Activities and Sports in Tanzania include mountain climbing and hiking (e.g. Kilimanjaro, Meru), Conferences in Tanzania, Incentive trips to Tanzania, Hot Air Ballooning over the Serengeti and so much more.
Hot Air Balloon flights
Flights by hot air balloon take off as dawn breaks over the Serengeti National Park, the perfect silence of the early morning plains broken only by the soft roar of the balloon. Far below, wildebeest scatter, looking everywhere but up at the silent visitor that floats over their world. Giraffe stand next to acacia trees, untroubled by the airborne visitors. After the thrill of landing, a champagne breakfast awaits, the air becoming warmer as the sun climbs in the sky and curious zebra look up from their grazing at the chink of cutlery in the still, warm bush.
Deep sea and inland fishing
The water around Zanzibar and Pemba islands is considered by experts to offer some of the best fishing in the world, especially the Pemba Channel, between Zanzibar and Pemba, and around Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar. Big game fish include barracuda, kingfish, sailfish, billfish, wahoo, dorado and blue marlin. Rivers are stocked with trout around Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. Large rivers such as the Kilombero and Great Ruaha offer fabulous sport fishing for tiger fish, and large Nile perch can be caught in the great lakes, especially Lake Victoria.
Diving and snorkeling
The coral reefs off Tanzania’s coast around Zanzibar and Mafia Island offer some of the world’s finest scuba diving and snorkeling. Diving is possible all year round, although the Kusi Monsoon (strongest June-Sept) is accompanied by choppy seas and strong currents that make the more exposed reefs inaccessible. There can also be strong winds in December and January. Visibility is best from November to March, before the long rains set in.
Horse riding safari
Deep sea and inland fishing
The water around Zanzibar and Pemba islands is considered by experts to offer some of the best fishing in the world, especially the Pemba Channel, between Zanzibar and Pemba, and around Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar. Big game fish include barracuda, kingfish, sailfish, billfish, wahoo, dorado and blue marlin. Rivers are stocked with trout around Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru. Large rivers such as the Kilombero and Great Ruaha offer fabulous sport fishing for tiger fish, and large Nile perch can be caught in the great lakes, especially Lake Victoria.
Diving and snorkeling
The coral reefs off Tanzania’s coast around Zanzibar and Mafia Island offer some of the world’s finest scuba diving and snorkeling. Diving is possible all year round, although the Kusi Monsoon (strongest June-Sept) is accompanied by choppy seas and strong currents that make the more exposed reefs inaccessible. There can also be strong winds in December and January. Visibility is best from November to March, before the long rains set in.
Horse riding safari
Horse riding safaris are available from a few camps in Tanzania, for all standards of rider. Wild animals are not afraid of horses in the same way that they are of cars or pedestrians, allowing visitors to approach the wildlife much more closely than usual.
Mountain biking
For the fit and adventurous, mountain biking through the African landscape is truly an exciting experience. Avoid roads and traffic and ride through deserts and forests, up mountains and down valleys, through tiny villages and bustling market towns, then into the true wilderness past herds of antelope, giraffe and zebra.
Mountain climbing and hiking
For most climbers who visit Tanzania, the 5,869m Kilimanjaro is the top prize. Mt Meru, another of Tanzania’s volcanic peaks, is also popular, with the varied animal and plant life to be found on its slopes a major draw. Meru is Africa’s fifth highest peak, with fabulous views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Momela Lakes from the summit. The challenging ascent to the crater of Ol Donyo Lengai passes through some fantastic scenery, with panoramic views of the Rift Valley. The track to the top of Lengai is very steep, and a true challenge attempted only by hikers with a good level of fitness.
Paragliding and microlight flights
There are some fabulous areas to para-glide. Very few people para-glide in Tanzania, therefore it is a novelty. Always seek permission from the local village, explain what you are doing and where you think you will land (it is illegal to fly over national parks). Just some of the areas to fly are the Usambaras, the Rift Valley and numerous hills around Mt Meru. Microlight flights are now also available over Lake Manyara National Park and the Great Rift Valley.
