Culture & Traditions

In Tanzania, culture is the thread that connects the landscapes to the people. In Tanzania, you'll find a cultural mosaic as rich as the ecosystems.

Over 120 ethnic groups call Tanzania home, and each preserve their own unique customs. The Maasai, known for their warrior traditions, distinctive attire, and pastoral lifestyle, are perhaps the most recognized ambassadors of this cultural wealth. Swahili culture dominates the coast, a testament to centuries of trade and exchange. Stone Town in Zanzibar is its historic heart, where winding alleys and carved doors tell tales of bygone sultans and spice traders.

Tanzanian art is embodied in Makonde carvings and Tingatinga paintings, each weaving its own colourful narrative. Music and dance are integral, with the pulsating rhythms of bongo flava—a blend of hip-hop and traditional beats—serving as a modern soundtrack to city life. Local markets burst with handcrafted goods, from Maasai beads to kikoi fabrics. These markets are not just trade hubs but social spaces where community ties are strengthened.

Conservation is also part of Tanzania's ethos, with communities actively participating in safeguarding wildlife. Many cultural tours contribute to these efforts, aligning your luxury safari with the sustainable spirit of the land.
In Tanzania, culture is not just observed—it's experienced.

What is the visiting etiquette in Tanzania?

Tanzanian culture is conservative and while you won’t be expected to conform to all the local customs during your Tanzania safari, you should keep your legs and shoulders covered, avoid public displays of affection, and use your right hand when eating, giving or receiving gifts, or shaking hands. On that note, Tanzanians will often hold onto your hand after meeting as a gesture of friendship, so don’t be alarmed. Small talk matters, so be sure to ask about their day, work, school, children, or some other topic of light, personal conversation before "getting to the point."

Always ask permission before taking someone’s photo. Some Tanzanian communities believe a piece of one’s soul is taken when photographed. When shopping for souvenirs, it’s perfectly acceptable to haggle. Around 60 percent of the initial asking price is usually fair. Elders are accorded a great deal of respect in Tanzania. Always greet an older person with the word shikamoo (literally "I hold your feet"—don’t worry, it’s a figure of speech) to show your respect, which they will accept with the word marahaba. At the other end of the age spectrum, it’s tempting to give children small gifts or sweets when they inevitably show interest in you as a tourist. Unfortunately, this often encourages begging (where the child is often collecting money for someone else) and can keep children out of school. 

What is Tanzania best known for?

Tanzania safaris are considered some of the best in Africa, and with wildlife areas such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it’s easy to see why. The Serengeti is also home to most of the annual Great Migration, sharing the honour with Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya. But Tanzania also holds the distinction of having Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Tanzania was also a vibrant trading port, nowhere more so than on the island of Zanzibar. Today, Zanzibar offers one of Africa’s best beach vacations, while the historic Stone Town preserves its rich past as a commercial hub.

What are some Tanzanian traditions?

Arts and crafts are a major part of Tanzania’s cultural identity. Beautiful Maasai beadwork, Makonde sculpture, and Tingatinga paintings all make wonderful, sustainable souvenirs if you want to support local artists. Ancestral, herbal, and shamanistic healing are a common part of Tanzanian life, with an estimated 75,000 ‘traditional’ healers around the country. 

Tanzania also observes a number of lively festivals, particularly in Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar. You’ll find the usual film and music festivals, as well as Unification Day, which celebrates the joining of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form the modern country. Zanzibar’s Mwaka Kogwa Festival is a bit different, however. For four days in July, local men hit one another with banana stalks to settle past arguments and lay old quarrels to rest. There’s even a marathon every February that circumnavigates Kilimanjaro, along with the Kiliman Adventure Challenge, which invites participants to hike up the mountain, then ride around its circumference. Feeling tired yet?

What are Tanzanians like socially?

Tanzanians are generally very polite and generous. In others, they tend to admire education, wealth, and conformity with the social order. Have a few benign "how are things?" questions ready to smooth conversation with the locals, and be ready for them to demonstrate friendship by holding your hand through the entire conversation if you’re of the same gender. This is a strictly platonic gesture. Tanzanians frown on public displays of romantic affection, regardless of orientation. Family and community shape Tanzanian society. Most meals are eaten communally at intimate, low tables where diners sit on the floor.

What languages do Tanzanians speak?

English and Swahili are the two official languages of Tanzania, with Swahili being the nation’s official language and the most widely understood. Hospitality and tourism workers will usually speak fluent English, but learning a few Swahili phrases is a fun and easy way to ingratiate yourself to locals. One hundred and twenty-six East African languages are spoken throughout Tanzania, reflecting the ethnic diversity of the country.