TANZANIA
The United Republic of Tanzania is the maximal nation among East African nations towards equator’s south; it boasts of Tanganyika its deepest lake with its indigenous marine creatures; Victoria Lake the biggest Lake almost as big as Kenya and one-fourth region as conserved national Parks. That is why tourist opt this place as their first choice of tourist destinations.
GEOGRAPHY
It is in eastern Africa; constituted by the mainland Tanganyika and the islands of Zanzibar and Pamba. On land the country is bordered by Uganda 396 km, Kenya 769 km, Rwanda 217 km, Burundi 451 km, Zaire, Zambia 338 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km and Congo 459 km. Its shore touch Indian Ocean.
The mainland region exists amid Victoria Lake, Tanganyika Lake Malwi and Indian Ocean. The nation is mostly on plateau. On the circumference are the triple lakes namely Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi. The highlands are located in south and north. The Great Rift Valley bisects the nation centrally into two parts.
The coastal area of Tanzania is low but rises to high plateau separated by rifts. In the north-east stretch ranges of extinct and some still active volcanoes.
Much of the country is bush or grassland savanna. River valleys are covered with tropical rain forest. Like her neighbor Kenya Tanzania has also established a number of national parks to protect the endangered antelope lion, giraffe, leopard, monkeys, crocodile, and hippopotamus. There are also numerous species of insects including tsetse fly and termites. The rivers are short rapid and navigable.
There are extensive plantations where coffee beans tea, cotton, sisal, tobacco, and cashew nuts are grown. Farmers raise cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. Coastal fishing is a source of livelihood.
The traditional export commodity of Zanzibar is cloves. There are only few minerals resources like gold, diamonds, other precious and semi precious stones, coal, tin, mica, and magnesite.
Major cities are island Zanzibar, Pemba, as well as Mafia and Tanga. The beauty of Zanzibar is enhanced by its coral structure unalleviated profile with vegetation of pastures and bush. Pemba has a portion of coral topology its soil is productive and population density high.
Chief rivers are Rufiji, Njombe, Rungwa, Babu, Panyani and Sibiri. The Largest lake is Victoria Nyanza, Tanganyika, Nyasa Malawi, Rukwa, Eyasi.
Highest elevation is Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet. The deepest locus is Indian Ocean at o m
THE CAPITAL
Dar-es-Salaam or Mzizima as known earlier is the capital with the main port, international airport, multiple economic activities and a sprawling place. The new capital is likely to be Dodoma where infrastructure is being developed. Abundant beaches exist north and south of the capital city. Many historically significant monuments are located here. The rich night life activities are a source of entertainment.
Bagamoyo which means ‘lay down your heart’ is the olden day’s slave’s transit camp before shipment to other lands. The caves where they were dumped in inhuman conditions are still there.
THE CLIMATE
The climate is tropical in coastal region but on moderate elevations to zenithal areas it varies from chilly to cold. The plateau zones are arid and dry; tourists prefer to visit the interior of the country from June till September. Monsoons happen in April and May.
HISTORY
The human history on this land is traced to the hunter natives as its first population. Another turning point came in its cultural interaction when it fell on the trade route of Arabs in 800 AD. The region had to further adapt for the next 200 years when Vasco Da Gama the explorer landed here in 1498 and regulated the shore activities as well as the trade route. This domination came to an end in 1698 with Arabs taking control of the region. They plunder the region for ivory and slaves. In 1886 Britain and Germany by consensus agree on German rule in part of East Africa. After 1919 World War the region is governed by the trio the Britain, Portuguese and the Belgium. The cultural impact of Indian, European, Arab and British cultures is evident even today. Since 1961 the country is independent. Its adjoining territories became its region later band it was pronounced United Republic of Tanzania in 1964.
TOURISM
The country has made earnest effort to develop tourism and it is seen in the infrastructure in the form of hotels, transportation, preserving of monuments and amenities for water sports. Earlier more tourists were reported visiting northern regions but with improving facilities in places like Selous the game sanctuary adjoining Chad Lake and Ruaha wildlife Sanctuary tourist are also making them their destinations. The more adventurous by nature visit the elevation of mountains such as Mikumi, Katavi, and Mahale.
You have got to be in Arusha north of the country at the base of Mount Meru among Masai tribe if your itinerary includes excursions and guided tour of Serengeti, Noorongoro, Manyara Lake, Gorge Olduyai, National Park Tarangire, or Mount Kilimanjaro National park. All these visits commence from here.
Ngorongoro Conservation region of Mount Kilimanjaro has native region specific vegetation growth; the topology is eye catching from uneven volcanic site to tranquilizing lakes serene rivers life sustaining forests and notable historical monuments. It is possible to drive your way through till the crater in the region and see wildlife in its natural setting. A visit to the grand Banana Market at Mwika village is very enjoyable.
Places like Island Robondo, National park at Mahale, Katavi, Udzungwa and Loliondo has much to offer and gradually tourism here is reviving.
If you wish to see zebra, gazelles and other wildlife make it a point to reach Rift Valley and then Ndutu at Serengeti. In Serengeti is Moru Kopjes where you will be amazed to see boulders some of them really huge scattered in pastures. The terrine is of hard rock but vines and bushes make appearance. The Ol Karien Gorge has similar rocky profile. To reach here you have to pass through Gol Mountains and if it happens to be monsoons the area is lush green dotted with multi colored flowers.
Tanzania has an unusual training institute meant only for huge breed of rats; these trained rats are used to search landmines.
POPULATION
National composition a ethnic congregation of 120 like Bantu, Sukuma, Haya etc, Asians, Europeans and Arab.
Religion practiced is Christianity, Islam, and Animist.
The mode of communication as recognized by the law is Swahili, and English. Natives freely make use of other dialects like Bena, Datooga and 13 other such local languages.
The currency in circulation is Tanzanian shilling.
The agricultural activity involves a major chunk of the population.
TRANSPORTATION
The country has a relatively dense system of railways converging on Dar-es-Salaam and a highly efficient inland air transport system using some 50 airports.
ACCOMMODATION
There is no dearth of hotels, guest houses, self catering units, bed and breakfast type of facilities. It is advisable to watch your pocket and make advance booking for a comfortable stay.
FOOD
Almost 500 years ago the diet of the natives included millet, vegetables, fruits and the fish they caught; the Arabs influence added pilau and biriani both enriched rice with meat or vegetable. Other meat dish nyama choma a variety of grilled meat and ndaya a type of roasted goat is in great demand. The name of national dish goes to ugali a rolled out cassava flour and eaten along with meat or vegetables. Coastal community lives on samaki a fish dish eaten with boiled rice. Fried banana dish Ndizi Kaanga is a specialty tasted by all tourists. Tea is all time popular drink and is mostly served with vitumbua a type of rice cakes or Chapatti a fried snack; Locals relish banana drink which goes by the name mbege. Mandazi is a very popular desert sold widely by vendors.
MUSIC
Taarab a type of native famous music inspired by India and Egypt and Ngoma is heard at most eating joints; tourists enjoy the melody of this music.
Among the region this land so rich in natural heritage is an experience of life time. Pack your bags and set out for this magical land of beauty.
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