Best 28 Day Tours in Tanzania you must try out

These day tours will not only refresh your mind but will also provide ample opportunities to enjoy the cultural and natural beauty of Tanzania. Himalayan Glacier’s Tanzania Day trip offers an opportunity to experience the wilds, the soothing beaches and the natural wonders in a short time frame.

If you have come to Tanzania for climbing the Mt. Kilimanjaro, we recommend you to arrive 2 days earlier or stay back for 2 more days after the climb. During this time, you will get to experience the enormity of Tanzanian Safari or the magic of the laidback Zanzibar beaches. Unless you have come just to visit Zanzibar, most of our day trips start from Arusha, Moshi or Marangu. These trips are ideal and in a short time you can visit the national parks or other places of your interest.

The following are 28 topmost day tours in Tanzania:

1. Arusha National Park day trip 2. Kilimanjaro National Park day trip 3. Lake Manyara National Park day trip 4. Tarangire National Park day trip 5. Day trip to Mt. Meru 6. Serengeti Safari from Mwanza 7. Day trip from Ngorongoro to Mimkumi National Park 8. Day trip to Ruaha National Park 9. Gombe National Park day tour 10. Dar es Salaam city tour 11. Day trip tour to Udzungwa Mountains National Park 12. Chemka Hot Springs day tour 13. Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village tour 14. 1 day Kilimanjaro Cycle Shira route

15. Stone Town and Prison Town from Zanzibar 16. Paje Beach & Blue Lagoon day tour 17. Zanzibar full day tour 18. Lake Chala day trip 19. Marangu cultural tour 20. Trip to Materuni waterfalls 21. Pemba tour 22. Mafia tour 23. Bagamoyo tour 24. Kilwa tour 25. Mwanza tour 26. Moshi tour 27. Kigoma tour 28. Kikiletwa Hot Springs day trip

1. Arusha National Park Day Trip

The little-known jewel of Tanzania, Arusha National Park is quite popular with mountaineers who wish to avoid the jam-pack paths of Kilimanjaro. The park is popular for its beautiful landscape engrossing incredible variety of flora and fauna. This day trip is an opportunity to get up close and personal to the animals on a walking safari.

2. Kilimanjaro National Park Day Trip

This day trip includes a short climb through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. From here, you will hike to the Mandara Huts and then take a short walk to view the Maundi Crater after lunch. From this crater, the views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks are exceptionally stunning. You will encounter a variety of flora and fauna including the Black and White Colobus Monkey and the Kilimanjaro passion flower.

3. Lake Manyara National Park Day Trip

The main highlights of this trip are visits to the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park and Mto wa Mbu Village. The park is a dramatically positioned African wildlife area consisting of a massive soda lake at the foot of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Manyara is rightly famous for its tree-climbing lions where you can also spot elephants, hippos, wildebeests, buffaloes, and giraffes among many species. A spectacular thing to witness is the large flock of flamingo birds charmed by the algae in the lake, while providing a splash of colors. 

4. Tarangire National Park Day Trip

Tarangire National Park is the home of the mighty elephants and gigantic bilboa trees. The Park is indeed very popular for its large elephant herds. You will get to experience the seasonal swamps, savannah, and Tarangire River from the open roof of your safari vehicle. It is a wonderful opportunity to witness various animals such as zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, elephants, and giraffes. It is also possible that you get to see a lion prowling on its prey or leopards relaxing on the trees. 

5. Day Trip to Mt. Meru

A day trip to Mt. Meru is basically for those travelers who have limited time and not really interested in summiting the second highest mountain in Tanzania. This hike is an ideal tour if you have one day to spare in Arusha. You will visit the Tengeru Cultural Center on the slopes of Mt. Meru. Soaking in local culture and viewing amazing greenery and animal species will really amaze you. You get to explore the beauty of the forest’s flora and fauna, rich bird species, butterflies, monkeys, and forest antelopes. 

6. Serengeti Safari from Mwanza

On your Serengeti Safari from Mwanza in Tanzania, you will be blessed with views of wooded landscapes teeming with elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas and various other animals. Exploring the western corridor zone, you’ll pass via the Grumeti River to the Retima Hippo Pool. During your entire safari, you will encounter other animals too, namely crocodiles, buffaloes, hartebeests, wildebeests, waterbucks, elands, gazelles, wart hogs, and many more. 

