Tanzania is filled with great attractions and once in a lifetime experience, making it really hard to narrow down your list of “must-do’s” on your holiday! If you the kind of traveller that tries to get in as much as possible in your trip in a short time this one is for you!
To make sure you don’t miss out on the big 10 in Tanzania, we put together the ultimate travel bucket list for you enjoy in Tanzania! You can use this checklist as an inspiration for places to visit, things to do, and activities to add to your trip when booking your trip to Tanzania.
Top 10 things you have to do and see in Tanzania
1. Serengeti National Park
The wildebeest crossing a river
With a great chance of seeing the Big 5 and lots of other wild African animals in their natural habitat it’s no surprise that the Serengeti National Park is seen as the ideal safari destination.
In the right season you can see the famous wildebeest migration, the annual trek of millions of wildebeest and zebra, well-known from the river crossings seen on National Geographic.
More about the Serengeti National Park
2. Hike to the top of Kilimanjaro
Standing at the crater rim of Kilimanjaro
Trek to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain and enjoy sunrise with a view from the crater rim. The most scenic route is called Machame. Budget approximately 6-7 days of your trip for reaching the top. More about Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
3. Go diving in the Zanzibar Archipelago
Colourful fish and beautiful corals underwater
Tanzania has world-class diving, and the Zanzibar Archipelago is one of the top locations for diving in Tanzania. Excellent snorkelling options are also available. Find out where to go in the top 10 dive sites in the Zanzibar Archipelago. The top 10 dive sites in the Zanzibar Archipelago.
4. Explore the natural zoo of the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Image courtesy: peponcete_
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unflooded crater and it is full of animals. The walls of the crater are around 600m high, and peering down into the crater for the first time is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Read more about the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
5. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the plains of the Serengeti
Hot air balloon at serengeti NP
Take to the skies and see the animals from above as the sun rises over the endless plains of the Serengeti. Finish with a champagne breakfast and we are talking about an experience you will never forget.
6. Visit some of Tanzania’s lesser known national parks
Lake Manyara National Park
There are many other national parks in Tanzania to visit after you have seen the Serengeti. Each of them unique in their own way. The top National Parks to visits in Tanzania are:
• Tarangire National Park – more here
• Lake Manyara National Park – more here
• Ruaha National Park – more here
• The Selous Game Reserve –more here
• Katavi National Park
• Kitulo National Park
• Mikumi National Park
7. Swim with whale sharks
Younglady snorkeling with gigantic whale shark at Mafia island
Despite their name, these gentle giants are not sharks. They are the world’s largest fish and can grow up to 20m and longer. From October to March you can hop on a boat and go snorkelling with them. Head to Mafia Island;for this truly incredible experience of a lifetime.
8. Visit the Jane Goodall chimpanzees in Gombe National Park
Chimpanzee at Gombe NP
The chimpanzees in Gombe National Park were made famous by Dr Jane Goodall who has been doing her research here for decades. Your other option is to visit the chimpanzees in Mahale National Park, both national parks are located in the west of Tanzania on the gorgeous Lake Tanganyika. An excellent place to swim and snorkel when you are not visiting the chimpanzees!
9. Visit one of Tanzania’s stunning beaches
Zanzibar beach
There are plenty of options to go to the beach in Tanzania. The Zanzibar Archipelago offers beaches for everyone, but there are also:
- Other islands – like private island Fanjove or the Songo Songo Archipelago,
- Inland lakes – like Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria, and
- The long east coast of Tanzania itself.
Think white sand, palm trees and crystal clear, blue waters. Accommodation from backpacking options to super luxurious means there is a slice of paradise to be found for every budget in Tanzania. If you'll mainly be spending time in Dar es Salaam, you may find our guide to the best beaches in & around Dar rather useful.
10. Wander around the streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar
The Narrow Streets of Stone Town
Image courtesy: marleendg1
With stunning architecture, narrow, labyrinth-like streets and excellent food; this is the perfect place to chill, explore and soak up the quintessential feel of a Swahili town. View our Travel Guide for more on Stonetown
If you loved our Tanzanian Bucket list, check out our Top 10 Bucket List Items for Kenya
