Top 5 experiences for an unforgettable Christmas in Tanzania

Christmas in Tanzania falls during the "African summer": While the Western world is experiencing a snowy winter, it's hot and sunny here. If you're tired of the cold and seeking new experiences, head to the Tanzanian metropolis of Dar es Salaam for Christmas shopping, go on a safari to observe wildlife, or relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Zanzibar. For true adventures, embark on an expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or swim with whale sharks off the coast of Mafia Island.

Is Christmas a good time to visit Tanzania?

Yes, Christmas is a fantastic time to visit Tanzania. There are a wide variety of activities and festive celebrations, as well as classic adventures like climbing Kilimanjaro or going on a safari.

Find out how to celebrate Christmas in Tanzania in a fun and unique way in our new article.

1. Safari in national parks and reserves

Late December and January are excellent times for a safari in Tanzania. The weather is warm and sunny this season, with almost no rain. During the Christmas holidays, you can visit Arusha National Park, the only place offering walking safaris where you can observe animals from a safe distance on foot. The park features tropical forests that flourish in vibrant greenery after the rainy season. It’s also home to Mount Meru, the second tallest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro.

Serengeti National Park is a must-visit for those planning a Christmas trip to Tanzania for safari adventures. This vast reserve spans nearly 15,000 km² (about 5,790 mi²) and hosts the legendary "Big Five": lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards. During the Christmas holidays, you can witness the extraordinary natural phenomenon of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

At this time, millions of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move south along the eastern border of the Serengeti National Park, concentrating near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is also worth visiting. The area is home to about 25,000 large African animals. The iconic Ngorongoro Crater, the reserve's main natural attraction, is a massive caldera where diverse flora attracts various animals from the surrounding areas.

It’s worth noting that December and January also bring many migratory birds to Tanzania, especially in Nyerere (Selous) and Tarangire national parks. To see large flocks of pink flamingos, make sure to visit Lake Natron or Lake Manyara National Park.

2. Climbing Kilimanjaro — a unique way to celebrate Christmas

New Year and Christmas symbolize the start of a new chapter in life. Why not combine these holidays with a personal achievement that marks the beginning of a new journey? A significant accomplishment could be climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the African continent.

The mountain’s highest point, Uhuru Peak, is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. While this altitude is impressive, you don’t need to be a professional climber or athlete to reach it. A few months of preparation and physical training are enough for most people.

An expedition usually takes from 6 to 8–10 days on average — this is the optimal duration aimed at a smooth, gradual acclimatization to the altitude. During the hike, you will walk as part of a group accompanied by experienced guides.

During the ascent, tourists sleep in modern tents, or huts (only on the Marangu route), and eat three times a day according to a specially designed menu. Delicious and energy-rich breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared by professional cooks who go with you on the expedition. In other words, Altezza Travel’s team takes care of all the “household” aspects on the way to the summit, leaving you to enjoy the trekking and get unforgettable impressions.

To prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro, be sure to study our gear list. This memo contains all the essential information to help you conquer the summit comfortably and without unpleasant surprises.

3. Winter vacation on a sunny beach in Zanzibar

The Zanzibar islands offer warm, sunny weather in late December and January, making them an ideal destination to celebrate Christmas and New Year in a tropical paradise. Daytime temperatures average around 28°C (about 82°F) and can reach up to 35°C (about 95°F).

The islands feature a variety of accommodations, from classic hotels to resorts with authentic villas nestled in lush tropical greenery. However, as with any popular destination in Tanzania, booking in advance is recommended for Christmas.

Beyond relaxing on the beach, Zanzibar offers other exciting activities. For instance, Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar’s capital, boasts cobblestone streets, ancient cathedrals, historic architecture, bustling markets, and exhibitions. It’s also home to the Freddie Mercury Museum, dedicated to the legendary Queen frontman and one of Tanzania’s most famous people.

Visiting the local spice plantations is another must. On guided tours, you can stroll among blossoming spice plants, hear fascinating stories about their cultivation and processing, and immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s aromatic heritage.

For those seeking solitude and nature, head to Pemba Island. With its stunning scenery and low tourist numbers, it’s perfect for a peaceful seaside retreat during the winter season.

4. Christmas adventures with whale sharks on Mafia Island

A small island south of Zanzibar, Mafia Island is an untouched corner of wildlife not overly popular with tourists. However, from November to early March, it offers a unique opportunity to swim with whale sharks. They are one of the ocean’s largest inhabitants, reaching up to 20 meters (66 feet) in length. During this period, whale sharks gather in the channel between the island and Tanzania’s mainland before migrating toward Australia.

