A Deep Dive Into Tanzanian Culture and Traditions

The Tanzanian culture is a blend of influences from over 120 tribes that make the nation. As one of the most culturally diverse countries, the cultures and traditions of the local people are so unique. Each of the 120 Tanzanian tribes has their unique ways of life, but they all contribute to the overall identity of the nation. From the ancient ways of the Hadza bushmen and tall graceful Maasai warriors to artistic Makonde resourceful Wameru agriculturalists, Tanzania is one lovely country.

Quick Facts About Tanzania

  • Tanzania is an East African country located just south of the equator  also the largest country in East Africa
  • It became a sovereign state in 1964 when the separate mainland Tanganyika and island Zanzibar merged 
  • The nation’s population is over 62 million people (As per 2022 census)
  • Dar es Salam is the largest city while Dodoma is the nation’s designated official capital 
  • The official spoken language in Tanzania is Swahili, although English is widely spoken too
  • Tanzania comprises 120 ethnic communities with 95% of them being of Bantu origin
  • The dominant religion in Tanzania is Christianity (61%) and Muslim (35%)

The Diversity of Tanzanian People

Tanzania is one of the most diverse countries in Africa with over 120 indigenous tribes, which are currently clustered into larger groups. These groups are classified into four major families, including Bantu, Nilo-Hamite, Cushite, and San. However, with modernization, politicization, and rural-urban migration, the smallest ethnic groups have been absorbed and gradually disappearing. The most dominant Tanzanian tribes include:

  • Sukuma: Largest Tanzanian ethnic group with a population of over 10 million people, mostly living in the southern part of Lake Victoria and speaking the Sukuma language
  • Nyamwezi: Comprised of four ethnic groups (Konogo, Kimbu, Nyamwzi, and Sumbwa), this is the second-largest tribe in the Tanzanian culture. 
  • Chagga; The largest and officially richest tribe in Tanzania, living on the eastern and southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. 
  • Maasai: An Indigenous Nilotic tribe in Tanzania and Kenya who are known for their big herds of cattle
Cultural experiences in Tanzania with Maasai tribe

Despite being such a versatile nation, the Tanzanians are polite and friendly. Due to their strong upbringing, most of them are considerate as they strive to develop strong ties with their families and respect their elders. A cultural tour in Tanzania can be life-changing as you interact with some of the most unique people in the world.  

Family Life of Tanzanians 

Just like most African countries, family life in Tanzanian culture is more traditional. Gender roles are clear from the start, and the impact of family on society is essential and noticeable. Tanzanians consider family the most important aspect of society. The basic family structure in Tanzania is extended. Although the nation has seen a significant shift to a nuclear family, the traditional extended family structure is still popular. 

Tanzania Languages

As diverse as the tribes are in the country, Tanzania has over 120 spoken languages. The majority of these languages are from the Bantu family although each is different on its own. However, the government realized the need for national unity after the country gained its independence, and made Kiswahili (Swahili) the official Tanzanian language. 

Kiswahili was seen as the logical choice at the time because most of the people from various Tanzanian tribes were already using it informally, especially along the coastal region for trading. It was also seen as the perfect language to unify the country because it did not belong to any tribe. Kiswahili was then introduced in all primary schools and everyone learns it from an early age.

A lot of effort went into formalizing Kiswahili from the then-callow language. This involved writing books in Kiswahili and establishing a system on how it would be taught in schools. The decision was made to teach students in elementary schools with Kiswahili and those in high schools and universities in English. This has allowed most people to communicate fluently in both Kiswahili and English. Some of the most important Swahili phrases during your trip to Tanzania include: 

  • Jambo – Hello 
  • Karibu – Welcome
  • Ninaitwa – My name is 
  • Tafadhali – Please 
  • Kwa heri – Goodbye 
  • Asante Sana – Thank you very much 
  • Hakuna Matata – There are no problems
  • Ndiyo – Yes 
  • Hapana – No 
  • Habari Gani – How are you? 
  • Nzuri – I’m fine 
  • (Sio) nzuri – (Not) Good 

Religion in the Tanzanian Culture

The majority of people in Tanzania, about two-thirds of the population, are Christians, with most denominations including Roman Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptist. This is followed by a third of the population who are Muslim. The remainder of the population follows their traditional beliefs. 

Tanzania Etiquette

The people of Tanzania are extremely friendly and welcoming. Although most people are laid-back, your interactions may need to follow specific rules depending on the person’s background. Some indigenous groups are very small and strict to their customers. However, your guide should be able to provide the lead, ensuring you interact freely with the people around you.

The Tanzania population refers to itself as Wananchi, Swahili for “the people”. This term needs to be said in a respectful tone when referring to people. When visiting the coastal region or the island of Zanzibar, the majority of the people are Muslim and expect everyone to have a modest appearance.  You should adopt a more conservative approach in your clothes, especially when outside of tourist areas by covering your legs and shoulders. 

