This largest country in Eastern Africa has natural attractions that every rival country envy. After scooping three top accolades at Seven Natural Wonders of Africa what else is to be said about this paradise. From the largest to the smallest national park in Africa both are found in the remoteness of the country. Despite having 15 national park excluding game reserves, you are guarantee to meet massive animals eye -to- eye if you come in season. Dar es salaam makes the country be known Africa's Dubai due to its commercial activities and modernness, still culture is one key element that lure tourists from around the world.
Canoeing
While other African countries suffocates their tourists by congesting them into one or two water bodies. Tanzania offers a vast range more than any other African country. You can choose to canoe or other water related activities in any of these; Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa and the Indian Ocean to mention a few. There is room for everyone and a choice to do it around town or in the wilderness. In Momella Lake, the giraffe can be clearly seen from a very close range, giving you a taste of the true nature of Africa. In Lake Manyara and the Momella lakes the Flamingos flock in great number and can be seen on mass from great distances, and Lake Duluti has a particularly wide range of many different beautiful bird species.
A vital Culture and Traditions
Tanzanian's Social fabric charm is the prime attraction for cultural and eco-tourism. The folklore, the traditional "ngomas" and the dancing styles vary from one tribe to another. When dancing, the Makonde vibrate their bottoms in "Sindimba" frenzy and the "Zaramo" bounce the undulating "Mdundiko" procession. The Maasai in their leaping dance going simultaneously with rhythmic chant of their deep voices which can scare even a he lion! The use of live snakes by the "Sukuma" such as embracing huge pythons and struggling with during the "Bugobogobo" dance turn such occasions into unforgettable scenes to a visitor. Each of the 120 tribes has its ngoma and dancing all of which styles are quite fascinating and sometimes sexy.
Festivals
Tanzania's annual events range from traditional festivals that celebrate local culture and arts to sporting competitions combining physical challenges with breathtaking and exotic scenery. Other festivities include those which commemorate political events in Tanzania.
On Zanzibar, many of the celebrations and things to do are of a religious nature, and Muslim holidays are always cause for much merriment. Particularly popular here is Mwaka Kogwa and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), both of which are staged in July, and the musical extravaganza in February that is the Sauti za Busara.
Urban Vibes
Mountain Kilimanjaro (The Roof of Africa)
Above the gently rolling hills and plateau of northern Tanzania rise the snowy peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro, its slope and glaciers shimmering above the clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is the highlight of many visitors’ experience in Tanzania. Hiking on the ‘rooftop’ of Africa is the adventure of a life time, and anyone from seasoned trekker to a reasonably fit first-time enthusiast can scale the snowy peak. Despite Mount Kilimanjaro there are other mountains in Tanzania worthy knowing about.
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Canoeing
While other African countries suffocates their tourists by congesting them into one or two water bodies. Tanzania offers a vast range more than any other African country. You can choose to canoe or other water related activities in any of these; Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa and the Indian Ocean to mention a few. There is room for everyone and a choice to do it around town or in the wilderness. In Momella Lake, the giraffe can be clearly seen from a very close range, giving you a taste of the true nature of Africa. In Lake Manyara and the Momella lakes the Flamingos flock in great number and can be seen on mass from great distances, and Lake Duluti has a particularly wide range of many different beautiful bird species.
Canoeing at Lake Momella. |
Bushcamping
Ranging from uberstylish chalets primed for a Vogue photo shoot to more rustic bamboo and thatch affairs, bushcamps tend to be remotely situated and intimate, with no more than half a dozen rooms. Sitting down to a candlelit dinner of expertly prepared haute cuisine and a couple of drinks is simply awesome. The evening is spent around the campfire listening to the sound of the African night - the distant roar of Lion and the doleful, whooping, "laugh" of the Hyena nearby is an unforgettable experience.
The Great Wildebeest Migration (Serengeti)
Topping the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa nothing compares to the live watch of the great migrations. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the Grumeti River. However the route and timing of the migration is unpredictable so visitors must plan carefully to be assured of seeing the spectacle. During the early wet season (December to April) the animals are found on the short grass plains around Lake Ndutu, the Moru Kopjes, the Gol Mountains and Seronera in the south of the park.
A vital Culture and Traditions
Tanzanian's Social fabric charm is the prime attraction for cultural and eco-tourism. The folklore, the traditional "ngomas" and the dancing styles vary from one tribe to another. When dancing, the Makonde vibrate their bottoms in "Sindimba" frenzy and the "Zaramo" bounce the undulating "Mdundiko" procession. The Maasai in their leaping dance going simultaneously with rhythmic chant of their deep voices which can scare even a he lion! The use of live snakes by the "Sukuma" such as embracing huge pythons and struggling with during the "Bugobogobo" dance turn such occasions into unforgettable scenes to a visitor. Each of the 120 tribes has its ngoma and dancing all of which styles are quite fascinating and sometimes sexy.
A traditional dance in Tanzania. |
Festivals
Tanzania's annual events range from traditional festivals that celebrate local culture and arts to sporting competitions combining physical challenges with breathtaking and exotic scenery. Other festivities include those which commemorate political events in Tanzania.
On Zanzibar, many of the celebrations and things to do are of a religious nature, and Muslim holidays are always cause for much merriment. Particularly popular here is Mwaka Kogwa and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), both of which are staged in July, and the musical extravaganza in February that is the Sauti za Busara.
Remains of the colonial.
Being the home of the earliest man the Australopithecines, discovered at Laetoli near Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania, by archaeologist Mary Leakey in 1978. Tanzania is still the home of colonial remains in various spots like the Bagamoyo slave market ruins which is the UNESCO World Heritage, the ancient colonial buildings in the capital city of Dar es salaam to mention a few.
St. Joseph Church in the center of Dar es salaam |
Tanzania’s capital of Dar es salaam deserves to be more than
simply a pit stop or way station between interior regions – its modernity and
cosmopolitan mix of people offer a window to understanding the country as a
whole. The city’s young and stylish hit the happening restaurants and clubs,
many of which are in and around city center and Arcades Shopping Center or
shopping mall. While admittedly overwhelming to the senses, the city’s outdoor
markets are worth experiencing to see how ordinary Dar es salaam indigenous
or famously known Wabongo do their everyday shopping.
Above the gently rolling hills and plateau of northern Tanzania rise the snowy peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro, its slope and glaciers shimmering above the clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence. The mountain’s ecosystems are as strikingly beautiful as they are varied and diverse. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is the highlight of many visitors’ experience in Tanzania. Hiking on the ‘rooftop’ of Africa is the adventure of a life time, and anyone from seasoned trekker to a reasonably fit first-time enthusiast can scale the snowy peak. Despite Mount Kilimanjaro there are other mountains in Tanzania worthy knowing about.
Walking Safaris
Tanzania offers an adventure to explore the most spectacular
wilderness and cultural tour and safari on foot. Having 15 national parks means
more intimacy, closer look and feel of Africa's wilderness. A
legacy of Tanzania’s pioneering conservationists, ambling through lush grass or
dusty sandbanks on the trail of a herd of elephants is a thrilling experience. And
even if you don’t see the animals themselves, the guides or rifle-carrying
scouts will explain how much is revealed by the animal scat and paw prints. TV
detectives have nothing on these guys.
Tourist in close contact with elephants in a walking Safari |
Zanzibar
The dazzling archipelago in the Indian Ocean is one of the most popular places to visit in Tanzania. Zanzibar’s sparkling white beaches, crystal clear water, and great variety of things to do make it a must for anyone visiting Tanzania. While there, you can snorkel or scuba dive, go on a spice plantation tour, visit Stone Town, swim with the dolphins, or just lie on the beach and soak up the sun.
The dazzling archipelago in the Indian Ocean is one of the most popular places to visit in Tanzania. Zanzibar’s sparkling white beaches, crystal clear water, and great variety of things to do make it a must for anyone visiting Tanzania. While there, you can snorkel or scuba dive, go on a spice plantation tour, visit Stone Town, swim with the dolphins, or just lie on the beach and soak up the sun.
Note: Tanzania has lot of world heritage sites, and we have been depending on tourism for foreign exchange. We want to keep on gaining and benefit from these natural resources for today and the future ahead. After saying so I argue to be a responsible tourist so that we can enjoy the natural wonders by conserving them and passing them on to the next generations. Thank you for your understanding.