THE SWAHILI BLOG

Travel Tanzania the Secrets

travel tanazina

 minute read remaining

Travel Tanzania

Tanzania, famously known for being the home of Africa's highest mountain (Mount Kilimanjaro), is a country that lies within the African great lakes region of East Africa.

Tanzania shares its border with various other neighboring countries including Uganda in the northern part of the country, Kenya to the north-east, the Comoro Islands and the Indian Ocean to the east, Mozambique and Malawi to the south, Zambia in the south-west, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC on the west.

The capital city of Tanzania is Dodoma, and the largest city of the country is Dar es Salaam which is located along the beautiful coast of the Indian Ocean. Tanzania's currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).

Tanzania was under German rule from 1880 until 1919 when the British occupied the country and colonized it until it got its independence on 9 December 1961 under the leadership of its first president, Julius Nyerere.

Travel Tanzania Climate

Tanzania has a varied climate due to its size and location. In the north, the climate is tropical and generally hot and humid, while the central plateau is dry. The coastal areas are also tropical, with high humidity and temperatures.

Tanzania is one of the countries that has two rainy seasons, and the heaviest rains, known as the Masika, fall from mid-March to May, while the shorter rainy season, called the Vuli, begins in November to mid-January.

The summers mostly last from November to March, although there is always a possibility of afternoon rain showers. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, is from May to October. This comfortable and accommodating weather should be enough to excite any Travel Tanzania enthusiast.

Tanzania is a popular tourist destination, known for its wildlife, beaches, and natural attractions such as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park host to "The Big Five" game that includes elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos, making this Park one of the best safari destinations in Africa. The country attracts more than 1 million visitors each year, with most tourists coming from Europe and North America.

The tourism industry is an important source of revenue for Tanzania, accounting for around 17% of the country's GDP. Popular tourist activities in Tanzania include safari tours, beach holidays, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

 The other Park that is worth visiting is the Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa, famously known as "The roof of Africa".
Travel Tanzania

For more wildlife expeditions, visit the mountain forest of Mahle National Park for a close-up look at the wild chimpanzees in their natural territory.

Tanzania is also known for its breathtaking beaches, which include the ones along Zanzibar Island, known as Africa's tropical island, where you can explore the reefs and enjoy various water activities.

One of the other 'must-see' sights is that of the Ngorongoro Crater with its picture-perfect view. This crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and is referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Travel to Tanzania for all the beauty, charm, and adventure!

Population

Tanzania's population is estimated to be around 60 million as of 2020, which is the equivalent of 0.77% of the world's population. making it one of the largest countries in East Africa. The population is relatively young, with around 65% of the population under the age of 25. The population is growing rapidly, with a growth rate of around 3% per year. Tanzania is home to more than 120 different ethnic groups, with Swahili being the most widely spoken language.

Religion

Tanzania is a country with diverse religious beliefs. The main religions in Tanzania are Christianity, Islam, and Traditional African Religions.

Christianity is the largest religion in Tanzania, with more than 60% of the population identifying as Christians. Islam is the second-largest religion in Tanzania, with approximately 35% of the population identifying as Muslims.

Traditional African Religions are also practiced in Tanzania, mainly by the country's indigenous tribes.63.1% of the country is Christian, with the largest percentage being Roman Catholic, and the rest Protestant.34% of the country is Sunni and Shia Islam, 1.8% is traditional faith, and 1.1% is other or no denomination.

Primary language

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, spoken by the majority of the population. It is also used as a lingua franca, a common language used for communication between people who speak different native languages.

English is also widely spoken and used as the language of instruction in schools and universities.

Others languages

Tanzania is home to many indigenous languages, with more than 120 different languages spoken in the country. Swahili is the most spoken language, with over a hundred other different languages being spoken around the country. Some of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in Tanzania include:

  • Sukuma: spoken by the Sukuma people, the largest ethnic group in Tanzania.
  • Chaga: spoken by the Chaga people who live on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Maasai: spoken by the Maasai people who live in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.
  • Gogo: spoken by the Gogo people who live in the central region of Tanzania.
  • Nyamwezi: spoken by the Nyamwezi people who live in the central and western regions of Tanzania.

In addition to these, there are also many other languages spoken in Tanzania, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural significance.

The following are some helpful tips for traveling to Tanzania:

  1. Plan: Before you go, make sure to research the places you want to visit, the activities you want to do, and the best time to visit. This will help you make the most of your trip.
  2. Get your visas and vaccinations: Make sure to check the visa requirements for Tanzania and get any necessary vaccinations before you go. You don't want to be turned away at the airport or get sick during your trip.
  3. Bring appropriate clothing: Tanzania has a tropical climate, so make sure to bring light, breathable clothing. However, keep in mind that some places, like the Serengeti, can get chilly at night, so bring warm layers as well.
  4. Respect local customs: Tanzanians are generally friendly and hospitable, but it's important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photos, and always be polite.
  5. Use reputable tour operators: If you plan on going on a safari or other tour, make sure to use a reputable tour operator. Check reviews online and make sure they are licensed and insured.
  6. Try the local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine is delicious and diverse, so make sure to try some local dishes like ugali, chapati, and nyama choma.
  7. Learn some Swahili: Swahili is the national language of Tanzania, and learning a few phrases will go a long way in making connections with locals and showing respect for their culture.
  8. Stay safe: Tanzania is generally a safe country, but it's important to take precautions like avoiding walking alone at night, not carrying large amounts of cash, and being aware of your surroundings.

By following these tips, you can have an enjoyable and memorable trip to Tanzania.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Related Posts

Travel-Africa

6 Exciting Water Sports on the Kenyan Coast

Water Sports on the Kenyan Coast The Kenyan coast, with its pristine [...]

Travel-Africa

6 Little-Known Ancient Ruins in East Africa to Explore

Ancient Ruins in East Africa Embark on a captivating journey through time [...]

Travel-Africa

8 Most Incredible Beaches in Zanzibar

Beaches in Zanzibar Welcome to Zanzibar, where the sun-kissed shores beckon travellers [...]

Travel-Africa

Lake Malawi: 6 Tips to Explore its Amazing Underwater World

The Underwater World of Lake Malawi Lake Malawi, a shimmering jewel nestled [...]

Fast-Track Your Swahili Journey
With The Kiswahili School!

Would you like to learn Swahili in
only 30 minutes per day?

Learn from qualified Swahili Instructors?

Are you a motivated self-learner?

Take the Kiswahili School quick questionnaire and discover your leaning style!

Discounts available for respondents

>