While a classic game drive is the heart of any Tanzania safari, there are numerous optional activities during a Tanzania safari that can elevate your experience and make your trip truly special. Whether you want to soar over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon or learn about Maasai culture, these optional activities offer something unique. In this post, we will highlight the best optional activities you can add to your Tanzania safari.
1. Hot Air Balloon Safari: A Unique View of the Serengeti
One of the most popular optional activities during a Tanzania safari is a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. This breathtaking experience allows you to witness the vast landscapes of Tanzania from above, offering a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife. Floating gently over the plains at dawn, you’ll see herds of wildebeest, elephants, and giraffes moving through the grasslands.
- Best time: Early morning
- Ideal for: Photographers and nature lovers
Learn more about hot air balloon safaris in the Serengeti.
2. Cultural Tours: Meet the Maasai and Local Communities
A safari is not only about wildlife. Cultural tours are one of the best optional activities during a Tanzania safari to gain insight into the local way of life. You can visit Maasai villages, interact with the tribes, and learn about their customs, daily routines, and traditional dances. Many lodges offer cultural tours as part of their packages, allowing you to experience Tanzania’s rich cultural diversity firsthand.
- What to expect: Guided visits, storytelling, traditional crafts
- Ideal for: Travelers interested in culture and history
Read about the Maasai and their traditions.
3. Walking Safaris: Get Closer to Nature
A walking safari is one of the most immersive optional activities during a Tanzania safari. Led by experienced guides, walking safaris allow you to explore the bush on foot, getting closer to the plants, tracks, and smaller wildlife that are often missed from a vehicle. It’s a chance to learn about the ecosystem, the behavior of animals, and the importance of conservation.
- What to expect: Close encounters with wildlife, guided nature walks
- Ideal for: Adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts
Discover the best places for walking safaris in Tanzania.
4. Canoeing Safaris: Explore Tanzania’s Waterways
For those who love water-based activities, a canoeing safari is an exciting option. This is one of the lesser-known optional activities during a Tanzania safari, but it offers a unique perspective of the country’s wildlife and landscapes. Paddle through calm waters while watching hippos, crocodiles, and birds in their natural habitats. Lake Manyara and Arusha National Park are excellent spots for canoeing safaris.
- What to expect: Paddling through scenic lakes and rivers
- Ideal for: Active travelers and water lovers
Learn about canoeing safaris in Tanzania’s national parks.
5. Night Game Drives: Experience the Wildlife After Dark
A typical safari usually involves daytime game drives, but a night game drive is one of the more thrilling optional activities during a Tanzania safari. Night drives give you the chance to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and aardvarks, which are not as easily seen during the day. Specialized guides use red-filtered spotlights to highlight animals without disturbing them.
- What to expect: Nocturnal wildlife viewing
- Ideal for: Adventure seekers and wildlife lovers
Explore the benefits of night game drives.
6. Bird Watching: Spot Tanzania’s Colorful Birdlife
Tanzania is home to over 1,000 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Whether you are in the Serengeti, Tarangire, or the wetlands of Lake Manyara, a bird-watching safari is one of the more peaceful and rewarding optional activities during a Tanzania safari. You’ll have the opportunity to spot species such as the African Fish Eagle, Secretary Bird, and Flamingo.
- What to expect: Bird identification, guided bird walks
- Ideal for: Bird enthusiasts and photographers
Read more about birdwatching in Tanzania.
7. Bush Dinners: Dine Under the African Sky
For a truly unique dining experience, consider a bush dinner. Many luxury lodges and camps offer this special event as one of their top optional activities during a Tanzania safari. Enjoy a gourmet meal under the stars while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. With candlelit tables and traditional Maasai entertainment, bush dinners provide a memorable end to your safari day.
- What to expect: Outdoor dining, campfire settings
- Ideal for: Couples and luxury travelers
Learn more about bush dining experiences.
8. Photographic Safaris: Capture the Perfect Shot
If photography is a passion, a photographic safari should be at the top of your list of optional activities during a Tanzania safari. Guided by professional photographers, these safaris focus on getting the best angles and lighting for perfect wildlife shots. Some lodges offer custom vehicles designed specifically for photography, with adjustable seats and camera mounts.
- What to expect: Expert photography guidance, tailored game drives
- Ideal for: Professional and hobby photographers
Discover tips for photographing wildlife on safari.
9. Balloon Safaris: Soar Over Tanzania’s Landscapes
In addition to the hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti, another balloon safari option is the Tarangire Balloon Safari, offering amazing views over one of the lesser-visited parks in Tanzania. This is one of the most serene and beautiful optional activities during a Tanzania safari, giving you a peaceful flight over the baobab trees and elephant herds of Tarangire.
- What to expect: Scenic flights at dawn
- Ideal for: Couples and families
Explore the beauty of Tarangire balloon safaris.
10. Plan Your Tanzania Safari with Expert Guides
Choosing the best optional activities during a Tanzania safari can enhance your overall experience, but it’s crucial to book with experienced safari operators who can tailor the activities to your preferences. Eddy Tours & Safaris offers a range of packages that combine traditional safaris with optional activities, ensuring you get the most out of your adventure. For those interested in adding a Kilimanjaro trek to their itinerary, Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist offers the perfect combination of trekking and safari experiences.
Conclusion: Optional Activities During a Tanzania Safari
Incorporating optional activities during a Tanzania safari allows you to experience the country’s diverse wildlife and landscapes from new perspectives. Whether you’re floating above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, paddling through calm waters on a canoe safari, or enjoying a bush dinner under the stars, these activities make your safari even more memorable. By planning ahead and choosing the right experiences, your Tanzania safari can become the adventure of a lifetime.
For more information on how to plan your safari, visit Eddy Tours & Safaris or combine your trip with a Kilimanjaro trek through Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist.