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Cultural experiences in Tanzania
Cultural experiences in Tanzania
Cultural experiences in Tanzania
Cultural experiences in Tanzania
Cultural experiences in Tanzania

Tanzanian cultural experiences

Cultural experiences in Tanzania

Tanzania offers many contrasting African cultural experiences. With a population of around 50 million, the majority of whom are living in rural areas; it's possible to interact with a wide variety of people. Tanzania offers real insights into many different cultures, backgrounds and religions.

Across Tanzania the cultural groups and traditional practices differ greatly. A few examples of these contrasting groups are the iconic Maasai people who live mostly in northern Tanzania, the largely Muslim population of Zanzibar (see our comments on cultural experiences in Zanzibar), and the waMeru people who settled at the base of Mount Meru hundreds of years ago, to name but a few.


Chole Mjini

Chole Mjini was built to benefit its local community, with local people helping to build the lodge. It is a great place to visit if you value being able to interact with village life. Don't miss the walking tour of the village.


Greystoke Mahale

Guests can visit the local village and school with a member of staff from Greystoke Mahale.


Kigelia Camp

Guests take a half day visit out of the park to Tungamalenga Village, where the Nomad Trust supports the local school and clinic with basic educational and medical supplies, as well as outreach programs.


The Highlands

The Highlands has a close relationship with the local community, and guests may visit with a staff member to learn about the culture. This is a very genuine visit and not a working 'tourist' village.


Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu has developed a very strong, sustainable relationship with the local community, provide genuine insights into Maasai life for guests whilst not degrading the traditional culture of Tanzania in favour of tourism.


The Highlands

The Highlands has a close relationship with the local community, and guests may visit with a staff member to learn about the culture. This is a very genuine visit and not a working 'tourist' village.


The Highlands

The Highlands has a close relationship with the local community, and guests may visit with a staff member to learn about the culture. This is a very genuine visit and not a working 'tourist' village.


Mountain Gorilla View

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has strong ties with the surrounding communities and supports a local 'Intore' dance troop who perform at the lodge each afternoon. The word 'Intore' means warrior and bands of sisal on headbands portray dancers as fearsome lions.


Bisate Lodge

Bisate works very closely with the local community and complimentary village walks are offered to all guests, this is a good way to get a feel for the rural way of life in Rwanda. Many of the staff come from the local area and Bisate has invested in a number of community projects.


Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu has developed a very strong, sustainable relationship with the local community, provide genuine insights into Maasai life for guests whilst not degrading the traditional culture of Tanzania in favour of tourism.

Best camps & lodges for Cultural experiences in Tanzania


Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Lake Manyara Serena

Lake Manyara Serena offers a wide range of cultural experiences. You can go on a half day mountain-bike trip down the Rift Valley Escarpment ending in Mto Wa Mbu village, or take a more in depth walk around the village – where you can experience many elements of village life.


89% (11 reviews)
Chole Mjini Lodge

Chole Mjini

Chole Mjini was built to benefit its local community, with local people helping to build the lodge. It is a great place to visit if you value being able to interact with village life. Don't miss the walking tour of the village.


95% (30 reviews)
Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu has developed a very strong, sustainable relationship with the local community, provide genuine insights into Maasai life for guests whilst not degrading the traditional culture of Tanzania in favour of tourism.


96% (27 reviews)
Kigelia Camp

Kigelia Camp

Guests take a half day visit out of the park to Tungamalenga Village, where the Nomad Trust supports the local school and clinic with basic educational and medical supplies, as well as outreach programs.


95% (37 reviews)
The Highlands

The Highlands

The Highlands has a close relationship with the local community, and guests may visit with a staff member to learn about the culture. This is a very genuine visit and not a working 'tourist' village.


91% (25 reviews)
Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge

Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge

Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge has had a noticeably positive impact on the local community through its establishment of a nearby children’s home – and guests can see this work first-hand.


94% (14 reviews)
Greystoke Mahale

Greystoke Mahale

Guests can visit the local village and school with a member of staff from Greystoke Mahale.