7. Day trip from Ngorongoro to Mimkumi National Park

Visiting the Mimkumi National Park is a must-do thing when you are in Ngorongoro. Although this tour is short, but you get a lifetime chance to see the big four. Mimkumi National Park is set between the Uluguru Mountains to the north and the Lumango Mountains to the south-east. The park hosts various faunal species including buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, lions, pythons, zebras, leopards, crocodiles, wildebeests, hippos, impalas, and wart hogs.

8. Day trip to Ruaha National Park

Your one-day safari trip to Ruaha National Park is a full ‘game-drive’ day. Your activities during this trip basically focusses along the great Ruaha River, Mwagusi Sand River, and Mdonya River. The game drive will lead you to the homes of buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, antelopes, colorful birds, and various floral varieties. On the tour, you will be accompanied by a professional driver and guides on well-maintained safari cars, Land Cruisers with open roofs. 

9. Gombe National Park day tour

Famous for its chimpanzee population, the Gombe National Park and its beauty are surreal. A tour in the park takes visitors deep into the forest without any roads, to observe and sit with the extraordinary primates. A day trip to this park will immerse visitors in nature and introduce them to a natural lifestyle. Other than chimpanzees, this national park is home to other primates such as monkeys, colobus monkeys, baboons, forest pigs, small antelopes, and a wide variety of tropical birdlife. 

10. Dar es Salaam city tour

On a guided Dar es Salaam city tour, you’ll get plenty of chances to explore the treasures at the National Museum, and also learn about a uniquely Tanzanian style of painting at the Tingatinga Arts Cooperative Society. You will also get to learn about the country’s tribal diversity at the Village Museum. The top locations that we recommend on your Dar es Salaam city tour are as follows:

• National Museum & House of Culture
• St. Joseph Cathedral
• Village Museum
• Azania Front Lutheran Church
• Askari Monument
• Mbudya Island
• Bongoyo Island
• Kunduchi Wet N Wild water park
• Dar es Salaam botanical gardens
• Mwenge Carvers Market
• Makumbusho Village
• Mnazi Mmoja

11. Day trip tour to Udzungwa Mountains National Park

On all trips to Udzungwa Mountains National Park, the main activity involves mainly hiking and trekking. This is because the park has no roads and is accessible only on foot. An excellent network of forest trails includes the popular half-day trek to Sanje waterfall. It is the most appreciated walk by tourists that allow visitors access to the splendid 170m jump. Besides, you could also enjoy the traditional Ngoma Drumming Performance, Birdwatching expeditions or cultural visits to nearby villages. The Udzungwa Mountains are sometimes referred to as the “Galapagos Islands of Africa” because of its amazing diversity. 

12. Chemka Hot Springs day tour (Kikuletwa Hot Springs)

This day tour is all about soaking yourself in the geo-thermal waters of Chemka Hot Springs. A round-trip from Arusha will make this tour a hassle-free escape from the city life for a day. As you begin your drive, you will get chance to explore while the surrounding areas provide absolutely stunning views. A tour into one of the Maasai huts will definitely be worthwhile. This tour is also otherwise known as the Kikuletwa Hot Springs day tour. 

13. Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village tour

This day trip will let you encounter the most well-known tribe in Africa – the Maasai, their traditions, and their way of living. Depending on the season you are traveling, you’ll get to see animals like zebras and elephants along the way and on clear days you will have amazing views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. At Olpopongi, grab an opportunity to visit a Maasai boma (village) and meet the tribesmen, woman and children who live there. If you wish, you can participate in a variety of unique cultural activities, and encouraged to delve as deep into the experience as possible.

14. 1-day Kilimanjaro Cycle – Shira Route

This trip is indeed great for mountain bikers and devoted cyclists looking for a bit of challenge. During the cycling trip, you will see a variety of wildlife. And, if it is a clear day, you might also get the chance to witness breath-taking views of the Kibo Peak. You will begin cycling from Londorossi Gate through a dense mountain rainforest. On reaching the helipad on the Shira Plateau, you will stop, relax and have your snacks or lunch. Then, you will enjoy a relaxing downhill ride back to Londorossi Gate. 

