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Tanzania Lifestyle and Culture

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Tanzania is a culturally heterogeneous society that is rich in ancient cultures and traditions, despite that fact Tanzania is one of the most unified countries in Africa. There is a strong sense of patriotism that reverberates throughout the country and its people.

Thanks to the first president of Tanzania Julius Nyerere’s efforts to consolidate the multi-cultural country into one nation, Tanzania is one of the most peaceful countries with very little tribal friction. This is evident in the language spoken in Tanzania.

KiSwahili is spoken by over 90% of the people and was used as the language of communication amongst the locals who come from more than 130 ethnic groups and various religious identities.

If you are in Tanzania there is a need to learn Swahili so that you can communicate effectively with the locals. The locals have a well-known reputation for being friendly and polite to visitors and foreign people. This simply means you will not have a challenge in making new friends, asking for directions or getting a helping hand from a stranger in the streets.

The staple diet of Tanzania depends on the region in which you are in. In the northwest regions, the people prefer ugali (hardened mash of mealie meal) as the staple carbohydrate, whilst people in the southwestern region prefer plantains and rice along the coast. This is for both people in the rural areas and urban areas. Usually, the staple is coupled with fish, beef, chicken, goat, or lamb stew with vegetables such as spinach pumpkins and sweet potatoes.

Eating with your hands than using cutlery is the most common feat amongst the people of Tanzania. Indian food has become a common trend in Tanzania, widening the variety of palatal experience during your stay there. With a wide array of fishing bays in the country, Tanzania is home to seafood. Be prepared to feast on your most craved delicacies when you visit there.

Ceremonial occasions are usually riddled with platters of food such as the pilau (spiced rice, potato, and meat) and it is encouraged to feast as much as you can during such ceremonies as leaving hungry is considered an insult to the host according to tradition.

Local beer and spirits derived from fermented bananas, corn, rice, honey, or sorghum are the common alcoholic beverages found in the country. Konyagi, a ginlike spirit, is a more popular spirit brewed for commercial purposes in Tanzania as are a variety of beers and soft drinks.

Freedom of religion has been a major factor in keeping the country peaceful since its independence. The country boasts of Christians, Muslims, African religions and other various religions, mainly from Asia.

Islam is deeply rooted in Zanzibar because of Arabic influence which is evidently in Swahili. Christians, who are the greater population, are found mostly on the mainland and throughout the country.

African religion is alive and it is often practiced alone or alongside Christianity or Muslim. Tanzanians are highly religious people who respect and observe each other’s religious beliefs.
Tanzania is gifted with the most majestic scenery and breath-taking wildlife.

It houses both the highest and lowest points on the continent. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa while Lake Tanganyika is the deepest lake in Africa. Tanzania also boasts of the Serengeti plains that are popular for the wildebeest migration which people from across the world to witness the epic journey of the wildebeests.

Tanzania is a tourist beehive, with Zanzibar being one of the most visited places in the country because of its wonderful beaches. The country is nothing short of tourist heaven. Therefore expect to come across a multi-national community.

" is a place to be" - Martin from Canada

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