Boat safaris
The soft chug of an outboard engine, or the whispering flap of a canvas sail; boat safaris in Tanzania are a tranquil and relaxing way to watch wildlife. This is one of the best ways to see the Selous Game Reserve, up the huge muddy brown sweep of the Rufiji River, leopard whisking away from rocks at the boat’s approach. Sail into chimpanzee territory on a dhow, skimming over the fresh, crystal waters of Lake Tanganyika, or travel up the Wami River in Saadani, surrounded by amazing bird life, hippos and alligators.
Spa treatments
The perfect way to ease tired limbs after an exhilarating day’s game viewing or in preparation for the beach, there are now many hotels, resorts and lodges in Tanzania and Zanzibar offering world class spa facilities to keep you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Walking Safaris
A walk through the African bush is a wonderful way to experience Africa intimately. Smells and sounds become distinct and varied, and smaller creatures gain significance. They are no longer simply rushed past in the race for the bigger game. When larger animals do appear, they are met at eye level; the land is truly shared between humans and animals. Safety is not an issue – all walks are accompanied by armed, experienced guides and game rangers. Walks can be from a few hours to a full day with picnic lunch. Many hotels and camps will offer guided walks in the national parks or community areas.
Cultural Tourism
In Tanzania, a land of superb landscapes and spectacular wildlife, another attraction stands equally tall – the people. Tanzania’s people are among the most welcoming and approachable on earth, with a range of fascinating cultures ready to be shared with visitors. From the WaChagga of the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the now world-famous Maasai, a cultural excursion or a longer stay among local people is likely to become one of the most rewarding experiences of any holiday in Tanzania.
In addition, many local areas run their own cultural programs for visitors, bringing income directly to the community and giving the people the chance to show their lifestyle to the outside world on their own terms. Primary schools can be developed through a tour of the fascinating slopes of Mt Meru, a health clinic is improved through a guided tour of the luscious green Usambara Mountains, or a kindergarten funded by a stroll through the tropical vegetation of the Rift Valley.
Cultural tourism programs are beneficial to everyone – the tourists get a unique, unforgettable experience, the local people generate income and improve their standard of living, and both parties gain a valuable understanding of another culture which will last long after the visitors have returned home. Most cultural tourism programs are located near the main thoroughfares of the principal tourist destinations, making a cultural addition to a safari easy to arrange. Guides are local people born and raised in the area, well trained in their jobs and proficient in English. Cultural tours can be half-day events or incorporated into a longer safari. Whether you spend the morning in a Maasai boma or trek by camel up a local summit, stopping to learn about traditional plants and tribal stories, a cultural tour is a must-do for anyone wanting to see the rich life of the Tanzanian people.
Tanzania Conference & Incentive Tourism
Conference tourism is a booming industry in Tanzania, with groups wanting to take advantage of the full range of facilities on offer and to tour the country’s spectacular sites once their work is done. From safaris in the Serengeti National Park to days spent lounging on a tropical beach in Zanzibar, conference incentives take on a whole new meaning in Tanzania.
Luxury hotels in Dar es Salaam and Arusha offer state-of-the-art facilities in central locations. Conference facilities are available at all of the major hotels, with special bookings and tour packages available all year round. NGO’s and special interest groups from Tanzania, East Africa and around the world have chosen to host conferences in Tanzania, both to offer their conference-goers a special experience in unique surroundings, and to take advantage of the tour packages and safari options the country has to offer. Annual conferences for UN branches, pan-African business organizations and special interest groups attract a growing number of delegates every year.
In Tanzania’s commercial center of Dar es Salaam, most hotels are located in the business district of the city and on the waterfront nearby. Palm trees and lush gardens are an important part of their design and make the general environment one of quiet peace and tropical tranquility. Conference equipment from whiteboards to data projectors, plus reliable computer and internet access, are widely available. Most hotels will specially cater for a conference group, and meals on the Indian Ocean coast incorporate the freshest seafood with crisp highland produce from the Usambara Mountains. Snacks, tea breaks, and special surprises are all worked into your specially-planned schedule.