Mafia’s coastal waters are rich with coral reefs and marine life, and the island also hosts a Marine National Park. You can stay in cozy resorts with comfortable modern villas. All amenities for snorkeling and diving are readily available.

Mafia Island is about 160 km (100 miles) off the Tanzanian mainland and is accessible via a 45-minute flight from Dar es Salaam. 

5. Christmas holidays in Dar es Salaam

Formerly Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam is now one of the country’s largest and most developed cities, serving as its economic and commercial hub. It's also one of the most developed cities in East Africa. Dar is an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant and novel Christmas experience. The city offers many modern accommodation options, but booking well in advance for the Christmas season is essential.

In Dar es Salaam, there are plenty of entertainment options to suit any taste. Visiting the St. Joseph’s Cathedral is highly recommended during the Christmas holidays. This Gothic-style architectural marvel features stunning stained-glass windows and serves as the Archbishop’s residence. The cathedral becomes especially lively during Christmas Eve with a midnight mass, where locals gather from across the metropolis to sing sacred hymns in Swahili. Services are also held in other Christian churches and cathedrals across the city.

For gift shopping, head to the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market. Wood carving is a particularly popular craft in Tanzania. Popular Christmas gifts include intricately patterned kitchenware, wooden decorations, souvenirs, and even carved doors.

Don’t miss the Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society exhibition, where you can purchase artwork and other items in Tanzania’s unique and vibrant artistic style. Tinga Tinga art is known for its bold themes and vivid landscapes.

In short, if you are looking for authentic Christmas gifts, Dar es Salaam is the perfect city for you. It also has large shopping malls featuring well-known international brands, good restaurants serving tasty African and European cuisine, and modern nightclubs. If you want to become more familiar with local culture and the country’s history, we strongly recommend visiting the National Museum of Tanzania, which features fossils and archaeological finds from different eras.

How do people celebrate Christmas in Tanzania?

In Tanzania, as in many countries, it is customary to celebrate the main winter holiday with family. Traditionally, many city dwellers travel to their villages during the Christmas celebrations to visit their parents and reunite with the family. Those who stay in the cities begin Christmas with midnight Mass or a morning church service. After all, it is primarily a religious holiday, and Christians make up the majority of the country’s population.

During the day, children and adults sing traditional Christmas songs in Swahili and Christmas hymns in English. In the evening, relatives and friends gather for a festive Christmas dinner. Musical evenings and theatrical performances are also popular ways to celebrate in cities like Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

While Tanzanian Christmas traditions tend to align with Western ones, there are some unique elements, which we’ve addressed in frequently asked questions below:

How do Tanzanians decorate their homes for Christmas?

In Tanzania, home Christmas decorations are approached with particular care. Unlike the Western tradition of using store-bought tinsel and LED lights, Tanzanians often create beautiful decorations, primarily from recycled materials.

Everyday items such as soda cans, bottle caps, and discarded bottles are repurposed into festive ornaments. This approach is eco-friendly and a nod to tradition and creativity. The process becomes an engaging activity for children, fostering resourcefulness and imagination.

What do Tanzanians wear for Christmas celebrations?

It’s customary in Tanzania to buy new clothes for Christmas, especially for children. Families often shop at local markets or malls or sew their own garments. On Christmas Day, people dress in their best outfits, just as they do in many parts of the world.

What do they eat for Christmas in Tanzania?

In rural areas, it is a long-standing tradition in Tanzania to buy a goat or cow before Christmas. It is carefully fattened, and on the eve of the holiday, it is slaughtered so that a plentiful feast can be set up for dinner. People usually cook traditional African dishes, including spicy rice with meat and chapati. In villages, they also brew their own beer. Interestingly, many villages even have their own beer “brands.” For instance, the Chagga tribe makes mbege from bananas and sprouted millet. The result is an intoxicating, slightly sweet drink with a subtle sourness.

Hotels and lodges offer many options for Christmas meal during the festive season that cater to all preferences.

Conclusion

Christmas in Tanzania offers a unique blend of traditional Christian customs and the rich cultural heritage of African communities. Celebrating the holidays here means gaining countless new experiences and starting the new year inspired and energized. A trip to Tanzania can also be a perfect Christmas gift for yourself and your family.

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