13 Unique Adventure Activities in Tanzania

Tanzania is a haven for adventures. Although most people only think of the Great Migration and Mount Kilimanjaro, the list of adventure activities in Tanzania is quite extensive. From safari experiences to vast sceneries and beautiful white-sand beaches at a cost, we explore the top adventure activities you can explore while in Tanzania.

1. Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro

Although not on everyone’s bucket list, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most sought-after adventure activities in Tanzania. Being the tallest mountain in Africa (5895m highest peak) and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, it attracts many visitors for hiking and climbing. 

Kilimanjaro means the Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Light. In reality, it gives you the allure of both, with most photos showing elephants grazing with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. This beauty also translates to hiking and conquering the adventure-packed mountain.

Whether you are a beginner higher or an adrenaline junkie, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a lifetime experience. The well-organized itinerary allows tourists, even without mountaineering experience or training to climb the mountain in just five days. The best times to hike Mount Kilimanjaro include January to March and June to October. 

2. Visit the Chagga Caves

On your way to Mount Kilimanjaro, a visit to Chagga caves can give you a life-changing perspective. The Chagga tribe lives near and in Mount Kilimanjaro, with the higher elevation allowing them to grow more fruits than their neighboring tribes. They also kept pigs and chickens, but their abundant supply of food led to conflicts with other tribes that lasted for years. 

The lowland Masai would venture up the mountain during the drought season and would form raiding parties to attach the Chaggaa for food. Since the Chaggaa people were fewer in numbers, they had to devise ways to survive the attacks. They would dig tunnels, sometimes running almost 5 kilometers, and used creative tactics such as disguising the smoke of their fires and blocking light from leaving tunnels.  They also had ways of determining if the person who was entering the tunnel was a friend or foe. A visit to these tunnels is not just adventurous, but an opportunity to understand the history of Tanzania. 

3. Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Serengeti

Hot air balloon safaris are another popular safari adventure in Serengeti. It gives you an exceptional experience as you view the Serengeti plains from above, watching the animals in their natural habitat.  

This adventurous undertaking allows you to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. If your hot air balloon safari also concedes with the Great Migration, you will get to see wildebeests and zebras moving fluidly in thousands as they cross the plains. 

4. Witness the Great Migration

Most tourists visit Tanzania to witness the Great Migration. It is a unique experience as you witness millions of wildebeest and zebra continuously moving across Serengeti in an unending cycle. 

The most interesting about The Great Migrations is that it is a continuous movement with no start or end. The animals move in a fluid motion in their number, forming one of the Wonders of the World. However, the kind of experience that you get will depend on the time of the year you visit the parks.

December to March is the wildebeest calving season in NgoroNgoro and Serengeti border. During this season, the grass is green and nutritious for the new life of wildebeest. This provides the wildebeest with enough nutrients to produce enough milk for the calves. A trip to the park during this time of the year also provides an opportunity to see lions hunting as they take advantage of the increased volume of prey.

The migration then moves to the north through the summer season. The wildebeest moves towards the Grumeti River as they devour all the grass in the part. At the river, they have to face crocodiles in the pools to drink water. The wildebeest then continues with the migration, moving towards western Serengeti and entering the Maasai Mara in Kenya. 

By August, the majority of the migrating wildebeest are already entering Maasai Mara. As they cross the river in their numbers, the water often turns into a total blood bath with the attacks from the crocodiles. Then in September and October, the Migration lops back to Serengeti in search of fresh pastures in the upcoming short rainy season. 

5. Dive with Whale Sharks off Mafia Island

For spirited adventurers, diving with whale sharks in Tanzania is a worthwhile activity. Snorkeling and diving at Mafia Island is incredible, with its whale shark encounters setting it apart from other East African islands. Being the largest mammal in the sea, the whale can measure up to 10 meters (32 feet) in length. At the island, you can easily spot these gentle giants between October and February as they glide through the water.  The best time for this adventure activity in Tanzania is October to February.

6. Diving and Snorkeling at Zanzibar 

The crystal-clear waters of the Zanzibar Archipelago are teeming with vibrant marine life, making it a dream destination for divers and snorkelers alike. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete beginner, the island offers ideal conditions. Several professional dive schools provide expert training, allowing even novice divers to experience the underwater beauty safely.

For those seeking even more adventure, a short trip to Pemba Island—known as the “Green Island” for its lush landscapes—offers some of the most thrilling dive spots in East Africa. The dramatic dive walls and vibrant coral reefs in the Pemba Channel are internationally recognized as among the best in the region, ensuring a world-class diving experience

7. Swim at Chemka Natural Hot Springs (Maji Moto)

Something else that you want to explore while in Tanzania is swimming in the Chemka hot springs. Located between Arusha and Moshi, the oasis is made of water ruining all the way from Kilimanjaro, creating an oasis-like bathing area. The most interesting it is that the water runs underground, eventually breaking into the surface. 

