Tanzania Country Information & Useful Etiquette Rules
Tanzania is an East African country situated just south of the Equator. It was formed as a sovereign state in 1964 through the union of the separate states Tanganyika and Zanzibar. It is the second largest country in East African and officially referred to as the United Republic of Tanzania.
The country is strategically located on the Indian Ocean and shares its border with eight incredible safari destinations: Kenya to the north-east; Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; Zambia to the south-west; and Malawi and Mozambique to the south.
Population: 61 million
Area: 945,087 km²
Capital: Dodoma
Commercial Center: Dar es Salaam
Major languages: Swahili, English
Major religions: Christianity, Islam
The people of Tanzania have a rich cultural heritage with a large variety of ethnic groups, tribes and religions
Country Etiquette and what to watch out for…
Greetings & Right Hand
Greetings are an essential part. Keep it simple with a smile, a hello, and sometimes even a handshake. There is no need to rush this! Also greet everyone in the room/group as only greeting the host may be taken as ignoring the others.
Elders in Tanzania are treated with higher levels of respect as they are considered more knowledgeable and experienced. There are no obvious rules, but just show your best behavior and don’t forget the handshakes.
Keep you right hand dominant – especially when it comes to greetings, eating, and giving/receiving objects. In Tanzania it is assumed that your left hand has been used for “toilet duties”.
Pictures & Authorities
Ask for permission before you take any pictures. Members of certain ethnic groups believe that a piece of their soul is taken away. It is therefore important to be respectful and ask permission beforehand.
It is forbitten to take pictures of government house and any military compounds. Sites where photography is prohibited are not always marked.
When dealing with government authorities be respectful and avoid impatience. A lot of issues can be sorted with a smile and a good sense of humor.
What would you like to explore in Tanzania?
Safaris
Tanzania is a very big country and one of East Africa’s most outstanding safari destination! Encounting wildlife in its natural habitat is an unforgettable adventure. Whether you would like to travel to the North, South, West or combine your Tanzania Safari with one of the neighbouring countries, we will be on your side to guide you!
Trekking
Tanzania’s stunning mountain ranges can be best explored on a hiking or trekking journey. Whether you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or one of the lesser-known alternatives, Tanzania will fascinate you with its stunning scenery! The Rift Valley and volcanoes; mountain ranges and plateaus; craters and lakes – all offer superb possibilities to immerse in Tanzania’s nature.
Beach Holidays
Tanzania’s endless coastline of palm fringed beaches, the Zanzibar archipelago and the neighbor islands Mafia and Pemba provide the perfect getaway for some relaxing beach days. Whether as a stand-alone beach holiday or a beach exentison after your safari on the mainland, we can assist to design a customized holiday just for you!