With 2025 close by, Tanzania stands out as a must-visit destination for the year, with a whole host of upcoming events that capture the spirit and excitement of Africa. From cultural festivals in historic Zanzibar to the breathtaking spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti, Tanzania has unforgettable sights and experiences for every type of traveler!
Whether you’re drawn to the rhythm of African music festivals, enjoy the challenge of competitive marathons, or seek the quiet beauty of traditional ceremonies, Tanzania’s 2025 event calendar invites you to dive into this land of picture-perfect natural landscapes and colorful, welcoming celebrations!
In this guide, we’ll look at some of our top picks from Tanzania’s 2025 event calendar, showcasing just why Tanzania should be on every traveler’s list of destinations for next year. And while we have you with us, please be sure to stop and browse our Tanzania Safaris and Trekking Tours of Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro Marathon (23 February 2025)
Fear not, this is not a marathon to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro! This Marathon course is at the foot of the iconic Mt. Kilimanjaro on the outskirts of Moshi town. The Marathon is a registered race recognized by the Association of International Marathons and attended by runners from across the globe.
The marathon was initially set up to promote sports in Tanzania with backing from the Tanzanian Tourist Board and IAAF and has since gone on to be a terrific success. The event features three races: a full marathon of 42.2 km (26.2 miles), a half marathon of 21.1 km (13.1 miles), and a fun run of 5 km (3.1 miles). The race routes provide views of Kilimanjaro as participants navigate through beautiful tree-lined streets, coffee farms, and villages on the outskirts, with enthusiastic spectators cheering them on. This year, 2025, marks the 23rd anniversary of the event.Race weekend in Moshi is a fun-filled weekend with celebrations, performances, and parties dotting the town. The mood is electric, with people, both locals and visitors, boasting about participating in one of the races. Will you be testing your stamina with a half marathon tacked on to a Kilimanjaro Trek? Go on, there’s no greater satisfaction than completing a marathon, and when you’re surrounded by immense natural beauty throughout the race, the pleasure equals the challenge.
Serengeti Migration
The world-renowned Serengeti National Park encompasses 14,750 square kilometers and is known for its great wildebeest migration, a spectacular annual migration of millions of wildebeests, thousands of zebras, and other herbivores that journey across the ecosystem. This famous phenomenon can be witnessed year-round at different locations in the park. Two highlights of the migration cycle stand out: the Calving Season and the River Crossing.
Calving Season (January – March): During the calving season, an estimated 500,000 young wildebeest are born within a few weeks in the southern region of the Serengeti ecosystem. On some days, up to 9,000 calves can be born. This synchronized birthing strategy enhances the calves’ survival rates by reducing the likelihood of any calf becoming prey.
River Crossing (July – September): As the migrating herds reach the northern region of the Serengeti ecosystem, they find refuge in the Mara watershed. This is where the dramatic crossings of the Mara River occur. The wildebeest cross the river multiple times before dispersing into the central regions and eventually returning to the eastern Serengeti.
Want to witness one of Mother Earth’s greatest wildlife displays? Disconnect from the daily grind, with its email inboxes and news streams, and reconnect with nature. Stand awestruck as you get to see some of the world’s most extraordinary creatures in their natural habitat. Visit our Tanzania Safaris page and learn more about how you can visit the Serengeti National Park as part of a guided experience.
Whale Shark Season (October-February)
Whale sharks are iconic residents of the Mafia Channel, situated in southern Tanzania, just off the Rufiji Delta. These magnificent creatures are typically spotted from October to February as they rise to the surface to feed. This feeding frenzy is fueled by the rich nutrients and planktonic organisms that flow down from the Rufiji River into the waters of the Mafia Island Marine Park.
Whale sharks can grow up to 20 meters long. Despite their size, they only consume small fish and plankton, making it safe for people to join them in the water and observe them underwater. Whale sharks are listed on the IUCN list of Protected, Threatened, and Endangered species. Come and meet these gentle giants, the largest species of fish in the sea.
Kilimanjaro Trails Festival (31 January-2 February 2025)
This festival provides a fun-filled weekend held in January at the Simba Farm Lodge Grounds in West Kilimanjaro. The event features a variety of races, including a 21 km Kilimanjaro Trails Marathon that loops through the region’s old-growth forest, a 1.5 km fun run called the Rafiki Race for children, and a challenging 200 km gravel mountain bike race for experienced cyclists.
Participants can camp at the race village, which provides restrooms, hot water showers, round-the-clock security, and a large campfire. Alternatively, lodges are available for those who prefer more comfortable accommodations. The village also offers quality food and drink vendors, live music, and various activities for both children and adults.
Participating in local events is a superb way to meet locals and like-minded travelers and the surest way to feel a connection to your travel destination. You’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime and the knowledge that you were a part of the most exciting events in the region’s annual calendar.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Full Moon Trek
Most Kilimanjaro treks start at midnight, guided by the light of your headlamp. However, if you climb during a full moon, the trail will be illuminated by the beautiful moonlight. A full moon summit is particularly special because it provides a uniquely enchanting atmosphere and better visibility at the top.
You must plan accordingly to schedule your climb during a full moon. For instance, if you are trekking an 8-day route, such as the Lemosho or Northern Circuit, you should depart six days before the full moon. Get in touch to find out our full moon dates for 2025. To learn more about the possible routes trekkers can take on Mt. Kilimanjaro, visit our Kilimanjaro Routes page.
KARIBU – KILIFAIR (6-8 June 2025)
East Africa’s leading international travel and tourism trade fair brings together various stakeholders in the industry, including tourism organizations, hotels and lodges, and other related players in the region.
This year, the three-day fair will take place from June 6-8, 2025. The event is primarily a tourism networking opportunity and a community fair that attracts both locals and expatriates.Visit the KILIFAIR website for more information.
Sauti Za Busara (14-16 February 2025)
This year marks the 22nd edition of the Sauti Za Busara festival, themed “Voices for Peace.” The event will celebrate live music from Africa and beyond, highlighting young and emerging talents. Over three days, an estimated 400+ artists and more than 27 live bands from over 12 countries will perform across four different stages in Zanzibar’s Stone Town.
The festival will feature a mix of prominent and emerging artists from all over the African continent, led by well-known musicians such as Thandiswe (South Africa), Blinky Bill (Kenya), Christian Bella & Malaika Band (Tanzania), Bokani Dyer (South Africa), Frida Amani (Tanzania), and Wura Samba (Nigeria).
Ticket prices for this year’s event are as follows: a 3-day pass will start at $75 per person for East African residents, $149 for international passport holders, and $209 for the VIP grandstand.
See Tanzania with Pristine Trails
Is Tanzania on your adventure list for 2025? Let us plan your trips and incorporate any of the events listed here. Get in touch, and let’s begin planning the adventure of a lifetime! You can also explore our African Safaris in Tanzania and Mt. Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours for inspiration and a taste of the marvels that await.
