

Food is just one slice of Swahili coastal life – but it’s a delicious one.

How to get to Swahili coastal destinations

• Zanzibar: Fly or ferry from Dar es Salaam. It’s the easiest entry point to explore both food and coastal culture.
• Mainland towns: Bagamoyo and Pangani are atmospheric options reached by road. Mtwara opens the door to southern coastal life and marine parks.

When to visit Swahili coastal destinations

• June to October offers dry, breezy weather – perfect for coastal travel and fresh seafood feasts.
• December to March is hotter and livelier, with plenty of catch and market activity.
• April and May bring heavier rains; travel is still possible but some restaurants and lodges may shut.