Tanzania is East Africa's premier safari destination, home to the legendary Serengeti plains, Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, and the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Experience the Great Migration, explore ancient Stone Town, and discover incredible wildlife diversity.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Ngorongoro Crater
Highlights: World's largest intact volcanic caldera · 500+ lion population · Black rhino sightings · Flamingo-covered Lake Magadi · Dense Big Five concentration
Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Farm
Highlights: 80-meter Materuni waterfall with swimming pool · Chagga tribe coffee farm visit · Traditional coffee roasting demonstration · Views of Kilimanjaro on clear mornings · Local banana beer tasting
Bagamoyo Historic Town
Highlights: 19th century Arab trading port and slave caravan terminal · Kaole Ruins (13th century mosque) · Chuo cha Sanaa arts college · German colonial buildings · Traditional dhow building yards on the beach
Lake Manyara National Park
Highlights: Tree-climbing lions unique to this park · Massive hippo pools at park entrance · Flamingo flocks on the alkaline lake shore · Groundwater forest elephant population · Bird watching (500+ species)
Zanzibar Stone Town Day Trip
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Old Town · House of Wonders museum · Birthplace of Freddie Mercury · Forodhani Night Market · Historic slave market Anglican Cathedral
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day tours from Arusha to Ngorongoro from $150 per person. Zanzibar spice farm tours from $35.
- Private
- Private 4WD hire from $120-180/day in Arusha for park day trips. Includes fuel but not park fees.
- Public
- Dalla-dallas and buses serve Bagamoyo from Dar ($1), Arusha to Moshi ($5), and Zanzibar beaches ($1-3). Unreliable for park day trips.
- Rental
- Car rental from $60/day (2WD) or $100/day (4WD) in Arusha and Dar. 4WD essential for Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start safari day trips at 6AM to reach park gates at opening time and maximise cool morning game-viewing hours before the midday heat.
Book Ngorongoro Crater day permits ($60 pp) online through NCAA website at least 2-3 days in advance - the crater entrance quota fills up.
The Zanzibar fast ferry (2 hrs, $40) allows a full day in Stone Town from Dar es Salaam - take the 7AM boat and return on the 8PM service.