Activities in Southern Tanzania
Tanzania is a multi-layered county which – aside from its diverse culture, landscape and wildlife – stands out with a variety of activities that can be included in your customized safari. Whether you would like to drive, walk, or trek; the opportunities for activities outside the car are countless.
Below is a small selection of the best-known activities in Southern Tanzania. If you have any particular interest or you can’t find a particular activity, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We will try our best to accommodate your special interest.
Iringa
Isimila Stone Age Site Visit
The Isimila Stone Age Site is an ancient historical site located close to Iringa. A small museum features fossils and tools that are dating back 60,000 to 100,000 years. This site provides important evidence of various early hominids activities when nomadic hunters and collectors dominated this area. On a moderate walk down into the steep valley you can explore the eroded sandy stone pillars that are standing high in the dry river bed. A pictures-view and incredible sight!
Important Facts:
- Departure times: mornings and late afternoons
- Duration: 1,5 to 2 hours
- Physical Rating: moderate
- Not to forget: good walking shoes and sunhat; binocular and camera
Neema Crafts Workshop Visit
Neema Crafts provides training and employment opportunities for over 120 Tanzanians with disabilities. It also aims to change the negative attitudes towards people with disabilities in the local society and giving them hope and dignity. The center has eight craft workshop areas that include carpentry, ceramics, paper, printing, tailoring and weaving. A great experience with fantastic memories to take home!
Important Facts:
- Departure time: morning or afternoons
- Duration: 1,5 to 2-hours
- Physical Rating: easy
- Age Restrictions: none
Relaxation at Mufindi Highland Lodge
Nestled in the cool hills of the Southern Highlands, surrounded by pristine ancient forests and rolling tea plantations, Mufindi is the perfect break from the dust and heat of a safari.
It simply isn’t possible to be bored in Mufindi! The wonderfully warm and welcoming hosts will enroll you from the start in horse-riding, fly-fishing, tennis, croquet, and cycling. There is a wealth of bird life on and around the farm – head out on birding adventure and see how many you can spot. It is also possible to kayak on the lake.
Definitley worth a stop over on your Southern Tanzania itinerary!
Important Facts:
- Duration: minimum two nights to fully enjoy
- Not to forget: good walking shoes and sunhat; binocular and camera
Mbeya
Coffee Plantation Visit
Tanzania is well-known for its incredible coffee and Mbeya, on the edge of the East African Rift Valley, is one of Tanzania’s main growing regions of Arabica coffee. Warm summers and fresh winters combined with rich soils and seasonal rains, result in a perfect cultivation condition. During a 2-hour stroll through the coffee plantation you will learn more about the coffee-making process. An incredible experience for any coffee lover!
Important Facts:
- Departure times: morning and afternoons
- Duration: 2- to 3-hour coffee plantation visit
- Physical Rating: easy
- Age Restrictions: none
Mbeya Peak Hike
Just northwest of the town of Mbeya lies Mbeya Peak at 2820m. It is the highest point in the Mbeya Range and a great opportunity for a fantastic day hike. There are various trails up the peak, but it must be said that the trail is very step. However, you will be rewarded with excellent photographic opportunities across the wide African savannah on the one side and the fields and town of Mbeya on the other side.
Important Facts:
- Departure time: any time
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Physical Rating: moderate
- Not to forget: binoculars and good walking shoes
Ngozi Crater Lake Hike
The Ngozi Crater is a wide caldera filled with a shining alkaline soda lake – an old collapsed volcano. The Crater and lake are part of the Mporoto Ridge Forest Reserve with an altitude ranging from 1750 to 2620m. The hike to the Crater rim leads through grasslands and tropical forests and you can often come across families of Colobus monkeys that chatter and play. Dedicated hikers will be rewarded with excellent views from the top – an outstanding natural beauty!
Important Facts:
- Departure time: morning and afternoons
- Duration: 2 to 2,5 hours
- Physical Rating: moderate
- Not to forget: binoculars and good walking shoes
Morogoro
Chili & Tea Farm Visit
Mbuyuni Farm is located very close to the town of Morogoro. A farm visit is an excellent experience to learn how chili and herbal teas in Tanzania are produced and processed. Each year Mbuyuni Farm produces around 25.000 kg of spices and herbal teas. The majority of them is exported to Germany, Italy and Switzerland. An interesting stroll through the farm which is best combined with an overnight stay.
