Optional Activities in Tanzania
Turn Your Safari or Mountain Trek Into a Lifetime Adventure
In Tanzania, adventure never stops at just climbing mountains or spotting wildlife. Whether you’re reaching for the summit of Kilimanjaro, soaking in the endless plains of the Serengeti, or basking in the coastal beauty of Zanzibar, there’s a whole world of exciting, enriching and wild activities waiting for you.
From skydives to silent balloon flights, here’s how to add magic, adrenaline, and meaning to your Tanzanian experience.
Optional Activities for Mountain Trekkers
Hot Air Balloon Safari with Kilimanjaro Views
Where: West Kilimanjaro / Amboseli border region
What You’ll Love: Float above savannah plains at sunrise with snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.
Why Add It: It’s the perfect pre- or post-climb activity with surreal panoramic views-no hiking boots r. equired
Skydiving Over Zanzibar
Where: Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar
What You’ll Love: Leap from a plane at 10,000 feet with the turquoise Indian Ocean and coral islands unfolding beneath you.
Why Add It: It’s one of the most scenic skydives in the world – a bucket-list thrill for beach lovers and daredevils.
Biking Safaris Around Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru
Where: Moshi, West Kilimanjaro, Arusha outskirts
What You’ll Love: Ride through banana farms, coffee plantations, Maasai villages, and wildlife corridors on two wheels.
Why Add It: Combines fitness, culture, and scenic beauty in an authentic, low-impact way.
Waterfall and Coffee Farm Tours
Where: Materuni, Marangu, and Rau Forest near Moshi
What You’ll Love: Hike to waterfalls, swim in natural pools, and roast coffee beans with Chagga farmers.
Why Add It: A relaxing and meaningful way to unwind before or after a climb.
Cultural Immersion Walks
Where: Marangu, Machame, Mto wa Mbu
What You’ll Love: Visit traditional homes, sample banana beer, and join storytelling circles.
Why Add It: Builds a deeper connection to Tanzania’s people and heritage.
Optional Activities for Safari Travelers
Hot Air Balloon Safaris (Serengeti and Tarangire)
Where: Central & Northern Serengeti, Tarangire What You’ll Love: Take off before sunrise and glide silently over elephants, lions, and endless acacia-dotted plains.M Why Add It: One of the most exclusive and romantic safari experiences, ending with a champagne breakfast in the bush.
Walking Safaris with Armed Rangers
Where: Arusha National Park, Selous (Nyerere), Tarangire, Ruaha What You’ll Love: Track wildlife on foot while learning to read the land through tracks, scents, and sounds. Why Add It: Brings you closer to nature than any vehicle can.
Night Game Drives
Where: Lake Manyara, Tarangire (private concessions), Ruaha What You’ll Love: Search for elusive nocturnal creatures like leopards, civets, bush babies, and hyenas under starlit skies. Why Add It: The wild doesn’t sleep - and you’ll see things that daylight hides.
Biking Safaris in Arusha National Park
Where: Arusha National Park What You’ll Love: Cycle past giraffes, zebras, and monkeys with Mount Meru rising dramatically behind you. Why Add It: A low-impact, high-reward adventure perfect for active travelers.
Canoe Safaris
Where: Lake Duluti, Momella Lakes, Lake Manyara What You’ll Love: Paddle through still waters with flamingos, hippos, and lush crater lakes surrounding you. Why Add It: Peaceful, scenic, and a photographer’s dream.
Cultural Experiences and Tribe Visits
Where: Lake Eyasi (Hadzabe & Datoga), Ngorongoro Maasai villages What You’ll Love: Hunt with Hadzabe bushmen, visit Maasai bomas, and witness ancient traditions still alive today. Why Add It: It transforms your trip from a tour into a story you’ll tell forever.
Chimpanzee Trekking Extensions
Where: Gombe or Mahale Mountains (Western Tanzania) What You’ll Love: Hike into remote forests along Lake Tanganyika to track wild chimpanzees made famous by Jane Goodall. Why Add It: An emotional, once-in-a-lifetime experience
Why Book These Experiences With Us?
At Safari Big 5, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We specialize in building journeys around your interests, giving you the freedom to go beyond the guidebook.
We partner with licensed local experts, pilots, guides, and tribes to ensure authentic and safe experiences
We handle all the logistics – permits, timings, transfers, and gear – so you enjoy stress-free adventure
We tailor everything to your schedule, budget, and comfort level
With us, your trip becomes a memory, not just a safari
Ready to Go Beyond?
Let us design your ultimate Tanzania adventure – whether that means standing on the roof of Africa, gliding silently over herds of elephants, or freefalling above the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
Get in touch with us to customize your climb, safari, and everything in between!
“We love what we do & you’ll love the way we guide you”