5 Must-Savor Experiences in Tanzania

Tanzania remains one of the most prized safari destinations on the African continent. From trekking Mt Kilimanjaro to the great wildebeest migration to indigenous communities, Tanzania is an exceptional destination. While it has long been known as the perfect safari companion with its neighbor Kenya; it is gaining attention on its own as new private conservancies begin to flourish to protect vital wilderness regions and to offer unprecedented opportunities for health, education and employment to local communities. Tanzania has a wonderful array of adventures to try out – from mild to wild.

1. Chimpanzee Tracking
The Mahale Mountains National Park in the western mountains of Tanzania is home to some of the Africa’s last remaining wild chimpanzees, a population of roughly 900 individuals. They are habituated to human visitors by a Japanese research project founded in the 1960s. This is likely Africa’s most studied chimpanzee population. Tracking the chimps of Mahale is a magical experience, even as access to the chimps is becoming more restricted. In addition to keeping company with chimps, you can enjoy a range of activities from hiking to dhow trips across Lake Tanganyika to swimming in waterfalls. Ask us how we can add the chimps of Mahale (two to three days recommended) to a Tanzania adventure for you.

2. Horseback Riding
Imagine galloping among hundreds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and cape buffalo. In Manyara Ranch Conservancy, you can set out on half-day rides in the company of skilled equestrian guides for a truly remarkable experience among Africa’s finest wildlife including elephants, lesser kudu, gazelle, oryx and eland. There are also lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and jackal. NOTE: Rides can only be booked for experienced riders. For the riding enthusiast, take a look at our 15-day Kenya & Tanzania: View from Here, East Africa by Horseback.

3. Walk the Slow Safari
 Chem Chem, in the Burunge Wildlife Management Area, developed the concept of a “slow safari” out of a deep passion for the African bush. In essence, a slow safari allows you to experience Africa at its most raw – it is a tangible, sensual experience beyond the confines of a vehicle, where you go on foot, see, feel, touch and smell the African bush. It encompasses walking safaris with a private guide in the camp’s private wildlife concession, learning to read wildlife tracks and spoor, savoring wilderness picnics, visiting true Maasai villages, dining under the stars and simply taking the time to be still and absorb the expansive Tanzanian landscape with a glass of Pinot Noir in hand. To explore the slow safari, visit Private Conservancies in Tanzania.

4. Mountain Biking
In the Ngorongoro Highlands, you can savor a ride to remember.  The elegant Manor at Ngorongoro, with just ten luxurious cottages/20 suites, is a stunning lodge blending East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor.  It is reminiscent of an elegant up-country farm home in the Cape Dutch-style of architecture. The hills that The Manor sit atop are perfect for mountain biking with trails that offer both up and downhill rides that thrill and invigorate in stunning scenery. You cycle with a guide, who will tailor your cycling adventure to your level of activity – easy or arduous.  Mountain biking and a stay at The Manor at Ngorongoro can easily be incorporated into programs such as our 10 day Tanzania.  

5. Safari by Boat
Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to a third of the Tanzania’s elusive and highly endangered Africa wild dog and also has the highest number of elephant. The sprawling Rufiji River encompasses wide-open water, lakes and channels. This is the only reserve in Tanzania that offers boating safaris in addition to walking and vehicle safaris. Slip along the waterways in a flat-bottom boat past pods of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, spot animals that come to drink along the banks. Our Southern Tanzania journey that takes you into some of Tanzania’s remarkable and lesser visited parks.