Plan Your Trip
Active Tanzania
Tanzania offers its famous wildlife safaris, plus much more, with diving, snorkelling, birdwatching, kitesurfing, chimpanzee tracking, cycling, hiking and trekking just some of the highlights. Plan your holiday around one of these options, or sample several.
Tanzania's Best
Trekking & Hiking
Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru, Usambara Mountains, Crater Highlands
Diving & Snorkelling
Zanzibar, Pemba Island, Mafia Island Marine Park
Walking Safaris
Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Mikumi National Park
Birdwatching
Lake Manyara National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Rubondo Island National Park
Times to Go
Trekking and hiking – June through February
Diving and snorkelling – September through February
Walking safaris – June through October
Birding – any time, but best from December through June
Trekking & Hiking
Tanzania has rugged, varied terrain and a fine collection of peaks, rolling hills and mountain ranges. Landscapes range from the forested slopes of the eastern Udzungwa Mountains to the sheer volcanic cliffs of the inner wall of Mt Meru’s crater, the rolling hill landscapes of the Usambaras and the final scree-slope ascent of Mt Kilimanjaro. Treks and hikes range from village-to-village walks to bush hikes.
Throughout the country, almost all trekking can be done without technical equipment, by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, most excursions – and all trekking or hiking in national parks and wildlife areas – require being accompanied by a guide or ranger. This usually also entails adhering to set (sometimes short) daily stages.
Booking
General booking considerations are similar to those for safaris.
The best places for booking Kilimanjaro treks are Moshi and Marangu, followed by Arusha. Meru treks can be organised independently with park staff at the gate, or booked in Arusha if you’ll be going through a trekking operator. Treks in the Crater Highlands and climbs up Ol Doinyo Lengai are best organised in Arusha.
Costs
Treks on Kilimanjaro and in the Crater Highlands are expensive. Most other treks in Tanzania can be done on a reasonable budget with a bit of effort, and a few are cheap. The following are among the least-expensive trekking areas, all of which are accessible via public transport:
Usambara, Pare and Uluguru Mountains All can be done as part of local cultural tourism programs or independently (a guide is recommended); no national park fees.
Mt Hanang and Mt Longido Both can be climbed as part of local cultural tourism programs; no national park fees.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park Main costs will be for park entry and guide fees.
MINIMISING COSTS
Organised-trek costs vary considerably and depend on the length of the trek, the size of the group, the standard of accommodation before and after the trek, the quality of bunk-houses or tents, plus the knowledge and experience of guides and trek leaders. To minimise costs:
Atrek or hike outside national parks (to avoid park entry fees)
Acarry your own camping equipment (to cut down on rental costs)
Aavoid treks that necessitate vehicle rentals for access
Aconsider trekking out of season, when you may be able to negotiate discounted rates
It’s not worth cutting corners where reliability is essential, however, such as on Kilimanjaro. Always check that there are enough porters, a cook and an assistant guide or two (in case the group splits or somebody has to return due to illness). Beware of unscrupulous budget companies charging you for, say, a five-day trek but only paying mountain and hut fees for four days. And be wary of staff stories about ‘running out of money’ while on the mountain, as promises of refunds are usually forgotten or denied when you get back to base.
When to Go
The best times for trekking are during the dry, warmer season from mid-December to February, and the dry, cooler season from June to October. The least favourable time is from mid-March to mid-May, when the heaviest rains fall. That said, trekking is possible in most areas year-round, with the exception of the Udzungwa, Usambara, Pare and Uluguru Mountains, where conditions become extremely muddy during the March to May rains.
Types of Treks
Stage-by-stage fully equipped trekking accompanied by guides and porters is the norm for treks on Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru (although climbing Meru doesn’t require porters). Ol Doinyo Lengai is also a relatively structured and generally fully equipped venture, given the rugged conditions and difficulties of access, as is most trekking in the Crater Highlands. The Usambaras, and to a lesser extent the Pares, involve comparatively easy village-to-village walks where you can stock up on basic food items as you go along. Most other areas are somewhere in between, requiring that you stock up in advance on basics and have a guide (or a GPS and some basic Swahili), but with flexibility as to routes and guiding.
