In early 2022, I spent about two months travelling around Tanzania. Located in East Africa, the country borders Kenya and Uganda to the North, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the West, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the South.
During my time travelling around Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar, friendly locals welcomed me into their homes or to simply have a chat. The Swahili culture is very warm, welcoming, and laid back. When taking a stroll around the neighbourhoods, local children would call out ‘jambo’ or ‘hello’, and often I would hear adults say, ‘ karibu’ or ‘welcome’.
When travelling, I always like to connect with the locals to learn more about their language, culture and food. It also gives you a different viewpoint of the place, since you’re no longer viewing the country through your own lens but through someone who’s most likely grown up there. This experience not only opens up your worldview, but it forces you to view the location through the local’s eyes. It also allows you to understand a culture deeper rather than making assumptions.
The Swahili culture, known for its warmth, hospitality, and laid-back demeanor, left an indelible mark on my journey.
Local Transportation
Taking a local mode of transport is also another great way to experience the local culture.
It allows you to experience the day-to-day life of locals. It’s also a great way to travel on a budget as shuttle buses and car hire will cost a lot more (often 3x or 4x the price of local transportation).
In Tanzania, you can take coaches when moving from one town to another or the dala dala when travelling within a town.
But, be prepared to wait a long time while enough people board the coach or dala dala. This may take a few minutes or a few hours.
Once, I was waiting for about two hours before we set off.
Be prepared to be waiting in hot weather as air-con units are not common on these coaches.
From my experience, taking early morning coaches was the best choice as the waiting time wasn’t long, and the journey was faster since the roads were quieter.
Various Landscapes
Tanzania is a beautiful country with many terrains to choose from. Zanzibar is home to some of the most stunning beaches with turquoise blue waters.
For mountain and hiking lovers, mainland Tanzania offers gorgeous lush green mountains to hike up to.
The most famous and highest mountain is of course Mount Kilimanjaro. But this can set you back anywhere between $1,000 — $4,000. If you’re looking for affordable hikes, I’d recommend the city of Morogoro.
Beautiful mountains that you can hike up surround the city. All the while having the entire viewpoint to yourself. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the waterfall lagoons after a long and hot hike.
Overall, Tanzania, in all its splendor, is a destination that caters to the adventurous spirit and those seeking tranquil escapes amidst picture-perfect beaches.
From the genuine warmth of its people to the diverse landscapes that unfold at every turn, this East African gem leaves an everlasting impression.
By venturing off the beaten path, connecting with locals, and embracing authentic experiences, I uncovered the multifaceted charms that make Tanzania an unparalleled destination for the intrepid traveler.
Have you been to Tanzania before? If so, what were your favourite parts of the country? If not, let me know if this beautiful country has found its place on your travel bucket list.