Tanzania, a popular tourist destination for animal lovers. But the country has much more to offer than the big 5! Tanzania is situated in East Africa. Its neighbouring countries are Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia. The country has two capital cities: Dodoma and Dar es Salaam. The local currency used is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
Fun Fact: Nearly a 1/3 of the country is made up of national parks!
If you’d like to know more interesting facts about this African country, click here.
So, let’s break this country up into PARTS.
People
The main ethnic group within the country is African; with around 95% are descendants of the Bantu people. The country has over 120 different tribes and is also home to a small population of Asians, Arabs and Europeans. Tanzania has an interesting culture as they were part of the Arab slave trade also and therefore their main language (Kiswahili) holds a lot of Arabic language. Arabic and English are also widely spoken in the country.
Attractions
Home to Africa’s tallest mountain, why not climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Located in small-town Moshi, this mountain is not an easy challenge but those who’ve conquered the climb, talk about it being one of their best experiences.
Tanzania has the wildest concentration of wildlife in the world so it’s no wonder why their national parks are so popular. From lions, giraffes to elephants, this country has it all! Home to 12 National Parks and 13 Nature Reserves and almost 40 protected areas; Why not visit Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, or any other park to get a chance of seeing some amazing wildlife.
Mara River. The great Serengeti Migration occurs in June or July, with thousands of gazelles, zebras, and other animals brazing the Mara river, why not book a tour to watch these majestic creatures in action.
Masshigh. The Massai tribe are an ethnic group in Tanzania and Kenya. Known for their world-renowned jumping skills. Why not book a tour to learn more about their unique culture and watch them perform ceremonial dances and show off their jumping skills.
If you’re a city lover like me why not explore the capital, Dar Es Salaam. With amazing churches such as the Azania Front Church to the National museum of culture and the Village Museum, delve deep into the country’s blended mix of cultures and religion. Why not head to the local favourite Coco Beach after to relax or Bongoyo or Mbubya islands to explore these uninhabited beaches.
The country is packed with attractions! If you’d like to know some city-specific attractions, Read our ultimate guide!
Rituals and Culture
Tanzania is a predominantly Christian country with close to two thirds of the country practicing Christianity. Islam is the second biggest religion and is the predominant religion in certain cities such as Dar Es Salaam. Here, it’s good to dress modestly but women are free to wear what they wish.
Some staple Tanzanian foods include beans, vegetables, and rice. With some specialties being: Ugali (Maize porridge), Mishikaki (Kebab), Wali wa nazi (rice made with coconut milk) fish and chapati (flatbread usually eaten with beans)
Tips
– Try and learn a few words in Swahili as it’ll help in the not so touristy areas.
– Having the Tanzanian currency is useful in markets and such places but dollars are commonly used in hotels, upscale restaurants and on tours.
– Crossing roads in big cities such as Dar es salaam can be a nightmare, there aren’t many pedestrian crosses, so my advice is to go when the locals go as they are skilled at crossing the roads.
For more travel advice check out; FCO: Travel Advice
Outside of the UK: Please check your government’s travel advice carefully.
Story
I have visited Tanzania 3 times as of January 2020 and it’s a country with an unexplainable attraction. During my time in Tanzania, I’ve explored the different cities like Moshi, Arusha and Dar es salaam. My first 2 times experiencing the country was for voluntary work, so I didn’t feel like I really experienced the country. When you volunteer you are put in the area which need help and I knew there was a lot more to the country than poverty. So, I came again and I went for the giant city; Dar es salaam. From the point that I got into Dar es salaam, I knew I was going to love the city as it was just what I loved the hustle and bustle. I felt like I got to see the real Tanzania and its beauty.
Tanzania is one of those African countries where people only see its beauty in the natural wildlife it has. But to me Tanzanians are the true beauty of the country. The people are so welcoming and humble it’s unreal. They are helpful and love tourists.
One of my favourite places to visit was the village museum and national museum. It was a great place to learn about how Tanzanians before the Arabic and transatlantic slave trade lived and governed themselves. I also enjoyed the Mwenge woodcarvers’ market as African art can be seen through these carvings. Coco beach is also a great place to relax and unwind but I’d be lying if I said that the aren’t beaches are better in Zanzibar
I’m not a big fan of safaris so I didn’t go on any but if you’re into wildlife, you’ll love the following places: Serengeti safari park, Mount Kilimanjaro, lake Chala, Ngorongoro Crater, kikuletwa Hotsprings, Materuni Waterfall.
Tanzania holds a very special place in my heart as it’s one of those places that someone can keep going back to and still in awe of.
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