TANZANIA IN BRIEF
Tanzania covers an area of 945,166 square kilometres and has an estimated population of approximately 40 million. It is Africa's prime game viewing country; its national parks, conservation areas and game reserves cover almost 25% of the country and protect an estimated 20% of Africa's large mammals.
Tanzania is home to some of the most incredible tribal diversity in Africa. The country includes all the major ethnic and linguistic groups on the continent and an amazingly varied population to inhabit a single country. It is home to approximately 120 tribal groups; most of these comprise small communities that are gradually being assimilated into the larger population due to the changes in land use and the economic opportunities with city life. Tribal diversity is prized and far from being a source of division, Tanzanians place a high value on their country's multicultural heritage.
Kiswahili (also known as Swahili) and English are both the official languages of Tanzania. English is widely spoken in the business and tourism communities; however, it is definitely worth learning a few basic Kiswahili words to bond with the locals.
Mambo - Hi
Poa - Fine (the response to Mambo)
Asante - Thank you
Jambo - Hello
LANGUAGE
CLIMATE
Tanzania lies south of the equator and, therefore, much of the country experiences a pleasant tropical climate. In coastal areas, temperatures fluctuate very little throughout the year; however, highland areas do get cooler during the winter months (June to August).
More significant is Tanzania's rainy seasons, which is generally split into “short rains”, November and December and the “long rains”, from late February to early May.
Tanzania (like any country) is experiencing climate change and, therefore, this is only a guide.