What to Bring
For Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, you’ll need a full range of waterproof cold-weather clothing and gear. Particularly on Kilimanjaro, waterproof everything, especially your sleeping bag, as things rarely dry on the mountain. In all of Tanzania’s mountain areas, expect rain at any time of the year and considerably cooler weather than along the coast. Nights can be very chilly, and a water- and wind-proof jacket and warm pullover are essential almost everywhere.
Guides & Porters
Guides are required for treks on Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru, in the Crater Highlands and in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Elsewhere, although not essential, a local guide is recommended to show you the way, to provide introductions in remote places, and to guard against occasional instances of hassling and robberies in some areas. If you decide to hike without a guide, you’ll need to know some basic Swahili. Wherever you trek, always be sure your guide is accredited, or affiliated with an established company. On Kilimanjaro, this should be taken care of by your trekking company, and on Mt Meru and in Udzungwa Mountains National Park, guides are park rangers. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area also has its own guides. In other areas, check with the local tourist office or guide association before finalising your arrangements. Avoid going with freelancers.
Porters are commonly used on Mt Kilimanjaro, and sometimes on Mt Meru, though not elsewhere. In the Crater Highlands, donkeys may be used to carry gear.
Tipping
Tipping for guides and porters is an important budgetary consideration when planning treks on Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, and the main source of income for those who helped you on your trek. In other mountain areas, assuming service has been satisfactory, guides will expect a modest but fair tip. A good guideline is about 10% to 15% of your per-day hiking fees.
Trekking Areas
Tanzania's most famous trek is Mt Kilimanjaro, but there are many other options.
Mt Kilimanjaro
Africa’s highest mountain (5896m), and Tanzania’s most famous trek, Kilimanjaro offers a choice of routes, all making their way from the forested lower slopes through moorland and alpine zones to the snow- and glacier-covered summit. There are also many walks on Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes, with lush vegetation, waterfalls and cultural opportunities centred on local Chagga villages. Marangu and Machame make good bases, and Moshi- and Marangu-based tour operators are the best contacts.
KILI'S TOPOGRAPHY
The Kilimanjaro massif has an oval base about 40km to 60km across, and rises almost 5000m above the surrounding plains. The two main peak areas are Kibo, the dome at the centre of the massif, which dips inwards to form a crater that can’t be seen from below, and Mawenzi, a group of jagged pinnacles on the eastern side. A third peak, Shira, on the western end of the massif, is lower and less distinct than Kibo and Mawenzi. The highest point on Kibo is Uhuru Peak (5896m), the goal for most trekkers. The highest point on Mawenzi, Hans Meyer Point (5149m), cannot be reached by trekkers and is only rarely visited by mountaineers.
Kilimanjaro is considered an extinct volcano, although it still releases steam and sulphur from vents in the crater centre.
Mt Meru
Although languishing in the shadow of nearby Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru (4566m) is a fine destination in its own right, and considerably less costly than its famous neighbour. It’s also worth considering as a preparatory trek for the higher peak and, as part of Arusha National Park, is well suited for safari-trek combination itineraries. The climbing is nontechnical and straightforward, although there’s an extremely challenging open ridge walk as you approach the summit that many trekkers feel makes the overall Meru experience even more difficult than scaling Kilimanjaro.
Mt Hanang
Tanzania’s fourth-highest peak (3417m), Mt Hanang offers a comparatively easy trek along well-worn but often overgrown footpaths to the summit. It’s also relatively inexpensive to organise, and makes an intriguing destination if you’re interested in combining trekking with an introduction to local cultures.
Crater Highlands & Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Together with adjoining parts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Crater Highlands offer rugged, rewarding and generally expensive trekking. The spectacular terrain includes steep escarpments, crater lakes, dense forests, grassy ridges, streams and waterfalls, plus the still-active volcano of Ol Doinyo Lengai. This is just north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boundaries and can also be accessed from Lake Natron. Apart from the Maasai people who live here, you’ll likely have most areas to yourself.
Usambara Mountains
The western Usambaras offer village-to-village walks along well-worn footpaths, ranging from a few hours to a week or more. There are enough local guesthouses that carrying a tent is unnecessary. Lushoto is the main base, although there are many other options, including Soni and Mambo. The main centre for hikes in the eastern Usambaras is Amani Nature Reserve, where there is a network of short forest footpaths. Hikes combining the two regions (allow five to six days) are also possible.
