Tanzania is known for its vast savannahs. But wildlife viewing from the water is a true rarity here. Only in a few places – such as Lake Duluti, Arusha National Park, and, when water levels allow, Lake Manyara National Park – are canoe safaris even possible.
In small groups and with experienced guides, you’ll discover the landscape from a completely new perspective: quiet, mindful, and closer than ever before.
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On a canoe tour, animals are often easier to observe than from a safari jeep. Waterbirds, monkeys, and sometimes even hippos or elephants – all can appear from a new and often surprisingly close perspective.
With no engine noise, you glide across mirrored waters and past dense shore vegetation – ideal for consciously experiencing both the big and small moments of nature.
Canoe tours usually last no longer than three hours. That’s exactly what makes them so special: no long sitting, no hours of tracking – just a compact nature experience that integrates perfectly into your safari.
The story of canoe safaris began in Lake Manyara National Park: after El Niño flooded large parts of the park, the canoe became a practical solution for wildlife viewing and the first officially approved adventure activity in a Tanzanian national park.
Whether as a relaxed addition or an unforgettable highlight: A canoe tour is one of the most original nature experiences Tanzania has to offer.
In the following pages we have listed the most popular itineraries. Of course, each safari can be modified according to your wishes and adapted to your ideas.
A canoe trip in Tanzania usually lasts no longer than three hours. This makes it easy to fit the experience into your safari without having to set aside a whole day. The exact duration may vary slightly depending on the location, weather and water level.
For a canoe tour, we recommend sun cream, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water. A camera or binoculars are also worth bringing, as the water offers an excellent vantage point for spotting birds and other wildlife. A light rain jacket may also be useful, depending on the time of year.
It’s best to wear light, comfortable and quick-drying clothing that won’t mind getting a bit wet. A hat protects you from the sun, and a light jacket can also be pleasant in the early morning. Above all, it’s important that you can move comfortably during the canoe trip.
Canoe tours are only possible in a few places in Tanzania. These include, for example, Lake Duluti, Arusha National Park and – provided the water level is high enough – Lake Manyara National Park. This is precisely why a canoe trip in Tanzania is a special addition to a traditional safari.
