It’s not hard to see why Tanzania is famous for its stunning natural beauty. The country is home to the
African continent’s
largest and most magnificent mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the
highest concentration of predators. Every year, visitors witness the
migration of millions of zebras and wildebeest across the stunning
Serengeti Plains. There is the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater to explore in
the North, the stunning white sand beaches on the island of Zanzibar,
amazing
African safaris to experience and more.
Tanzania is also a country rich in local history and culture. Since
1964, when the United Republic of Tanzania was born by merging both
Zanzibar and Tanganyika, more than 120 ethnic groups have peacefully
lived together in the country. The language of coastal traders, namely
Swahili, was made the national language. With around 50 million living
in Tanzania, there’s a great chance to interact with a variety of people
with different backgrounds, traditions and religions.
This article explores some of the
best cultural experiences to have while exploring Tanzania!
1. Head To The Ngorongoro Crater Highland Region To Meet The Maasai
A visit to Tanzania would not be complete without spending some time
with Tanzania’s most well-known indigenous peoples known to be proud and
fierce warriors: the Maasai. The best opportunity you have to spend
time with the indigenous pastoralists — who still live as traditionally
as possible — is by heading to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is
the only conservation area on the continent which fully protects its
wildlife and the interests of the Maasai. Nearby, numerous Maasai
villages can be reached.
Tanzania Odyssey
offers the opportunity to be guided by a Maasai while trekking or
walking in the highlands, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more
about local culture and traditions.
2. Explore The Historical Kilwa Ruins
Located in the South on the tiny offshore island of Kilwa Kisiwani
lies the beautiful ruins of a medieval port town. In the 14th century
the famous globetrotter, Ibn Buttata, referred to Kilwa as one of the
most stunning and well-built towns in the world. Kilwa Kisiwani was then
a trading hub linking the gold fields of today’s Zimbabwe to the Middle
East and Asia. It remained a bustling hub for 300 years. Nowadays,
visitors can head to Kilwa Kisiwani to visit the ruins of palaces,
dome-roofed mosques and ornate graves reminiscent of the past. Since
1981, the Kilwa ruins have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
3. Attend The Colorful Wanyambo Festival
If you really want to experience Tanzanian local culture, head to Dar
Es Salaam, locally known as Makumbusho, in January. That is where the
Wanyambo Festival is staged every year, with lots of traditional dances,
music, costumes and, of course, food. Hundreds of visitors from
upcountry and other parts of Tanzania attend this 4-day festival, which
aims to show the beauty of Wanyambo culture and crafts.
4. Celebrate Mwaka Kogwa, The Shirazi New Year, At Makunduchi Village
Following Zoroastrian traditions and the Shirazi (Iran) calendar,
Mwaka Kogwa is quite an eventful 4- day New Year celebration held toward
the end of July, which includes mock fights and burning a hut. As
Shirazis were the first foreign settlers in Zanzibar, much of their
culture was taken in by Swahili people and adapted to the local context.
The men fight with banana stalks, rather than with conventional sticks,
to settle arguments and clear the air to let the new year roll in.
Meanwhile, the women walk around the fields wearing their most beautiful
clothes, singing love songs to celebrate life. Different villages
around the island of Zanzibar hold these festivities, however, the
village of Makunduchi is where the festivities are best observed.
5. Get Lost On The Narrow Alleys Of Stone Town
Combining a rich and fascinating history to incredibly stunning white
sand beaches, Zanzibar has it all. It also has Stone Town; a culturally
rich Swahili coastal trading town which forms the cultural heart of the
island. The past 200 years have seen little change in this old town.
Visitors can still visit extravagant local houses with beautiful wooden
doors, animated bazaars and the Sultan’s Palace. Most importantly they
can freely stroll around historical narrow streets and winding alleys
which give Stone Town all of its unique character. It’s no wonder Stone
Town has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. Meet The Hadzabe Around Lake Eyasi
When you think about history and ancient traditions in Tanzania, the
Hadzabe should come to mind. These indigenous hunter gatherers now live
around the stunning Lake Eyasi. Modern life threatens their traditional
lifestyle in many parts of the country; however, to protect their
culture and traditions an area has been allocated to them where they can
continue to live peacefully following their preferred lifestyle. If you
visit the Southern Serengeti, leave enough time to spend with the
Hadza. The men will be happy to take you hunting and let you participate
in the preparation of weapons and you can help the women prepare the
homestead.
What’s your favorite Tanzania cultural experience? Please share in the comments below.
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