Exciting Activities on a Tanzania Safari
A safari in Tanzania offers a wealth of exciting activities that go beyond the classic game drive. From witnessing the majestic Great Migration in the Serengeti to floating above the plains in a hot air balloon, Tanzania provides thrilling experiences for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking to connect with nature. Here are some of the most exciting activities you can enjoy on a Tanzania safari.
Game Drives
Game drives are the quintessential safari experience and the best way to observe Tanzania’s wildlife up close. You’ll traverse the country’s iconic national parks in a 4×4 vehicle, guided by an experienced safari guide who will help you spot the Big Five and other animals.
| Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|
| Best Locations | Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve. |
| What to Expect | Close encounters with lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo, as well as other iconic wildlife. |
| Unique Feature | Morning and evening game drives offer different wildlife behaviors, with predators being more active at dawn and dusk. |
Highlights:
- Private game drives offer more flexibility and a personalized experience, while group game drives are great for social interaction and shared experiences.
- Night game drives (available in private reserves) give you the chance to see nocturnal animals like hyenas, leopards, and aardvarks.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Tanzania’s vast landscapes and abundant wildlife. Floating silently above the savannah, you’ll witness the incredible wildlife below as the sun rises.
| Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|
| Best Locations | Serengeti National Park (especially during the Great Migration). |
| What to Expect | A breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti’s plains, wildlife herds, and possibly river crossings during the migration. |
| Unique Feature | The balloon safari is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. |
Highlights:
- The Great Migration can be seen from above as thousands of wildebeest and zebras move across the Serengeti.
- The experience offers a unique perspective of Tanzania’s landscape, with beautiful sunrise views.
Walking Safaris
Walking safaris offer a more immersive experience, allowing you to explore Tanzania’s wilderness on foot. Led by highly trained guides, you’ll learn about the smaller aspects of the ecosystem, such as animal tracks, plants, and insects, while also keeping an eye out for wildlife.
| Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|
| Best Locations | Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti’s private reserves. |
| What to Expect | A thrilling, close-up encounter with nature, guided by expert rangers who help you safely navigate the bush. |
| Unique Feature | An opportunity to learn about the ecosystem in a more intimate, slower-paced manner. |
Highlights:
- Walking safaris allow you to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness in a way you can’t from a vehicle.
- Walks provide a unique chance to observe smaller animals and plant life, as well as potentially spot big game like elephants or buffalo from a safe distance.
Night Game Drives
For a completely different safari experience, night game drives offer the chance to see nocturnal animals that are rarely spotted during the day. With a powerful spotlight, your guide will help you spot animals like lions on the hunt, leopards, and other elusive creatures.
| Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|
| Best Locations | Private concessions and game reserves (night drives are not allowed in national parks like Serengeti). |
| What to Expect | Witness the African bush come alive after dark, spotting animals like hyenas, leopards, and bush babies. |
| Unique Feature | The thrill of seeing predators on the prowl or prey animals reacting to danger at night. |
Highlights:
- Night game drives allow you to observe nocturnal wildlife behaviors and species that are rarely seen during daylight hours.
- Many safari lodges and camps in private concessions offer night game drives, giving you a unique experience.
Cultural Visits
Tanzania is rich in culture, and many safaris offer the opportunity to visit local communities, including the Masai, Hadzabe, and Datoga tribes. These cultural experiences give you insight into the traditional ways of life in Tanzania and offer a deeper connection to the country’s people.
| Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|
| Best Locations | Ngorongoro Highlands, Lake Eyasi (Hadzabe and Datoga), Serengeti’s Masai villages. |
| What to Expect | Interactions with local tribes, learning about traditional customs, lifestyles, and practices. |
| Unique Feature | Join a Masai warrior for a walk, participate in a traditional dance, or learn about ancient hunting methods from the Hadzabe. |
Highlights:
- Masai villages provide a glimpse into the iconic culture of this semi-nomadic tribe, known for their warrior traditions and colorful attire.
- Visiting the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last hunter-gatherer communities in Africa offers a unique cultural encounter where you can learn about their traditional hunting techniques.
Boat Safaris
A boat safari offers a completely different perspective, allowing you to explore Tanzania’s rivers and lakes while spotting aquatic animals like hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. These safaris are especially common in Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) and Lake Tanganyika.
| Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|
| Best Locations | Selous Game Reserve, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria. |
| What to Expect | Get close to hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, while possibly seeing elephants and other animals come to drink at the water’s edge. |
| Unique Feature | A peaceful and scenic way to observe wildlife, especially birdlife and aquatic species. |
Highlights:
- Selous Game Reserve is famous for its boat safaris, offering an opportunity to cruise down the Rufiji River and spot wildlife on the banks.
- Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika also offer great birdwatching opportunities and a chance to see aquatic wildlife.
The Great Migration Experience
Witnessing the Great Migration is one of the most awe-inspiring natural events in the world. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate through the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. The migration is a constant cycle, but specific moments like the river crossings are particularly dramatic.
| Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|
| Best Locations | Serengeti National Park, Grumeti River, Mara River. |
| What to Expect | Huge herds of wildebeest and zebras on the move, predator interactions, and dramatic river crossings. |
| Unique Feature | The chance to see one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, including dramatic scenes as wildebeest cross crocodile-infested rivers. |
Highlights:
- The Mara River crossings (July to September) are some of the most exciting moments of the migration, where wildebeest must brave dangerous waters filled with crocodiles.
- Calving season (January to February) in the Southern Serengeti is also a special time, as thousands of young wildebeest are born, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs.
Fly Camping
For the adventurous, fly camping offers the ultimate wilderness experience. Fly camps are temporary camps set up in remote areas of the bush, giving you an opportunity to sleep under the stars with only the basics—like a tent, bedroll, and campfire—while being fully immersed in nature.
| Details | Why It’s Exciting |
|---|---|
| Best Locations | Selous Game Reserve, Serengeti’s private reserves, Ruaha National Park. |
| What to Expect | A rustic, back-to-nature experience with no permanent structures, allows you to connect intimately with the wilderness. |
| Unique Feature | Sleep under the African sky, listen to the sounds of the wild, and enjoy meals cooked over an open fire. |
Highlights:
- Fly camping is typically offered in conjunction with walking safaris, providing a raw, adventurous experience away from the crowds.
- The simplicity and remoteness of fly camping make it one of the most authentic safari experiences.
A safari in Tanzania is filled with exciting activities that cater to a range of interests, whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or peaceful moments in nature. From witnessing the Great Migration to floating over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, Tanzania’s diverse landscapes and rich wildlife provide endless opportunities for adventure. Whether it’s your first safari or a return trip, these activities will make your Tanzanian safari an unforgettable experience.