Tanzania is regarded as an excellent safari destination. With quite a number of interesting facts about tanzania africa, largely due to its many world-class opportunities for game spotting. Tanzania is home to many of the best and biggest parks in Africa, and some of the most varied and unique landscapes that you’ll ever see. From grasslands to woodlands, rock formations, and mountain peaks, there’s no question that Tanzania features some amazing opportunities for sightseeing, and photo-hunting alike is one of the Interesting Fact About Tanzania Africa.
These varied ecosystems are also ideal conditions for one of the quintessential aspects of any great safari: African animals.
No safari would be complete without a glimpse of a few of the “Big Five” or the chance to see some lesser-known, but equally fascinating animals. Fortunately, Tanzania doesn’t disappoint. Home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, each year. One of the interesting facts about Tanzania Africa. Tanzania sees millions of animals make their way across the land in search of water and fresh pasture. Wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle make the arduous journey, and brave the raging Mara River, filled with waiting crocodiles.
But the great migration isn’t the only aspect of Tanzania that’s worth seeing. Herds of grazing animals mean that predators won’t be far away. In Tanzania, you’ll have the opportunity to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hunting dogs. If you’re curious about what this beautiful country has to offer, here’s a look at 5 Interesting Facts About Tanzania and the reasons it’s regarded as one of the best safari destinations in Africa.
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Tanzania is home to the tallest mountain in Africa
Tanzania is probably best known for Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the highest mountain in Africa. Almost every type of ecological system can be found here. If you’re a hiker, it is definitely worth climbing. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 4,600 meters from base to summit. Two of its three peaks Mawenzi and Shira are extinct while Kibo, the highest peak is dormant and could erupt again. Kilimanjaro’s last eruption was over 200 years ago.
Tanzania is home to Wild’s Greatest Caldera (Ngorongoro Crater)
Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest volcanic depression. The crater has an area of 264 kilometers. It is estimated to have formed about 2.5 million years ago. The crater is one of the best safari destinations in the world with its amazing wildlife.
Discover more about Ngorongoro Crater
Over 25 Percent of Tanzania is National Parks
Tanzania boasts some of the best national parks in the world. The Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous and best-loved parks and is home to more than one million species of large mammals. It’s also a World Heritage Site and has also had the honor of being named a 7th world wonder. The Serengeti is the site of the Great Migration, where wildebeest and zebras make their way across the plains in search of fresh grasslands. It’s also home to great buffalo herds, elephants, giraffes, leopards, impala, and gazelle, as well as the endangered Eastern Black Rhinoceros. Tanzania also features the largest population of elephants; which can be found in the Selous Game Reserve.
Another famous Tanzanian park is the Gombe Stream National Park, where Dr. Jane Goodall famously carried out her studies on chimps.
Home to Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika
Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. Despite being one of the largest lakes in the world (About the same size as Ireland), it is massively shallow and its deepest point is only 100 meters.
Another interesting fact about Tanzania is that the world’s second-deepest lake, Lake Tanganyika is found in western Tanzania. Lake Tanganyika is home to over 250 cichlid fish species. African cichlid fish is the largest and most diverse radiation of vertebrate species in the world. Lake Tanganyika is also the longest freshwater lake in the world.
Tanzanian cuisine is definitely worth trying
Cuisines are a weird but interesting fact about Tanzania Africa. If you’re looking to try new food, Tanzania is definitely the place to be. You can sample crocodiles, antelope, and ostrich. Spices play a big part in the food cooked by Tanzanians.
A lot of the food is produced locally like fruit, coffee, and nuts. Some local favorites include Mandazi (fluffy fried bread), Ugali (a side dish made from cornmeal, like polenta), and the popular street food, Mshikaki (marinated meat on skewers).
If you are looking to expand your palate, then Tanzania is the place for you. In Tanzania, you’ll have the chance to sample wild game like crocodile, warthog, antelope, or even ostrich. Other local favorites include tilapia fish, pilau rice, and samosas. It’s the spices that really make this food special and the use of coconut, cardamom, garlic, and turmeric features prominently in a number of traditional recipes.
You’ll also have no problem finding fresh, locally grown produce such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, or coffee
Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions
Lake Manyara National Park is one of the smaller parks in Tanzania. However, this does not mean it’s less important.
Apart from the amazing scenery, the park is well-known for its tree-climbing lions. You may also get a chance to see elephant families move through the forest.
Baobab Trees in Tanzania Can Easily Live up to 1,000 Years
Baobabs are a beautiful and fascinating tree that can be seen in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park. Some species of the Baobab can live 1,000 years, or longer, although the oldest one, found in South Africa, is believed to be an astounding 6,000 years old.
The Beaches of Zanzibar are Stunning
The Zanzibar beaches are a must-see while in Africa. They are located just off the coast from the city of Dar es Salaam. Read more about things to do in Dar es Salaam. One of the Interesting Facts About Tanzania Africa is that the beaches of Zanzibar are renowned for the white sand, blue water, and swaying palms, and they are regarded as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
You should also try diving or snorkeling off one of Zanzibar’s islands. There are a number of locations you can go diving however, Nungwi on the northeast tip of Zanzibar is definitely a great location to start. You will encounter amazing sea creatures such as seahorses, whitetip reef sharks, and turtles among the corals. Prices for diving start from €80 and vary depending on how many dives you go on and how many days you spend diving. Read more about Zanzibar Vacation, Prices, and Packages
The city of Stone Town is the historical heart of Zanzibar, it is known for its narrow alleyways, Arabian townhouses, and busy port.
Tanzania Hosts The Migration of Over 2 Million Wildebeests
The Great Wildebeest Migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest, as well as zebra, and gazelle, make their way through the grasslands of Tanzania and Kenya in search of pasture.
Undoubtedly, the most exciting and interesting fact about Tanzania is the river crossing part of the journey in the Mara River, where massive herds make their way to the Masai Mara, braving crocodiles, and danger at every turn.
Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa
One of the Interesting Facts About Tanzania Africa is that it is the largest country in the eastern part of Africa. Tanzania is situated in East Africa and includes the islands of Zanzibar, Mafia, and Pemba. It borders Kenya and Uganda to the north and Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi to the south. It also shares borders with Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania, is located right in the heart of the country. The population in Tanzania is just over 56 million people. The average life expectancy is 64 years old.
