The 10 Best Unusual Things To Do In Tanzania, Safaris And More With Kids

Things To Do In Tanzania

The 10 Best Unusual Things To Do In Tanzania, Safaris And More With Kids. Book Affordable Luxury Tanzania Itineraries To Explore Unique Things To Do In Tanzania

Tanzania offers far more than just world-famous safaris, it’s a country filled with unforgettable, unique experiences that blend nature, culture, and adventure. Of course, witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or descending into the Ngorongoro Crater are bucket-list experiences, but beyond that, travelers can soar over the savannah in a hot air balloon, trek through lush forests to track wild chimpanzees in Mahale or Gombe, and enjoy canoe safaris across the still waters of Lake Duluti. Families and adventurous travelers alike will find Tanzania’s landscapes incredibly diverse, offering everything from volcanic craters to vast salt flats and wildlife-rich wetlands.

What truly sets Tanzania apart are its cultural and coastal experiences. In Zanzibar, you can explore Stone Town’s labyrinth of spice-scented streets, swim with dolphins near Mnemba Atoll, or simply relax on the island’s white-sand beaches. Inland, visits to Maasai villages provide deep cultural insight, while hiking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is a life-changing challenge for those seeking high-altitude adventure. Whether you’re learning about ancient traditions, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or snorkeling in coral reefs with your kids, the unique things to do in Tanzania go well beyond game drives; they offer a complete immersion into the heart of Africa.

Detailed Overview Of The Unique Things To Do In Tanzania

1. Family Safari in Serengeti National Park

A safari in the Serengeti is one of the top things to do in Tanzania with kids. Watching lions, elephants, giraffes, and zebras roam freely across the endless plains is thrilling for children and adults alike. Many lodges and camps offer family-friendly accommodations and guided game drives tailored for younger explorers. Kids will love learning about animal tracks, behavior, and conservation. The excitement of seeing wildlife up close in their natural habitat makes this an unforgettable family adventure and a perfect introduction to the wonders of African wildlife.

2. Visit Ngorongoro Crater – A Natural Wonder

Exploring the Ngorongoro Crater is an educational and breathtaking experience for families. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural wildlife sanctuary packed with animals like rhinos, flamingos, and hippos. Children will marvel at the crater’s scale and biodiversity, while parents can relax knowing they’re in a safe and enclosed ecosystem. It’s among the best things to do in Tanzania, offering spectacular scenery and close wildlife encounters. Many guides offer child-friendly commentary and activities, making this both a fun and informative day out for young travelers.

3. Cultural Experience with the Maasai

Introduce your children to one of Tanzania’s most fascinating cultures with a visit to a traditional Maasai village. Kids can participate in cultural dances, hear folktales, and learn how the Maasai live, dress, and herd cattle. It’s an enriching way to teach respect for different ways of life and adds meaningful context to your trip. This cultural immersion is one of the more unique things to do in Tanzania, allowing families to connect with the human side of this beautiful country beyond the national parks and wildlife.

4. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Serengeti

For families with older children, few experiences compare to a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the Serengeti. Gently soaring above the plains while spotting herds of wildebeest or elephants below is both serene and thrilling. The ride ends with a bush breakfast that adds to the magic. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Tanzania and offers a bird’s-eye view of one of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems. Many balloon companies accept children aged 7 and above, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurous families.

5. Relax on Zanzibar’s Family-Friendly Beaches

After safari adventures, unwind on Zanzibar’s calm, white-sand beaches where the warm Indian Ocean is perfect for kids. Nungwi and Kendwa beaches are especially family-friendly, offering safe swimming, sandcastle-building, and snorkeling. Parents can enjoy local seafood while kids play in the gentle waves. For families looking to mix relaxation with exploration, visiting Zanzibar’s beaches is one of the most rejuvenating things to do in Tanzania. Many resorts offer child-friendly menus, activities, and babysitting services, ensuring everyone enjoys a fun and stress-free stay.

6. Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching in Mnemba Atoll

Take your kids on a snorkeling trip to Mnemba Atoll, where crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs make for an unforgettable marine adventure. Dolphins are frequently spotted, and lucky families might swim alongside them. This excursion is exciting yet safe for kids and often includes a picnic on the boat or beach. As far as marine-based things to do in Tanzania go, this one stands out for its beauty, biodiversity, and family-friendly nature. It’s a perfect way to introduce kids to ocean life in a fun and educational setting.

7. Chimpanzee Trekking in Gombe or Mahale Mountains

For older kids with a sense of adventure, chimpanzee trekking in western Tanzania’s Gombe or Mahale Mountains is unforgettable. Walking through lush forest trails and observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat is both exciting and eye-opening. These lesser-known parks offer a quieter, more intimate experience compared to larger national parks. Though treks require some stamina, guides are patient and educational. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Tanzania and helps foster a love for wildlife and conservation in young travelers.

8. Explore the Markets and History of Stone Town

Stone Town in Zanzibar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of winding alleys, spice markets, and cultural treasures. A walking tour can be adapted for families, with kid-friendly stops like the old fort, dhow harbors, and spice tasting. It’s a fantastic way for children to engage with Tanzania’s Swahili and Arab history in an interactive environment. If you’re seeking cultural and historic things to do in Tanzania with kids, Stone Town offers a rich and colorful experience that blends learning with fun exploration.

9. Canoe Safari on Lake Duluti or Lake Manyara

Try something different with a canoe safari on the calm waters of Lake Duluti or Lake Manyara. Paddling through peaceful waters while spotting monkeys, birds, and even hippos is safe and exciting for children. Life jackets and experienced guides ensure a smooth, family-friendly outing. It’s a refreshing break from vehicle safaris and a great way to see Tanzania’s beauty from a new angle. For families seeking relaxing yet adventurous things to do in Tanzania, a canoe safari is a hidden gem.

10. Visit Arusha’s Snake Park and Meserani Educational Center

Located near Arusha, the Meserani Snake Park is both thrilling and educational. Kids can safely view snakes, crocodiles, and lizards, and even get a chance to hold a snake with supervision. The attached Maasai Cultural Museum and camel rides make it a full-day family attraction. It’s one of the more unusual things to do in Tanzania, especially before or after a safari. This stop adds diversity to your trip and gives kids a chance to learn about reptiles, medicine, and Maasai culture in a hands-on way.