Safari Experiences in Tanzania Beyond Game Drives

Safari Experiences in Tanzania Beyond Game Drives

When you imagine a Tanzania safari, the first thing that comes to mind is a bumpy drive through the bush of the Serengeti or down the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater. However, safari has evolved in Tanzania. Now, it’s not just the traditional game drive that matters, but the experience you get from it.

Therefore, a few operators now offer more than the traditional game drive. We are proud to be one. Modern adventurers dream of more intimate experiences that don’t require a safari jeep. Here’s the thing:

A traditional game drive can’t be wholly replaced, but we can add something to it to make your safari more fascinating. So, down here, we’ve crafted some unique safari experiences beyond game drives.

Walking safaris.

A short or long walk from the lodge or camp is worthwhile. You wake up do your daily routine, then later on, a guide and ranger lead the way into the wild. Science suggests that walking cures mental health, but we can say that walking in the bush is a stress killer.

Walking safaris are a special treat, usually offered by many lodges and camps. The Four Seasons Serengeti takes you into the ‘endless’ plains of the Serengeti, while the Jabali Ridge walks through banks of the Ruaha River.

However, if you want it as a special package, we can help you do that. Our guides, who are experts in the field, will explain everything along the way – from medicinal plants to dung beetles.

Hot air balloon safaris.

Probably the most thrilling way to experience spectacular landscapes, a balloon flight takes you higher in the air early in the morning. The sun emerges and finds you already floating in the air, watching wildlife and appreciating the landscapes.

Most parks like Tarangire offer this memorable aerial experience, usually at an extra charge of about $550. In the Serengeti, this experience gives you a glimpse of the wildebeest herds from atop. In Tarangire and Ruaha, elephants appear as bulk bodies moving slowly, swaying their trunks along a river.

Chimpanzee trekking.

An adventurous hike through the lower slopes of the Mahale Mountains takes you to the hideouts of the endangered chimpanzees. Or a hike through the trail of one of the smallest parks in the country, Gombe National Park, will also result in a troop of chimpanzees doing their chores.

Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania is only possible in the western part, along the coast of Lake Tanganyika. Envision an hour of staying just a few meters (8 meters for safety) from our closer cousins. Amazing!

Boat safaris.

Picture this: a comfortable float on the giant Rufiji River while watching hippos, crocs, and river birds, or a boat ride from Rubondo Island to a nearby island on Lake Victoria.

Boat safari comes with a unique angle to watch nature. You can experience this in Ruaha, f, Saanane Island, and Saadani National Parks. You can also experience it in Gombe and Mahale in the west. Top luxury lodges like Greystoke Mahale will elevate your experience with watersports like snorkeling.

Stargazing experience.

Spending a night far from city light pollution is awesome. It gives a chance to lie back at a stargazing point to watch the African blanket of stars. The luxurious lodge, One Nature Nyaruswiga, in the central Serengeti has a telescope specially for exploring the universe at night.

The Kigelia Ruaha also offers stargazing in Ruaha, where you enjoy unobstructed views from a special site. In addition to that, you can request this experience from your lodge or camp or tour operator. We’ll be happy to help.

Hiking safaris.

In some parks like Kilimanjaro and Arusha, hiking comes first before everything. If hiking is your thing, go conquer Africa’s first and fifth peaks. You can also hike in the Mahale, Udzungwa, and Usambara Mountains.

Hiking gives the best views of wildlife and other things, as well as making your body feel better. The next time you come to Tanzania, give this experience a try.

Cultural tours.

A day spent with the Maasai herdsmen is always unforgettable. You learn how to throw a spear or imitate their signature Adumu dance. You can also try their unique attire and sound like a Moran.

Add to the list the Hadzabe, a tribe that still hunts and gathers for a living. They grow no crops and know no official medics. Their life entirely relies on hunting and gathering.

The bottom line

We know a game drive is an adventure worth craving. But these experiences can be memorable than even the game drive itself. So, as you plan your next Tanzania safari, include a few of these experiences. We can help you balance the time.

Are you ready for an adventure in Tanzania? Be it a hike, a balloon flight, or a boat excursion, our guides are ready to take you on it. Reach out to our safari planners to start planning this adventure.