Tanzania is one of the largest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and was a land that greatly fascinated the great explorers. Its borders are washed by the Indian Ocean and extend to the famous island of Zanzibar, which since 1963 has been under the country’s government, taking the name of the United Republic of Tanzania — a year that also marks the beginning of independence.
It is difficult to decide where to begin exploring this enchanting country, often described as the Garden of Eden thanks to the incredible variety of animal and plant species found throughout its territory. A good starting point is the Great Rift Valley, which runs perpendicularly through Tanzania, shaping the landscape with its lakes and volcanic mountain peaks.
The famous Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters, is the highest peak in all of Africa and one of the country’s main attractions. For the more adventurous, it can be reached by organizing an unforgettable trekking experience through the Kilimanjaro National Park and its lush rainforest.
It’s impossible not to mention the great and magnificent lakes that characterize the country’s interior: Lake Victoria, the largest in all of Africa and the main reservoir of the Nile River, home to over 400 different fish species; and Lake Tanganyika, which forms the border with Burundi and is considered the seventh-largest lake in the world.
There are also countless national parks where visitors can spend several days on photographic safaris to admire nature in all its splendor. The Arusha National Park is very famous for the large amphitheater of the Ngorongoro Crater, where the Olduvai Gorge—defined as the "Cradle of Humanity"—is located.
But for those seeking seaside relaxation, there are 800 kilometers of coastline bathed in warm sunshine all year round, in destinations such as Dar Es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Pangani, or by heading a few kilometers off the mainland to discover the Zanzibar Archipelago, a place that perfectly blends the cultures that have visited it over the centuries, offering today a true earthly paradise of a thousand colors.
In short, there is something for everyone in this country, which will leave you surprised and fascinated!
LANGUAGE: The official languages are Kiswahili and English, while in the more touristy areas of Zanzibar, many people also speak Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
RELIGION: About 35% of the population is Christian, 35% Muslim, and 30% follow indigenous beliefs and practices. The island of Zanzibar is 99% Muslim.
DOCUMENTS: A passport valid for at least six months from the departure date and with at least one blank page is required. The Tanzania/Zanzibar visa can be obtained at all arrival airports for an additional fee.
TIME ZONE: Tanzania is 2 hours ahead of Italy when standard time is in effect and 1 hour ahead during daylight saving time.
CURRENCY: The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Currency exchange can be done at airports, in cities, or at hotels. In major tourist areas, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.
Curiosity
The Olduvai Gorge, located on the Serengeti plain, is the most important archaeological site in all of Africa because the oldest human construction in the world was found there, a circle of stones identified as the base of a hut built 1.8 million years ago, discovered by a German entomologist in 1911 by chance.
Our advices
TO READ:
African Fairy Tales (Mondadori, 1991) — a collection of traditional African folk stories.
African Walks by A. Moravia (Bompiani, 2002) — travel accounts through Tanzania and other African countries.
The Rain Queen by Scholes (Sonzogno, 2003) — set against the backdrop of Tanzania’s struggle for independence, telling the story of two young women.
TO LISTEN TO: An ancient African saying goes: “When Zanzibar plays the flute, Africa dances all the way to the Great Lakes.” Music is a source of joy for African people and accompanies both daily life and celebrations. Among the most popular styles are taarab—melodies performed by a singer with an orchestra of up to 40 instruments—and ngoma, music characterized by drum rhythms and energetic dances.
TO WATCH:
The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952), based on Hemingway’s short story, recounts the life of a writer in Africa.
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), the story of an ambitious engineering project on the Tsavo River facing terrifying challenges.
I Dreamed of Africa (2000), a beautiful African saga with stunning views over the Rift Valley.
TO EAT: Tanzanian cuisine is varied, using simple, natural ingredients. Cereal flours such as maize, sorghum, wheat, and millet are commonly used to prepare staple dishes. The most famous is ugali, a white, polenta-like dish that accompanies meat and vegetable stews. Zanzibar’s cuisine is different—more elaborate, with a preference for fish and the exclusion of pork, as most of the island’s population is Muslim.
