From Safari to Sea: A Curated Guide to Tanzania

Go on a Serengeti Safari

There’s nothing quite like your first game drive in the Serengeti. As the morning light spills over the plains, you’ll find yourself eye-to-eye with giraffes nibbling on acacia trees, elephants marching through the grasslands, and lions lounging in the shade. Game drives typically run at sunrise and again in the late afternoon, when wildlife is most active and the golden-hour views are unforgettable.

Witness the Great Migration

Often called “the greatest wildlife show on Earth,” the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest (plus zebras and gazelles) is a powerful, primal spectacle. Between July and October, head to the northern Serengeti for dramatic river crossings where crocodiles lie in wait. From January to March, the herds give birth in the southern plains—an incredible time for spotting newborns and big cat action.

Take a hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti

For a surreal start to your day, soar silently over the savannah in a hot-air balloon at sunrise. Below you, elephants roam, herds gallop, and the landscape unfolds endlessly. After landing, you’ll be treated to a champagne bush breakfast—a luxurious tradition and a moment you’ll never forget.

Explore Ngorongoro Crater

A geological wonder and wildlife haven, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. It acts as a natural enclosure for an astonishing array of animals—from endangered black rhinos to flamingo-covered lakes. The crater is also one of the few places in Tanzania where you can see all members of the Big Five in a single day.

Visit a Maasai village

Meet one of Tanzania’s most iconic communities—the Maasai—and gain insight into their traditions, dress, and deep connection to the land. Many villages near Ngorongoro or the Serengeti welcome visitors for cultural exchanges, singing ceremonies, and educational tours that are respectful, immersive, and enriching.

Experience the culture & spice of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is more than just beaches—it’s a cultural crossroads with deep Swahili, Arab, and Indian roots. Wander the maze-like alleyways of Stone Town, where you’ll find carved wooden doors, rooftop cafés, and historical landmarks like the Sultan’s Palace and the former slave market. Then head just outside the city for a spice farm tour, where you’ll walk among vanilla, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom plants, taste exotic fruits, and learn how Zanzibar earned its nickname, The Spice Island.

Snorkel or dive at Mnemba Atoll

Located off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, this protected marine reserve is a dream for underwater explorers. Swim among vibrant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and, if you’re lucky, dolphins. Half-day snorkeling or diving trips usually include fresh fruit, water, and stunning views of the coastline.

Relax on Nungwi Beach

Nungwi is one of Zanzibar’s best-loved beaches, with soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe. Unlike many beaches on the East Coast, the tides here are less extreme, making it ideal for swimming at any time of day. Grab a cocktail, watch the traditional dhow boats glide by, and soak in the island’s magic.

Sail on a traditional dhow at sunset

There’s no better way to end a day than aboard a handcrafted wooden dhow, gently cruising along the Zanzibar coast. As the sun dips below the horizon, the crew might sing traditional songs or play drums, and you’ll enjoy fresh fruit and drinks as the sky turns gold and then deep purple.

Bush dinner at Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge – Serengeti

Dining in the Serengeti is about the atmosphere as much as the food. At Kubu Kubu, meals are served in an open-air setting overlooking the vast plains, but the real magic is their bush dinner experience: lantern-lit tables set beneath the stars, grilled meats, local vegetable dishes, and the occasional sound of wildlife in the distance. It’s elegant, intimate, and unforgettable.

Farm-to-table at Gibbs Farm – Ngorongoro Highlands

Just outside the crater, Gibbs Farm offers fresh, garden-grown meals in a peaceful setting. The menu changes daily based on the harvest, featuring house-made breads, herbal teas, roasted vegetables, and locally raised chicken and dairy. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a long lunch or early dinner surrounded by coffee fields and tropical flowers—calm, restorative, and deeply nourishing.

Rooftop dining at Emerson on Hurumzi – Stone Town, Zanzibar

Set on one of Stone Town’s tallest rooftops, Emerson on Hurumzi serves a Zanzibari tasting menu with flair. Guests sit on cushions beneath a canopy as musicians play traditional Taarab music, and multi-course dinners feature coconut curries, saffron rice, and spiced vegetables. The views of crumbling rooftops and the sea are just as transporting as the flavors.

Langi Langi Beach Bungalows Restaurant – Nungwi, Zanzibar

For a laid-back beach meal, this locally beloved spot offers Swahili-inspired cuisine right over the water. Try the octopus coconut curry, grilled kingfish, or vegetarian pilau with mango chutney. It’s casual and family-run, with ocean breezes, hammocks, and one of the best sunset views in the north.

The Highlands Dining Dome – Ngorongoro Crater Rim

One of the most unique dining spaces in Tanzania, The Highlands features modern African cuisine served in a futuristic geodesic dome. Think wild mushroom risotto, grilled lamb with a tamarind glaze, or creamy pumpkin soup—all made from local ingredients and enjoyed around a communal table with guests from around the world. It’s cozy, elevated, and surprisingly chic for the remote location.