Tanzania at a glance

Tanzania is located below the horn of Africa, on the east coast of the continent. It is surrounded by eight other countries: Kenya and Uganda in the north and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique in the south. To the west it borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the east stretches about 800 kilometres down the coast of the Indian Ocean. The relatively small capital of Dodoma with a population of 2,312,141 is located almost in the centre of the country. Other important cities are Dar Es Salaam on the Indian Ocean and Arusha in the north, on the Kenyan border.

Tanzania has a population of more than 58 million. The population is relatively young: 44 percent are younger than 14. The average age is 17.7. In comparison, in Switzerland the average age is 40.1 years. Besides the numerous languages and original dialects spoken, the main language is Swahili. English is also widely spoken. Some native-born citizens also speak German or French. In the cities, Western, Indian and Asian influences are also distinctly present.

Hospitality is very important in Tanzania. About 120 different ethnic groups live peacefully together here. The mixture of people of African descent and people with European and Asian roots is visible. For a long time, Tanzania was governed as a colonial territory, alternately by the English and Germans. These influences are also perceptible today. The contrast between the urban, suburban and rural populations is great, as it is everywhere in Africa. Thus travellers to Tanzania also encounter fascinating old cultures and old crafts. Encounters with the Maasai, Hadzabe or Datoga people, just to name a few, are hugely impressive.

Tanzania offers a great diversity of culinary experiences. An international cuisine is offered in tourist hotels, restaurants and safari lodges. A tasty local specialty is “ugali,” a maize flour dish, served with meat, fish or bean sauce. On the coast the Swahili seafood, fish dishes with coconut milk, biryani and meat or fish curry, lobster and prawns are very tasty. Another specialty is “halua”, a sweet desert with almonds, served with spiced coffee or tea. In most locations you will also find a variety of tropical fruits such as mangos, pineapple, bananas, avocados, oranges and watermelon.

The safari areas of Tanzania are considered the best in all of Africa. The government goes to great lengths to protect the national parks and reserves from poachers. Value is also placed on having the safari and tour organisers treating nature with care and having them pass these values on to their guests