Things to do on Tanzania safaris
Things to do on Tanzania safaris : There are plenty of safari activities to explore while on Tanzania safaris, ranging from mountain climbing in Mount kilimanjaro to relaxing at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar
Watch the Great Migration
The largest and oldest national park in Tanzania, the Serengeti, is renowned for being the centre of the largest wildlife migration in the world. When the park is at its busiest, it has the world’s largest concentration of mammals. It should come as no surprise that one of the top things to do in Tanzania is to visit the Serengeti National Park. Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 gazelles, and 300,000 zebras are usually present among the five million species that come here during the migration.
A great Tanzania safari tour here can result to seeing several hundred species of birds making it a great birding safari destination for birdwatchers, while the five million animals found here during the migration are expected to include approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, half a million gazelles, and roughly 300,000 zebras. Even after the migration has moved on, the park maintains sizable populations of plains game, including buffalo, giraffe, warthog, and a range of antelopes. The park is also home to approximately three thousand lions. Other predators include cheetahs, leopards, and bat-eared foxes.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa’s highest mountain is Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano with ice caps that rises to a height of 5892 meters. In addition, it’s one of the biggest volcanoes in the world, the tallest free-standing massif in the world, and breathtakingly gorgeous. It follows that its inclusion in our ranking of Africa’s most spectacular mountains is not surprising. The idea of climbing the mountain is both thrilling and intimidating for many tourists. Kilimanjaro has something of an easy reputation because reaching the peak doesn’t need technical climbing skills. Ignore that; climbers frequently suffer from severe mountain sickness due to the high altitude. Nevertheless, there’s no reason you shouldn’t reach Uhuru Peak in its entirety if you take your time and pay attention to your body.
But if you’re hoping for a simpler solution, have no worry. Less physically demanding options on the mountain include hiking through the rainforest on its lower reaches.
Visit a UNESCO Heritage Site in Kilwa
Two kilometres across the ocean from Kilwa Masoko’s harbour are the magnificent ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, also known as “Kilwa of the Island,” situated on the mangrove-rimmed island bearing the same name. Gold was the primary source of wealth for this island, but it was later followed by ivory and the slave trade, making it the most significant trading hub on the coast of East Africa. One of the largest stone structures in sub-Saharan Africa, dating back to the fourteenth century, is found among its ruins. In addition, there are numerous mosques, an Omani stronghold that has been restored, and dozens of Shirazi cemeteries surrounded by enormous baobab trees. It all adds up to a special place that has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making a visit there one of the top historical activities in Tanzania.
Gombe Stream National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is divided by thirteen untamed river valleys and spans a strip of rugged terrain from Lake Tanganyika to the eastern crest of the Western Rift Valley. The primate paradise of Gombe’s ecosystem, made famous by Jane Goodall, is home to red colobus, red tail, and blue monkeys in addition to olive baboons. These are highlights in other parks, but at Gombe they serve as a prelude to the actual stars, the chimpanzees. You can ascend to the top of the Rift Valley ridge and go on night walks to see nocturnal animals in addition to monitoring chimpanzees in Gombe’s evergreen riverine forests. Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania, on the other hand, is one of the last remaining wild chimpanzee strongholds in the world and is also one of Tanzania’s least accessible parks (no road access).
Specifically, rhinos, buffalos, lions, leopards, and elephants. Not to mention, among the many, many highlights of the birdlife are ostriches, Verreaux’s eagles, Egyptian vultures, kori bustards, and lesser flamingos.
Game drives at Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is the best place to watch elephants in the wild, with sightings occurring from July to late October during the dry season. This is a fantastic place, especially during the dry season when the majority of the migration gathers around the river and pools. It attracts rare species such as the fringe-eared oryx, as well as up to 25,000 wildebeest and 30,000 zebras. You may anticipate about three thousand elephants. Here, however, even these formidable creatures pale in comparison to the enormous baobab trees in the park, many of which are over a millennium old. Grassland and forests may be found in the park’s northern regions, while low hills, scrub, and swamps can be found in the park’s southern regions. The Tarangire River, an evergreen corridor that drains into Lake Burunge to the west, runs through these habitats. The northern portion of the river is the most often visited safari destination for Tanzania wildlife drives.
Hiking
Hiking Tanzania’s Usambara and Udzungwa highlands is one of the best things to do, offering views of ancient rainforests, uncommon plant and animal species, and opportunities to interact with primates. Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a pristine wilderness covered in forests, spanning 1900 square kilometres and home to some of the planet’s most diversified ecosystems. The good news is that there is a vast network of well-maintained paths for those who want to escape to nature. While it’s common to find new species of rare flora and insects here, Udzungwa is renowned for finding new mammals. These include a new genus of monkeys and the largest shrew in the world.
