Top Things to Do on a Tanzania Safari: A Complete Guide for Adventure Seekers

Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, offering breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five in the Serengeti, witnessing the Great Migration, or exploring the mystical Ngorongoro Crater, a Tanzanian safari is a dream adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top things to do on a Tanzania safari, ensuring you make the most of your journey through this stunning East African paradise.

1. Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti

The Great Migration is one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife spectacles on Earth. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras, gazelles, and other herbivores, move across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands.

Best Time to See the Great Migration:

• December – March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti (Ndutu region).
• June – July: River crossings at the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti.
• August – October: The dramatic Mara River crossings near the Kenyan border.

Watching thousands of animals make daring river crossings while evading crocodiles and big cats is an experience like no other.

2. Explore the Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wonder

Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife. This vast volcanic caldera offers the best chances to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in a single day.

Why Visit Ngorongoro Crater?

• Spot rare black rhinos, which are difficult to find elsewhere.
• See massive lion prides roaming the grasslands.
• Marvel at over 25,000 animals, including zebras, wildebeest, and hippos.
• Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the crater rim.

The best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is during the dry season (June – October), when animals are easier to spot.

3. Experience a Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti at sunrise. Floating above the golden savannah as the sun rises and animals roam below is a breathtaking sight.

Why Take a Hot Air Balloon Safari?

• Enjoy unobstructed views of wildlife from above.
• Capture stunning aerial photographs of the landscape.
• Experience a champagne breakfast in the wild after landing.

Hot air balloon safaris are best during the dry season (June – October) when visibility is clear.

4. Track Chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains & Gombe National Park

If you love primates, head to Mahale Mountains National Park or Gombe Stream National Park for an up-close encounter with wild chimpanzees. Tanzania is one of the few places in the world where you can trek deep into the forests to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Why Visit Mahale & Gombe?

• Mahale Mountains has the largest population of wild chimpanzees in Tanzania.
• Gombe National Park is where Jane Goodall conducted her groundbreaking chimpanzee research.
• The lush rainforests, waterfalls, and sandy lake shores create a scenic paradise for trekking.

The best time to visit is from June – October, when the trails are drier and the chimpanzees are easier to track.

5. Go on a Walking Safari in Tarangire National Park

For an immersive wildlife experience, ditch the safari vehicle and explore Tanzania on foot with an experienced guide. Tarangire National Park offers guided walking safaris, allowing you to track animals up close while learning about the ecosystem.

Why Take a Walking Safari?

• Feel the thrill of tracking elephants, zebras, and giraffes on foot.
• Get a deeper understanding of the smaller details of nature (footprints, plants, and insects).
• Escape the crowds and enjoy a more intimate connection with the wilderness.

The best time for walking safaris is during the dry season (June – October), when vegetation is lower, making wildlife easier to spot.

6. Visit Lake Manyara National Park for Tree-Climbing Lions

Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon seen in very few places in Africa. The park is also home to pink flamingos, elephants, hippos, and over 400 bird species.

Highlights of Lake Manyara:

• Spot lions resting on tree branches.
• Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Manyara.
• Witness huge flocks of flamingos creating a pink spectacle on the water.

Visit during the dry season (July – October) for the best game viewing or during the wet season (November – June) for birdwatching.

7. Discover the Cultural Heritage of the Maasai People

No Tanzania safari is complete without experiencing the rich culture of the Maasai people. A visit to a traditional Maasai village allows you to learn about their ancient customs, warrior traditions, and unique way of life.

What to Expect in a Maasai Village?

• Witness the famous Maasai jumping dance (Adumu).
• Learn about Maasai beadwork, traditional medicine, and cattle herding.
• Enjoy storytelling and hear fascinating tales about Maasai traditions.

The best way to experience Maasai culture is by visiting villages near Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Amboseli National Park.

8. Explore the Remote Wilderness of Ruaha National Park

If you want an off-the-beaten-path safari, Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest yet most underrated park. It’s home to the second-largest elephant population in Africa and a high concentration of predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Why Visit Ruaha?

• Experience a less crowded safari with exclusive game viewing.
• Spot rare African wild dogs, one of the most endangered predators.
• Explore diverse landscapes, including baobab trees, rivers, and rocky outcrops.

The best time to visit Ruaha is from June to October, when wildlife congregates around water sources.

9. Enjoy a Safari & Beach Combo in Zanzibar

After an adventurous safari, unwind on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. This tropical paradise offers crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.

Top Activities in Zanzibar:

• Relax on the famous Nungwi and Kendwa beaches.
• Go snorkeling or scuba diving in Mnemba Atoll.
• Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit Jozani Forest to see the rare Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkeys.

Zanzibar is best visited year-round, but the best beach weather is from June to October and December to February.

Final Thoughts

A Tanzania safari is more than just game drives—it’s an adventure packed with thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and even tropical escapes. Whether you’re witnessing the Great Migration, trekking with chimpanzees, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, Tanzania offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa.

So, are you ready for your ultimate Tanzania safari adventure? Start planning today!