Tanzania is the land synonymous with the Serengeti, the Great Migration, and the exhilarating thrill of spotting the Big Five. While a Tanzanian safari is an unparalleled African experience, limiting your visit to just game drives means overlooking the remarkable depth of this nation's cultural, geological, and coastal treasures.

If you are planning your trip and looking for authentic, adrenaline-pumping, and enriching things to do in Tanzania that take you down new paths, read on. This guide focuses on adventures and cultural encounters that showcase the other sides of Tanzania's incredible diversity.

Summit and Altitude: The Toughest Things to Do in Tanzania

For many visitors, the highest adventures in Tanzania are found in its magnificent mountains. These treks offer profound physical challenges and spectacular scenery.

Climbing the Giant - Mount Kilimanjaro

As the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, climbing Kilimanjaro is the quintessential Tanzanian adventure that doesn't involve a 4x4. It is a demanding, multi-day trek that tests your mental grit and physical conditioning against extreme altitude.

The Ecosystem Trek: The climb itself is a journey through five distinct climatic zones, starting in the lush rainforests and culminating on the arctic summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

The Personal Victory: The moment the sun rises, illuminating the glacial slopes and the vast, curving plains below, is an emotional and unforgettable reward for the effort expended.

Why choose KiliDestination: With "Kili" right in our name, KiliDestination is the expert in guiding this challenging ascent, prioritizing safety, success rates, and the best support crew for your summit attempt. There's nothing that our Founder and Chief Guide, Kelvin, cannot achieve when it comes to scaling the heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Mastering Mount Meru - Altitude Training and Wildlife Sightings

Mount Meru (4,565m), located within Arusha National Park, is a fantastic alternative or warm-up for Kilimanjaro. This three to four-day trek offers unique insights into the region’s ecology.

Trekking with Rangers: Unlike Kilimanjaro, the lower slopes of Meru are overflowing with wildlife,giraffes, buffalo, and various monkeys, requiring trekkers to be accompanied by an armed park ranger for safety. Kilidestination takes care of this so you can enjoy the mesmerizing views.

The View: From Meru’s summit, you are rewarded with unparalleled, sweeping views of the entire region, including the majestic, cloud-shrouded peak of Mount Kilimanjaro itself.

Coastal and Marine Life: Other Things to Do in Tanzania in the Ocean

Tanzania's coastline and islands offer world-class marine life and historical immersion that rival the famed beaches of Zanzibar.

Diving and Snorkelling in Mafia Island Marine Park

For those seeking quiet, conservation-focused ocean adventures, Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar, is a must-see. The area is protected as a Marine Park, offering some of the healthiest reefs in East Africa.

Whale Shark Encounters: One of the most amazing marine things to do in Tanzania is swimming with juvenile whale sharks (the world’s largest fish) off the coast of Mafia, reliably sighted from October to March.

The Vibe: Mafia is low-key, focusing on intimate eco-lodges and sustainable tourism, making it perfect for certified divers and snorkellers who want pristine, uncrowded waters.

Exploring the Swahili History of Stone Town, Zanzibar

Stone Town, the historical core of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a crucial element of coastal Tanzanian culture.

Architectural Labyrinth: Spend hours navigating the intricate maze of narrow streets, admiring the unique architecture and the famous, highly detailed, carved wooden doors that blend Swahili, Omani, and European artistry.

Key Sites: Visit the bustling Darajani Market, the Old Fort, and the reflective Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the former Slave Market for a profound historical experience.

Culture and Anthropology: Unique Things to Do in Tanzania Inland

To truly appreciate the diverse tapestry of the country, seek out the people and the history that form the bedrock of Tanzania.

Immersive Cultural Visit with the Hadzabe Tribe

Near Lake Eyasi, engaging with the Hadzabe, one of the last true hunter-gatherer communities in Africa, offers a unique window into humanity's past.

The Hunt: Guests can respectfully join the men on their early morning hunt, observing their use of traditional bows and poisoned arrows, or learn about foraging techniques from the women.

Community Respect: This is a deeply sensitive cultural experience. KiliDestination ensures that all interactions are respectful, well-managed, and directly benefit the communities involved.

Stepping into Human History at Olduvai Gorge

For fans of archaeology and history, Olduvai Gorge, situated in the Great Rift Valley, is one of the world's most significant paleoanthropological sites.

Cradle of Mankind: This is the site where the Leakey family, renowned archaeologists, made groundbreaking discoveries of early hominid fossils and stone tools dating back millions of years.

Educational Experience: A visit includes a stop at the on-site museum and visitor centre, providing educational insights into the evolution of early man, connecting you to the very origins of the human species.

Coffee and Waterfalls in Materuni Village

Located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Materuni Village is home to the Chagga tribe and offers a fantastic cultural day trip from Arusha National Park or Moshi.

The Bean to Cup: Take a hands-on tour to learn the traditional Chagga process of harvesting, roasting, and grinding coffee. You get to prepare and taste your own delicious Tanzanian coffee.

Natural Rewards: The tour usually involves a refreshing hike through lush plantations to the beautiful Materuni Waterfalls, complete with a cool dip in the natural pool.

Planning Your Adventure: All the Things to Do in Tanzania with KiliDestination

Tanzania offers a rich array of experiences, making it complex to decide how to combine a mountain trek, a cultural visit, and a marine adventure. You need specialized guides, village permissions, and logistical support for the park.

At KiliDestination, we excel at crafting custom, multi-activity tours. We design itineraries that seamlessly connect the high-altitude challenges with the deep-sea explorations and cultural immersion, ensuring your journey is smooth and rewarding.

Ready to plan a unique trip that includes all these diverse things to do in Tanzania?

Contact KiliDestination today to design your custom itinerary!

FAQs

How much time do I need to cover these different things to do in Tanzania?

To combine a classic safari (5-7 days) with one or two of these special activities (e.g., Kilimanjaro, Mafia Island, or cultural visits), you should plan for a minimum of 12 to 16 days. This allows for necessary travel time and ensures you don't rush the more rewarding, slower-paced activities like mountain trekking or cultural immersion.

Is it safe to visit cultural tribes like the Hadzabe?

Yes, it is very safe, provided you arrange the visit through a reputable tour operator like KiliDestination. We work closely with local community leaders to ensure all visits are done respectfully, ethically, and responsibly. The focus is on authentic interaction and ensuring the community benefits directly from your visit.

Can I still see Chimpanzees in Tanzania, and where is the best place for this activity?

Yes! Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most remarkable things to do in Tanzania, though it is very remote. The best places are in the far western parks: Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park (famous for Jane Goodall's research). Access requires multiple light aircraft flights, making it a specialty, high-value, and unforgettable experience.