Tanzania Activity Holidays

Begin planning your specialist Tanzania holiday

Tanzania offers numerous options for specialist safaris and activities, whether you wish to drive, walk, fish, fly camp, ride in a hot-air balloon, dive, kite surf or go trekking after chimpanzees... For any of these, or other interests that you wish to pursue (e.g. special interest fauna, or historical or cultural interests), please do discuss with us and we will do our best to help you get the most out of your trip.

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The best Tanzania driving safaris

Driving safaris are the most popular and effective way to see the African bush and the fabulous array of wildlife which call it home. There is some confusion when it comes to driving safaris; let us untangle the different kinds for you!

On a tight budget, many people like to tick of the northern Tanzania highlights as part of a small group driving tour with other travellers, stopping for a night at various budget lodges and carrying on to the next location.

However, there is a reason why these trips are inexpensive! Your driver will be more of a driver than a knowledge safari guide. We as a company do not provide this style of safari. We believe that guiding is make or break from your trip, so it is imperative your guide is firstly an experienced guide, and then also drives you! Also, this kind of quick one-night stop itinerary does not leave room for enjoying the wildlife you see along the way as you will likely be rushing to get to the next stop before nightfall… Not very relaxing or worthwhile!

The trips we organise cater more towards those who want to “fly in” to their specialist safari lodge for a few nights, and really feel at home there. The driving safaris consist of one morning drive, and one afternoon drive.

This style of trip allows you to fully enjoy a relaxed game drive pace and gives you the flexibility to spend more time admiring the animals. One exception to the “fly in” rule is if clients are going to see the Ngorongoro crater. We feel the drive from Arusha is not too lengthy, so you are not rushing too much and it is also more cost effective than flying, especially if you are a big group. Also, the drive is beautiful. For this though, our cost would include a completely private vehicle and your guide will be of the highest calibre – we make sure of that!

Game drives at a safari-mad camp offer a fantastic educational experience and at Tanzania Odyssey, we know how to, and who does this right!

The best Tanzania walking safaris

Walking safaris are an excellent way to experience the bush, with focus on the smaller things which are visible only when exploring the landscape on foot. It is imperative to be accompanied by an excellent guide and an armed ranger on any walking safari. You will not be looking for elephants and lions on a walking safari, but if you do come across a larger animal, being with an experienced team is important.

All of the best lodges in the south and west offer superb guided walks, as will some beyond the national park boundaries and in concession areas in the north. All walking safaris will require suitable footwear, and generally you are advised to wear subtle colours of the bush and long trousers. They usually last for a few hours, and are a gentle stroll and not trekking!

The best places for Walking Safaris in Tanzania

• In 2014, Kichaka in Ruaha opened as Tanzania’s first walking-centred camp. Andrew ‘Moli’ Molinaro is undoubtedly one of Africa’s finest guides and this is all in all a fantastic operation – ideal for adventure seekers and veteran safari goers.

• Alex Walker’s Serian Camp, located just outside the Serengeti in the Ngorongoro Conservation area is uniquely allowed to offer really unbelievable activities, without missing out on the unbelievable Serengeti wildlife. The walking here is truly unbelievable and the guides world class. If you are into walking safaris and are looking to northern Tanzania, it must be Serian.

• Sand Rivers in the Selous offers a really authentic yet luxurious base for your walking safaris. Fly Camping in the watery and beautiful Selous after a relaxing walking safari is up there with our top Tanzania experiences.

Hot-air balloon safaris in Tanzania

Hot air balloon safaris

In Tanzania, hot air balloon trips operate in the Serengeti and recently, in Ruaha. These leave at dawn from Ruaha and in the Ndutu, Seronera and Grumeti regions, and after an hour of floating above the plains, you land to find a sumptuous bush breakfast and bubbly to end on a (another!) high.

How much are Hot-air Balloon safaris in Tanzania?

Roughly, depending on whether you are in The Serengeti or Ruaha, prices are around $550 per person per hot air balloon ride.

Is a Hot-air Balloon Safari worth the money?

If this is something you have always wanted to do, and don’t mind spending the extra money then yes! Seeing the dramatic Great Migration from above has got to be one of the most incredible things to witness in the world.

