Home / Africa Blog / Tanzania Travel Tips – Unique Experiences not to be missed [Tips]

Tanzania Travel Tips – Unique Experiences not to be missed [Tips]

The East African country of Tanzania is most famous for the Serengeti. It’s a playground for a vast number of wildlife species and the backdrop to many fascinating wildlife documentaries. Animals roam freely through the golden grasslands and every year they create a breathtaking spectacle known as the Great Mammal Migration. It’s no wonder the Serengeti is a favourite among safari enthusiasts.

Another monumental landmark which attracts adventurous visitors from all around the globe is Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. While it’s by no means easy to scale its peaks, you can successfully climb Kilimanjaro if you have strength, grit and a fair share of training. Arguably the most popular mountain to climb in the world. With significant attractions, Tanzania has become a country for the curious, the daring, and those that take pleasure in witnessing the raw splendor of nature.

Although Tanzania boasts more than just a few natural phenomenons. Travelling to this country means immersing yourself in ‘otherworldly’ encounters. All of which will get you closer to nature in a way that you’ve unlikely experienced before. With a landscape so diverse, it’s possible to experience natural splendor that many search far and wide for. From flat lands, to giant mountain peaks to volcanoes and underground water caves. Tanzania is a country so unusual and unique. A place that will excite your senses and leave you with memories impossible to match.


We have listed our Tanzania Travel Tips with a few of the most unique experiences for your bucketlist:

 

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy feat, yet it’s possible to reach its peak without much mountaineering experience or advanced equipment. At 5.895 metres (19,341 feet) it stands as the highest peak in Africa. A summit of this mountain is a great achievement, offering a significant highlight and a story too great not to share. Yet, only 65% of climbers manage to reach the top. It’s thought that this could be due to not picking the right tour operator, climbing an unsuitable route, climbing at a less than favourable time of year, or failure to work on fitness and stamina.

Travel Tips:

Although it’s believed that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is possible all year round, there’s no denying that some months are more pleasant than others. The ideal months to climb are from January to March and from June to October. January to March is cooler, but not overly cold and the routes are a lot less crowded. June to October is always slightly busier, though the weather is distinctly more comfortable. The months of April, May and November usually have heavy rainfall, making the trek a lot more challenging and even dangerous at parts.

Picking a route is yet another incredibly important step – and this decision has the power to seal your fate. There are seven routes to the summit, with some taking 5 days while others up to 10 days to summit. Though you may want to finish in the quickest possible time, it’s important to choose your route based on personal and technical factors. The longer routes have the highest success rate as you’ll ascend at a gradual rate, giving you more time to acclimatise. This, however, doesn’t mean they it’s any easier, but rather more comfortable.

Another tip is to work on your fitness and stamina. Though this is a walkable mountain, the strain brought on by altitude is astronomical and the only way to ensure success, is to be as physically and mentally prepared as possible.

 

Visit the Serengeti and witness the great mammal migration

The Serengeti is possibly the most well-known and the most popular national park in Africa. Here, the workings of nature play out like a real-life wildlife documentary, amidst a backdrop that seems too beautiful to be real. The golden grasslands shine in the sun, while the likes of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe and gazelle roam the open fields.

The Serengeti offers one of the best safari experiences on the continent and for good reason. Not only is it untouched and raw but the famous Great Migration plays out in this very location every year. Around 2 million mammals make their way from either the Masai Mara to the Serengeti, or vice versa (depending on the rainfall). Offering spectacular sights and game viewing delights. 

The best time of year to visit the Serengeti and experience the Mammal Migration is during the months of July to October. Although if you’re looking for an authentic African safari, the Serengeti is an absolute treat throughout the year. Safari tours through the Serengeti are sometimes a little pricey, yet there are affordable options to suit your Tanzania safari budget. African Overland Tours offer unbeatable safari tour prices, which include many other Tanzania highlights.

