Tanzanian Culture, History & Facts
Tanzanian Culture is a wonderful combination of influences of over 120 tribes. Visiting one of the most culturally diverse countries on Tanzania Safari Tours helps you meet various culturally diverse groups such as the tall and graceful Maasai warriors, the artistic talents of the Makonde to the Chaga farmers and traders, the ancient ways of the Hadza Bushmen, and the resourceful agricultural practices of the Wameru.
What is essential for travelers is to understand their cultural styles, traditions, and more before you start planning your visit to this amazing country.
TANZANIAN ETIQUETTES
There are some basic disciplinary upbringing standards such as keeping control of one’s temper and emotions in public and more that has been taught to the Tanzanian kids since childhood. Public display of affection is not liked so much and there are some very conservative rules regarding women’s clothing, speaking, and other styles. There are numerous Tanzania Culture Facts that every traveler visiting the country must be aware of.
Here are some Tanzanian Culture Tips that you should follow while on your Tanzania Safari Tours:
The Right Hand First
For eating, picking up food, and greeting people, Tanzanians prefer to use their right hand. They consider is cleaner compared to the left hand which is used solely for ablutions and bathroom activities. It’s a gesture of good manners among the people.
Say No To PDAs
The more romantic Public Display of Affections such as cuddles and kisses are deeply frowned upon. You are completely free to do so in your private rooms. The Islamic culture of Tanzania has people believe that affection of any kind between a man and woman is strictly left to the privacy of a bedroom.
Don’t Breathe In That Aroma
In the western culture taking in the aroma of a meal before tucking in is part of the enjoyment but in Tanzania sniffing food is viewed with suspicion and a sign of distaste. It is believed in their culture that food is only smelled when there is something wrong with it, or it is thought to be rotten. Apart from this sniffing is also considered to be highly insulting to the cook.
Tanzanians Are Always In A Great Mood
Tanzanians are polite, considerate and friendly, this is a result of their strong upbringing that helps them develop strong family ties, respect for elders the ability to control one’s anger in public is highly valued.
Ask Before You Take Snapshots
You will find some enthusiastic Tanzanians who are extremely happy when visitors taking their snaps, as they show off their traditional dress and lifestyle. But it is considered a subject of privacy and it is respectful to ask people before you start clicking those snaps.
Never Knock The Aged
It is believed among many cultural groups in Tanzania that elders possess greater knowledge and questioning their opinions or not showing courtesy in their presence is one of the highest cultural offenses and must be avoided.
‘Hakuna Matata’ – You Have Heard It But Don’t Know The Meaning?
What Disney’s Lion King popularised was the famous Song of ‘Hakuna Matata’, pronounced [hɑˈkunɑ mɑˈtɑtɑ] is a Swahili language phrase from East Africa, meaning “there is no trouble” or “There are no worries”. This is a Tanzanian Catchphrase and it is very essential to understand that Tanzanian people do not rush and the travelers from the western part of the world have to understand that.
Learn The Art Of Storytelling From Tanzanians
Although Tanzania’s ethnic groups have very little written history, most of the stories of their ancestral heritage and glory have trickled down to generations through verbal artful storytelling, and this process has become an essential part of their culture. On your Tanzania Safari Tours, you can learn some of these stories and anecdotes that enhance your trip experience.
Rite Of Passage
There are numerous rites and laws through which many Tanzanian youths have to pass before becoming adults. These laws are so strict that boys who have not undergone circumcision are rarely considered to be men. A similar situation prevails for women where girls who have not passed through female rites of passage are often considered to be worthless.
TANZANIAN FOOD
Some of the inland food dishes that impact Tanzanian Food Culture are mentioned below:
- Nyama Choma(grilled meat),
- Nyama pori(wild/ bushmeat that is either sun-dried,
- grilled or cooked),
- Kiti Moto(grill pork),
- Mishikaki(skewed meat),
- Samaki(fish),
- Ndizi( Plantains/ bananas),
- Bamia(Okra),
- Mchicha( greens/ spinach),
- Njegere(peas),
- Maharage(Beans),
- Wali(rice),
- Ugali,
- Chapati(a bread),
- Kuku choma(grilled chicken),
- Kisamvu(cassava leaves),
- kisusio(soup from boiled animal bones and meat or blood) and many dishes prepared the Tanzanian way.
Tanzania Culture influences its food invariably. With a mix of Islamic and European touch, you will find a distinct flavor in whatever you taste in Tanzania.
TASTE THE CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF TANZANIA
There are many more aspects of Tanzania Culture And Traditions which you will learn on your Cultural Tourism In Tanzania. Choose from our delightful Tanzania Safari Packages that serves some of the Best Safari In Tanzania hosting thousands of travelers of Budget Safari Tanzania or Luxury Safari Tanzania all year round.
When To Go Tanzania
The simple yet the most important question that traveler that travelers ask before going on a Tanzania Safari.
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. Yet we would like to recommend you visit in July to October. This is the perfect time of the year for game viewing as the weather remains dry and hot and the humidity also remains low.
Apart from knowing the Best Time To Visit Tanzania, you should know what is the best time to visit Tanzania National Parks.
Getting Into Tanzania
Entering Tanzania is very easy, you just need a visa. So, what are the visa requirements?
- Two passport-size recent photos
- Flight Itinerary
- Passport with 6 months validity
- Visa fee
- And a visa application (must be signed by the traveler)
Visa Extensions
Your visa can be extended from one month (minimum) to three months (maximum). If you want to extend your visa you can visit the immigration offices in all major cities.
Where to go in Tanzania
Scintillating safaris, majestic mountains, crystal-clear ocean waters, vibrant cities. Tanzania has everything, all you have to do is choose!
Tanzania’s Northern Circuit
Tanzania’s northern circuit is undoubtedly the most popular of all four points of the compass in Tanzania.
The north is where you’ll find such world-famous landmarks as the sprawling Serengeti, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, and the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Tanzania’s Eastern Circuit
The eastern circuit of Tanzania is the coastal region with the Indian ocean, meaning you will find more cities and settlements along this circuit..
The most famous draw of eastern Tanzania, of course, are the spice islands of the Indian ocean – Zanzibar being the crown jewel among them.
Tanzania’s Southern Circuit
The southern circuit of the country has more than its fair share of incredible sights to see.
One word that can be used to describe the southern circuit is ‘sprawling’. Ruaha and Nyerere combine to over 50,000 km2 of safari landscape.
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Tanzania’s Western Circuit
The western circuit is the domain of tall mountains, lonely lakes, and remote locations.
The biggest draw of western Tanzania is that it is one of the few locations in the world where you can see chimpanzees in the wild.
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