Travel to Tanzania, top 30 best activities in 2023part3
Swim with sharks and snorkel at Mafia Island
Mafia Island has so much to offer its visitors. One of the most recommended and popular things to do on Mafia Island is swimming with whale sharks. These gentle giants are regular visitors to Mafia Island and people can swim with them. Besides whale sharks, humpback whales, sperm whales and dolphins can be observed during the migratory season. The best time to swim with whale sharks is from October to April, while the humpback whale migration season is from July to August.
Much of the island is a protected reserve as its unique shallow waters are home to hundreds of different species of fish, sponges, seaweed and more. Mafia Island Marine Park is perfect for snorkeling and is one of the best diving spots in Tanzania. From the island's beaches, visitors can watch turtles hatch as they head out to sea. Turtle nesting season runs from June to August.
Visit Pemba Island, a great alternative
The northernmost island of the Zanzibar archipelago is Pemba Island. There are several desert islands near Pemba, and the visibility for scuba diving in the Indian Ocean is unmatched.
This underwater paradise is home to sea fans, coral gardens and colorful sponges. Pemba's main population center, Chake Chake, is a popular base for divers.
Pemba has a more relaxed attitude than Zanzibar as it is less visited.
The island has become popular with mountain bikers who are drawn to the 1,000 meter peaks, which are rugged with deep valleys.
Misali Island Beach is a must-see nearby. On an uninhabited tropical island is a stunning white sand beach.
Pemba is a major producer of cloves globally and is renowned for its juju traditions of healing and magic.
People come from all over East Africa to study with traditional and voodoo healers or to seek a cure.
Visit the UNESCO heritage site of Kilwa Kisiwani
The spectacular ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani (“Island Kilwa”) are found on the island of the same name, bordered by mangroves, 2 km opposite the port of Kilwa Masoko.
In its heyday, this island-state was the most important commercial center on the East African coast, its wealth coming first from gold, then from ivory and the slave trade.
Its ruins include a 14th-century palace that was the largest stone structure in sub-Saharan Africa. There are also several mosques, dozens of Shirazian tombs amid gigantic baobab trees and a well-preserved Omani fortress.
It all makes up a unique area, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes visiting it one of the best things to do while in Tanzania if you love history.
Discover Iraqw villages
The Iraqw tribe is an ancient community living as they did over 100 years ago.
More than 150 tribes live and thrive in the country of Tanzania, but the Iraqw tribe allows visitors to experience their way of life. You can talk to the locals, enter their homes, and participate in their farming activities.
If you visit on the 7th or 25th day of the month, you can experience the Iraqw market. The inhabitants of the village sell their wares here, from livestock to art, from herbs to clothing. It will be a unique souvenir to take home.
Visit a Maasai village
In the Maasai village, you can expect the same raw culture as in the Iraqi village. However, the Maasai people continue to live in the heart of Africa. Lions and elephants roam their lands, but they are not afraid of these deadly creatures.
On the contrary, the Maasai know how to live in harmony with nature – a skill they could pass on to you.
Spend a day with the Hadzabe people
Tanzania has over 100 ethnic groups that offer cultural tours, including the well-known Maasai of the northern highlands, the Chagga of the Kilimanjaro and Meru regions, and the Hehe of Iringa in the south of the country. The Hadzabe people live on the coast of Lake Eyasi and are one of the last hunter-gatherer peoples of Africa, much like the San of southern Africa (although there is no known connection).
A cultural tour with the Hadzabe people includes participating in a game hunt, a frenetic but rewarding activity in which men go in search of bushmeat and women gather roots and berries. A day offers a non-voyeuristic insight into daily life, rituals, beliefs and ceremonies.
Walk the northern circuit
The northern circuit includes Tanzania's most famous national parks. As we have already said, you can visit national parks such as Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro. But you can also explore Arusha, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Kilimanjaro, Olduvai and Mkomazi.
Traveling the whole area can take you around 10 days, and during this time you will be able to observe the animals in their natural habitat.
If you don't have time to impose yourself 10 days of travel in the endless plains, you can discover the whole region much faster by skipping some parts or using the flights in the safaris! Don't let the weather stop you from enjoying all that Tanzania has to offer. Imagine yourself on an incredible safari or overlooking the endless plains from a hot air balloon!
