Alternative Experiences in Tanzania Beyond Safaris

Climbing Kilimanjaro: hikers scaling Kilimanjaro

They are an alternative to the usual safari in Tanzania, the country known for its amazing wildlife and incredible biodiversity. Tanzania offers more than just safari. Here are some activities to add to your itinerary before or after your trip to this East African country.

The Zanzibar Archipelago

The Zanzibar Archipelago, also known as Unguja, is one of Tanzania’s beautiful island regions. This archipelago is in the Indian Ocean about 40 km off Tanzania’s coast, and consists of two main islands; Unguja and Pemba. Zanzibar is a popular destination for tourists due to the diversity of activities and attractions it offers. From enjoying the white sandy beaches with coconut trees and clear waters to visiting the beautiful primary forests, attractions like the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, and the Zanzibar spice farm, there is never a dull moment.

A visit to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is excellent for soaking up some history. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach club, admire the beautiful sunset, or recount your travel experiences with friends over a campfire.

Take a dhow trip to Menai Bay, a marine reserve where you can snorkel or dive in the gin-clear waters; or to Jozani Forest, a unique off-the-beaten-track nature experience where you can spot unusual flora and fauna, including the Zanzibar red colobus monkey.

To get a sense of Zanzibar’s more troubled history, take a boat ride to Prison Island, which was once used to store slaves before they were sold, as well as to house criminals and those with infectious diseases. Visitors can now wander around the ruins of the old prison and meet the resident colony of giant tortoises.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the seven summits in the world. It is located in northeastern Tanzania, very close to the border with Kenya. The mountain is a volcanic mountain, with its highest summit named Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres above sea level. Kilimanjaro is home to three volcanic cones; Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira which are breathtaking geological formations. Hiking Kilimanjaro is considered one of the most challenging but exciting activities globally, with its slopes covered in snow. The flora, fauna, and landscape are awe-inspiring, and a successful summit is a rewarding experience. Tanzania is a country with diverse attractions, and it is home to incredible wildlife.

For the adventurous traveler, a climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is an experience not to be missed. At 5,896 metres, Kilimanjaro in Kilimanjaro National Park is the highest mountain on the continent of Africa and provides sweeping views of the surrounding plains. While the climb is high, no rock-climbing experience is needed to reach the top on this high-altitude trek. The best weather conditions for climbing occur from June to October and from December to February.

There are seven different routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro and the Marangu and Machame routes are the most popular. You should add a day to your trek to help ease the altitude. A guide and porters will accompany you. All camping equipment and fees are included in the tour.

Discover the Ngorongoro Crater

No trip in Tanzania is complete without visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest in-tact volcanic caldera and a world-renowned hotspot for wildlife. But the Ngorongoro Crater is also a lost world occupied by the Masai people, who have protected its pristine ecosystem for generations.

Then marvel at the crater from the rim, and spend a day going down into the crater, where you can see the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). Other animals in the crater include more than 200 elephants, nearly 600 spotted hyenas, and a unique population of the critically endangered black rhino.

Hiking in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Hike through the forested, hilly Udzungwa Mountains National Park, one of the most beautiful and least-visited hiking destinations in East Africa – and also one of the continent’s most biodiverse areas, packed with primates, birds and botanical rarities. Visit the dozens of cascading waterfalls that tumble throughout the park, and let the serene atmosphere of this remote corner of Africa wash over you.

Chimpanzee Tracking

For closer contact with wildlife, visit Mahale Mountains National Park or Gombe National Park in the extreme west of Tanzania to track chimps; both parks are among the best places in the world to see these fascinating primates. Participate in a guided tracking expedition to see these primates in action.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching in Tanzania rival its Big Five game. Watch out for flamingos at Lake Natron and Ol Doinyo Lengai, a white-capped volcanic cone in the Crater Highlands. Other fine birdwatching options are Mahale Mountains National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Ruaha

In conclusion, Tanzania is not just about safaris. It offers a wide range of alternative experiences that are equally fascinating and worth exploring. From the historic streets of Stone Town in the Zanzibar Archipelago to the breathtaking views from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, there is something for every type of traveler. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat, or hike through the Udzungwa Mountains National Park for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. Don’t miss the chance to track chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains National Park or go birdwatching at Lake Natron. Tanzania has so much more to offer beyond its popular safari tours, so make sure to include these alternative experiences in your travel plans.