Guide to Tanzania

Religon

In Tanzania Christians, Muslims and people who practice traditional beliefs each make up about a third of the population. Islam began to be practiced as twelfth century Arab traders set up post along the coast, and it is within these regions that the religion is particularly widespread. However, long before the influence of Islam or Christianity, indigenous belief systems shaped the cosmology of each ethnic group, and still remain influential today, often being practiced alongside the major religons.

People

The main tribe around Kilimanjaro are the Chagga. They have their own dialect but also speak Swahili; their English is often sparse. Guides are usually conversant in English, German and French. To become a guide one must work through the ranks from porter to cook to assistant guide, then guide. All men on Kilimanjaro have small plots of land they work to feed their families - portering is extra work, which they do to supplement their incomes. Today Discover Adventure helps to fund guides to gain an official mountain leader qualification and this is something participants can donate to - find out more here.

The semi-nomadic Masai live around Arusha and the Rift Valley. They speak Swahili and English as well as their own language. One of Africa’s most well-known tribes, they dress distinctively in layers of colourful cloth – most commonly red and blue – and wear intricate bead necklaces and wooden bracelets. Their customs are very traditional and they have resisted governmental encouragement to change their way of life. Cattle and children are very important to this patriarchal society; having plenty of both is to be considered rich.

Language
 
There are over 120 different languages recognised in Tanzania, most originating from Bantu family. Following independence, the new government recognised the need for national unity and so made Kiswahili (Swahili) the national language. It was decided that this was the most appropriate language to unify the country as it did not originate or belong to a particular tribe or group. These days the majority of the population have accepted and fluently use Swahili therefore many of the other 120 languages are dying out.

Food and Drink

The choice of food in Tanzania is fantasticly varied due to its diverse climate and geography. Its tropical regions mean that there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables of every kind. The national cuisine is a real fusion of many different influences, particularly Indian, which explains some of countries favourite dishes, which include Palau, biriyani and samosas. The local food in Tanzania is usually very cheap and very filling – often a stew with rice or plantain or more often, a maize meal porridge known as ugali.