Enjoy sensational seafood
le peuple Hadzabe TanzanieLa Tanzanie compte plus de 100 groupes ethniques qui proposent des visites culturelles, dont les très connus Masaïs des hauts plateaux du nord, les Chagga des régions du Kilimandjaro et du Meru et les Hehe d’Iringa, dans le sud du pays. Le peuple Hadzabe vit sur la côte du lac Eyasi et est l’un des derniers peuples de chasseurs-cueilleurs d’Afrique, un peu comme les San d’Afrique australe (bien qu’il n’existe aucun lien connu).
Un circuit culturel avec le peuple Hadzabe comprend la participation à une chasse au gibier, une activité frénétique mais gratifiante au cours de laquelle les hommes partent à la recherche de viande de brousse et les femmes cueillent des racines et des baies. Une journée offre un aperçu non-voyeuriste de la vie quotidienne, des rituels, des croyances et des cérémonies.
Parcourez le circuit du nord
Seafood features prominently in Swahili cuisine, especially in Zanzibar, where fish, prawns, squid and lobster are served with subtle spices and mixed with sauces. Coconut is also very present.
Stone Town is the pinnacle of Tanzanian cuisine. In fact, if you love food, spending time at the Forodhani Gardens Night Food Market is one of the best things to do in Tanzania.
Located in a park between the sea and the Maison des Merveilles, it is the ideal place to buy local products and fresh and fast food in the Tanzanian way. Think Zanzibar pizzas fried in ghee and stuffed with seafood, vegetables, chicken or beef, and Swahili donuts.
If you prefer to sit somewhere picturesque, Stone Town is home to dozens of romantic restaurants. Head to a seaside or rooftop restaurant to enjoy sublime sunset dinners.
Attend festivals
Like all countries, Tanzanians celebrate special events every year to celebrate culture, political events, and successes. Sauti za Busara is a music festival celebrated for four days every February in Dar es Salaam. It brings together musical talents from all over Africa for amazing performances.
One of the main attractions of the event is the carnival and the street parades in which everyone is invited to participate.
The Serengeti Cultural Festival is also held in mid-July. Visitors to the Serengeti can watch traditional dance performances and discover some of the country's best performers.
Equally amazing is the Zanzibar International Film Festival. This festival showcases films from around the world and is considered the largest film and arts festival in East Africa. It helps to promote African films to international audiences.
Finally, there is the Nyama Choma (grilled meat) festival in March. This event celebrates popular African food and attendees can sample grilled meat, barbecued pork ribs and other local cuisines.
Volunteer
Are you interested in volunteering during your trip to Tanzania? Volunteering is a great way to meet local people and experience their culture in a more personal way. In addition to the cultural experience, you get to know the difficulties faced by the local population. There are several organizations and charities ready to welcome motivated volunteers in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam. You have to take your time to find the right organization that will allow you to make a difference. Many charities are underfunded and have their own politics. However, if you focus on the overall goal of making a difference, you will find the experience rewarding.
Go to Dar es Salaam
Although Dar es Salaam is not the capital, it is by far the largest city in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is also Tanzania's busiest commercial center and port. With a population of over 4 million (one of the largest in Africa), the city is the best place to experience Tanzanian culture, cuisine, restaurants and nightlife. The main attractions of the city are the beautiful beaches, the fish market, the national museum, the Kunduchi Wild Water Park, the botanical gardens, the Askari monument, Oyster Bay, Mbudya island, the old state house and neighboring national parks. The city is located on the showers of the Indian Ocean, which allows residents and visitors access to beautiful beaches, the islands of Zanzibar and much more.
?When to go to Tanzania
Wildlife, beaches, friendly people, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Archipelago – Tanzania has it all and more in an adventurous and welcoming package.
The country has fantastic wildlife parks and an excellent safari industry. Wherever you go in Tanzania, opportunities to meet the locals abound, and you can easily find cultural tourism programs to learn about the Maasai and Chagga tribes.
Whether it's the perfect season to go on safari or the perfect time to climb Kilimanjaro, here are the best times to visit Tanzania.
High season: June to September
Best time to see wildlife
This is the time of year when the weather is cooler and drier and most days are sunny. It is easier to spot the animals because the foliage is sparse and the animals congregate around the scarce water sources. Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti usually takes place in June and July. Hotels in popular areas are often full during this time, with high season prices.
Shoulder season: October to February
Best time to watch wildebeest calving
The weather is hot during these months, especially from December to February, and mvuli (short rains) fall and kusi (seasonal trade wind) blows from late October. Wildebeest calving takes place from late January in the southern Serengeti. High season prices apply from mid-December to mid-January.