Pare Mountains
The Pares offer relatively short hikes along mostly well-trodden mountain footpaths. There is only minimal tourism development, so hikers should come well prepared, and walk with a guide. Accommodation is generally camping or in very basic local guesthouses.
Udzungwa Mountains
The lush Udzungwas are fascinating from a botanical perspective, with more unique plant species than almost anywhere else in the region. They are also a prime destination for birders. There is only a handful of fully established trails, ranging from short walks to multiday mountain hikes, for which you will need a tent and have to be self-sufficient with food.
Uluguru Mountains
If you happen to be in the gateway town of Morogoro, it’s worth setting aside time for hiking in the densely populated Ulugurus – of interest culturally and botanically. Hikes (most for half a day or a day) range from easy to moderately stiff excursions. Guides are readily organised in Morogoro, and costs are reasonable.
Southern Highlands & Kitulo National Park
Until recently, the rolling hill country in southwestern Tanzania, stretching southward roughly between Makambako and Mbeya, had little tourist infrastructure. With the recent gazetting of Kitulo National Park and a slowly expanding network of accommodation, this is gradually beginning to change, although you will still be very much on your own in many areas. Shorter hikes and excursions as well as longer hikes are best organised from Mbeya or Tukuyu.
Mahale Mountains
Mt Nkungwe in Mahale Mountains National Park makes a rugged but scenic three-day trek. Getting to this remote wilderness takes determination but the rewards are great: intimate glimpses of chimpanzee populations, stunning vistas from the peak and the entire range of African wildlife – from big cats to hippos and crocodiles. Hikers will need to hire an armed ranger for all journeys as protection against animal attacks.
RESPONSIBLE TREKKING
ACarry out all your rubbish, including sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms and toilet paper (which burns and/or decomposes poorly).
ATake minimal packaging and reusable containers or stuff sacks.
AUse toilets where available. Otherwise, bury waste in a small hole 15cm (6in) deep and at least 100m (320ft) from any watercourse. Cover the waste with soil and rocks.
ADon’t use detergents or toothpaste, even biodegradable ones, in or near watercourses.
AFor washing, use biodegradable soap and a water container at least 50m (160ft) away from the watercourse. Disperse the waste water widely so the soil filters it fully.
AWash cooking utensils 50m (160ft) from watercourses with a scourer, not detergent.
AStick to existing trails and avoid short cuts; avoid removing the plant life that keeps topsoils in place.
ADon’t depend on open fires for cooking. Cutting firewood in popular trekking areas can cause rapid deforestation. Cook on a lightweight kerosene, alcohol or Shellite (white gas) stove and avoid those powered by disposable butane gas canisters.
AIf trekking with a guide and porters, supply stoves for the whole team. In cold areas, see that all members have sufficient clothing so that fires aren’t necessary for warmth.
ADon’t buy items made from endangered species.
Trekking Operators
Arusha
If you’re organising a Kilimanjaro trek in Arusha, look for operators that organise treks themselves rather than subcontracting to a Moshi- or Marangu-based operator.
Dorobo Safaris Community-oriented treks in and around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and wilderness treks in Tarangire National Park border areas and in the Serengeti.
Kiliwarrior Expeditions (www.kiliwarriorexpeditions.com) Upmarket Kilimanjaro climbs and treks in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Summits Africa (
%0784 522090; www.summits-africa.com) High-quality treks and walks in the northern circuit and beyond.
Marangu
Most Marangu hotels organise Kilimanjaro treks. Also worth noting is the ‘hard way’ option of Marangu Hotel, in which the climber pays park fees, crew fees and transport to the trailhead, plus providing all food and equipment. The hotel will take care of hut reservations and provide the necessary guides and porters.
Moshi
Moshi-based companies focus on Kilimanjaro treks; most can also organise day hikes on the mountain’s lower slopes.
African Scenic Safaris Customised Kili treks and wildlife safaris.
Just Kilimanjaro A small, highly regarded operator offering expertly guided Kilimanjaro treks.