However, it is a lot of money for what it essentially an hour of your holiday… The money could be better spend in upping the luxury of your accommodation, or even an extra night on safari!

Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania

Chimpanzee safaris

The very specific, remote habitats for chimpanzees in Tanzania mean that this is a pretty niche special interest safari, but if you are keen to experience these wonderful animals in the wild it is certainly worth the price and the distance. The chuimpanzee chimpanzee safari option in Tanzania is at Mahale Mountains National Park, on Lake Tanganyika. This is a stunning, wooded, mountainous region, and all safaris are on foot.

Where to stay to trek Chimpanzees in Tanzania?

Guests stay at Greystoke Mahale, which is a seriously excellent camp in its own right, nestled in the foothills on a beach of the lake. Guests return from safari walks to snorkel the clear, freshwaters and catch fish for their supper! Wonderful tents and décor make this a very special and memorable experience.

Nearby Mahale is the beautiful, equally remote and utterly wild Katavi National Park. This combination is one of the most enviable on the continent.

The best diving in Tanzania

The diving centres around Zanzibar are nearly all PADI accredited, and the waters here are varied enough to suit all skills and abilities. It is possible to take a full PADI course while on holiday here, and to experience night and drift dives, wall dives and wreck dives.

The best places for diving in Tanzania;

• Mafia Island – If you are a mad keen diver, and also want to go on a whale shark excursion to see these mighty and unbelievable animals in the flesh, then it has to be Mafia. The best place to stay on Mafia for all your diving needs is Kinasi Lodge – mad keen on diving, but with very comfortable rooms and excellent food, it is a great place to base yourself.

• Pemba Island – If you love diving, Pemba has some of the very best in the world. Pemba is slightly more interesting to visit than Zanzibar – it is seriously off the beaten track and with only a handful of lodges on the island, it is rare to see any other tourists. The best place to stay is the original Pemba accommodation of Fundu Lagoon where guests really fall in love with the island and the lodge, making guests return year after year.

Kite Surfing in Tanzania

There are several places offering kite surfing in Zanzibar and it has grown to become a world capital of the sport. We can point you in the right direction.

The best places to stay for Kite Surfing in Zanzibar?

The best place to stay for Kite Surfing is without a doubt in the South East of Zanzibar. Luckily, there are a number of fabulous hotel options in the area.

Baraza – This is a bigger hotel then we usually love to recommend, but it is an excellent option for those who are after luxury and an authentic Zanzibar stay. Being a bit bigger means it has a fantastic array of activities which are just on your doorstep.

Breezes – Another slightly bigger hotel and less luxurious than Baraza, but with an excellent activity centre. This is a perfect location for families, and actually has a really friendly and inclusive atmosphere, even with it’s size.

Xanadu – The opposite of a big hotel, Xanadu is an array of 12 luxurious villas and offers first class privacy and luxury. If the kite surfing isn’t enough to drag you here, the ex Michelin star chef certainly will. This is the best accommodation on Zanzibar Island for honeymooners.

Client Reviews

[100% BASED ON 5 REVIEWS]

Tanzania Safari | Tanzanian Safaris – Reviews

We had a fantastic holiday organised by Tanzania Odyssey. The web site was the best travel website we have ever used - very informative and easy to use and includes the prices of each property. Our travel consultant, Dave, was very pleasant and helpful and gave us useful advice to give us exactly the holiday we wanted. Highly recommended.

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- S Hay

Paul and I would like to thank you for your excellent planning of our safari to Tanzania.

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- A McGarry

Tanzania Odyssey is the perfect choice for a perfect trip. They listen to you, give you good advices and always do their best to satisfy your needs. I always ask for their help when I go to Tanzania.

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- P Ricci

We had a great safari experience. The organisation of the various flights and accommodation was seamless which really added to the experience. Would definitely recommend Tanzania Odyssey and would use them again.

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- G Kibby

Wonderful in so many ways
Tanzania Odyssey arranged an amazing safari to southern Tanzania this summer. All the arrangements worked like clockwork and we all agree this was our best family holiday ever

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- Garry