As you take a refreshing dip, you can enjoy a free foot massage from the small fish that nibble at your skin. The tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by towering trees and even a rope swing, making this natural wonder a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serenity of nature.

8. Dive into the Zanzibar waters with the semi-submarine experience

Explore the stunning underwater world of Zanzibar without getting wet! The Zanzibar Submarine experience offers a unique opportunity to view the vibrant marine life from the comfort of a modern submarine. As you descend beneath the turquoise waters, you’ll be surrounded by colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and other fascinating sea creatures.

This extraordinary adventure is perfect for families, non-swimmers, and those looking for a new perspective of Zanzibar’s incredible biodiversity. The experience is both educational and thrilling, providing insights into the marine ecosystem while delivering breathtaking underwater views.

For a more dynamic experience, opt for the Reef & Beach Tour, combining the semi-submarine adventure with a speedboat transfer to a nearby sandbank. Here, you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a picnic on the white sands, completing a perfect day in Zanzibar’s pristine waters.

9. Go for a Walking Safari in Tarangire National Park

One of the more rewarding experience when on an adventure in Tanzania is a walking safari. It is interesting and immersive allowing you to directly experience the wonderful wildlife at the Park. The Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is one of the most protected areas in the country. It offers an excellent spot for a walking safari, allowing guests to discover the landscape on their feet.

With the help of a knowledgeable and experienced guide, watch as your adrenaline rushes in anticipation of seeing a heard of a giraffe or elephant. Immerse yourself in the world and see how truly magnificent these creatures are. If you are lucky, you can also get an encounter with the endangered black rhino or see a pack of wild dogs. Going for the walking Safari between late June and October would give you the best experience. 

10. Birdwatching at Lake Natron

Lake Natron is home to both Greater and Lesser flamingoes. It offers the major breeding ground for lesser flamingoes globally (over 75% are born here). This is because of the natural state of the lake that offers protection to the birds from the predators. The lake is highly toxicity with a high temperature of 40-60c and an alkaline ph. level of 12 that keeps the predators away. 

An adventure to Lake Natron can be an exciting journey, especially because it is a conservation area and not a national park. This means that the Masai people are allowed to live in this area and offer accommodation to guests. 

11. Trek with Chimpanzees at the Mahale Mountains

If you know about gorilla trekking, you understand how fun it can be to spend time with the primates. The stretch between the Mahale Mountains and Lake Tanganyika is filled with a forest that is home to a thriving population of chimpanzees.

Chimpanzee trekking in a remote wilderness that is uncluttered by tourists is an experience worth having. Get a thrilling and suspenseful experience as you walk through the forests, and past streams and waterfalls filled with the echoes of chimp calls. 

Trekking with chimpanzees is not just about walking into their natural habitat, but a life-changing experience as you watch them feeding, playing, or even fighting. Since they are habituated, you get to observe them as they live naturally in the wild. The best time for this activity, however, is between June and September. 

12. Hunt with the Hadzabe Tribe at Lake Eyasi 

One of the most spectacular activities offering true adventure in Tanzania is hunting with the Hadzabe tribe. The indigenous ethnic group lives around Lake Eyasi, leading a semi-nomadic lifestyle. They follow a traditional hunting and gathering way of life.

A visit to the Hadzabe community is both a powerful and educational experience. You are immersed in their way of life and watch how they make and use hunting tools. They also show you how they make fire without a matchstick and take you for a morning hunt. Learn how different arrowheads are used for different prey, and watch their accuracy in bringing down small birds and larger mammals. 

13. Meet the Datooga Tribe

Another tribe you would be fascinated to meet is the Datooga. They also lead a pastoralist life but are popular for their metalworking. Some of the areas where you can meet the Datooga people include Mara, Manaya, and Arusha although their settlement around Lake Eyasi can allow you to visit the Hadzabe people on the same itinerary.

As skilled metal workers, the Datooga find brass from scrap metals, including old car parts, screws, and nails. They then turn it into beautiful jewelry that they sell in their towns or to visitors. They also make arrowheads that they trade with the Hadzabe people in exchange for honey. 

Book Your Adventure Activities in Tanzania with Bobbytours

Finding adventure activities in Tanzania is the easy part. You also need to figure out how the list can be arranged in a way to gives you an ultimate experience. At Bobbytours, we provide personalized adventures to tourists in Tanzania. Whether you want to go for a safari circuit, interact with local tribes, or spend time at the beach, we have a package for you. Book your next adventure with us today or drop a message for inquiries.

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