A cheetah spotted during a Tanzania game drive

Things To Do

Beyond the standard game drive — what's actually possible, and what needs booking ahead.

8+ distinct activitiesOn this page
Balloon safaris: book aheadHot-air balloon
Concession-onlyNight drives
Permit-limitedWalking safaris
Beyond the standard game drive

What there actually is to do

A safari isn't just sitting in a vehicle watching for animals — though that's still the core of it, and rightly so. Tanzania's parks and coastline offer a genuinely wide range of ways to experience them, from a pre-dawn hot-air balloon over the Serengeti to an afternoon on Zanzibar's reef. Some need booking well in advance; this page is honest about which.

The full list

Every activity, honestly described

Game drives

Morning and afternoon drives through the northern circuit's parks — the core of any safari, and where you'll see the most wildlife per hour.

Hot-air balloon safari

A pre-dawn launch over the eastern Serengeti, drifting silently above the plains as the sun comes up, finishing with a champagne breakfast set up on the ground.

Needs booking well in advance — limited daily capacity

Night game drives

A chance to see nocturnal species rarely spotted by day — genets, civets, and predators actively hunting.

Only permitted in specific private concessions, not standard national parks

Walking safaris

A slower, on-foot perspective with an armed guide — genuinely different from a vehicle, reading tracks and signs at ground level.

Permit-limited; increasingly available in the Serengeti in recent years

Boat safaris

River and lake game viewing where the parks border water, particularly in the southern circuit's Nyerere National Park.

Maasai cultural visits

A visit to a Maasai village or boma — the Serengeti itself takes its name from the Maasai word Siringet, "the place where the land runs forever."

Kilimanjaro trekking

Combine your safari with a summit attempt on Africa's tallest peak, or a shorter day hike on its lower slopes.

Explore

Zanzibar beaches

Wind down with white sand and the Indian Ocean after the bush — snorkeling, diving, or simply doing nothing at all.

Explore
Good to know

Things To Do FAQ

  • How far in advance do I need to book a hot-air balloon safari?

    As early as possible — daily capacity is limited and it's one of the more popular add-ons. If a balloon flight is a priority, tell us when you first enquire, not once you're already in Tanzania.

  • Are night game drives available everywhere?

    No — they're only permitted in specific private concessions bordering the national parks, not inside the parks themselves. We can build one into your itinerary if it's available where you're staying.

  • Is a walking safari safe?

    Yes — they're led by armed, trained guides and kept to a pace and distance that keeps everyone safe. It's a genuinely different, slower way to experience the bush, not an extreme activity.

  • Can I combine several of these on one trip?

    Yes — most itineraries mix game drives with one or two of these extras. Tell us what interests you and we'll build it into your route rather than treating it as a rigid package.

Traveller stories

The proof should come from people who went.

Dorine M11 months ago
TripAdvisor

Grateful experience

As a solo female traveler, I felt super safe and well taken care of the entire time.

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Dagmar P1 month ago
TripAdvisor

Private Safari 6 days

I can only highly recommend the young company Tanzalux for organizing a private safari.

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Sylvanus T9 months ago
TripAdvisor

An unforgettable vegetarian journey with Tanzalux Safaris

I highly recommend Tanzalux for anyone wanting a special, personalized safari.

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Lucas G2 months ago
TripAdvisor

Our 3-day camping safari with Tanzalux was simply fantastic! Everything was perfectly organized.

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Victoria Goodluck3 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Back in April, I joined a day trip to Tarangire National Park with Tanzalux Safaris, and it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had…

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Danai Vicha5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

I've had an amazing experience with Tanzalux Safaris, would 1000% recommend! Thank you for making my trip so special🫶

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ikigo simbila5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

I recently visited Meru Waterfalls in Arusha and got to do some of the activities there, honestly it was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it.

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Hadija Shebe5 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Our guide Dullah Mr Rastaman had the best vibe. I would like to recommend other people not to miss it, Tarangire is the best national park.

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Tumain Hope4 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

Our tour guide Nasri was very friendly and welcoming from the first day we met him. He knows Tarangire very well and explained many things during the safari.

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Linnah Kimaro4 months ago
★★★★★
Posted on Google

As a grandmother in the group, I would like to share my happiness with Tanzalux Safaris. Me, my daughters, and my grandson went on a short trip to Tarangire National Park…

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Ready to build your itinerary?

Tell us which activities interest you — we'll fit them into your route and flag anything that needs early booking.

Juma Amani
Juma AmaniTanzania Luxury Safari Expert
Book this tripTanzania Safari
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