 

Pick from our budget safari tours through the Serengeti

  • Tour Length 42 days
    Group Size Max 20
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Cape Town
    Countries South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya
    Overview
    Chobe National Park, the Namib Desert, Ngorongoro Crater, Etosha National Park, Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans. This isn’t a list of locations for the next ‘Planet Earth’. This is your African overland adventure. The Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Tour takes intrepid travelers through the continent’s most celebrated wildlife countries - Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia - before coming to an end in Cape Town, South Africa.

    Price from

    R119,150

    View Tour Check Availability

    Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Camping Tour (42 Days)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    04 Aug 2024 → 14 Sep 2024

    From

    R119150
    Check Availability
    01 Sep 2024 → 12 Oct 2024

    From

    R119150
    Check Availability
    29 Sep 2024 → 09 Nov 2024

    From

    R119150
    Check Availability
    27 Oct 2024 → 07 Dec 2024

    From

    R119150
    Check Availability
    24 Nov 2024 → 04 Jan 2025

    From

    R119150
    Check Availability
  • Tour Length 13 days
    Group Size Max 16
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Dar es Salaam
    Countries Kenya, Tanzania
    Overview With showpiece attractions by the likes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro, East Africa is story-book Africa. This whirlwind adventure sees you living out your wildest dreams with open-top game drives through vast plains and eye-opening Masaai village tours. After getting your fill of wildlife and local living, dust off your boots and soak up the African sun on the powdery-white beaches of Zanzibar. Now this is a dream come true.
    • Price Beat Guaranteed
    • 10% early bird discount (6 months or more)

    Price from

    R75,100

    View Tour Check Availability

    13 Day East Africa Game Parks and Zanzibar Safari

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    24 Mar 2024 → 05 Apr 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    07 Apr 2024 → 19 Apr 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    21 Apr 2024 → 03 May 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    05 May 2024 → 17 May 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    19 May 2024 → 31 May 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    02 Jun 2024 → 14 Jun 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    16 Jun 2024 → 28 Jun 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    30 Jun 2024 → 12 Jul 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    14 Jul 2024 → 26 Jul 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    28 Jul 2024 → 09 Aug 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    11 Aug 2024 → 23 Aug 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    25 Aug 2024 → 06 Sep 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    08 Sep 2024 → 20 Sep 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    22 Sep 2024 → 04 Oct 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    06 Oct 2024 → 18 Oct 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    20 Oct 2024 → 01 Nov 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    03 Nov 2024 → 15 Nov 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    17 Nov 2024 → 29 Nov 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    01 Dec 2024 → 13 Dec 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    15 Dec 2024 → 27 Dec 2024

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
    29 Dec 2024 → 10 Jan 2025

    From

    R75100
    Check Availability
  • Tour Length 12 days
    Group Size Max 17
    Starts & Ends Starts: Nairobi Ends: Nairobi
    Countries Kenya, Tanzania
    Overview Nothing can compare to encountering the legendary wildlife of the Serengeti and Masai Mara in the flesh. That’s why we’ve dedicated 12 full days to exploring this iconic safari circuit. Traverse incredible national parks where golden grasslands stretch onto the ends of the earth, watch wildebeest kick up the rich African dust as they migrate in their millions, and venture off track to isolated regions to meet local tribes world apart. The road is as diverse as it is unpredictable, so be prepared for adventure. Your tour requires participation from all group members. This entails assisting with the food preparation, washing of dishes, keeping the truck clean and the setting up the camp. Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind is needed on the trip. All guides are registered with the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).