Low season: March to May
Best period for discounted stays
Heavy rains make secondary roads muddy and some areas inaccessible during these months, but it rarely rains all day, every day, and the landscapes are lush and green. As it is low season, some hotels are closing while others are offering discounts. Travelers can therefore take advantage of lower fares and less crowded parks in the north of the country. Bird watching is at its best at this time of year.
Verdict
The best time to travel to Tanzania
Plan to visit this vibrant African country during the extended dry season. Trips from July to September are a chance to enjoy fantastic weather and see spectacular wildlife responding to nature's ancient influences.
July begins with cool, dry weather, making it an ideal time for travellers. As the dry season begins, wild animals come out of their pastures or isolated hunting grounds to seek increasingly scarce water and food.
As August arrives, wildlife viewing reaches its peak for the year. Huge migratory movements begin, including the Great Migration. This annual event provides the best illustration of nature's circle of life.
The wildebeest put on the biggest show during this huge movement of wildlife from the dry south to where the fresh grass has grown in the north at the start of the wet season.
Over two million wildebeest make this journey each year. Vibrant festivals combine with unparalleled wildlife viewing for the complete Tanzania experience.
Events such as the Dhow Country Festival, the Zanzibar International Film Festival and the Bagamoyo International Arts and Culture Festival invite visitors to experience Tanzania's vibrant way of life. As the dry season provides iconic experiences for tourists, visitors should plan for much higher travel costs.
Also, availability is more limited for excursions such as game drives and Serengeti entries. Be sure to plan your visit to Tanzania well in advance, especially if you are traveling during this high season.
The worst time to visit Tanzania
The worst time to visit Tanzania turns out to be a subjective matter, depending on the type of adventure you are planning. Tourists wanting to see wildlife migrate and be easily observed in the open should plan to visit in late summer and fall.
However, traveling to Tanzania from June to October is a busy time for visitors, which makes it competitive to experience safaris and other amazing times. If you're looking for a quiet, secluded visit, the worst time for you is summer and fall, which are busy times.
However, keep in mind that these humid months can offer more obstacles than bustling groups of people. The rainy season can prompt hotels to close and vendors to cancel game drives and mountain tours.
?How many days do you need in Tanzania
To truly soak up the country, we recommend opting for a trip of at least ten days and incorporating destinations like Selous into your itinerary, as well as the African Great Lakes, which include Lake Victoria, the second largest largest freshwater lake in the world.
Short trips to Tanzania last around a week or less, but a ten-day tour is ideal for relaxed travel. Explore the bustling markets of Dar es Salaam and head to the nearby Pugu Hills for birdwatching. Hikers will feel at home amid the soaring cliffs and greenery of the Udzungwa Mountains, while travelers with the 'Big Five' on their to-do list can hit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. You can also scale the icy cliffs of Kilimanjaro to reach the top of Africa's highest mountain. With ten days available, you can even combine mountaineering with a savannah safari.
Tips before traveling to Tanzania
Before you pack your bags, we have a few tips for you. Whenever you travel to a new country, there are cultural and practical differences that you should be aware of.
Consider driving
If you want to explore the northern circuit, we advise you to take or rent a car. Much of Tanzania is not well serviced, but these safaris have a driving route to help you cross the vast plains.
The route connects Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with a brief stop at Lake Manyara.
Consider hiring a professional guide
Depending on the hotel you are staying at, you may have access to a professional guide throughout your stay. If not, it's worth going to an information center to get one. With a professional guide, you'll be able to find rare wildlife hotspots, and you'll have access to the safest areas.
Without a professional guide, you may miss details and hard-to-find animals on game drives.
Get off the beaten track
At the height of the dry season, Tanzania can become overcrowded. When there are more people than animals, it's time to avoid known trails. We suggest you visit Rubondo Island, in the middle of Lake Victoria.
Imagine a Robinson Crusoe adventure, where the mountains are empty of people and the nature reserve continues as if humans had never touched it.
Check your airports
There are several airports in Tanzania. Don't just fly to Dar es Salaam, the capital, and waste a day getting to your hotel. There are airports just outside Arusha, directly to Kilimanjaro, and easy connections to the Serengeti.
Check which are the most sensible options in terms of time and money, so that you don't waste one or the other by going to the capital.
Buy a local Sim card
To make sure you don't get charged for using your phone abroad, you should buy a local Sim card. These Sim cards will have better wifi connections and better signals, and they will be cheaper due to their intended use in the country.
