Seven Facts About Tanzania You Never Knew
Tanzania Facts - Stories From Tanzania
Regarded as Africa’s top safari destination, Tanzania is home to some of the most varied and unique landscapes you’ll ever see. From rock formations, grasslands, mountain peaks, woodlands, and the savannah, there’s no question that Tanzania provides astounding opportunities for any visitor.
It is no surprise that Tanzania also offers a wide variety of attractions and activities, seeing that the country hosts many of the most iconic and biggest national parks in Africa.
The varied ecosystems of this lustrous country are a hub for an unparalleled variety of African animals. This makes Tanzania a quintessential go-to spot for any and all adventurers, animal enthusiasts, and safari goers.
Almost everyone would agree that no safari would be complete without a glimpse of a few of the Big Five or a chance to witness the fascinating birds of Tanzania. Fortunately, Tanzania doesn’t disenchant. Abode to the Great Migration, each year, you will be able to catch a glimpse of millions of animals making their way across the land in search of water and fresh pastures. The staggering 2 million animals include wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. These animals make the arduous journey, braving the raging Mara River, filled with dangerous crocodiles.
Tanzania Facts - Crocodile finding itself in a precarious situation
But the Great Migration isn’t Tanzania’s only aspect worth witnessing. What do you think will be attracted by herds of grazing animals? Predators, of course. Trust us when we tell you these predators won’t be far away.
In Tanzania, you’ll have the opportunity to see big cats, like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, in action. That’s why we will look at six fascinating Tanzania facts in this article. Get ready because you will be reading about one of the best safari destinations in Africa.
Nearly 30 Percent of Tanzania’s Land Are Protected Areas
Tanzania Facts Photo by Magda Ehlers
Did you know there are twenty-two national parks in Tanzania? Among those national parks, Tanzania is home to one of the best national parks in the world. The Serengeti National Park is one of the most beloved national parks and hosts millions of large mammals.
Tanzania Facts - Serengeti National Park
Dubbed by UNESCO World Heritage Convention as a World Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park has also had the honor of being named the 7th Natural Wonder of Africa. Being home to the Great Migration, where wildebeest and zebra make their way across the plains in search of fresh grasslands, the Serengeti is every adventurer's dream destination.
Serengeti National Park is also home to majestic animals like the great buffalo herds, elephants, giraffes, leopards, hippos, impalas, and gazelles. If you’re lucky, you will also be able to catch a glimpse of the endangered Black Rhinoceros.
Another famous Tanzanian National Park is the Gombe Stream National Park. Yes, it is that national park where Dr. Jane Goodall famously carried out her studies on chimps.
Tanzania Facts - Jane Goodall and Her Chimps
2. Tanzania Is Home to Africa’s Highest and Lowest Points
Tanzania hosts the mountain whose beauty is described in Ernest Hemminway’s short story, The Snows of Kilimanjaro. The short story talks about the beauty of the snow-capped, cone-shaped mountain of Kilimanjaro. A site that will take your breath away, this mountain stands at about 19,341 feet (5,895 m) above sea level and is the tallest mountain in Africa. To top that off, Kilimanjaro is also the highest freestanding mountain in the world.
On the mountain, you can find five main vegetation zones from the lowest to the highest point: Cultivation Zone, Forest Zone, Heather-Moorland Zone, Alpine Desert Zone, and the Arctic Summit climate zones.
Tanzania Facts - Photo by Guy Basabose on Unsplash
But it doesn’t stop there; Tanzania is also home to Africa’s deepest floor, Lake Tanganyika. The lake is 4,820 feet deep and is the longest freshwater lake in the world. It is also the second deepest lake in the world, following Lake Baikal.
3. Tanzania Hosts the Largest Land Mammal Migration on the Planet
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world and has been the topic of various documentaries. The migration is quite astounding and is definitely one of the best safari experiences one can have.
Tanzania Facts - Great Migration
This incredible spectacle is an annual event that encompasses the migration of millions of mammals, including wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra. The mammals migrate in a circular route in search of fresh pastures.
Without a doubt, the most thrilling part of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti is the Mara River crossing, with animals braving crocodiles and danger at every turn.
4. Tanzania Is Home To The Largest Intact Caldera In The World
Spanning 8,300 square kilometers of land, the Ngorongoro Conservation area is the only region in the world where man and wild animals co-exist in harmony. But what makes this conservation area spectacular is that it hosts the World’s Largest Intact Caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater.
It is believed that the Ngorongoro Crater before it erupted, would have been higher than the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. This bowl hosts about 25,000 large mammals, including a large population of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Thus the Ngorongoro crater has been identified as one of the eight wonders of the world by UNESCO.
5. Tanzania Hosts 20% of Africa’s Large Mammal Population
Tanzania is most famous for the sheer number of animals the region hosts. But what makes this place all the more amazing is the different types of animals it hosts. Did you know that there are more than 4 million animals in Tanzania? What's more, the staggering four million animals comprise 430 different species and subspecies.
But the wildest thing about this country would be the fact that it houses some 20% of Africa’s large mammal population. Among the wide variety of mammals in Tanzania, the common ones are wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and gazelles. Then comes the larger predatory animals like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
6. In Tanzania More Languages Are Spoken Than In Any Other Country In East Africa
Did you know that the people of Tanzania speak over 100 languages? 126 languages, to be exact. While Tanzania is a multilingual country, its official language is Swahili. While around 10% speak Swahili as their first language, 90% of the population speaks Swahili as their second language. English is also widely spoken as a second language, reflecting Tanzania’s colonial past.
While we can’t list all 126 languages spoken in Tanzania, here is a list of some:
Swahili
English
Maasai
Datoga
Ogiek
Kisankasa
Pare
Bemba
Digo
Safwa
Makonde
Hehe
Yao
7. The Baobab Tree Can Easily Live Over A Thousand Years
If there is one tree that will make you stand and stare at it, then it is the Baobab. The Baobab tree is a beautiful and fascinating tree that can be seen in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park. Did you know that some species of the Baobab can live 1,000 years or longer? The oldest Baobab tree, found in South Africa, is believed to be an astounding 1,060 years old.
Uko Tayari?
Tanzania has always been a special and beautiful safari destination. The spectacular and unique landscape, combined with plentiful opportunities for game-spotting, makes Tanzania all the more amazing. No wonder Tanzania ranks amongst the top safari choices for first-time and experienced safari-goers. If you liked what you read and want to go on a safari in Tanzania, book a trip now!