    Price from

    R60,615

    View Tour Check Availability

    Kenya & Tanzania Budget Safari (All Inclusive)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    31 Mar 2024 → 11 Apr 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    14 Apr 2024 → 25 Apr 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    28 Apr 2024 → 09 May 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    12 May 2024 → 23 May 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    26 May 2024 → 06 Jun 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    09 Jun 2024 → 20 Jun 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    23 Jun 2024 → 04 Jul 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    07 Jul 2024 → 18 Jul 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    21 Jul 2024 → 01 Aug 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    04 Aug 2024 → 15 Aug 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    18 Aug 2024 → 29 Aug 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    01 Sep 2024 → 12 Sep 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    15 Sep 2024 → 26 Sep 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    29 Sep 2024 → 10 Oct 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    13 Oct 2024 → 24 Oct 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    27 Oct 2024 → 07 Nov 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    10 Nov 2024 → 21 Nov 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    24 Nov 2024 → 05 Dec 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    08 Dec 2024 → 19 Dec 2024

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability
    22 Dec 2024 → 02 Jan 2025

    From

    R60615
    Check Availability

 

Visit the oasis of the Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is yet another magnificent landmark, found in Northern Tanzania. This landmark does not peak the curiosity of many because of the wildlife alone, it also boasts a fascinating history. The Ngorongoro Crater was once a gigantic volcano which some have estimated to have been higher than that of Mount Kilimanjaro. That’s if it never collapsed after eruption. After erupting nearly three million years ago, the volcano collapsed, creating a ‘caldera’. There are many caldera’s around the world – one of the most well known is underwater in Santorini, Greece.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the only intact caldera’s in the world, and it has since become an oasis for life. Wildlife roam at the foot of its 600m high peaks, with the vegetation ever so healthy and lush. The Ngorongoro Crater is certainly a must visit!

 

Visit the ever-fascinating Ngorongoro Crater on your African tour!

  • Tour Length 30 days
    Group Size Max 20
    Starts & Ends Starts: Johannesburg Ends: Nairobi
    Countries South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya,
    Overview This overland trip takes you to some of Africa's top game parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Chobe National Park, South Luangwa National Park. Enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Malawi, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. The beaches of Zanzibar and Malawi encourage you to sit back and relax in true African style. Africa's unique culture, geography and wildlife are the major highlights of the many countries you travel through on this trip.

    Price from

    R124,250

    View Tour Check Availability

    Johannesburg to Nairobi Tour Adventure (Comfort) (30 Days)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    28 Mar 2024 → 26 Apr 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    11 Apr 2024 → 10 May 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    25 Apr 2024 → 24 May 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    09 May 2024 → 07 Jun 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    23 May 2024 → 21 Jun 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    06 Jun 2024 → 05 Jul 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    20 Jun 2024 → 19 Jul 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    04 Jul 2024 → 02 Aug 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    18 Jul 2024 → 16 Aug 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    01 Aug 2024 → 30 Aug 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    15 Aug 2024 → 13 Sep 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    29 Aug 2024 → 27 Sep 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    12 Sep 2024 → 11 Oct 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    26 Sep 2024 → 25 Oct 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    10 Oct 2024 → 08 Nov 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    24 Oct 2024 → 22 Nov 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    07 Nov 2024 → 06 Dec 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    21 Nov 2024 → 20 Dec 2024

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    05 Dec 2024 → 03 Jan 2025

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    19 Dec 2024 → 17 Jan 2025

    From

    R124250
    Check Availability
    16 Jan 2025 → 14 Feb 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    30 Jan 2025 → 28 Feb 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    13 Feb 2025 → 14 Mar 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    27 Feb 2025 → 28 Mar 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    13 Mar 2025 → 11 Apr 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    27 Mar 2025 → 25 Apr 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    10 Apr 2025 → 09 May 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    24 Apr 2025 → 23 May 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    08 May 2025 → 06 Jun 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    22 May 2025 → 20 Jun 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    05 Jun 2025 → 04 Jul 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    19 Jun 2025 → 18 Jul 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    03 Jul 2025 → 01 Aug 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    17 Jul 2025 → 15 Aug 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    31 Jul 2025 → 29 Aug 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    14 Aug 2025 → 12 Sep 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    28 Aug 2025 → 26 Sep 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    11 Sep 2025 → 10 Oct 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    25 Sep 2025 → 24 Oct 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    09 Oct 2025 → 07 Nov 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    23 Oct 2025 → 21 Nov 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    06 Nov 2025 → 05 Dec 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    20 Nov 2025 → 19 Dec 2025

