What to do in Tanzania Besides wildlife Safari
What to do in Tanzania Besides wildlife Safari : If you coming to Tanzania, the odds are you are going for a wildlife safari. With spectacular wildlife sanctuaries like Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers top-notch wildlife safari experiences. However, visiting Tanzania is not for seeing wildlife only. There are other thrilling things you can do in this country besides a wildlife safari. In this guide, we have compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in Tanzania besides a safari.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing this Africa’s highest peak is a dramatic adventure while you are in Tanzania. This dormant volcano rises 5,895 meters above sea level in the northern part of Tanzania. The snow and glaciers still crown the tip of this majestic mountain. The best views that appear from Amboseli National Park are due to such white snow.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not an overnight activity. It requires a certain level of fitness and preparation. If you haven’t been in higher altitudes, like this, you may begin with the Mount Meru hike. It is possible to climb throughout the year, but the best months are from June to October and December to February.
To reach the peak of this spectacular mountain, choose one of seven ways. Each route distinct experience, scenery, and sometimes cost. Whatever route you follow, we advise you to add an extra day to your itinerary. This will help you acclimatize and increase the chances of summiting.
The most popular routes are Marangu and Machame. They are best for beginners and usually have crowds. Umbwe and Northern Circuit routes are difficult. Umbwe is more direct with a very steep trail, while Northern Circuit is longer taking ten days. Others include the Lemosho Route, Rongai Route, and Shira Plateau.
Snorkeling and scuba diving
The Indian Ocean is home to incredible wonders in its sapphire-blue waters. However, snorkeling and scuba diving are thrilling ways to explore Tanzania. Below are the top diving sites for snorkeling and scuba diving.
The mainland beaches have fascinating dive spots. Bongoyo Island is situated at a distance of 5 kilometers to the north of Dar es Salaam. This island has famous dive spots. Mbudya Island is another important dive site in Dar es Salaam. The island is a marine reserve; therefore, there are excellent snorkeling opportunities here.
One of the favorite destinations for diving is Zanzibar. It holds countless species of marine life and has more than 500 types of fish and coral reefs. They include pelagic fish, dolphins, the Napoleon wrasse, and the white-tip reef shark. Some top diving locations on Unguja Island are Mnemba Atoll, Kizimkazi Reef, Nungwi Reef, and Leven Bank.
Another emerging destination for snorkeling and scuba diving is Pemba Island. Some creatures that divers can see include corals, fish species, rays, turtles, Napoleon wrasses, barracudas, and octopuses. Some of the best dive sites on Unguja Island include Mapinduzi Reef, Coral Mountain, and Wattaboni.
Another area for snorkeling and scuba diving is Mafia Island. It is famous for its population of whale sharks. Mafia Island hosts some of the most famous wrecks, including Kinasi Pass, Shark Point, and the MV Mafia II. Tanzanians are friendly people and will be glad to have your companion.
Tanzania, for instance, is composed of more than 120 tribes with distinct traditions and languages. Such a difference does not make them discriminate between themselves and their counterparts. They speak the Swahili language. Going for an indigenized experience is one of the perfect ways to understand the cultural diversity of Tanzania. In this regard, several cultures are conservative, for example, the Maasai, Hadzabe, Datoga, and Barbaig.
They have lived with the same customs for centuries. Some still hunt and gather, for example, the Hadzabe.
You can embark on various activities with the locals. For example, you can taste local cuisines, learn new languages, try local fashions, buy locally-made jewelry, meditate with the locals, and participate in traditional dances.
Visit Tanzania’s historical sites
The Olduvai Gorge is among the fascinating historical sites in Tanzania. The Leakeys excavated the remains of hominids said to have lived millions of years ago. Visit this place to discover more about human history.
The remains of Songo Mnara and Kilwa Kisiwani provide important information about events in history. Kilwa was once a bustling trade center in East Africa, where commodities were exchanged among Arabian traders.
The Stone Town of Zanzibar speaks a lot about medieval architecture. The town mixes the Swahili, Portuguese, and Arabian architectural designs.
With Focus East Africa, you can witness the wonders of wildlife. We will take you to places you’ve never been, and after that, you will have a completely new image of Tanzania.
