Best things to do in Tanzania
Tanzania combines Africa's most famous safari circuit — the Serengeti and Ngorongoro — with Mount Kilimanjaro and the spice-island beaches of Zanzibar.
Tanzania at a glance
- What are the best things to do in Tanzania?
- A Serengeti or Ngorongoro safari, exploring Stone Town and the beaches of Zanzibar, and trekking Mount Kilimanjaro are the big three.
- Is Zanzibar worth visiting on its own?
- Yes. With Stone Town, spice farms, reefs and beaches, Zanzibar works as a standalone island holiday, not just a safari add-on.
- Can you combine a safari with Zanzibar?
- Yes — it's Tanzania's most popular combination. Domestic flights link the northern safari circuit with the island in a few hours.
Destinations in Tanzania
The highlights
1. Zanzibar
Stone Town's carved doors and Swahili history, spice farm visits, snorkelling and diving on coral reefs, and dhow cruises at sunset — the island works as a beach holiday on its own or a finish to a safari.
2. Serengeti and Ngorongoro
The Serengeti hosts the great wildebeest migration, and the Ngorongoro Crater packs dense wildlife into a single collapsed volcano. Together they form the northern safari circuit.
3. Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa's highest peak and a multi-day trek rather than a technical climb, typically taking five to nine days depending on the route.
Planning your trip
Safari plus beach
The classic Tanzanian itinerary pairs a northern-circuit safari with a flight to Zanzibar for the beach. Short flights connect Arusha and the Serengeti airstrips with the island.
When to go
The dry seasons (roughly June to October and January to February) are the most popular for both safaris and the coast. The migration moves through the Serengeti year-round, so the best area depends on the month.
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania
What are the best things to do in Tanzania?
A Serengeti or Ngorongoro safari, exploring Stone Town and the beaches of Zanzibar, and trekking Mount Kilimanjaro are the big three.
Is Zanzibar worth visiting on its own?
Yes. With Stone Town, spice farms, reefs and beaches, Zanzibar works as a standalone island holiday, not just a safari add-on.
Can you combine a safari with Zanzibar?
Yes — it's Tanzania's most popular combination. Domestic flights link the northern safari circuit with the island in a few hours.
Ready to plan? Browse things to do by destination or get trip ideas from our travel journal.