15. Stone Town and Prison Island from Zanzibar

Also known as Changuu or Quarantine Island, the Prison Island is famous for its population of giant tortoises. In Stone Town, you will walk past its attractions, including a Portuguese fort, the Sultan Palace, and the birth place of Freddie Mercury. On this tour you get to learn about Zanzibar’s history and also get a bit of snorkeling time. You will also visit old forts, and markets, and walk through Stone Town’s historic lanes. Well, the Prison Island has a long history and a place definitely visiting. The island got its name during the times when Arab slave owners used the island to keep the slaves until they found buyers.

16. Paje Beach & Blue Lagoon day tour

This splendid tour is a combination of two beautiful coastal destinations on a day trip. Paje Beach is a top site used to learn kiteboarding. The Blue Lagoon is just off Michamvi Peninsula and a fantastic location for snorkeling. And, if you are one of those fanatics, it will invite you for some lovely exploration of small tropical fishes such as parrot fish, lion fish, zebra fish, triggerfish, goat fish, cornet fish, eel, squirrel fish, and many more.

17. Nakupenda Beach Day tour

In Swahili language, Nakupenda means “I Love You”. This is an amazing sandbank situated just off Stone Town. Nakupenda Beach Day tour includes snorkeling off Prison Island and viewing the stunning array of colored corals and tropical fishes of the islands. It is a wonderful opportunity to relax on the sandbank or discover the marine life in the vicinity before you can ride your motorboat or sail back to Stone Town.

18. Lake Chala day trip

Lying on the fringes of Tanzania and Kenya on the eastern edge of Mt. Kilimanjaro is the lake Chala. Lake Chala, also known as Dschalla is a crater lake in the caldera at the borders of the above countries. Chala is a wonderful area to walk around or set out for a kayaking trip. Birds are in abundant and unexpected birds can be sighted, especially during migration time. You can spend your time down at the lake, either swimming or just taking in the stunning views that encompasses you.

19. Marangu Cultural tour

Marangu is a charming small town located on the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro with copious amount of history and ancient traditions. On your day tour, you will visit a local coffee farm and learn the traditional process of harvesting and processing the coffee. Later, you will take an hour hike passing through lush green landscapes to Ndoro Waterfalls. Here, you will relax and take a refreshing dip in the pool of the waterfall. Another highlight of the tour will be the visit to the Chagga Underground Caves.

20. Trip to Materuni waterfalls

Materuni waterfalls stands 150m high and is nestled in the lush green forests on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. During the tour, you will also visit the Materuni Village that is blessed with full of all the beauty worth appreciating. You will pass through plenty of coffee and banana plantations. You might even get to encounter a variety of primates including Black and White Colobus monkeys. You will definitely get an insight about the local Chagga people and their traditions on this trip.

21. Pemba Tour

Pemba Island is one of Africa’s largest islands. The city of Pemba sits above wide sandy beaches along the strikingly turquoise Indian Ocean. On your Pemba tour, you can visit places like Misali Island, Ngezi Forest Reserve, Kidike Flying Fox Sanctuary, Pemba Museum, Rain Forest & Spice Farm, and Pemba Channel Conservation Area depending on the time you have and your subject of interest. One thing is for sure – with any Pemba tours, you will get a unique experience with exclusive outings from the perspective of a local. 

22. Mafia Tour

Travelers will have an amazing and lovely experience during their Mafia tour, which encompasses a timeless and peaceful feel. Visitors can engage in special snorkeling as well as scuba-diving in Mafia Island Marine Park. While for the aquatic athletes, you could go and swim with whale sharks (extant fish species). One can witness the turtle-hatching if you happen to visit Mafia Island between July and September. You can also go kayaking along untouched mangrove forests and channels full of water birds. If you wish, you may also visit the villages and see the traditional village communities and their lives.

