Tanzania

The only evocation of a trip to Tanzania immediately refers to images of animals in the wild, landscapes of African savannah, natural parks or lakes of incredible beauty (Tanganyika or Victoria)

More realistically, Tanzania, which is located in East Africa, remains a very poor country where the literacy rate is very low (only affects two thirds of its 41 million inhabitants knows how to read and write).  Life expectancy is low and does not exceed 52 years because of many infectious diseases such as yellow fever or dengue fever. Twice as big as France, this East African country sharing common borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique has started the liberalization its economy and we have started to witness positive change since the beginning of 2001. But many things remain to be made: its infrastructures remain in poor condition.

Even though the country has a relatively developed rail network compared to other African countries, many roads are still unpaved. Air transportation can nevertheless assure some connections between the main cities of the country. While Tanzania still relies heavily on international aid, the boom of the tourism industry was very valuable for the country. In order to develop the tourism industry, the government has invested heavily in accommodation: many comfortable lodges are available in the national parks. Many sites are selected Unesco’s world heritage, such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (8292 square kilometers) located in the north of the country, the Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, the Great Mosque of Kilwa, the Mkutini Palace, the Husuni Kubwa Palace, the ruins of Songo Mnara, the Selous Game Reserve, and the Kondoa Rock-Art Sites(covering some 200 caves with paintings dating from -40 000 to – 3000 BC). The list would not be complete without including the national parks, including that of Serengeti, or Kilimanjaro mountain which rises to 5 895 meters above sea level

Observing the animals in the wild is one of the top things to do Tanzania. The Serengeti is home for about 4 million animals including many bids, lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinos, but also hyenas and zebras. The country remains under the influence of two seasons: the dry season, which runs from May to October; the heat is particularly stifling from December to February. On the other hand, from the beginning of November to the middle of December, the country enters its rainy season. Camping can be an alternative to lodges. But beware, it’s not allowed everywhere. Some hotels in Tanzania accept for example to rent their gardens for camping purposes. The reservation can be made with the agency which has organized your holidays. Otherwise, you can always go to “public campsites” located in the natural parks.

Art and culture

Tanzanian culture is largely inspired by the Swahili culture in Zanzibar. Its Arab roots are reflected in the architecture and clothing of its people. The Muslim community remains particularly important in Zanzibar where it represents 95% of the total. In Tanzania, as everywhere in Africa, music is predominant. Ethnic groups like Giriamas, Digos or Luos are talented dancers. But the most impressive dancers are the Maasai with their very spectacular warrior rituals.

What to visit

Culminating at some 5895 meters above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is the summit you need to visit during your vacation in Tanzania. Among the national parks, the Serengeti Park, second in the country after the Selous game reserve, is also worth a visit. You will also enjoy visiting the protected area of Ngorongoro whose crater dimensions are 20 kilometers long and 16 to 19 kilometers wide. And if your stay allows you, also visit the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba to explore its beautiful beaches.

Gourmet specialties

Tanzania does not have what could be called a very varied gastronomy. Pilau rice and byriani rice are the main dishes of the country’s cuisine, as well as ugali, a kind type of cornmeal porridge. The fruits are delicious (especially mangoes, papayas, bananas and pineapple). So, ready to book a flight to Tanzania?