After an unforgettable adventure exploring the incredible country of Tanzania with a friend, I’ve put together a list of my 12 favorite things to do and places to go.
Located in East Africa near the equator, Tanzania is one of the best countries to visit in all of Africa. From going on some of the world’s best safaris to marvelling at the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Tanzania has something for every kind of traveler. Let’s dive in:
- Marvel at the Flamingos at Lake Natron
- Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano: Summit the Mountain of God
- Visit Arusha & Napuru Waterfalls
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Climb the Tallest Mountain in Africa
- Mount Meru: Tanzania's Hidden Gem
- Take in the Views at the Usambara Mountains
- Visit the Tropical Islands of Zanzibar
- See the Lions at Lake Manyara National Park
- Go Wildlife Spotting at Ngorongoro Crater
- Serengeti National Park: Unforgettable Safaris
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Above the Serengeti
- Game Drives in the Serengeti
Marvel at the Flamingos at Lake Natron
At the start of our journey, a 5-hour drive across dirt roads winding through incredible landscapes took us to the mesmerizing Lake Natron. Along the way, we spotted giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests, setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure.
At Lake Natron we stayed in cozy tents nestled in the bush which provided an immersive experience in the African wilderness. As we settled in, we headed down to the lake and were blown away by the scenery. Lake Natron is renowned worldwide for being home to one of the largest flamingo populations. This salt lake has earned the nickname “the deadliest lake on Earth” due to its inhospitable waters, which few animals can survive in. Yet, the flamingos thrive, protected from predators and feeding on the algae-rich waters.
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano: Summit the Mountain of God
After leaving Lake Natron, we set our sights on summiting Ol Doinyo Lengaii, a volcano standing tall at just under 3,000 meters. Locally known as the “Mountain of God,” I soon understood why it earned this revered name.
Our hike began at midnight, and I’ll admit, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The climb was tough, with steep inclines that had me crawling on my hands and knees towards the end. But as the sun began to rise around 6:00 a.m., we finally reached the summit.
The view took my breath away. Standing on the volcano’s rim, I gazed into the massive crater, where black, bubbling lava churned beneath the surface. The surrounding landscape stretched out endlessly, kissed by the golden light of dawn. It was a sight I’ll never forget. The volcano’s roar was deafening, with the Earth groaning and rumbling like thunder.
After spending about two hours at the summit, our guide recommended we begin our descent to avoid the midday sun. The trek down was just as beautiful, and when we reached our car around noon, we’d completed our journey in 12 hours. Although it was one of the hardest physical challenges I’ve ever undertaken, summiting Ol Doinyo Lengai was definitely one of my all-time favorite travel experiences.
Visit Arusha & Napuru Waterfalls
After our adventurous hike, we headed to Arusha. If you’re flying into Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha is the closest major city, just a 20-minute drive from the airport. I was impressed by Arusha – it’s a decent-sized city that’s surprisingly lush, with fairly cool temperatures. There’s plenty to do in and around the city.
One cool spot near Arusha is the Napuru Waterfalls, about 30 minutes from central Arusha. The area is amazing – a lush rainforest full of giant trees and beautiful vegetation. The hike to the waterfall is relatively easy, taking only around 30 minutes. The trail is stunning, and I felt like I was walking into the garden of Eden. The last part of the trail involves strolling through a stone gorge before reaching the waterfall.
Mount Kilimanjaro: Climb the Tallest Mountain in Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most iconic landmarks. As the highest peak in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro stands at an impressive 5,895 meters above sea level.
What’s remarkable about Kilimanjaro is that it can be hiked without any technical climbing gear. The journey to the top typically takes between 5 to 10 days, depending on the route taken. The longer the trek, the higher the chances of successfully summiting, as it allows your body to acclimate to the high altitude and low oxygen levels.
During our visit, we hiked through the rainforest at the base of the mountain, surrounded by lush and beautiful scenery. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro on this trip, I’m determined to summit it when I return. I know it will be an adventure of a lifetime.
Mount Meru: Tanzania’s Hidden Gem
Located in northern Tanzania, Mount Meru is the country’s second-highest mountain, standing at 4,562 meters. This dormant volcano offers a 3-4 day climb to the summit, providing breathtaking views and a unique adventure.
While many people flock to Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is often overlooked. However, if you’re looking for a less crowded and more off-the-beaten-path experience, Mount Meru is an excellent choice.
Similar to Kilimanjaro, the climb takes you through various climate zones, culminating in a stunning summit. From the top, you can see Kilimanjaro in the distance, making for a truly unforgettable view.
Take in the Views at the Usambara Mountains
Located about six hours’ drive from Arusha, the Usambara Mountains are one of Tanzania’s most beautiful yet undiscovered destinations.