We recommend choosing Vodacom, Airtel or Tigo. Airtel is a cheap brand and has the worst network of the three, but it will be cheaper than your foreign Sim. Tigo has a good connection at a reasonable price. Vodacom has the best connection network but comes at a cost. If you can afford it, buy a Vodacom Sim Card.
Use the railways
Unless you are driving through the Northern Circuit, the best mode of transportation in Tanzania is the rail system. You can rent a private car, but it costs a lot of money and takes time. Trains are cheaper and allow you to see the area around you and experience life like a native Tanzanian.
Always travel in a group at night
Although Tanzania is very welcoming to tourists, there will always be people ready to catch a vacationer. To make sure you don't get mugged, travel in a group at night. Criminals can spot a tourist a mile away, so don't take the risk.
Bring only the essentials
This brings us to our next trip. Carry only the essentials of what you need for the day. If you lose your passport or visa, you can have big problems trying to leave the country.
On the other hand, don't leave your hotel room without sunscreen and mosquito spray. These sprays will become your best friend when the heat hits you.
Pack light
This advice is more general than specific to Tanzania. Pack only what you need for hiking, lazing around and swimming at the beach. You can buy other clothes when you arrive and wash them at your hotel. Instead, save room in your bag for gifts and keepsakes.
The lighter your luggage, the less you have to pay for the trip as well. To make the most of the savings, buy disposable products as soon as you arrive. Shampoo, travel toothpaste and other small necessary toiletries can be purchased anywhere near your hotel, so don't waste travel space.
Don't forget to tip
In Tanzania, tipping is the same as for breathing. You are expected to tip around 10-12% for basic interactions, such as having your photo taken, driving, or being served in a cafe. However, if you are in a gourmet restaurant or a 5-star hotel, the expected tip increases to 20%.
You're expected to tip for every interaction, so remember to count those extra coins before committing to a purchase.
Conclusion
When you visit Tanzania, you can admire the varied landscapes and experience the local culture firsthand. You can go on safari, climb Kilimanjaro or even go kitesurfing on your vacation! Whatever you do, be sure to spend some time relaxing on the white sand beaches. Nature excursions, kitesurfing and a vibrant nightlife are all great options for adventure seekers.
Tanzania Travel FAQs
?When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania
The long dry season, which lasts from July to October, is the ideal time to visit Tanzania. The Great Migration, treks, safaris and Zanzibar beach holidays are all at their best during these months. The busiest time of year to visit Tanzania is around July. Elephants congregate in Tarangire National Park as migration approaches Kenya. The Big Five are more likely to be seen in August as the animals begin to seek out water sources, making their movements predictable for guides. Flamingos also flock to Lake Natron in large numbers as they can find food and shelter there. Migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra disperse into the Serengeti in September, the last month of the high season. The Mara River, which flows from the northern Serengeti in Kenya, is their main barrier. It can be thrilling to see herds of wildebeest swimming desperately through crocodile-infested waters. For those fascinated by the wildebeest population, a visit towards the end of January is a great opportunity to witness calving season on the Ndutu Plains.
?Where are the best beaches in Tanzania
On the island of Zanzibar, whose incredibly white sands are lapped by turquoise waters, you will find the largest beaches in Tanzania. Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach and Paje Beach, one of the best kitesurfing beaches on the island, are some of the best beaches. Other important beaches can be found on Mafia Island and Pemba Island, including Misali Island Beach and Utende Beach.
?What is the best city for tourism in Tanzania
One of the best tourist towns in the world is Stone Town, Zanzibar. Visitors can interact with the welcoming residents, stroll through the narrow lanes, or head to the Old Fort, an amazing historic structure in the city that was erected by the Omani Arabs to defend against the Portuguese. The picturesque Forodhani Night Market offers visitors to savor mouth-watering street food. The city is spectacular and unique due to its magnificent Swahili architecture, vibrant and bustling markets, and stunning ocean views.
?Is Tanzania worth visiting
Tanzania truly has something to offer every type of traveler. Incredible nature reserves filled with wildlife, gorgeous beaches, opulent accommodation, amazing culture and cuisine are just a few of the attractions.
?What is the culture like in Tanzania
There are several ethnic groups and among them, the largest ethnic group is the Sukuma which has more than three million people. There are also the Chagga Haya and the Nyamwezi. But despite the cultural diversity, the ethnic groups remain quite united.
?What do people do for fun while traveling in Tanzania
Some of the fun things to do in Tanzania include hiking to Mount Kilimanjaro, safari in the Serengeti, scuba diving in Zanzibar, exploring Gombe Stream National Park or marveling at the Rift Valley.
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