Important Facts:
- Departure time: any time
- Duration: 1,5 to 2-hours
- Physical Rating: easy
- Not to forget: binoculars and walking shoes
Nyerere
Boat Safari on Rufiji River
A boat safari on the mighty Rufiji River is a great addition to your game drive safari. It is a fantastic experience and gives you the unique opportunity to view wildlife from a different perspective. Watching elephants playing in the water or crocodiles sunbathing on the lakeshore; getting up close to hippos or coming across various water birds will be a truly fascinating experience.
Important Facts:
- Departure times: morning and afternoons
- Duration: half-day or full-day boat safaris are possible
- Physical Rating: easy
Fly-Camping
Fly-Camping is an adventurous, intimate and unique experience. You will leave the main camp and explore the wonders of the bush by foot as you walk to your special campsite for the night. What a great adventure! You will overnight under a mosquito net with the stars sparkling down on you and an armed ranger close by. It is an absolutely authentic bush experience without electricity or running water. A bucket shower with hot water and short-stop toilet is set up behind the camp. The staff will provide a tasty meal cooked on an open camp fire.
Important Facts:
- Departure times: afternoons
- Physical Rating: moderate
- Age Restrictions: no children below 12 years
Walking Safari
Encounter the African bush up close during a walking safari in Nyerere National Park. An armed ranger will guide you through the spectacular landscape and explain more about its flora and fauna. Maybe you even come across some footprints – a great way to learn how to identify wildlife tracks. The best time for walking in Nyerere is between June to October when its dry, however, if you like to view birds that it’s better to visit in the green season from November to March.
Important Facts:
- Departure times: morning and afternoons
- Duration: 2 to 3-hour walking adventure
- Physical Rating: moderate
- Age Restrictions: no children below 10 years
- Not to forget: binoculars and good walking shoes
Ruaha
Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride over Ruaha’s enchanting scenery is an extraordinary adventure – an unparalleled lifetime experience not to be missed on your Tanzania safari. Discovering wildlife from the bird’s perspective is an enthralling adventure. Your balloon will rise with the sun and gently float in whatever direction the winds will take you. The flight will last approximately an hour and, after landing, you can enjoy a tasty bush breakfast before continuing with your safari schedule.
Important Facts:
- Departure time from camp: between 4h00 to 4h30 am
- Departure time of balloon: between 6h00 to 6h30 am
- Age Restrictions: no children below 7 years
- Health Restrictions: passengers must be fit (not suitable for pregnant ladies, people with mobility or health conditions)
- Weather: cool in early mornings and warmer after sunrise, therefore, a jacket/sweater that can be removed later is a good idea
- Not to forget: binoculars and camera
Night Game Drive
A night game drive in Ruaha will give you the unique chance to experience this National Park from a different perspective – an experience unlike a day game drive. Night game drives are a great opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife and predators. Experience how the bush changes after the sun has gone down and look out for civet, genet, pangolin, leopard, lion, African wild dog and many more. An outstanding safari adventure not to be missed.
Important Facts:
- Departure times: evening – around 08h00 pm
- Duration: 2- to 2,5 hours
- Physical Rating: easy
- Not to forget: Camera and Head-Light
Walking Safari
A walking safari is a brilliant introduction to the smaller wildlife and spectacular landscape of Ruaha National Park – specially to get a close glimpse on Ruaha’s famous baobabs tress that stand vigil tall. An armed ranger will guide you through the bush and explain insects, plants, trees and wildlife that crosses your way. If you are incredibly quiet and stealthy, you might even have a chance to get a glimpse on buffalo, elephant and giraffe.
Important Facts:
- Departure times: morning and afternoons
- Duration: 2 to 3-hour walking adventure
- Physical Rating: moderate
- Age Restrictions: no children below 10 years
Udzungwa
Mountain Biking near Udzungwa
Mountain Biking near Udzungwa is a popular activity and various cycling trails invite to explore this area. Unfortunately, there are no cycling opportunities within the National Park itself, however, it is possible to explore the local village and interact with the local community. Keen bikers might option to cycle through the sugar plantation and open bushland up to the Kilombero floodplains. A worthwhile change than sitting in the vehicle.
Important Facts:
- Departure times: morning and afternoons
- Duration: depending on trail
- Physical Rating: moderate