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Culture Documents
Tanzania is formerly known as Tanganyika, a name that was given to the country by a British civil
servant in the early 1920’s (Tanga meaning sail and Nyika meaning arid plain). The previously known
German East Africa was then became known as Tanganyika Territory. In 1964, Tanganyika was
joined with Zanzibar and other offshore islands to become what is known as today: United Republic of
Tanzania.
Being a former colony of both Germany and Britain, architectural styles in Tanzania reflect Arab,
German, and British influence and occupation. There is also a long rich history of slave trade and
other goods that can be seen in the architectural remains and buildings, as well as culture of the
coastal towns and offshore Zanzibar Island (The Portuguese, Arabs and Indians and Chinese were
also involved in this trade). For instance, ruins of Arab mosques as well as nineteenth-century stone
houses on narrow streets can be seen in Bagamoyo, which was one of the main endpoints of the East
African slave trade. There are also tombs embedded with Chinese ceramics dating to the twelfth
century.
Suburban dwellings, most of which are built along a grid pattern, include the Swahili house, a
rectangular structure made of either stone with a corrugated roof or earth on a wooden frame with a
thatch roof. This type of house is found all along the coast.
NATIONAL IDENTITY
There are many factors that have contributed to the national identity of Tanzanians.
Kiswahili - This is the lingua-franca of the nation, is spoken and revered by all, and is a
compulsory subject in schools.
Development of Tanzanian socialism as endorsed by first president Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and
sanctioned in the Arusha Declaration of 1967. As an expression of social collectivity, ujamaa
villages were created – whose core structure was based on mutual assistance and cooperation.
National Resources such as Mt Kilimanjaro and other natural attractions such as the Serengeti
and the world’s largest caldera, Ngorongoro crater as well as Lake Victoria, the second largest
freshwater lake in the world, contribute to the Nations sense of national identity.
TANZANIA
The extended family is the basic family structure. In most cases, the man is the head of the home and
usually makes all major decisions. Throughout the nation, children are raised with the strong influence
of parents as well as close relatives, friends, and neighbours. However, the market economy has
placed significant pressure on the stability of the domestic unit and the extended family. Educated,
wealthy family members are often called upon to provide resources to other family members for their
education and general welfare. Elders are honoured and respected by the rest of the community.
In rural areas especially, the role of women and girls is basically to take care of the household chores,
take care of children and work in the fields. The men also work in farms, care for their livestock and
make the important family decisions. However, all these roles are changing gradually with the
increase in development, and increased girl child education. These divisions of labour however are
not so pronounced in urban areas.
FESTIVALS IN TANZANIA?
Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are the best spots for enjoying the many festivals in Tanzania. Here a
few notable festivals that happen every year. Aside from the festivals mentioned below, Eid,
Christmas, and Easter are also popular holidays. Be aware that Eid changes every year, so be sure to
check your calendar.
Waynyambo Festival: In celebration of local culture, dance, music, costumes and food. Happens in
Dar es Salaam in January.
Kiliman Adventure Challenge: A triathlon event that includes a hike up Mt Kilimanjaro, a mountain
bike ride around the great circumference and a Kilimanjaro Marathon. Happens in February.
Kilimanjaro Marathon: This is a road race under the view of Kilimanjaro. The event even includes a
half marathon. Happens in February.
Unification Day: April 26th. Signifies the unification of mainland Tanzania with Zanzibar.
Mzalendo Halisi Music Festival: A music festival held in Dar es Salaam in May.
Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair: A fair with many items for purchase from gemstones to safari gear.
It’s the largest of such festivals in East Africa. Happens in Arusha around May/June.
Festival of the Dhow Countries: A film and music festival in Zanzibar. Happens in early July and
goes for two weeks.
Mwaka Kogwa Festival: Happens in Zanzibar where the local men beat each other with banana
stalks to settle arguments from the previous year. There is a big fire and a feast. A four day event
happening in July/August.
Bagamoya Arts Festival: The town of Bagamoya between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar holds a
week-long event in September that celebrates music and dance.
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration: December through February the wildebeest numbers are at their
peaks.
TIPPING IN TANZANIA
Tipping is usually done in USD but it can also be done with the local currency in Tanzania. In hotels
tip bellhops and cleaning staff around $1-$2 a day or per bag. In restaurants, typically tip 5% if a
service charge is not included. Round up your fare for any taxi rides.
Tipping your guide and porter is encouraged but not mandatory. Please see our tipping page for
more information.
SUSTAINABILITY IN TANZANIA
As with many developing nations, Tanzania has a plethora of environmental issues. As a visitor to this
amazing place, it is our responsibility to minimize our impact. Do not buy any wildlife products that you
do not know if they were obtained sustainably. Filter your water to eliminate the use of disposable
plastic water bottles. This decreases the tourism impact on the waste stream. Use a cloth shopping
bag when you shop in country. If you are welcomed into a home, be sure to finish your plate of food.
Many people go hungry in this part of the world, finishing your plate ensures that no food goes to
waste.