Tanzania Tourism Activities & Sports

TOP 12 ACTIVITIES & SPORTS IN TANZANIA

Sporting Holidays of a Lifetime

As you can imagine, being on the tropical Indian ocean, and having Africa’s largest lakes, Tanzania has also a plenty of water sports, ranging from some of the world’s best diving (both in the ocean and and adrenaline sports. Tanzania has some incredible

Tanzania is a beautiful country. Its landscape and people make it a unique location to undertake any sport. Whether it is early morning training runs past giraffes and zebra to the shores of Lake Manyara or on the slopes on Mount Kilimanjaro, a football match against a local village team, horse riding expeditions in West Kilimanjaro or treks in the Ngorongoro Highlands or from the sun-kissed islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago to the gentle shores of Lake Victoria, the country contains immense cultural and natural wealth.

BALLOON FLIGHTS

Flights by balloon take off as dawn breaks over the Serengeti, 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.

DIVING

Scuba diving the coral reefs off Tanzania’s coast at Zanzibar and Mafia Island offer some of the world’s finest scuba diving. 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.

DEEP SEA 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 islands, or around Mafia Island, south of Zanzibar. Big game fish include barracuda, kingfish, sailfish, billfish, wahoo, Dorado and blue marlin.

PARAGLIDING & MICROLIGHT FLIGHTS

There are some fabulous areas to paraglide. Very few people paraglide 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 Usambara, the Rift valley and numerous hills around Mt. Meru. Microlight flights are now also available over Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley.

GOLFING

Although not a golfing destination, there are numerous golf courses throughout the country, including Dar es Salaam and Arusha. The local clubs are always very welcoming to any visitor who may wish to swing the odd club. Contact your tour operator for details as to the nearest golf course to where you might be staying.

SPA TREATMENTS

The perfect way to ease limbs after an exhilarating day’s game viewing or in preparation for the beach, there are now several hotels and lodges in Tanzania and Zanzibar offering world class spa facilities to keep you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

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. 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 Wami River in Saadani, surrounded by amazing birdlife, hippos and alligators.

HORSE AND CAMEL RIDES

Day rides are available from a few camps in Tanzania, for all standards of rider, and game 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.

CANOEING

Canoeing trips are available in the Arusha National Park and are a wonderful experience, drifting past herds of elephant, giraffe, hippo and buffalo as you cruise along the shores of the Lake surrounded by countless flocks of birds.

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 Mt 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.

WALKING IN THE WILD 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.

We believe that activities and sports is a language that helps peoples communicate throughout the world. Enjoy the activities and sporting of Tanzania and make your Holiday a life time enjoyable.