Bustling with a variety of cultures from around Tanzania, the little town of Mto Wa Mbu lies at the entrance to Lake Manyara National Park. A local agricultural hub, the town is famous for its crops of rice and the distinctive red bananas that Tanzania is known for. A half-day tour of the town in the company of a local guide gives travellers the opportunity to interact with local farmers, as well as artisans, craftsmen and painters. A sampling of the local banana beer adds a unique taste of local flavour. This cross-cultural melting pot is home to approximately 120 tribes. A bustling, thriving village, it is fascinating to hear the colourful blend of languages and witness first-hand the unique customs.

Immerse yourself in authentic Maasai culture as you visit a traditional village, accompanied by an English-speaking guide who lives there himself. Find yourself in the midst of the daily hustle and bustle of local life as you witness the daily rituals of the Maasai. Living a semi-nomadic lifestyle, the Maasai tribe has modernised in some ways but still adheres to many aspects of their traditional culture. Established as fierce warriors, their lively cultural dance, vibrant clothing and beautifully crafted handiwork are recognised worldwide.

Encountering the Hadzabes, one immediately gets the feeling of having returned back to the origins of humankind. As a matter of fact, this tribe, which has lived in these parts for almost 10,000 years, is genetically one of the oldest races of men, remaining unchanged to this day, living off hunting and the gathering of spontaneous fruits of the earth, as well as using barter. The Datogas are a people from southern Sudan and western Ethiopia, who survive on sheep farming and sometimes even agriculture. The men are excellent blacksmiths who melt recycled iron, manufacturing arrowheads and spears that they sell to nearby hunters, the Hadzabe, and bracelets of various shapes that they sell to tourists during their visits.

If you are looking for an active thrill beyond the excitement of Big Five sightings on a game drive vehicle, a guided bush walk offers an opportunity to connect with the African bush, learning about its fascinating fauna and flora. Embark on an adventure where your feet tread in the tracks of Africa’s wild inhabitants, your nostrils fill with the scent of crushed wild grasses as you push through the bush and all six senses reawaken as Africa touches you and you touch Africa.

Immerse yourself in ancient history at the fascinating palaeoanthropological site of Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important in the world. Set between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park, the gorge makes a good stop if you’re travelling between the two, rewarding visitors with a presentation on its history, an excellent new museum, and beautiful views – as well as the possibility of visiting an active dig. Olduvai Gorge was made famous by paleoanthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey, who conducted numerous digs here in the mid 20th century. It is globally renowned for the early hominin fossils discovered here, most notably ‘Nutcracker Man’, a new species of hominin that was later classified as Paranthropus boisei. Sites at Olduvai Gorge have also yielded a vast quantity of stone tools, plant and mammal fossils, and the area remains important for research.

Going to Tanzania for a safari and looking for the ultimate cherry on top? You’ve come to the right place. A Balloon Safari is guaranteed the most spectacular way to experience the unreal landscapes and witness the incredible wildlife of Tanzania. Followed by an included bush breakfast, this is an opportunity that you simply cannot miss. Flying a hot air balloon over forests and savannahs is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This add-on is available in Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ruaha National Parks.