98% (47 reviews)

Best camps & lodges for Cultural experiences in Africa

Cultural experiences elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Cultural experiences in other countries.


Cultural experiences in Botswana

Botswana

Botswana has diverse ethnic groups living side by side in what has historically been a very peaceful ...

Cultural experiences in Kenya

Kenya

Kenya offers a rich variety of cultural experiences with plenty of involvement with local villages...

Cultural experiences in Malawi

Malawi

Almost any travelling in Malawi can offer insights into the country's culture and traditions - ...

Cultural experiences in Mozambique

Mozambique

Mozambique can offer really unique African cultural experiences - which have their roots in its ...

Cultural experiences in Namibia

Namibia

Namibia is one of our favourite places for cultural experiences in Africa. Despite having one of ...

Cultural experiences in Rwanda

Rwanda

Rwanda has a rich and well documented cultural history. Far from being clearly distinct tribes, ...

Cultural experiences in Zambia

Zambia

Zambia's safari camps are notable for their small scale and often excellent community ties, leading ...

Cultural experiences in Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Simply staying on Zanzibar is a cultural experience in itself. The exotic, vibrant atmosphere of ...

Cultural experiences in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

Despite its troubled recent history, Zimbabwe is a vibrant and beautiful country, with some excellent ...

Where to see wildlife species in Tanzania

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Lion

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

3,477 sightings from 4,298 observations

Where to see lion in Tanzania

Leopard

Leopard

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

2,247 sightings from 4,779 observations

Where to see leopard in Tanzania

Cheetah

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,195 sightings from 3,625 observations

Where to see cheetah in Tanzania

Wild dog

Wild dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

32% SUCCESS

1,014 sightings from 3,148 observations

Where to see wild dog in Tanzania

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,488 sightings from 4,551 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Tanzania

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

67% SUCCESS

2,832 sightings from 4,215 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Tanzania

Buffalo

Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,941 sightings from 3,532 observations

Where to see buffalo in Tanzania

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzee

Pan troglodytes

The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.

100% SUCCESS

28 sightings from 28 observations

Where to see chimpanzee in Tanzania

Eland

Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

49% SUCCESS

1,658 sightings from 3,382 observations

Where to see eland in Tanzania

Elephant

Elephant

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

4,201 sightings from 4,616 observations

Where to see elephant in Tanzania

Oryx

Oryx

Oryx sp.

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

70% SUCCESS

1,545 sightings from 2,211 observations

Where to see oryx in Tanzania

Gerenuk

Gerenuk

Litocranius walleri

With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.

76% SUCCESS

103 sightings from 135 observations

Where to see gerenuk in Tanzania

Giraffe

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

4,051 sightings from 4,717 observations

Where to see giraffe in Tanzania

Hippo

Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

90% SUCCESS

3,062 sightings from 3,421 observations

Where to see hippo in Tanzania

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

25% SUCCESS

584 sightings from 2,349 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Tanzania

Sable antelope

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

24% SUCCESS

559 sightings from 2,366 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Tanzania

Sitatunga

Sitatunga

Tragelaphus spekii

The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.

19% SUCCESS

72 sightings from 380 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Tanzania

Striped Hyena

Striped Hyena

Hyaena hyaena

The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.

14% SUCCESS

136 sightings from 1,000 observations

Where to see striped hyena in Tanzania

Zebra

Zebra

Equus sp.

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

4,413 sightings from 5,249 observations

Where to see zebra in Tanzania

Aardvark

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

2% SUCCESS

81 sightings from 3,777 observations

Where to see aardvark in Tanzania

Pangolin

Pangolin

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

2% SUCCESS

65 sightings from 3,816 observations

Where to see pangolin in Tanzania

Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

30% SUCCESS

708 sightings from 2,338 observations

Where to see black rhino in Tanzania

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

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Other styles of holiday in Tanzania

Discover all that Tanzania has to offer


Beach holidays

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Diving & snorkelling

Diving & snorkelling

Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

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