Day Trips in Tanzania: 6 That Justify the Spend

1.From Zanzibar: Mikumi Safari Day Trip with Flights and Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,470 reviews · from $451Our pick

You fly from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park, then spend the day in a shared 4WD with guides such as Salim, Amos, Elias, or Asenga. Expect elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and more, plus a hot bush lunch and water. The early start and flight schedule make this a long but efficient safari day.

“Both the guide, I believe he's name was Elias, and the driver were amazing. so welcoming, funny and professional. We've seen lots of animals and had really nice bush lunch. would recommend it to everyone, it was a highlight of our trip.”

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2.Materuni Waterfalls & Chemka Hotsprings Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 214 reviews · from $100Top rated

Spend about eight hours with Suricata Safaris visiting Materuni Waterfall, walking through coffee, banana, and avocado farms, making local coffee, eating lunch, and swimming at Chemka Hotsprings. Guides such as Ilfan, Emmanuel, John Jr, and Mr T lead the day. Expect a muddy hike and a rough 40-minute drive to the springs.

“Wow! Our guide Ilfan took us on such a special tour to the waterfall and hot Springs. We loved being amidst the mountains and trekking down to the Falls. They were stunning and the adventure was fun. We were so impressed by the Read more”

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3.Zanzibar: Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Guided Half-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 197 reviews · 2.5 - 5 hours · from $22Best value

Travel by private vehicle from your Zanzibar hotel to Nungwi, where an aquarium guide explains turtle rescue, fishing-net injuries, and baby turtle protection. You can buy seaweed to feed the turtles and swim in their natural tidal pool. Some departures include Kendwa or Nungwi Beach time. English guides and hotel transfers are included.

“The people were kind. They provide a kayak if you are afraid to go in bare. Would recommend”

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4.Materuni waterfalls coffee tour & Chemka hot springs Day trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 131 reviews · from $95

Travel from Arusha to Materuni Village for a waterfall hike and hands-on Chagga coffee session, then swim at Chemka Hot Springs. Pickup is offered, the tour is private to your group, and Owen is one guide praised for keeping the day enjoyable. Plan for a full day, not a quick half-day outing.

“My guide was great! Scenery was magnificent, and the springs are a great refreshing way to refresh after the hike. Its a bumpy ride. But well worth it. The ONLY warning I would give is despite what is listed, this is not a 4-6 hour tour. Its 10-12. I looked at 4-6 hours and told myself "no way" and I was right. So this is your entire day. But well worth it.”

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5.Stone Town: Stone Town and Prison Island Private Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 104 reviews · 6 hours · from $90

Spend six hours with a small group exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets, markets, Arab Fort, National Museum, old slave market, Freddie Mercury’s house and Lloyd Mathew’s monument. Then cross to Prison Island for giant tortoises, swimming and beach time. Hotel pickup in Stone Town, entrance fees and a guide in four languages are included.

“Hamdu was the perfect guide. He is very polite social and has a lot of knowledge of Zanzibar history to share, and made my day very enjoyable. Very much recommended.”

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6.Tarangire Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · from $370

Leave your Arusha hotel at 8am for a private 4WD safari in Tarangire National Park. Your guide takes you through nine vegetation zones in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, birds, and ancient baobabs. Park fees, lunch, bottled water, tea, coffee, and hotel transport are included.

“Dennis was amazing!!! Could not recommend him enough - such a lovely guy, best guide I’ve ever had. Looked after us so well”

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