The cultural diversity of the country allows to offer a variety of experiences both geographically and in terms of activities. Travelers are, for example, invited to participate in the coffee harvest on the slopes of Mount Meru, experience the Masai way of life in the center of the country and go fishing in a dhow (traditional sailing boat) along the Swahili coast, among many other attractive possibilities. The result is a multiplication of attractions for visitors, and a better sharing of income among Tanzanians.
The benefit of enhancing local cultures and traditions is not limited to job creation and income generation. The sometimes forgotten gestures are practiced again to satisfy the curiosity of visitors, ensuring a certain perpetuation of the traditions. By arousing interest, a daily routine that may have seemed banal becomes a source of pride.
Tanzania has a long history dating back eons of time. The Pliocene hominid fossils dating back 6 million years ago. The Homo genus was found near Lake Olduvai and can be seen on display in the Olduvai Gorge Museum, near Ngorongoro Crater.
The mainland of Tanzania was formerly Tanganyika and became independent in 1961. The Zanzibar Archipelago became independent in 1963. Then in 1964, the two entities merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
The current population of Tanzania stands at 56 million. There are around 120 ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. There are over 100 different languages spoken, with Swahili being the national language. Around 10% of Tanzanians speak Swahili as a first language, and 90% speak it as a second language. All Tanzanians are assigned a tribe, which is determined by their father’s tribe. Each tribe has its own customs, and way of life. People may choose to live a more traditional way of life, especially in rural areas.
For those interested in experiencing a new culture, we have some exciting Tanzania Cultural Tours opportunities. One tribe is the Maasai. They are known for herding livestock (cows, goats, and sheep) and living a traditional way of life. They tend to live in small villages (called bomas), surrounded by a wooden fence. The traditional house is made of wood, mud and cow dung. The Masaai can be identified by their style of dress, which is usually bright red and/or blue clothing. As of 30 years ago, to become a warrior, young men were required to kill a lion. This is no longer allowed as the lion is protected. But their culture is still strong.
Cultural tourism programmes are beneficial to everyone – the tourists get a unique, unforgettable experience, the local people generate income and improve their standard of living, and both parties gain a valuable understanding of another culture which will last long after the visitors have returned home. Most cultural tourism programmes are located near the main thoroughfares of the principal tourist destinations, making a cultural addition to a safari easy to arrange. Guides are local people born and raised in the area, well trained in their jobs and proficient in English. Whether you spend the morning in a Maasai boma or trek by camel up a local summit, stopping to learn about traditional plants and tribal stories, a cultural tour is a must – do for anyone waiting to see the rich life of the Tanzanian people
