Going to Paris, Rome, London, etc. is something that’s on everyone’s list, but these cities, regardless of how gorgeous they are, are already dealing with so many tourists each year, which is why going and exploring some countries like Tanzania, where there isn’t that much hype over, is always a much better choice.
Namely, people are much more friendly and nicer to visitors and are more than eager to explain everything in detail, as great hospitality is something that’s in their culture. Now, many are concerned about scams, but that’s not something anyone should be worried about, as Tanzania is not famous for it, while on the other hand, pickpocketing and similar petty crimes are pretty common in Paris, for example.
Of course, there are many other reasons why one should visit this wonderful country, so let’s focus on that now, with a detailed guide on where and when to go.
Why visit Tanzania?
There are many reasons why going to this country should be on everyone’s must-visit list, but for starters, the more we travel, the richer we are as humans because the more we learn about other cultures and heritage, the more aware we get about our own.
As for other reasons, Tanzania has something for everyone, regardless if that’s learning how Maasai people live, their customs, clothing, and ceremonials, or if it is about nature, as there is no better way to do so than by climbing the famous Kilimanjaro. On the other hand, you can always opt and be a bit more conservative, focusing on the essentials, staying in the famous hotels and taking various excursions where you can learn a lot. about people from this entire region that migrated here from all parts of Asia and Africa.
Of course, before booking your trip, make sure to do a bit of research and go through all the details, as you will have to get a tourist visa to visit Tanzania, and you can learn more about that at https://www.ivisa.com/tanzania-visa.
Best time to visit
Now, this is where things can get a bit tricky, as the answer to this question depends on your personal preferences. Namely, there are two types of seasons, wet and dry, and both have their perks and downsides. During the dry periods, you can travel much easier and explore wildlife, as you can take every hiking tour and climb much more safely and easily.
On the other hand, if the goal is to see massive animal movements, then rainy periods are ideal for that as animals prefer this type of climate, and besides this, the grassland is much more beautiful. As for the downsides of rainy periods, it’s mostly about not being able to take every tour and explore every site, as the conditions simply dictate what’s possible and what is not.
Dry periods are from January to March, and from June to October, but we highly recommend visiting Tanzania in both periods as it is the only way to truly understand and learn about people from this region, and also to explore everything this amazing country has to offer.
Visit a doctor and check the vaccination requirements
Visiting Tanzania requires certain vaccines, and because of that, it is important to visit your doctor before the trip to check which of them you already have and which else are needed. Diptheria, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Tuberculosis, and Meningitis are some that you probably took, but a trip to Tanzania has more risks.
Malaria can be a big health issue, so every tourist needs anti-Malaria tablets and different repellents to avoid being infected. Besides that, people who plan to stay longer than half a month should have a Typhoid vaccine, and those in direct contact with different animals should think about rabies. Other risks are Yellow Fever, sleeping illness, dengue, and Zika virus, but we do not want to scare you, as visiting a doctor and asking them for a recommendation will make the trip completely safe.
English is an official language
A great thing for tourists is that English is the official language in Tanzania, so it is easy to communicate, but it is good to know that there is another language, Swahili, which is also official in the entire country, and many regional one, spoken only in certain regions such as Datooga, Makonde, and Chaga. Although it is possible to communicate in English across the entire country, locals would be glad to hear tourists speaking in Swahili, so if you are planning a trip, try to learn at least a few words.
Do not skip visiting Iraqw village
The best way to learn more about the heritage and culture of Tanzania is to visit Iraqw village, as this village has not changed for more than a century. Namely, the Iraqw tribe is one of the more than 150 that live in this country, but the only one that did not change their way of life under the pressure of modern times.
Besides that, they are extremely friendly and happy to talk to the tourists, show them their homes and let them help with everyday chores. They are engaged in agriculture, so visitors can see the way they cultivate the land and help if they want. They also organize markets every month on the 7th and 25th day, where visitors can buy various handmade souvenirs and natural goods.
See the perfect harmony at Masaii village
Another village to visit when traveling to Tanzania is Masaii village, which is similar to the Iraqw village but yet pretty different. Namely, the Masaii people are considered extremely brave, as the location of their village is in the middle of Africa, which means they are surrounded by wild nature and wild animals.
Instead of being afraid of dangerous lions and giant elephants, they live in perfect harmony with them, so visiting this village is once in a lifetime experience. By visiting Masaii people, tourists can learn a lot about the heritage and the culture of Tanzania and also themselves, as it is a life-changing experience that cannot leave anyone indifferent.