23. Bagamoyo Tour

Interestingly, Bagamoyo town is a home to world class historical sites and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. There are a lot of activities to do here, including historical excursions in and around the city. Tourists also visit the famous Kaole Ruins dating back to the 13th century. Relaxing on the beach, snorkeling or paddling are other activities in which you would want to chip in. Some people pay a visit to the well-known Bagamoyo Center for Arts and Culture while some walk around the town center to feel the historic value of the small town in Tanzanian history. Other places of interests are The Stone Town, The Bagamoyo Church, The second father’s House in Bagamoyo, Boma, Chuo cha Sanaa, Bagamoyo Museum, and the Old Port. Other places where tourists usually visit are Caravan serai Museum, Mangrove forest, Ngome kongwe, Fish Market, White Sand Beach, Coral reef, Slave Prison, and Art Market

24. Kilwa Tour

The island of Kilwa Kisiwani and the nearby ruins of Songo Mnara are among the most important relics of Swahili Civilization on the East African Coast. These spots are enlisted on the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The coastal towns are surrounded by greenery and beautiful sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean. While you are here, you can engage yourself in various activities such as historical tours, hike around ruins, experience traditional fishing, canoeing safari, bird-watching, visit Hippo Pool or take a Mangrove Forest tour. The most popular places to visit here are Masoko Pwani, Kipatimu Caves, Kilwa Kivinje, and Lindi. 

25. Mwanza Tour

Mwanza is a major Tanzanian port on Lake Victoria and a major center of economic activities. The city makes a good base for visitors for the nearby Rubondo Island and safaris to the western Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Because of the gigantic rocks all over the city, Mwanza is also known as the ‘Rock City’. The top attractions of Mwanza are:

• Bismarck Rock
• Rock City Mall
• Sukuma Museum
• Saanane Island National Park
• Samaki Corner
• Kamanga Ferry
• Anglican Cathedral
• European Cemetery
• Sree Sanatan Temple

26. Moshi Tour

The quiet and serene town of Moshi is nestled in the footsteps of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Undoubtedly, this town is every climber’s paradise. From the plethora of things to do here in Moshi, a day trip to Materuni waterfalls, swimming at Chemka Hot Springs, hiking up to Mt. Kili, and a safari trip to Tarangire National Park are some of the most popular tourist activities in Moshi. When you start exploring a little deeper, this low-key destination is a wide entryway to the rich cultural sphere that northern Tanzania has to offer. Here are few things you can do while you are in Moshi:

• Visit the Old Railway Station and grab a chilled beer with amazing views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• Take a dip at the Kikuletwa Hot Springs – a little oasis of crystal-clear waters in the middle of an otherwise arid landscape.
• Go on walks and meet the rescued apes.
• Enjoy local musicians and live music and dance the night away in one of Moshi’s popular Pamoja Bar.

27. Kigoma Tour

Kigoma is a hidden gem of Tanzania and a quickly growing destination on the shores of the remarkable Lake Tanganyika. The town is surrounded by rugged mountains and forests which gives it a pleasing and beautiful display. Kigoma is a good base for travelers who wish to visit the Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. Among the various things, the following are some significant things to do while you are in Kigoma:

• Enjoy water sports at Lake Tanganyika
• Meet the chimpanzees in Gombe National Park
• Explore small villages
• Watch sunset views at Bangwe Beach Bar
• Explore Ujiji Village – one of the oldest markets in Africa
• Visit the Livingstone Museum & Memorial

28. Kwale Island Dhow Sailing Tour

On this tour, you will enjoy a full day of snorkeling in coral formations, exploring mangroves, and swimming in a natural lagoon with clear green water. This full day trip to Kwale Island is a perfect chance to observe Zanzibar at its most pristine. The entire tour includes activities such as:

• Sail to Kwale Island on a traditional boat
• Swim and snorkel in a natural lagoon with coral formations
• Climb a baobab tree, which is centuries-old
• Enjoy delicious seafood lunch prepared on the island

Extend your day tours with Kilimanjaro Climb

All the above mentioned tours are the most popular day tours amongst visitors in Tanzania. Why just go on a day tour when you can easily climb Kilimanjaro and reach atop Africa’s highest mountain in just a matter of few days?

Drop in your queries about any of the above trips and we will gladly recommend the best for you!!