8 January 2024
Are you and your best friends forever hunting for the next adventure? Then prepare for wide eyes and even wider smiles, because Tanzania delivers exactly that… plus spectacular flora and fauna… plus a captivating culture… plus music, dancing and parties.
Looking for thrills? You can climb the famous Kilimanjaro, plunge into the extraordinary national parks on jaw-dropping safaris and swim with whale sharks off Mafia Island (relax, they’re vegan).
Prefer a touch more relaxation and luxury on your holiday? Then simply choose lodges that spoil you once the safari is done (and yes, a safari is compulsory!). You could even hop between highlights by plane rather than by car!
And if a taste of Tanzanian nightlife is what you are after, make your way to Stone Town or Jambiani on Zanzibar, where history blends beautifully with lazy beach days, beach fires and beach parties.
Whichever way you choose to do it, exploring Tanzania together with your friends creates a memory that will bind you for life.
Adventures in Nature
Safari with friends… wherever
A safari belongs on every Tanzania itinerary. There is no way around it. See the Great Migration in the world-famous Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, or uncover the hidden gems of the lesser-known Ruaha National Park. With so many national parks in Tanzania, all you need to do is choose your favourites. And wherever your safari takes you, remember: keep your friends close and your camera closer 😉
Wildlife Residence Arusha
If Arusha has been on your mind, the Wildlife Residence could be just right for you and your friends. This charming, eco-friendly lodge offers the lot: golf and polo with Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in view, horse safaris among zebras, wildebeest, elands and the rare gerenuk, and sundowners on the terrace. Sounds too good? It really is that good!
Rundugai Hot Springs
Travel influencer or not, this instagrammable natural wonder deserves a place on your list! Found between Arusha and Moshi, these springs have water so crystal blue it hardly seems real. Unwind in this natural gem, snap endless photos in, beside and beneath the water, and swing in on the ropes. Fabby fun doesn’t get better than this!
Visit local tribes
The Maasai must be among the best-known tribes anywhere, and you can of course visit them at home. To take the cultural experience a step further, go hunting with the Hadzabe. A word of warning, though: this is not for the squeamish, as you may see animals being shot with arrows. Even so, joining this unique tribe and learning about their customs and click language is something you will experience only once in your life.
If you want to go deeper still into the world of the Hadzabe and the neighbouring Datooga tribe, you can even spend a night camping on their land. By day you head out into the wilderness with a few tribe members; in the evening everyone sits around the campfire, shares a tasty meal and fun stories, and drifts off to sleep under the stars. The tents are no more than mosquito netting, yet they come with proper duvets and mattresses 😉
Swim with whale sharks
Seasoned diver or holiday snorkeller, it makes no difference: swimming with whale sharks is an adventure for everyone. From November to March you can dive off Mafia Island and encounter these gentle giants of the sea in their own habitat, a genuinely humbling moment. Want more? Snorkel along the island’s lovely coral reefs in the marine park, or keep a lookout for humpback whales passing along the coast.
And these are only a few of the countless things to do in Tanzania. From hot-air balloon safaris to treetop walks and sunset cruises – browse all activities here… once you have finished reading this article, naturally 😉
Highlights in the Cities
Stone Town
The historic capital of Zanzibar is famous for its lively vibe, live concerts and superb rooftop bars and restaurants. At the same time it has a rich heritage and is packed with small shops and markets waiting to be explored. As the sun goes down the city really wakes up. Have your sundowner(s) on the rooftops of Emerson Spice, Upendo House or the Taarab Restaurant atop the DoubleTree by Hilton Zanzibar, and pick up a market-style bite at the Forodhani Gardens. Before dinner you could also watch the locals somersaulting into the sea.
Our recommendation: the Livingstone Bar. Right on the beach, it lets you enjoy half-price sundowners with your toes in the sand, live music in your ears and acrobats and locals dancing as the sun sets.
Sauti Za Busara
Live traditional and modern African music in an old fort right in the heart of Stone Town: that is Sauti za Busara, a wonderful festival held each February. Plan your holiday around it and get your tickets early, because this may well be the most amazing little festival you ever go to!
Jambiani and Paje on Zanzibar
For real tropical beach life, these two villages on Zanzibar’s east coast are (quite literally) the places to go. With lots of small restaurants, bars and resorts, a party or live music is never far away. By day you can laze by the pool or try a watersport together. A bike ride, a spice tour or a visit to the Kua Cave are other options. And naturally there is snorkelling, sunbathing and swimming in the sparkling sea.
Mr. Kahawa
The finest spot to lounge in the heart of Paje: chill right on the beach, dive into the pool and share one of the simple rooms with your mates. Fancy something more upmarket? There are gorgeously designed lofts to sleep in as well. And they serve coffee, of course (“kagawa” means “coffee” in Swahili), for those slow, hot mornings after the cool, joyful tropical nights.
Kendwa Full Moon Party
Should you happen to be on Zanzibar at full moon, the Kendwa Full Moon Party is not to be missed. Held right on the beach, it comes alive with DJs, a beautiful crowd and a fantastic atmosphere. What a way to end (or begin) yet another unforgettable holiday with your BFFs 😉
Itching to round up your friends and set off for Tanzania right now? Then share this article in your WhatsApp group, agree on what you want to do (tip: you don’t all have to do the same thing all the time) and get in touch. We will design the perfect itinerary for you and your best friends, and before you know it you will be exploring, snorkelling, swimming, dancing, partying, relaxing…
