Think beyond the typical safari jeep with these awesome safaris in Tanzania that are not limited to roads!
A safari in Tanzania may immediately conjure up images of bouncing along dusty roads in a land cruiser, but there are many more safari adventures in Tanzania, and quite a few are not limited to roads! Travelers who are willing to leave the road behind are in for a great surprise. There are many opportunities to experience the wonder and wildlife of Tanzania’s National Parks that go beyond cars and roads.
Check out this list of top ten safari experiences in Tanzania that go beyond roads:
Trekking Tours
Northern Tanzania offers some of the most incredible mountain climbing experiences in the world; an active volcano, the tallest mountain in Africa, and highland trekking with the use of donkeys are just a few of the treks in which tourists can take part.
Tanzania is home to the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft). If you’re up to the challenge, this amazing experience offers the chance to complete one of the Seven Summits and stand on the ‘Roof of Africa’. Travelers should schedule approximately one week to complete this climb.
Those short on time should consider trekking through the lush Ngorongoro Highlands; Empakai Crater to Lake Natron (3-days), or climb the second-highest peak in Tanzania, Mount Meru (4-days).
Some single-day climbs include the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, or Longido. Both of these mountains located in Northern Tanzania.
Hikes or multi-day treks allow travelers to immerse themselves in Tanzania’s rich natural wildlife away from tarmacked roads. A day spent hiking is sure to provide incredible photo opportunities and a glimpse into the natural history of Tanzania.
Memorable Safaris specializes in mountain climbing and trekking safaris throughout Northern Tanzania. They have arranged my mountain expeditions to Lengai and Longido and I couldn’t be happier with them!
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
For a magical air travel experience, tourists can watch the world from above in a hot air balloon. A balloon safari offers travelers a day in the sky, slowly venturing over regions that have no roads to view amazing landscapes and herds of animals. Balloon safaris are especially popular during the Serengeti Migration, providing a spectacular aerial view of millions of animals moving across the Mara River. Hot air balloon experiences are also offered in Tarangire National Park, which is famous for its large elephant population. Visitors to Tarangire from above have a special opportunity to observe the world’s largest mammal from the sky. Hot air balloon safaris offer a truly incredible way to visit popular Tanzanian parks.
Some reputable companies offering balloon safaris in Tanzania include:
Serengeti Balloon Safaris
A Walking Safari
Manyara National Park and Arusha National Park both offer walking safaris in designated areas. The Arusha National Park’s walking safari meanders through plains and grasslands, ventures to the base of Mount Meru and concludes at a refreshing waterfall. Throghout the walking safari guests may view giraffe, gazelles, buffalo, wildebeests and zebras.
These walking safaris are possible because of the lack of major predators (namely, lions) in the area. Environmentally-friendly practices ensure guests do not disturb the animals or their habitats.
One unique Tanzanian park has no roads at all. Udzungwa Mountains National Park is only able to be enjoyed by hiking through this rainforest. Some attractions include endemic plants and unique species of monkeys. Udzungwa may be small, but it offers sightings of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth.
Read more about my own experiences on a walking safari in Arusha National Park and Longido.
Cycling or Mountain Biking in Tanzania
Experience Tanzania on two wheels! Mountain-biking opportunities bring travelers to the Usambara Mountains or the slopes of mighty Kilimanjaro. More relaxed bike rides allow groups to pedal through quiet areas of national parks, like Lake Manyara National Park. There are even options to camp while biking and take a bike-tour for your Tanzanian safari.
Read about our recent family biking trip to Lake Manyara.
Trekking with Chimps
Tourists have to leave the safari car behind before reaching Gombe National Park, as it is inaccessible by road. After boarding a boat, guests travel to the park where Jane Goodall conducted her research on chimpanzees. Here, visitors can sit with chimpanzees and are encouraged to spend a morning relaxing in nature with these friendly primates. The tour is conducted in a manner that respects wildlife from afar.
Nature-lovers who want to experience this historical park should be ready to get away from the safari car and step right into the wild.
Safari by Canoe
After joining a walking safari, visitors can paddle alongside flamingoes in Manyara National Park or the crater lakes of Arusha National Park. These locations offer unique activities on land and in water because of the low populations or complete absence of dangerous predators. In these quieter parks, visitors can experience the beauty of Tanzania up-close. Canoeing is an active option for tourists to get out on calm waters.
Safari Blue
Travelers can get not only off-road, but off-land completely on a “Safari Blue”. This boat and snorkeling tour takes guests into the Indian Ocean. Saadani National Park, located on the East Coast, is the only national park in all of East Africa that is set on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Its tagline is ‘Where Bush Meets Beach’; here, tourists can see elephants walking on the beach, or spy lions near the ocean. A dive into the Indian Ocean means vibrant tropical fish and friendly dolphins.
This lesser-known national park offers a completely different perspective than all other destinations: a safari by boat!
Paragliding in Tanzania
Thrill-seekers that are willing to travel – or climb – the extra mile can experience the adventure of paragliding over incredible East African landscapes. This is an up-and-coming attraction, current bases are located in Kilimanjaro and Lake Natron.
Paragliding tours are privately offered and require all participants to have prior experience and certifications before taking off.
Ziplining in Tanzania
Just outside of Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park is the only zipline in Tanzania. Adrenaline-junkies can experience flying on a zipline through incredibly scenic areas with a view of Lake Manyara in the distance. These tours combine hikes and cultural experiences that can further broaden a safari in Tanzania.
Horseback Riding Safari
An equestrian’s dream come true! Try a safari in Tanzania on horseback. My day ride with Kazkazini Horse Safaris allowed me to get the closest I have ever been to a zebra in the wild, all because the zebra was comfortable beside his cousin, the gentle horse and took no notice of me. Our ride was through a beautiful wooded area just outside of Arusha National Park where elands, gazelles, wildebeests, and of course, zebras were abundant.
Kazkazini also offers multi-day trips to Serengeti National Park. Trained guides lead experienced riders on a unique safari tour that gets away from main roads. New riders can see wildlife up close on a trail ride aback a gentle horse.
This is a truly spectacular way to enrich a traditional Tanzanian safari and get deeper into the wild of East Africa.
Whether you are seeking an active adventure, immersive experience in nature or a romantic balloon ride, Tanzania offers many unique safari experiences that divert from the main road. Consider one of these adventures that do not include a jeep when planning your East African safari.
