African Things To Do
Tanzania Travel Guide

Things to Do in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top “big experience” destinations: legendary safaris in the Serengeti, the jaw-dropping Ngorongoro Crater, and the option to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Add Zanzibar for beaches and historic Stone Town, and you have one of the best safari + island combinations in the world. This one-page guide highlights the best places and trip ideas to help you plan.

Safaris Great Migration Kilimanjaro Zanzibar Culture

Top Destinations in Tanzania

Tanzania is easy to combine: Northern Circuit safaris + optional Kilimanjaro trekking + Zanzibar coast time.

Serengeti National Park

One of the world’s greatest safari parks—big wildlife, vast plains, and the Great Migration.

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Ngorongoro Crater

A natural amphitheater packed with wildlife—amazing for game viewing in a single day.

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Tarangire National Park

Elephant country—baobab landscapes and strong wildlife sightings, especially in dry periods.

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Lake Manyara National Park

A beautiful, compact park—great scenery, birdlife, and easy safari days.

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Mount Kilimanjaro

A bucket-list trek—the highest mountain in Africa with famous summit views.

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Zanzibar (Stone Town + Beaches)

Historic Stone Town and warm Indian Ocean beaches—perfect after safari.

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Nyerere National Park (Selous)

Southern Circuit wilderness—big landscapes and a more remote safari feel.

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Ruaha National Park

Wild, rugged, and less crowded—one of Tanzania’s best “off-the-radar” safari parks.

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Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is the safari dream: endless plains, big cats, and some of Africa’s most famous wildlife scenes.

  • Best experiences
    Game drives, big cats, migration scenes, sunrise moments
  • Best for
    First-time safari and wildlife photography
  • Recommended time
    2–4+ days
  • Good to know
    More days = better sightings and less rushing

Ngorongoro Crater

A dramatic crater floor with dense wildlife—often one of the most efficient safari days in Africa.

  • Best experiences
    Crater game drive, scenery viewpoints, wildlife concentration
  • Best for
    Big sightings in one day
  • Recommended time
    1 day (or 2 for relaxed pacing)
  • Good to know
    Start early for the best crater experience

Tarangire National Park

Baobab landscapes and elephants—Tarangire is a favorite add-on in the Northern Circuit.

  • Best experiences
    Elephant sightings, baobabs, relaxed game drives
  • Best for
    A strong first safari day from Arusha
  • Recommended time
    1–2 days
  • Good to know
    Often pairs well with Manyara + Ngorongoro

Lake Manyara National Park

A scenic park with strong birdlife and a relaxed safari feel—great as a short stop in the circuit.

  • Best experiences
    Nature drives, forest-to-lake scenery, birdwatching
  • Best for
    Scenery lovers and short safari days
  • Recommended time
    Half-day to 1 day
  • Good to know
    Combine with Tarangire or Ngorongoro for balance

Mount Kilimanjaro

A legendary trek and a true bucket-list challenge—most routes take multiple days for acclimatization and success.

  • Best experiences
    Multi-day trekking, changing landscapes, summit sunrise
  • Best for
    Adventure travelers and hikers
  • Recommended time
    6–9 days (depending on route)
  • Good to know
    More days improves acclimatization and summit chances

Zanzibar (Stone Town + Beaches)

Zanzibar is the perfect ending: Stone Town history, ocean breezes, and beach relaxation after safari.

  • Best experiences
    Stone Town walking tour, spice experiences, beach time
  • Best for
    Relaxation after safari or Kilimanjaro
  • Recommended time
    3–7 days
  • Good to know
    Choose your coast based on vibe: quiet, lively, or boutique

Nyerere National Park (Selous)

A huge southern wilderness—ideal for travelers who want a less crowded, more “wild” safari feeling.

  • Best experiences
    Remote game drives, big landscapes, flexible safari days
  • Best for
    Travelers avoiding crowds
  • Recommended time
    2–4 days
  • Good to know
    Often pairs well with Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

Ruaha National Park

One of Tanzania’s best “deep safari” choices—rugged landscapes, fewer vehicles, and a strong wilderness feel.

  • Best experiences
    Remote safari days, dramatic scenery, big wildlife moments
  • Best for
    Experienced safari travelers
  • Recommended time
    3–5 days
  • Good to know
    Often accessed by flights—plan logistics early

Top Things To Do in Tanzania

Build your Tanzania trip around the Northern Circuit, then add Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar depending on your style.

  • Go on safari in the Serengeti
    Classic wildlife experiences and big landscapes
  • Do a Ngorongoro Crater game drive
    High-impact safari day with dense wildlife
  • See elephants and baobabs in Tarangire
    A favorite first safari stop from Arusha
  • Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
    A world-famous trek and major achievement
  • Explore Stone Town
    History, architecture, and culture
  • Finish on Zanzibar beaches
    Relax after safari with ocean time

Sample Tanzania Itineraries

Use these as a framework and adjust based on your pace, budget, and whether you want Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro.

Trip Length Route Idea Best For
4–6 Days Arusha + Tarangire + Ngorongoro + (short Serengeti) Quick Northern Circuit safari
7–10 Days Tarangire + Serengeti + Ngorongoro Classic Tanzania safari
10–14 Days Northern Circuit safari + Zanzibar Best first-time mix
14+ Days Kilimanjaro trek + safari + Zanzibar Full Tanzania experience

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania works year-round, but safari conditions and the Zanzibar vibe can feel different depending on rainfall and heat.

  • Safari timing
    Early morning and late afternoon drives are best
  • Migration focus
    Where you go in the Serengeti matters—plan based on your goals
  • Zanzibar extension
    Add beach days to rest after safari or hiking
  • Trip pacing
    Avoid rushing—distances can be longer than they look on a map

Tanzania Travel Tips

  • Start with Arusha
    Best base for Northern Circuit safaris
  • Choose 2–3 parks (not 6)
    Better sightings and less driving
  • Plan for early mornings
    Safari days start early for the best activity
  • Pack for sun + dust
    Safari essentials: hat, sunglasses, layers
  • Add Zanzibar to finish
    Best “reward” after safari or Kilimanjaro
  • Book guided safaris
    Guides make a huge difference for sightings

FAQ – Tanzania Tours

How many days do I need in Tanzania?

For a solid safari, 7–10 days is ideal. If you add Zanzibar, plan 10–14 days. If you add Kilimanjaro, many travelers do 14+ days total.

What’s the best first-time Tanzania route?

Tarangire → Serengeti → Ngorongoro, then fly to Zanzibar for beach days.

Tanzania: safari or Zanzibar first?

Most travelers do safari first, then finish with Zanzibar to relax.

Plan Your Tanzania Trip

Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and interests (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar), and we’ll help you plan a smooth Tanzania itinerary.

Email

info@mtravelandtoursbi.com

Tell us your dates + your priorities: Northern Circuit, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar.

M Travel and Tours Burundi

Official website: https://mtravelandtoursbi.com

African Things To Do is owned and operated by M Travel and Tours Burundi.