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    04 Dec 2025 → 02 Jan 2026

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
    18 Dec 2025 → 16 Jan 2026

    From

    R139160
    Check Availability
  • Tour Length 21 days
    Group Size Max 16
    Starts & Ends Starts: Livingstone Ends: Nairobi
    Countries Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya
    Overview Livingstone to Nairobi Overland adventure exploring the highlights of East and Southern Africa such as a variety of amazing National Parks, beaches, Lake Malawi, a farmstay in Tanzania and of course the beauty and culture of Zanzibar.

    Price from

    R62,180

    View Tour Check Availability

    Livingstone to Nairobi Overland (21 Days)

    Tour start → end dates Price Enquire
    22 Mar 2024 → 11 Apr 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    05 Apr 2024 → 25 Apr 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    19 Apr 2024 → 09 May 2024

    From

    R62180 R46635

    25% off!

    Check Availability
    03 May 2024 → 23 May 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    17 May 2024 → 06 Jun 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    31 May 2024 → 20 Jun 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    14 Jun 2024 → 04 Jul 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    28 Jun 2024 → 18 Jul 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    12 Jul 2024 → 01 Aug 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    26 Jul 2024 → 15 Aug 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    09 Aug 2024 → 29 Aug 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    23 Aug 2024 → 12 Sep 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    06 Sep 2024 → 26 Sep 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    20 Sep 2024 → 10 Oct 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    04 Oct 2024 → 24 Oct 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    18 Oct 2024 → 07 Nov 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    01 Nov 2024 → 21 Nov 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    15 Nov 2024 → 05 Dec 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    29 Nov 2024 → 19 Dec 2024

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    13 Dec 2024 → 02 Jan 2025

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability
    27 Dec 2024 → 16 Jan 2025

    From

    R62180
    Check Availability

 

Visit the Chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains

Tanzania is one of the only places on earth to see wild chimpanzees living in their natural habitat. The only other countries which offer Chimpanzee trekking are that of Uganda and Rwanda. Montane Forest in the Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania is where you will encounter Chimpanzee, which share 96% of our DNA. This reality alone makes it an incredibly interesting encounter that is sure to leave you speechless. What’s great about this trek is that you’ll get more than you bargained for, as the Chimps are not the only attraction you’ll see. You’ll also likely spot a variety of other monkey species, as well as various exotic birds.

 

Visit a Masai Village

For a true cultural experience, visiting a Masai village is a must. The Masai are known for their colourful clothing complete with body wraps and beads which have various meanings. Although they may be most famous for jumping really high as a display of their strength during a tribal dance routine. The Masai people are one of the last standing tribes who still live very much like they did in centuries past. They are nomadic and live in crafted homesteads while tribes move around with their cattle.

 

Visit the sacred Kuza Cave of Zanzibar

Since you’re visiting Tanzania, you may want to think of exploring its tropical island of Zanzibar. Zanzibar is a ferry trip away from Tanzania’s coastal city, Dar Es Salaam. The beaches are absolutely exquisite, while the town is rustic, yet beautiful and full of culture and life.

Although small, Zanzibar rich with secret spots which you won’t want to miss. For one: Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar’s Stone Town! A natural secret gem we recommend you visiting is that of the sacred Kuza Cave, situated on the East Coast of Zanzibar, in Jambiani. It is a cave filled with fresh crystal clear waters and a place that is sacred among locals due to the healing minerals in the water. This fresh water cave is best described as an oasis in the jungle of Jambiani.
 


About Leandra Slabbert

I don't think God intended for any of us to just be ordinary
Article by: Leandra Slabbert
on January 7, 2023
Filed under  Africa Blog • Destinations • Only in Africa • Tanzania • What to do 
African Overland Tours Experts
  • First-hand experience
  • Advice and guidance
  • We're passionate travelers

Enquire Now

FEATURED POSTS

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Article