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Tanzania is a beautiful country that hosts some of the most amazing places in Africa. The nation has great beaches, interesting history, diverse wildlife, liveliness and a lot more to explore. That’s the reason its popularity has increased tenfold in the last decade. Tourists come from around the globe to explore the beautiful world of Tanzania. If you are also planning to see what Tanzania has in store, then here are the top things to do in Tanzania, East Africa. Take a look at these and surprise yourself.
Top Things To Do In Tanzania
1. Enjoy a Safari Tour in Serengeti National Park
Safari tours are probably the most loved activities in Tanzania. Take these wildlife tours to relish the richness of nature and to decipher the true beauties of the country. Come across green corridors and spot a wide range of species. Serengeti National Park is exceptionally known for the Great Migration where about 1.5 million wildebeest migrate annually. Also, spot beautiful species of Nile crocodiles and Honey badgers. Serengeti National Park is one of the most visited places in Tanzania.
Recommended For: Wildlife Lovers, Families, Photographers
Entry fee: $60 for Adults and $30 for Children between 5 and 16 years of age.
Ideal Timings: 07:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: If you are going for game viewing, then June to October is the best time to visit the national park.
2. Spend an Entire Day at Changu Island
Changu Island in Tanzania is the sheer artistry of nature. Nestled in the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean, Changu Island is a perfect place to enjoy lazy afternoons or energetic evenings with your family and friends. Take a stroll along the seawaters, bathe under the glaring sun, dive into the waters to watch corals or spot giant tortoises roaming around. So, do visit it and enjoy its peaceful and chaos-free environment. The island also has a dark past to explore for it has been used as a prison for rebellious slaves back in the day!
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Photographers
Entry fee: $4-$5 per person
Timings: Anytime
3. Hike Up the Legendary Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro has become a synonym to Tanzania over a period of time. Hence, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it is the most recognized place in the country amongst tourists and travellers. Standing tall with a height of more than 5.8 km, Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano that is also the highest free-standing single mountain on the planet. If you are looking for an adventure, then do try your hand at climbing up this sky-touching beauty! Explore its trails and take home beautiful memories.
Recommended For: Adventure Enthusiasts, Hikers
Average Price: $70 per person for the entry and about $1000 for organized climbing and camping tours.
4. Explore the Old Alleys of Stone Town
Stone Town is a must-visit place in Tanzania for it has corners that spell magic in the name of history and architecture. Being one of the oldest parts of the country, Stone Town has its lanes and streets filled with intriguing stories from the past. Look at the rustic walls here or the wonderfully designed doors and gates and lose yourself in their ancient beauty. Walk through the town and mingle with locals to learn in detail about their lifestyle and culture too. The place is too historic to miss out on.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Culture Explorers
Entry fee: About $8 for all the major tourist places
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: Stay at a traditional Swahili hotel for a more enriching experience.
5. Crash into the Lap of Zanzibar Beaches
Zanzibar Beaches are simply the best in East Africa. These stretches of white sand lapping in the Indian Ocean make for an idyllic vacation. Stay at a beach resort and enjoy the beautiful mornings painted over the sea and the sand. Take a stroll along the shore and listen to the waves producing melodies. The best beaches to visit in Zanzibar include Nungwi Beach, Kizimkazi Beach, Paje Beach and Kendwa Beach.
Recommended For: Beach Lovers, Couples, Families
Ideal Timings: 05:00 am to 08:00 pm
Pro Tip: The South Coast of Zanzibar boasts of the best beaches in the country.
6. Enjoy the Diversity of Pemba Island
Literally translated as the Green Island, the Pemba Island in Zanzibar is an amazing place to rest in the lap of nature. The island has great shores, wonderful vegetation, green fields and a peaceful atmosphere. And this is all that makes Pemba Island a sought after beach destination in Zanzibar. Visit it and take a look at its wharves, beaches, settlements and more. The island would surely make your Zanzibar vacation worth remembering.
Recommended For: Photographers, Nature Lovers, Peace Seekers
Entry fee: No entrance fee
Ideal Timings: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
Pro Tip: Pemba Island is quite a remote location and hence, do the proper research and get prepared before planning out an excursion.
7. Enjoy Water Adventure Sports
Water adventure sports in Tanzania are a must. The country has great shores where you can relish the best of water adventures. Snorkel down the seawaters or dive into the depth of the Indian Ocean. Explore the corals and take beautiful photos. Go for a cruise or a boat ride in the shimmering sea or simply indulge in parasailing. The country also has several places where kite surfing is quite a popular water sport. So, if there is an adventurer in you, book your tickets now and be on the way already.
Recommended For: Adventure Lovers
Average Fee: $25 – $150 (From snorkeling to diving)
Ideal Timings: 07:00 am to 04:00 pm
Pro Tip: Unguja and Mafia Island Marine Park are the best places for snorkelling in Tanzania.
8. Go on an Unusual Spice Tour
Tanzanian spices are popular across the globe and hence, an authentic spice tour here is definitely one of the best things to do in Tanzania. Stroll through the market streets and explore different types of spices on display. Have a little chit chat with the local vendors and learn more about the production of spices and their importance in the country. Also, get an opportunity to embrace the colourful vibes of Tanzanian markets. So, gear up for these beautiful markets.
Recommended For: Culture Explorers
Timings: 07:00 am to 07:00 pm (Especially when the markets are open)
Average Price: $10 – $20 for a guide per day
9. Relish the Beauty of Ngorongoro Conservation
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that should be on your bucket list while in Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is spread over an area of more than 8000 sq km and is home to several natural beauties. Come here and see for yourself the pride of Tanzania. Lying in the lowlands as well as the highlands, the conservation area houses some of the rarest species of animals, birds and plants. Due to its biodiversity, it has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recommended For: Wildlife Lovers, Nature Photographers
Entry fee: $4.50 per person
Timings: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
10. Taste the Delectable Tanzanian Cuisine
While Tanzania is famous for its wildlife, art and music, its cuisine has gone unnoticed for a long period of time. It’s true that in most places you would be offered grilled meat with a curry sauce. However, if you dig a little deeper, you would come across fabulous dishes that reveal south Asian influences combined with the freshness of local mangoes and coconuts. Tanzanian Cuisine is simply lip-smacking. The most popular dishes here include ugali, nyama choma, biryani and mshikaki.
Recommended For: Foodies, Culture Explorers
Average Cost: $3 per meal at an above-average restaurant
Pro Tip: Visit the Stone Town and relish the best street food at decent prices.
Also Explore: 10 Extraordinary Things to do in Zanzibar
