Tanzania is home to some of the most popular national parks on the African continent, if not in the world. Tourists flock from all over the globe to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, go on a safari adventure or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar. But what makes Tanzania such a popular and unique destination isn't just the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife; it's the country’s rich history and its culturally and ethnically diverse population - over 120 different ethnic groups live in mainland Tanzania, each with its own language, customs, traditions and cuisine, and with a strong sense of national pride that is felt throughout the country.

When visiting a foreign country, most tourists wish to get an in-depth insight into local culture, but how to prepare for such a diverse destination?

To help smooth the way, read on to learn more about Tanzania's diverse culture, customs, and history.

Diving into Tanzania's History

Tanzania is home to the Olduvai Gorge, made famous by Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey in the 1930s with their discovery of the fossilized remains of our earliest human ancestors, dating from almost two million years ago. Formed by the April 1964 unification of the two states, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, the history of modern-day Tanzania began when Bantu families arrived sometime early in the first millennium, followed by the Arabs in approximately 700 AD.

In 1840, the Omani Arabs took control from the Portuguese and established their capital, Unguja, in present-day Zanzibar. To mitigate German influence in the region in the late 1800s, the British and the Zanzibar Sultanate had trade arrangements made uneasy by Zanzibar's slave trade. However, by the mid-1870s, the British dominated the ivory and spice trades and forced the Sultan to end their slave trade. Tanganyika and Zanzibar were declared a protectorate of Great Britain in the early 20th century, continuing through both World Wars until Tanganyika's independence in 1961.

Tanzania's journey to independence began with the creation of the Tanganyika African National Union (later renamed the Tanzania African National Union), led by anti-colonial activist Julius Nyerere. Tanganyika gained its independence in December 1961, followed by Zanzibar in 1963, both lands merging to form the present-day United Republic of Tanzania.

Even with this brief history, one can better understand the many cultural influences still evident in Tanzania today. Let's elaborate more on these cultural players.

The Diverse Tanzanian Culture

Tanzania is ethnically diverse and the only African country home to all major ethnolinguistic groups. As mentioned above, there are over 120 tribes in Tanzania, including the Cushitic, Nilotic, Bantu, and Khoisan, each culturally unique, speaking different languages and possessing their own traditions and cultural mores. Approximately 63% of the Tanzanian population is affiliated to Christianity, while Muslims constitute the second largest religious group, accounting approximately 34% of the Tanzanian population, followed by a small percentage of other religions. The Muslim population lives mainly along the coast, in inland urban areas, and in Zanzibar, whose population is 99% Muslim. While culturally diverse, Tanzania's cities and towns share common languages - the national language, Kiswahili (Swahili), and English, the second official language.

Once outside of more densely populated areas, you'll find most Tanzanian tribes rely on agriculture and cattle herding.

Ugali is a popular Tanzanian dish, a cooked starchy paste composed of water and flour, served with vegetable stew or meat. And you'll want to try plantains and rice, another mainstay. When in Tanzania, be sure to indulge in some Swahili dishes.

Read on: Tanzania Food Guide - What to Eat in Tanzania

Among the hundreds of tribes residing in Tanzania, here is a list of the most popular and well-known Tanzanian tribes:

Maasai Tribe
Hadzabe Tribe
Datoga Tribe
Chagga Tribe
Iraqw Tribe
Sukuma Tribe

If you're interested in learning more about Tanzanian tribes, click on the link for our latest article. Let's take a closer look at the local customs you'll want to observe when visiting Tanzania.

Tanzanian Customs and Traditions

As you might expect, rich and varied cultures often hold different values, with their own customs and traditions. Acquainting yourself with these local conventions, undoubtedly varied across regions, will increase your awareness and sensitivity to local ways.

Do Not Use Your Left Hand

For most Tanzanians, only your right hand is considered clean and is the hand of choice for eating, greeting, or receiving anything. This one might come naturally to you, but be sure to greet the locals properly. The left hand is restricted for personal hygiene and considered unclean. And if the greeting and handshake extend longer than usual, relax. A long handshake is a friendly sign of acceptance.

In Tanzanian cultures, a proper greeting is good social etiquette and important to observe. Even in a crowded room, greet each person in attendance, the elderly first.

Do Not Sniff The Food

Sniffing food is a cultural faux pas in Tanzanian society. If you sniff your dish before taking a bite, the cook will see this as a sign of disrespect; either you find the dish foul-smelling or suspicious!

In some traditional dining settings, you may have to sit on a mat on the floor to dine. Another practice considered good etiquette, not surprisingly, is the practice of washing your hands before touching any food. And it is impolite if you decline to taste each and every dish offered or passed your way.

Say No To Public Affection

Tanzania is a popular place for honeymooners, and while holding hands strolling down the beach is acceptable, most Tanzanians would frown on anything more. Other forms of physical contact like kissing are less acceptable among locals but generally, people are more tolerant of public affection among foreign visitors (and on safari, when you are in the middle of the African savannah, nobody will care at all). Since Zanzibar has a Muslim population, it is best to keep PDA within the resort areas.

BOOK YOUR SAFARI HERE!

Ask Before Taking Pictures

As you travel through Tanzania, especially in the more remote areas, you will likely meet Tanzanians from various different tribes. As a visitor, you undoubtedly will be taking many pictures, and the Tanzanians you meet may be very welcoming, but it is always most respectful to ask permission first. Some ethnic groups even believe that the flash of a camera steals a part of a person's soul.

Courtesy and respect for the local ways will enrich your interactions with the locals. It is worth reading more on the subject, as each region has its way of doing things. But you can't go wrong with common-sense courtesies, such as dressing modestly and showing respect to everyone you meet, with deference for the elderly. Tanzanians are friendly people and very welcoming by nature. They'll appreciate the care you take to respect their way of life.

Wrapping up

Before you take a trip, learn as much as you can about Tanzanian culture. Learn a few words and phrases in the local language, especially please (tafadhali) and thank you (asante).

Once you arrive in Tanzania, immerse yourself in cultural activities such as trying the local cuisine, meeting the tribes, visiting schools, trying yourself at beadwork, and taking in the region's highlights. You will feel comfortable and welcomed by the Tanzanian people. They have a strong sense of community and warmly welcome people from around the globe.

Get started by personalizing your Tanzania Safari with Sababu Safaris today and get ready to experience breathtaking vistas, witness abundant wildlife, and explore one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.

Tanzania Culture, Traditions And Customs: What You Need To Know

Diving into Tanzania's History

The Diverse Tanzanian Culture