If you’re interested in exploring the Usambara Mountains, you’ll likely start in the town of Lushoto. You can hire a local guide to take you through the mountains or, if you’re feeling adventurous, tackle the trails on your own. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including monkeys and the elusive chameleons.
One must-visit viewpoint near Lushoto is the Irente Viewpoint which offers breathtaking views of the lush Usambara Mountains. Another scenic spot is the World Viewpoint, near the town of Mambo, which provides phenomenal views of this special corner of Tanzania.
Visit the Tropical Islands of Zanzibar
Just 25 kilometers off Tanzania’s coast, Zanzibar is a tropical paradise. This archipelago, comprising of two main islands, offers crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and a relaxed, tropical atmosphere.
The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October, when you’ll avoid the rainy season. While Tanzania is often associated with its savannas and wildlife, Zanzibar boasts stunning beaches and a unique island vibe.
See the Lions at Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is home to a vast lake boasting an array of wildlife including the famous tree-climbing lions. We stayed just outside the park at the Migombani Campsite, a serene haven nestled high up in the valley. The campsite featured a stunning pool with breathtaking views of Lake Manyara.
Go Wildlife Spotting at Ngorongoro Crater
In the heart of Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is a beautiful natural wonder teeming with an incredible array of wildlife.
As we entered the conservation area, our guides paid the entrance fee, and we embarked on an unforgettable journey. The crater’s unique landscape, untouched by human development, provides a habitat for an astonishing variety of animals.
Just a short drive from the gate, we stumbled upon an elephant roaming freely by the side of the road. A few minutes later, we arrived at a lookout point, which offered a panoramic view of the entire crater. The sheer scale of this natural wonder left us awestruck.
We were then able to descend 600 meters to the crater floor, where we encountered an incredible assortment of wildlife, including the big five of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo.
Serengeti National Park: Unforgettable Safaris
For an unforgettable African safari experience, the Serengeti National Park is one of the world’s premier destinations. This incredible park is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including the great migration of wildebeest and the majestic lions lazing in the sun.
Reaching the Serengeti is straightforward, with options including a scenic six-hour drive from Arusha or a flight into the Seronera airstrip.
While visiting the Serengeti does come with a hefty price tag, it’s an experience that’s well worth the investment. As for accommodations, there are various options available, ranging from budget-friendly camping to luxury lodges.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Above the Serengeti
If you’re in the Serengeti, one activity you should definitely consider is a hot air balloon safari. Our trip with Serengeti Balloon Safaris required a 4:00 a.m. wake up to drive to our launching site.
Once you’re in the air, it’s strangely silent except for the sound of the fire heating, making for a serene experience of peacefully looking for animals on the savannah from above.
At the very end of our tour, we got high enough to see an incredible 360 degree view of the Serengeti. After we descended and landed in the middle of the savannah, we celebrated with some champagne or mango juice with the captain, followed by a luxury full English breakfast in the bush. It was an amazing experience, and I highly recommend doing it while you’re in the Serengeti if you can.
Game Drives in the Serengeti
The Serengeti was truly the highlight of my trip, and my favorite way to experience it was on game drives. Every day, we’d wake up at sunrise and set out into the wilderness, returning at sunset with unforgettable memories.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Serengeti is its diverse landscapes and wildlife. We explored different areas, each with its unique characteristics. One region featured short green grass and termite mounds, where we spotted most of the cheetahs. Another area boasted vast plains, home to millions of wildebeests and zebras.
The Kopje, a collection of stone islands, was another standout feature. We’d almost always find lions lounging on these rocky outcrops. Watching two lionesses play near the Kopje at sunset while their cubs hid on top was a truly magical experience.
Visiting during the rainy season, we witnessed massive thunderstorms almost daily. While they created epic scenery, they also brought a touch of terror when we found ourselves deep in the bush, trying to avoid getting stuck on muddy roads.
One heart-pumping moment was when we visited a lion perched on a tree just as a massive storm rolled in. We underestimated its severity and almost got stuck, but our expert guide navigated us to safety.
As we drove back to our hotel, we escaped the thunderstorm and stumbled upon the most incredible sunset of our trip. A fireball of a sun hovered above the horizon, with lightning bolts illuminating the Serengeti. To make it even more breathtaking, a herd of zebras grazed peacefully in the foreground. It was the perfect conclusion to our time in the Serengeti.
Tanzania is a beautiful country filled with wildlife to spot, peaks to summit and diverse landscapes to explore. I hope that this collection of all my favorite things to do and places to visit in Tanzania inspires your next trip, and to take a closer look at everything I did in Tanzania, take a look at the video below:
