15 Fascinating Facts about Tanzania

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse cultures, and abundant wildlife. From vast savannahs filled with iconic animals to the towering Mount Kilimanjaro, this nation has a lot to offer. Its cultural diversity adds depth to its charm, and the historical significance of places like Zanzibar and Olduvai Gorge provides a unique context.

Here are 15 fascinating facts about Tanzania that would excite you further to visit the country:

1. Tanzania is home to Africa's towering icon, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain globally, towering at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). This majestic peak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its diverse ecological zones, encompassing cultivated land, lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and an arctic summit. Every year, thousands of trekkers attempt to conquer its summit, Uhuru Peak, offering a challenging but rewarding experience.

2. Nearly 30% of Tanzania is devoted to national parks.

Tanzania boasts more than 20 national parks and reserves, showcasing an incredible diversity of wildlife and landscapes. These parks include the world-renowned Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over one million large mammals. Tanzania is also a sanctuary for elephants, boasting the largest population of these magnificent creatures in the Selous Game Reserve. Other famous parks, like Gombe Stream National Park, hold rich histories of scientific exploration, such as Dr Jane Goodall's pioneering research on chimpanzees.

3. Tanzania hosts the Great Migration with over 2 million animals.

Tanzania is the stage for one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles, the Great Migration, where more than 2 million animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, journey across the plains in search of fresh pastures. This remarkable event unfolds in the Serengeti National Park and the adjacent Maasai Mara in Kenya, creating a wildlife phenomenon like no other.

4. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest volcanic depression.

Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is a unique ecosystem enclosed by towering walls where diverse wildlife roams, including lions, elephants, and flamingos. This natural wonder is celebrated as one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a remarkable safari experience.

5. Lake Tanganyika is the world's second-largest freshwater lake.

Lake Tanganyika in East Africa is the world's second-largest freshwater lake, after Siberia's Lake Baikal. It's shared by Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, and Congo and holds a significant 8% of the planet's freshwater. With over 500 fish species inhabiting its depths, it's highly regarded for its aquatic diversity and serves as a valuable site for scientific research.

6. Baobab trees in Tarangire National Park can live up to 1,000 years.

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is home to Baobab trees that can live for up to 1,000 years. These ancient trees have adapted to Africa's tough climate, with their massive, gnarled trunks and branches making them stand out in the park's landscape. They also serve as important landmarks and gathering spots for both wildlife and people in the area.

7. Tarangire National Park is famous for tree-climbing lions.

In Tarangire National Park, lions have developed the intriguing habit of ascending trees, providing a captivating sight for visitors. The exact reasons for this behaviour remain debated, but it's believed they climb for cooler temperatures and to avoid pesky tsetse flies. Witnessing these lions in trees is a special experience for Tanzanian safari enthusiasts.

8. Zanzibar is a historical centre of the Arab slave trade.

Zanzibar holds historical significance as a central hub of the Arab slave trade. This island played a pivotal role in the dark chapter of history, serving as a major slave market. The haunting echoes of this period can still be felt through historical sites and museums on the island, offering visitors a glimpse into this painful past and the resilience of the people who lived through it.

9. Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania holds human fossils dating back millions of years.

Olduvai Gorge is often called the "Cradle of Mankind" because of the critical discoveries made there, shedding light on human evolution. Fossils of early hominids like Homo habilis and Australopithecus boisei have been unearthed here, making it a crucial site for understanding our ancient history.

10. Tanzania witnessed the world's shortest war, lasting just 38 minutes.

In 1896, Tanzania saw the world's shortest war, a mere 38-minute clash during a dispute over the sultanate's succession. Supported by British warships, one side quickly emerged victorious, making this swift conflict a unique historical episode in Tanzania's past.

11. Tanzania's name merges Tanganyika and Zanzibar, once independent states.

In 1964, Tanzania was created by merging two distinct, formerly independent states: Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Tanzania's name is made by combining "Tan" from Tanganyika, which means something like "sail in the wilderness" in Swahili, and "Zan" from Zanzibar, an Arabic term meaning "black coast." This unique name reflects the blend of cultures and heritage in the country.

12.  Westerners are affectionately called "Mzungu" in Tanzania.

When Westerners visit Tanzania, they may hear the friendly calls of this term, "mzungu," which is used to refer to Western people and carries historical connotations of explorers or those who roamed the land, mapping the country. So, if you're planning a backpacking adventure in Tanzania, expect to hear this word used by the locals.

13. Tanzania shares its national anthem with South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Tanzania shares its national anthem, "Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika" ("God Bless Africa"), with South Africa and Zimbabwe, a unique distinction. The song was originally composed by Enoch Sontonga and later adopted by these countries, with Tanzania's Swahili version named "Mungu Ibariki Afrika."

14. Porridge is Tanzania's beloved national dish.

The porridge called Ugali is Tanzania's cherished national dish, made from grains like maize and millet. Tanzanians often enjoy it at the start of their day, adding sugar, milk, or spices for flavour. Tanzanian cuisine is a flavorful fusion influenced by Arabic, Indian, and African culinary traditions. It is known for its use of aromatic spices like coconut, cardamom, garlic, and turmeric.

15. Tanzania's cultural diversity includes over 120 ethnic groups.

Tanzania's cultural landscape is incredibly diverse, encompassing over 120 distinct ethnic groups. The country is a melting pot of various languages, traditions, and customs. The most widely spoken language is Swahili, serving as a unifying thread among these groups. Each ethnic community contributes unique aspects to the country's cultural mosaic, from art and music to dance and cuisine.

Tanzania's vast national parks, diverse wildlife, iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, and unique facts like the world's shortest war and ancient baobab trees make it an exceptional destination. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or seeker of stunning landscapes, Tanzania offers unforgettable experiences.