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It is easy to sum up an introduction to Tanzania with a list of statistics; it has the highest mountain, the biggest and most renowned wildlife parks and it is bordered by the three biggest lakes in Africa. It is also easy to attach Tanzania to a summary of exotic names: Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, Serengeti,
Dar es Salaam, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge,
Lake Victoria... Tanzania truly embodies the romantic image of Africa; with open savannas full of game, a snow capped Kilimanjaro dramatically rising up at the horizon. The colourful Masaai herding their cattle, white beaches with palm trees on the Indian Ocean and a tropical archipel named Zanzibar, which has a distinct character and forms a perfect location to relax after an intense journey and in this case, to go diving.
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The
'Northern Safari circuit'
West of Arusha lies an area known as the 'Northern Safari circuit'. It covers a nature reserve reaching all the way to Lake Victoria in the west and over the border into Kenya on the north. In the circuit are famous parks like Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake
Natron, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, de Olduvai Gorge
etc. A journey to Tanzania would not be complete without a safari in this region. For ages many travelers have faced dusty roads, heat and mosquitoes, to fulfil old dreams and witness swarms of flamingos, elephants in the camp, as though you were on the set of 'Out of
Africa'.
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Tribes of Tanzania
The red cloth of the Masaai stand out in the back ground. Tanzania knows many tribes, but non are more evocative than the Masaai. They follow old traditions, a nomadic existence, protecting their cattle. They usually keep herds of goats and cows. They believe that God offered them all the cows, sheep, goats and donkeys, on the condition that they would leave the wild animals at peace.
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| The warriors are equipped with a spear, a stick made of roots and a 'simi' or machete. To prove bravery, a Masaai has to kill a lion when he reaches adulthood. Masaai women like to show their handmade jewellery and clothing.
The Maasai are dressed in traditional red cloths and are adorned with necklaces, beads and ear rings. They speak their own language, called Maa, but also speak English and Swahili which is the common language in East Africa. The Masaai are proud of their heritage and manage to sustain their culture despite the pressures of modern society. Cattle forms the core of the Masaai culture and is their main source of income, wealth and power. |
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Kilimanjaro
With 5895 above sea level, the Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. It is also the highest free standing mountain on earth; it rises a mere 5000 meter above its surrounding planes. Located on the border of Kenya
en Tanzania, this main attraction had been the topic of many quarrels between both countries because both claimed the Kilimanjaro was within its borders. Even though this volcano was documented a long time ago, scientists did not want to
acknowledge
its existence because they did not want to believe there was snow so close to the equator. In 1861 a biologist proved the contrary. Nowadays, the mountain is frequented by hikers, attempting the hike from +30°C
to -15°C.
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The Zanzibar Archipel has a separate status within the republic of Tanzania and consists of different island like, Pemba, Mafia and the main island Unguja, commonly known as Zanzibar.
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The islands differ a lot. Pemba has mountains and mangroves, while Zanzibar is the classic example of a tropical island. The beaches are so white, you dare not approach without sunglasses, the ocean is so blue no colour filter is required to boost your pictures.
Zanzibar
has been under the influence of Arabs, whom were making a living in the ivory an slave trade. Later on, they also set up trades with Indians in the East and with that, their cuisine, fruits and spices. This has resulted in a significant distinct cuisine from the rest of Africa. A mixture of Arabic, Indian and of course African influences have left many traces on Zanzibar, like in religion, architecture and food, leaving Zanzibar with its own unique character. |
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