Cultural experiences in Tanzania
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.
Lemon Grass Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$2,040 - US$3,020 per person
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.
Chimpanzee Fly-in Safari
8 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$12,730 - US$14,920 per person
Greystoke Mahale
Guests can visit the local village and school with a member of staff from Greystoke Mahale.
Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$7,400 - US$10,300 per person
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.
Flufftail Guided Safari
10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$12,970 - US$18,460 per person
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.
Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$6,750 - US$12,380 per person
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.
Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari
8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$9,100 - US$14,140 per person
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.
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$17,280 - US$25,560 per person
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.
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$12,620 - US$15,540 per person
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.
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
US$17,070 - US$25,280 per person
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.
Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$9,320 - US$16,370 per person
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greystoke Mahale
Guests can visit the local village and school with a member of staff from Greystoke Mahale.
Cultural experiences elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Cultural experiences in other countries.
Botswana
Botswana has diverse ethnic groups living side by side in what has historically been a very peaceful ...
Kenya
Kenya offers a rich variety of cultural experiences with plenty of involvement with local villages...
Malawi
Almost any travelling in Malawi can offer insights into the country's culture and traditions - ...
Mozambique
Mozambique can offer really unique African cultural experiences - which have their roots in its ...
Namibia
Namibia is one of our favourite places for cultural experiences in Africa. Despite having one of ...
Rwanda
Rwanda has a rich and well documented cultural history. Far from being clearly distinct tribes, ...
Zambia
Zambia's safari camps are notable for their small scale and often excellent community ties, leading ...
Zanzibar
Simply staying on Zanzibar is a cultural experience in itself. The exotic, vibrant atmosphere of ...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Other styles of holiday in Tanzania
Discover all that Tanzania has to offer
Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
Diving & snorkelling
Find captivating marine life beneath the waves
Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.
Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
Solo Travel
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
Walking safaris
Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.
Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations
Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.