Kessy Brothers Tours & Travel (%027-275 1185, 0754 803953; www.kessybrotherstours.com) Kilimanjaro treks.
Milestone Safaris Kilimanjaro climbs, northern circuit safaris and cultural tours around Moshi.
Moshi Expeditions & Mountaineering (MEM Tours;
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; %027-275 4234; www.memtours.com) Kilimanjaro treks.
Shah Tours (
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; %0787 141052, 027-275 2998; www.shah-tours.com) Kilimanjaro and Meru treks, plus treks in the Ngorongoro highlands and on Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Summit Expeditions & Nomadic Experience Expertly guided Kilimanjaro treks, cultural excursions on the mountain's lower slopes and Usambara Mountains cycling tours.
Tanzania Journeys Kilimanjaro treks plus day hikes and cultural tours in the Moshi area.
TinTin Tours Kilimanjaro treks and northern circuit safaris.
Diving & Snorkelling
Tanzania’s underwater marvels are just as amazing as its terrestrial attractions, with a magnificent array of hard and soft corals and a diverse collection of sea creatures, including manta rays, hawksbill and green turtles, barracuda and sharks. Other draws of the local diving scene include wall dives, especially off Pemba; the fascinating cultural backdrop; and the opportunity to combine wildlife safaris with underwater exploration. On the downside, visibility isn’t reliable, and prices are considerably higher than in places such as the Red Sea or Thailand. Another thing to consider – if you’re a serious diver and coming to the archipelago exclusively for diving – is that unless you do a live-aboard arrangement, you’ll need to travel, often for up to an hour, to many of the dive sites.
Inland, there's rewarding diving in Lake Tanganyika.
Seasons & Conditions
Diving is possible year-round, although conditions vary dramatically. Late March until mid-June is generally the least favourable time because of erratic weather patterns and frequent storms. July or August to February or March tends to be the best time overall, although again, conditions vary and wind is an important factor. On Pemba, for example, the southeastern seas can be rough around June and July when the wind is blowing from the south, but calm and clear as glass from around November to late February when the monsoon winds blow from the north. The calmest time is generally from around September to November during the lull between the annual monsoons.
Water temperatures range from lows of about 22°C in July and August to highs of about 29°C in February and March, with the average about 26°C.
Costs & Courses
Costs are fairly uniform, with Pemba and Mafia islands slightly pricier than elsewhere along the coast. Expect to pay up to US$500 for a four-day PADI open-water course and from about US$50 to US$80 for a single dive (with better prices available for multi-dive packages). Most places discount about 10% if you have your own equipment, and for groups. In addition to open-water certification, many operators also offer other courses, including Advanced Open Water, Medic First Aid, Rescue Diver and speciality courses, such as underwater photography.
Most dive operators also offer snorkelling. Equipment rental costs US$5 to US$15; when you’re selecting it, pay particular attention to getting a good mask. Most of the best snorkelling sites along the coast are only accessible by boat. Trips average US$20 to US$50 per person per half-day, often including a snack or lunch.
Where to Dive
Generally speaking, Zanzibar Island is known for the corals and shipwrecks offshore from Zanzibar Town's Stone Town, and for fairly reliable visibility, high fish diversity and the chance to see pelagics around the island's north and northeast. While some sites are challenging, there are many easily accessed sites for beginning and midrange divers.
Unlike Zanzibar, which is a continental island, Pemba is an oceanic island located in a deep channel with a steeply dropping shelf. Because of this, diving tends to be more challenging, with an emphasis on wall and drift dives, though there are some sheltered areas for beginners, especially around Misali island. Most dives are to the west around Misali, and to the north off the Kigomasha Peninsula.
Mafia offers divers excellent corals, good fish variety including pelagics, and uncrowded diving, often from motorised dhows.
The far south, in Mnazi Bay-Rovuma Estuary Marine Park, is offbeat, with still-unexplored areas. Also offbeat is Lake Tanganyika, which offers crystal-clear waters and snorkelling.
Wherever you dive, allow a sufficient surface interval between the conclusion of your final dive and any onward/homeward flights. According to PADI recommendations, this should be at least 12 hours, or more than 12 hours if you have been doing daily multiple dives for several days. Another consideration is insurance, which you should arrange before coming to Tanzania. Many policies exclude diving, so you may need to pay a bit extra – well worth it in comparison to the bills you will need to foot should something go wrong.