Food etiquette is another important aspect of the Tanzania culture. By default, use your right hand to eat when dining and passing food. And in every interaction, greetings are considered an important part of the conversation. It is customary to swap pleasantries first before getting into business. To summarize Tanzanian etiquette:

  • Use the right hand for greeting people, eating, and picking food because it is considered cleaner. The left hand is only used for bathroom and ablution activities.
  • Keep your temper and emotions in control while in public places
  • Avoid romantic public displays of affection such as kisses and cuddles as they are mostly frowned upon, especially at the coast. The Islamic culture believes that affection between a couple is strictly a private affair left for the bedroom.
  • Avoid breathing in the aroma of a meal before eating as it can be seen as a sign of distaste or suspicion. The locals believe that food should only be smelled if it is thought to be rotten or something is wrong with it. Sniffing may also be taken as a highlight insulting the cook.
  • Ask before taking snapshots. Although some enthusiastic Tanzanians are happy when a visitor takes their photos or shows their traditional lifestyle, it may be considered an invasion of privacy if you do not ask before starting to take photos.
  • Respect the elderly. Tanzanians believe that the elders possess greater knowledge, and not showing courtesy of their presence or questioning their opinions is seen as a cultural offense. 
Food in the tanzanian culture

Tanzanian Food and Dishes

Just like the culture, Tanzanian cuisine is widely varied and you will be treated to something different depending on the locations you visit. Although the food prepared and served in the country is simple, every tribe has its own specialties.  In coastal regions, spicy foods are the usual delicacy with coconut milk widely used. The most common foods include pilau, kabab, Briyani, Samosa/Sambusa, and Kashata (groundnuts or coconut rolls).

When you move inland, the foods become less spicy but increase in variety. You will find food like Ugali, wali (rise), chapati, nyama choma (grilled meat), kuku choma (grilled chicken), nyama pori (bushe meat), mishikaki (skewed meat), kiti moto (grill pork), samaki (fish), bamia (okra), plantatins, kisusio (bone soap), and more.

Snacks are also common, including maandazi, kashat, visheti, sambusa, vitumbua, mkate wa kumimina, firigisi (grilled gizards, korosho. Senene (pan grilled grasshoppers), and many others. For the beverages, you will find chai (tea), kahawa (coffee), tembo/mnazi, beers, wines, and spirits. Since tap water is unsafe to drink, it is advisable to use only bottled water, but you may need to avoid ice, especially in some local places. 

Tanzania Arts and Architecture

The Tanzania arts and architecture play an important role in national identity. Top of the list are the Makonde ebony carvers, various ethnic groups’ music, and district dance. Oral storytelling is another important part of the Tanzanian arts and culture. In terms of architecture, most of the building styles and patterns draw inspiration from the Arabian culture, the German, and British colonial rule. 

cultural experiences in tanzania 2

Tanzania Music Culture

The music culture in Tanzania is diverse, having evolved significantly over the years. The nation’s national anthem is titled Mungu Ibariki Africa, which translates to God Bless Africa. Originally written by Enck Sontong, a South African composer, it is a prayer for Africa. It is also the national anthem of Malawi and South Africa. 

The mixture of multiple tribes that form the Tanzanian culture has contributed to a music industry that combines old, new, and imported sounds. This has given rise to interesting flavors of music with a very defined tune. Among the traditional music in Tanzania are Taarab, Ngoma, Zouk, and Ndombolo. The modern sounds that have emerged include Bongo Flavor, Sikinde, African hip hop, Modern Taarab, Reggae, Mtindo, Bongopiano and Singeli.

Experience Tanzania Culture and Traditions with Bobbytours

The Tanzanian culture is a perfect blend of over 120 tribes that makes the country one of the most culturally diverse in the world. If you are planning to visit the country, book your safari with Bobbytours to get a real cultural immersion. We will help you meet the various cultural groups of Tanzania, allowing you to create life-lasting memories.

Tanzania Culture and Traditions FAQs

What makes the Tanzanian traditions and culture so unique?

The Tanzanian culture is one of the most diverse in Africa with other 120 ethnic groups. However, everyone in the country appreciated the national unity while the various tribes were celebrated. 

What does “Hakuna Matata” mean?

The popular Walt Disney’s Lion King sing, “Hakuna Matata” is a Swahili phrase, which means there are no worries or there is no trouble. You will occasionally hear this catchphrase while in Tanzania, as it represents the Tanzanian culture of having no rush. 

What is Tanzania best known for?

While Tanzania is best known for having some of the best and biggest parks in Africa, the Great Wildebeest Migration puts the country on the world map. Tourists get the opportunity to see animals cross across the extensive plains in search of water and fresh pasture. 

What are the main traditional and religious beliefs in Tanzania?

The majority of people in the Tanzanian culture are either Christians or Muslims. A small portion of the population still practice their indigenous traditional belief practices.

Can you kiss or cuddle in public when traveling to Tanzania? 

No, public display of affection, including kissing and cuddling is not readily accepted, especially in the coastal region. Due to the overly conservative culture in the region, actions like kissing and holding hands are best done in private. 

What are some of the cultural practices I need to know before visiting Tanzania?

While most things are obvious, the right hand is concerned cleaner than the left in Tanzanian culture. Therefore, it is used for greeting people, eating, and giving and receiving objects while the left is used for bathroom activities.

Does Tanzania have a traditional dress?

Tanzania does not have a single specific traditional dress that represents the entire country, as it is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and cultures. However, there are some commonly worn traditional attires that are widely recognized. Men often wear the kanzu, a long white robe typically used for formal occasions, while many women commonly adorn themselves with khangas, colorful and patterned fabric wraps that are both versatile and symbolic in Tanzanian culture. These garments reflect the country’s cultural richness and diversity.

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