There are many chameleons and some of Tanzania’s most breathtaking hiking trails in the most frequently mist-covered and rocky Usambara Mountains. These mountains are famed for the monsoon-fed rainforests of the Amani Nature Reserve, East Usambara is divided from the western range by the Lwengera valley. Choose from eight different walking pathways to witness amazing bird life. In the reserve, there are over 335 birds species that have been observed, including the long-billed apalis, banded green sunbird, and the critically endangered Amani sunbird.
Tour Kondoa – Irangi rock paintings
This is one of the most exquisite rock art collections in the world is found in the region between Singida and the Maasai Steppe to the east. Here, an estimated 1600 pieces provide a clear picture of the oldest known history of humanity. Known as the Kondoa-Irangi rock paintings (sometimes referred to as “Kolo rock paintings”), the earliest are thought to date back as far as 30,000 years. They are therefore some of the oldest examples of human artistic expression in existence. Each of the fourteen main locations has three painted shelters on average. The optimum times to observe the sites are either in the morning or late at night, depending on their direction. The murals are enhanced and the rocks are infused with deep orange hues by the sunlight during these magical golden hours.
Tour Rubondo Forest Reserve
Climbing to an elevation of almost 900 meters on the Rondo Plateau’s sides is one of Tanzania’s last remaining stretches of native coastal forest. An ecotourism destination and network of nature paths abound in the Rondo Forest Reserve, which serves as a protected area. The name “coastal forest,” which Rondo uses, doesn’t actually relate to a forest near the sea; rather, it describes a forest that receives water from the periodic monsoon rains. There are dozens of rare plants and the smallest known bushbaby in the world, this remnant semi-deciduous woodland is found in this remarkable biodiverse environment. More precisely, the dwarf galaxy Rondo. Spotting ground thrush, Rondo green barbet, and East Coast akalat are just a few of the incredibly unusual species found in Rondo Forest Reserve .
Visit Stone Town
Stone Town, the historic district of Zanzibar Town, the island’s capital, was formerly the epicentre of the slave trade in East Africa. Stone Town, also referred to as Mji Mkongwe (“Old Town”) locally, is reminiscent of the medinas of North Africa and Arabia with its maze-like lanes, busy bazaars, and opulent homes. While it’s fun to stroll aimlessly, there are some spots you should definitely aim for, such as the terrifying cells of Africa’s former slave market and two cathedrals connected to the slave trade’s abolition. The magnificent waterfront in Stone Town, which is home to two opulent palaces and a menacing Omani stronghold, is the town’s focal point.
Scuba diving
Some of the best scuba diving in the world can be found in Tanzania’s coral reefs, with the Mafia Archipelago being a popular spot. Mafia Island Marine Park protects a large portion of the archipelago, which makes up the Mafia Island, and its relatively smaller islands of Chole, Juani, and Jibondo, as well as a number of tiny atolls. More than 400 different species of fish, 60 different kinds of coral, 140 different kinds of sponge, and seven different species of mangroves may be found there. Hawksbill and green turtles use it as a major nesting place. As if that weren’t enough, it’s a lengthy diversion on the peaceful whale sharks’ migration route, which is the world’s largest fish.
Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches
Zanzibar’s beaches are the best places to relax unwind following a strenuous climbing Tanzania safari tour adventure or a hot, dusty Tanzania safari. The 7km stretch of Jambiani’s coastline is untamed and full of wind and raw beauty. This is, quite perhaps, the greatest location in Zanzibar to savour the delights of both beach and village life. At low tide, Bwejuu’s beach offers great snorkelling locations that are accessible by foot or wading. You can make plans for kite-surfing by contacting one of the Paje-based centres. Head to the stunning beach that spans south of Matemwe for a close-up look at rural life. There’s still a strong sense of community in this breathtaking fishing village.
Mnazi Bay -Ruvuma Estuary Marine park
The estuary, mangrove, tidal, peninsular, island, and coral reef ecosystems is included in the Mnazi Bay–Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park. Its beaches are among of the most stunning in Tanzania, with all the white sand and warm blue water you could possibly want. The reefs provide excellent snorkelling and diving spots, the park serves as a refuge for humpback whales from which are best seen from July to December as well as Hawksbill and green turtles. Additionally, it has been identified worldwide as an Important Bird Area, making it a great birding safari destination with its abundant crab-plovers.