Choosing an Operator
When choosing a dive operator, quality rather than cost should be the priority. Consider the operator’s experience and qualifications; knowledgeability and competence of staff; and the condition of equipment and frequency of maintenance. Assess whether the overall attitude of the organisation is serious and professional, and ask about safety precautions – radios, oxygen, emergency evacuation procedures, boat reliability and back-up engines, first-aid kits, safety flares and life jackets. On longer dives, do you get a meal, or just tea and biscuits? An advantage of operators offering PADI courses is that you’ll have the flexibility to go elsewhere in the world and have what you’ve already done recognised at other PADI dive centres.
There’s a decompression chamber in Matemwe (otherwise the closest one is in Johannesburg, South Africa), and you can check the Divers Alert Network Southern Africa (DAN; www.dansa.org) website, which lists some Tanzania-based operators that are part of the DAN network. If you choose to dive with an operator that isn’t affiliated with DAN, it’s highly recommended to take out insurance coverage with DAN.
RESPONSIBLE DIVING & SNORKELLING
ANever use anchors on the reef, and take care not to ground boats on coral.
AAvoid touching or standing on living marine organisms or dragging equipment across the reef. If you must hold on to the reef, only touch exposed rock or dead coral.
ABe conscious of your fins. Even without contact, the surge from fin strokes near the reef can damage delicate organisms. Take care not to kick up clouds of sand, which can smother organisms.
APractise and maintain proper buoyancy control. Major damage can be done by divers descending too fast and colliding with the reef.
ATake care in underwater caves. Spend as little time within them as possible as your air bubbles may be caught within the roof and thereby leave organisms high and dry. Take turns to inspect the interior of a small cave.
AResist the temptation to collect or buy corals or shells.
ATake home all your rubbish. Plastics in particular are a serious threat to marine life.
ADon’t feed fish.
ANever ride on the backs of turtles.
Other Activities
Birdwatching
Tanzania is an outstanding birding destination, with well over 1000 species, including numerous endemics. In addition to the national parks and reserves, top birding spots include the eastern Usambara Mountains and Lake Victoria. Useful websites include the Tanzania Bird Atlas (www.tanzaniabirdatlas.net), the Tanzania Hotspots page on www.camacdonald.com/birding/africatanzania.htm and Tanzanian Birds & Butterflies (www.tanzaniabirds.net).
Boating, Sailing & Kayaking
Local dhow trips are easily arranged along the coast. They are generally best booked for short sails rather than longer journeys. Ask your hotel for recommendations or contact one of the coastal or island hotels, many of which have private dhows that can be chartered for cruises. Catamarans and sailboats can be chartered on Zanzibar Island, on Pemba and in Kilwa, and Dar es Salaam and Tanga have private yacht clubs.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park have hosted international research teams for decades, and are outstanding destinations if you are interested in observing chimpanzees at close quarters.
Fishing
Mafia, the Pemba channel and the waters around the Zanzibar Archipelago and the Songo Songo Archipelago have long been insider tips in deep-sea fishing circles, and upmarket hotels in these areas are the best places to arrange charters. Other contacts include Mwangaza Hideaway in Kilwa Masoko and upper-end hotels in most coastal destinations. In Dar es Salaam, anglers can inquire at Sea Breeze Marine and at the Dar es Salaam Yacht Club (
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; www.daryachtclub.co.tz; Yacht Club Rd, Msasani; 
c).
Inland, Lake Victoria is renowned for its fishing, particularly for Nile perch. Contacts here include Lukuba Island Lodge Resort and Wag Hill Lodge.
Horse Riding
Riding safaris are possible in the West Kilimanjaro and Lake Natron areas. Contacts include Makoa Farm (
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; %0625 312896, 0754 312896; www.makoa-farm.com) and Kaskazi Horse Safaris (%0766 432792; www.kaskazihorsesafaris.com). At the time of research, horse-riding safaris were also scheduled to begin in 2018 in Kitulo National Park, down to Matema on Lake Nyasa. Contact Maua Café & Tours in Mbeya.