Planning a trip to Tanzanie and dreaming of exploring the country through adventure and sports? Trekking in the mountains, volcano ascents, hiking and cycling through forests, canoeing and kayaking in the sea or lakes… Tanzania is brimming with exceptional natural sites that delight adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike! Discover the must-do sports activities for your Tanzanie journey.

Trekking and hiking

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Scaling Africa's highest peak—does that appeal to you? Head to Mount Kilimanjaro and 5,895 meters of altitude! Dubbed the Roof of Africa, it rises above the savanna plains and offers landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. While climbing Kilimanjaro is a dream for many trekkers, it requires solid physical fitness and thorough preparation to succeed. Several trails lead up the mountain, and we recommend the Marangu route (the most developed), the Machame route (renowned as the most scenic), or the Rongai route (less crowded with tourists). Plan for 5 to 6 days of expedition to reach the summit.

Other natural sites to discover through Tanzanie trekking

Beyond Kilimanjaro, Tanzanie is home to exceptional natural sites waiting to be discovered through trekking and hiking. Take Mount Meru, an active volcano reaching 4,565 meters in altitude. Climbing this second-highest peak in Tanzanie offers extraordinary views over the Arusha National Park. There's also the Ol Doinyo Lengaï volcano with its unique, otherworldly landscapes reserved for the most intrepid adventurers. Located in the Great Rift Valley, this stratovolcano is considered a sacred mountain by the Maasai. Finally, nature lovers seeking to venture out and discover local wildlife and flora can head to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, renowned for its landscape diversity and abundant wild animal species.

Cycling adventures

To discover Tanzanie authentically and explore off-the-beaten-path areas, nothing beats cycling! Mount your bike and traverse the country's dirt paths while taking time to meet the local communities. We recommend, for instance, venturing to the Kiwengwa forest to experience its wildlife and plant diversity, then continuing toward the rice paddies and sugarcane farms nearby. You can also enjoy wonderful cycling routes through the Uluguru mountains near Morogoro, where you'll pass through small villages nestled in the foothills. And don't overlook the Maasai steppe surrounding the famous Kilimanjaro...

Good to know: for safety reasons, it's recommended to organize cycling trips with a local guide. This not only ensures you won't miss the highlights but also helps you avoid roads where cycling tourism can be hazardous.

Canoeing and kayaking outings

Sea kayaking

With its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Zanzibar archipelago in Tanzanie is the perfect setting for a sea kayaking adventure. Among the must-see sites, we recommend paddling out to Changuu. Also known as Prison Island, Kibaniko, Turtle Island, or Quarantine Island, this small isle has a heavy and tragic past—it once served as a prison for enslaved people. Today, it's an exceptional snorkeling spot where you can observe giant tortoises. Other islets and small islands worth noting as kayaking destinations in the Zanzibar archipelago: the Pange sandbank, Menai Bay, and Pungume Island.

Note: the Zanzibar archipelago is also an excellent spot to learn kitesurfing and scuba diving.

"Discover beach bliss in Zanzibar with our Zanzibar Beach Paradise itinerary

Lake kayaking

If you prefer exploring wildlife by water but within inland areas, opt for a kayaking outing on Lake Momella. Located in the Arusha National Park, Lake Momella is ideal for observing hundreds of bird species including pink flamingos, as well as giraffes, buffalo, and antelopes coming to drink from the shores. Weather permitting, you may even catch sight of the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro! Another option: Lake Tanganyika. The world's second-largest and second-deepest freshwater lake, it spans approximately 32,900 km², at the southern tip of the Western Rift Valley. Plenty to quench your thirst for adventure before finishing your athletic day in style with a sunset.

Florine Dergelet