Saskia Tanzania is world-renowned for its wildlife and beaches, but for many travelers, the most unforgettable moments come from connecting with its people. From spending time in a traditional Maasai village to exploring centuries-old Swahili ruins and taking part in creative arts workshops, cultural activities in Tanzania offer rich experiences that can turn your trip into something truly transformative.
Whether you’re a conscious traveler, a family looking to go beyond the safari, or simply curious about the lives of the people who call this country home, here are the top cultural activities to explore in Tanzania.
Visit a Maasai Village
One of the most iconic cultural experiences in Tanzania is visiting a Maasai community in the north of the country, near Arusha, Moshi, or Ngorongoro.
What to expect:
- Learn about traditional Maasai customs, dress, and rituals
- Visit bomas (traditional homesteads) and speak with elders
- Join in on song, dance, or even a spear-throwing demonstration
- Opportunities to support community-run women’s craft cooperatives
Tip: Look for ethical tours that are run in partnership with the communities themselves, rather than superficial “human safaris”, ideally led by local residents, with clear benefits for the village and transparency about how income is shared.
Many local operators now work closely with Maasai villages to ensure visits are educational, respectful, and community-benefiting.
Explore the Cultural Heritage of Bagamoyo
Bagamoyo, just north of Dar es Salaam, was once a major trading port and the final stop on East Africa’s slave trade route. Today, it’s a quiet coastal town with strong roots in both Swahili culture and the arts.
Top things to do in Bagamoyo:
- Visit the Kaole Ruins, 13th-century coral stone mosques and tombs
- Walk through the Old Fort and German colonial buildings
- Explore the Catholic Museum, a sobering look at missionary history
- Meet local artists at the Bagamoyo College of Arts (TaSUBa)
Every September, the Bagamoyo Arts Festival brings together musicians, dancers, and visual artists from across the continent.
Learn Tinga Tinga Painting in Dar es Salaam
Tinga Tinga is a colorful, whimsical style of painting that originated in Tanzania in the 1960s. You can visit studios in Dar es Salaam – especially around the Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society – to see artists at work and even try your hand at painting your own piece.
A Tinga Tinga workshop is:
- A creative break from wildlife-heavy itineraries
- Great for both adults and kids
- A chance to support local artists directly
Workshops are usually affordable and can be arranged on the spot or through your hotel.
Taste Traditional Tanzanian Cuisine
Food is culture, and joining a cooking class or local meal experience is one of the most intimate ways to learn about life in Tanzania.
Common dishes you might explore:
- Ugali – cornmeal staple eaten with vegetables or meat stew
- Ndizi na nyama – plantains with beef
- Chipsi mayai – the iconic chips and egg street food
- Coconut-based curries and Swahili coastal specialties
In Arusha, Moshi, and Zanzibar, many women-led initiatives and social enterprises offer cooking workshops that include a trip to the local market and a shared meal.
Experience a Coffee or Spice Tour
Tanzania is one of Africa’s top coffee producers, and many smallholder farms around Moshi and the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro offer immersive farm-to-cup tours.
What you’ll do:
- Walk through the farm and see how coffee is grown and harvested
- Help roast and grind the beans over fire
- Drink coffee fresh from the source
- Learn about the challenges and traditions of small-scale farming
On the coast or Zanzibar, swap coffee for a spice tour where you’ll explore clove, cinnamon, vanilla, and turmeric farms while learning about the island’s role in the global spice trade.
Tour Swahili Ruins and Historical Sites
Tanzania’s Swahili Coast is dotted with ancient ruins that reveal centuries of Arab, Persian, and African trade influence.
Where to go:
- Kilwa Kisiwani – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with vast coral stone ruins
- Tongoni Ruins – Near Tanga, these include a mosque and tombs from the 14th–16th centuries
- Stone Town (Zanzibar)
Guided tours bring these sites to life with stories of sultans, sailors, and shifting trade winds.
Support Community-Based Tourism Projects
Many rural communities in Tanzania are now offering authentic, small-scale tourism experiences that provide direct income and cultural exchange.
Some options include:
- Staying in a Chagga village near Kilimanjaro
- Participating in a farming day or traditional dance
- Volunteering for a day with a craft or women’s cooperative
- Attending a storytelling night with local elders
These experiences are often less polished but far more personal, and are best arranged through locally connected operators or NGOs.
Final Thoughts: Travel Is Cultural Exchange
Tanzania’s natural beauty is extraordinary, but its people and cultures are what make it unforgettable. By participating in cultural activities that are respectful and community-led, you can deepen your understanding of the country, and give something back in return.
Whether you’re visiting a Maasai village, learning to paint in Dar, or helping harvest coffee on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, these moments can become the most meaningful part of your trip.
You may also like:
- Ecotourism in Tanzania: Travel Sustainably & Support Locals
- Cultural Etiquette and Traditions in Tanzania: A Guide for Visitors
- A Taste of Tanzanian Cuisine: Dishes To Try
- Essential Swahili Phrases For Your Trip to Tanzania