In northern Tanzania, the town of Arusha boasts a number of high-quality hotels in the commercial area, all shaded by stately trees and with expansive views of nearby Mt Meru. On-site conference facilities cater for large and small groups. Conference coordinators, who work on-site to make sure everything goes smoothly, are becoming a popular option in the leading hotels. For large functions, the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) is centrally located within the city. With facilities for delegates numbering in the thousands, the AICC has hosted the United National Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and other high-profile international conferences.
In any conference, breaks are an important part of keeping people on track and Tanzania’s conference facilities offer everything from traditional entertainment to special team-building adventures. Day excursions to local markets and workshops offer shopping opportunities for colleagues, family, and friends back home. And if the delegates want a change of scene, both Arusha and Dar es Salaam have a wide range of local restaurants and evening spots where they can sample the best in international cuisine, dine on the waterfront, or sample regional specialties while looking out towards Kilimanjaro.
Of course, incentives are always part of a conference package, and here Tanzania truly outshines the rest. Conference coordinators provide an option of incentive packages to suit every itinerary, schedule and budget. Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park are right on Arusha’s doorstep, and short safari packages for small or large groups are an essential part of conference hosting in northern Tanzania. In Dar es Salaam, day trips to the beaches and ruins of Bagamoyo, short safaris to Mikumi National Park, and longer trips to Zanzibar ensure delegates see the very best the country has to offer.
Mountain biking
For the fit and adventurous, mountain biking through the African landscape is truly an exciting experience. Avoid roads and traffic and ride through deserts and forests, up mountains and down valleys, through tiny villages and bustling market towns, then into the true wilderness past herds of antelope, giraffe and zebra.
Mountain climbing and hiking
For most climbers who visit Tanzania, the 5,869m Kilimanjaro is the top prize. Mt Meru, another of Tanzania’s volcanic peaks, is also popular, with the varied animal and plant life to be found on its slopes a major draw. Meru is Africa’s fifth highest peak, with fabulous views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Momela Lakes from the summit. The challenging ascent to the crater of Ol Donyo Lengai passes through some fantastic scenery, with panoramic views of the Rift Valley. The track to the top of Lengai is very steep, and a true challenge attempted only by hikers with a good level of fitness.
Paragliding and microlight flights
There are some fabulous areas to para-glide. Very few people para-glide in Tanzania, therefore it is a novelty. Always seek permission from the local village, explain what you are doing and where you think you will land (it is illegal to fly over national parks). Just some of the areas to fly are the Usambaras, the Rift Valley and numerous hills around Mt Meru. Microlight flights are now also available over Lake Manyara National Park and the Great Rift Valley.
Boat safaris
The soft chug of an outboard engine, or the whispering flap of a canvas sail; boat safaris in Tanzania are a tranquil and relaxing way to watch wildlife. This is one of the best ways to see the Selous Game Reserve, up the huge muddy brown sweep of the Rufiji River, leopard whisking away from rocks at the boat’s approach. Sail into chimpanzee territory on a dhow, skimming over the fresh, crystal waters of Lake Tanganyika, or travel up the Wami River in Saadani, surrounded by amazing bird life, hippos and alligators.
Spa treatments
The perfect way to ease tired limbs after an exhilarating day’s game viewing or in preparation for the beach, there are now many hotels, resorts and lodges in Tanzania and Zanzibar offering world class spa facilities to keep you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Walking Safaris
A walk through the African bush is a wonderful way to experience Africa intimately. Smells and sounds become distinct and varied, and smaller creatures gain significance. They are no longer simply rushed past in the race for the bigger game. When larger animals do appear, they are met at eye level; the land is truly shared between humans and animals. Safety is not an issue – all walks are accompanied by armed, experienced guides and game rangers. Walks can be from a few hours to a full day with picnic lunch. Many hotels and camps will offer guided walks in the national parks or community areas.
Cultural Tourism
In Tanzania, a land of superb landscapes and spectacular wildlife, another attraction stands equally tall – the people. Tanzania’s people are among the most welcoming and approachable on earth, with a range of fascinating cultures ready to be shared with visitors. From the WaChagga of the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the now world-famous Maasai, a cultural excursion or a longer stay among local people is likely to become one of the most rewarding experiences of any holiday in Tanzania.
In addition, many local areas run their own cultural programs for visitors, bringing income directly to the community and giving the people the chance to show their lifestyle to the outside world on their own terms. Primary schools can be developed through a tour of the fascinating slopes of Mt Meru, a health clinic is improved through a guided tour of the luscious green Usambara Mountains, or a kindergarten funded by a stroll through the tropical vegetation of the Rift Valley.
Cultural tourism programs are beneficial to everyone – the tourists get a unique, unforgettable experience, the local people generate income and improve their standard of living, and both parties gain a valuable understanding of another culture which will last long after the visitors have returned home. Most cultural tourism programs are located near the main thoroughfares of the principal tourist destinations, making a cultural addition to a safari easy to arrange. Guides are local people born and raised in the area, well trained in their jobs and proficient in English. Cultural tours can be half-day events or incorporated into a longer safari. Whether you spend the morning in a Maasai boma or trek by camel up a local summit, stopping to learn about traditional plants and tribal stories, a cultural tour is a must-do for anyone wanting to see the rich life of the Tanzanian people.
Tanzania Conference & Incentive Tourism
Conference tourism is a booming industry in Tanzania, with groups wanting to take advantage of the full range of facilities on offer and to tour the country’s spectacular sites once their work is done. From safaris in the Serengeti National Park to days spent lounging on a tropical beach in Zanzibar, conference incentives take on a whole new meaning in Tanzania.
Luxury hotels in Dar es Salaam and Arusha offer state-of-the-art facilities in central locations. Conference facilities are available at all of the major hotels, with special bookings and tour packages available all year round. NGO’s and special interest groups from Tanzania, East Africa and around the world have chosen to host conferences in Tanzania, both to offer their conference-goers a special experience in unique surroundings, and to take advantage of the tour packages and safari options the country has to offer. Annual conferences for UN branches, pan-African business organizations and special interest groups attract a growing number of delegates every year.
In Tanzania’s commercial center of Dar es Salaam, most hotels are located in the business district of the city and on the waterfront nearby. Palm trees and lush gardens are an important part of their design and make the general environment one of quiet peace and tropical tranquility. Conference equipment from whiteboards to data projectors, plus reliable computer and internet access, are widely available. Most hotels will specially cater for a conference group, and meals on the Indian Ocean coast incorporate the freshest seafood with crisp highland produce from the Usambara Mountains. Snacks, tea breaks, and special surprises are all worked into your specially-planned schedule.
In northern Tanzania, the town of Arusha boasts a number of high-quality hotels in the commercial area, all shaded by stately trees and with expansive views of nearby Mt Meru. On-site conference facilities cater for large and small groups. Conference coordinators, who work on-site to make sure everything goes smoothly, are becoming a popular option in the leading hotels. For large functions, the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) is centrally located within the city. With facilities for delegates numbering in the thousands, the AICC has hosted the United National Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and other high-profile international conferences.
In any conference, breaks are an important part of keeping people on track and Tanzania’s conference facilities offer everything from traditional entertainment to special team-building adventures. Day excursions to local markets and workshops offer shopping opportunities for colleagues, family, and friends back home. And if the delegates want a change of scene, both Arusha and Dar es Salaam have a wide range of local restaurants and evening spots where they can sample the best in international cuisine, dine on the waterfront, or sample regional specialties while looking out towards Kilimanjaro.
Of course, incentives are always part of a conference package, and here Tanzania truly outshines the rest. Conference coordinators provide an option of incentive packages to suit every itinerary, schedule and budget. Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park are right on Arusha’s doorstep, and short safari packages for small or large groups are an essential part of conference hosting in northern Tanzania. In Dar es Salaam, day trips to the beaches and ruins of Bagamoyo, short safaris to Mikumi National Park, and longer trips to Zanzibar ensure delegates see the very best the country has to offer.