PLANNING A TANZANIA VACATION WITH KIDS

Tanzania has a lot of destinations that children will find fascinating and entertaining. One of the nation’s greatest assets is its wildlife diversity, as well as plenty of touring opportunities to meet the animals up close.

While the greatest heights in Serengeti National Park are reserved for skilled hikers and mountaineers, the lower parts possess all the necessary facilities and staff, hosting programs and tours for children to immerse themselves in the exotic natural attractions of Tanzania. Your family can also embark on a safari to witness the stunning wildlife.

Other places to see lions, rhinos, zebras, elephants, and antelope up close include Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park.

Your family can discover the country’s vibrant and warm culture at Zanzibar Island, as well as enjoying the powdery white beaches and snorkeling through the depths.

THINGS TO DO IN TANZANIA WITH KIDS.

Tanzania’s many zoos, nature parks, and wildlife refuges make for memorable excursions.
At Ngorongoro Crater kids can meet tame cheetahs and other animals up close, pet them, and see how they behave, feed, and play. Fans of marine life can don snorkeling gear and observe the colorful underwater world with Scubafish Zanzibar Ltd or Mafia Island Diving.

Tanzania is also known for well-kept family-friendly zoos, so make sure to visit Meserani Snake Park, Dar es Salaam Zoo, and Zanzibar Land Animal Park (ZALA).

TIPS FOR A FAMILY VACATION IN TANZANIA.

Many of Tanzania’s hotels and resorts eagerly welcome families, and numerous well-established attractions cater to children’s needs.

Small children can stay in hotels either for free or a significant discount, just remember to book all accommodations in advance to ensure that beds or rooms are interconnected.

Malaria is one of the most feared diseases for visitors: as you plan your trip, check all the necessary health procedures and consult your doctor about antimalarial tablets. Many doctors will also recommend getting a yellow-fever vaccine, although the epidemic is contained and precautions are no longer an imperative.

Safari tours of Tanzania will reveal a country that is peaceful and well-protected by the police and military. Police officers are always close by, especially in major tourist destinations. Safari organizers work with domestic and international peace-keeping organizations in order to ensure guest safety and provide immediate intervention should necessity demand it.

DINING AND SHOPPING ON HOLIDAY IN TANZANIA.
CUISINE OF TANZANIA.

With over 120 ethnic groups, as well as strong European and Asian influences, Tanzania delights with its diverse and exotic cuisine. Muslims were the first to open trade routes in this region in 800 CE, bringing spices and citrus fruits from India. The Portuguese introduced Tanzania’s staple ingredients–cassava and groundnuts–while the British and Germans established tea and coffee plantations.

Hearty and healthy dishes will fuel your tour of Tanzania: coconut bean or plantain soups, fried bananas, beef or chicken kebabs, and rice or curried fish in coconut milk. The national dish is ugali, a cornmeal dough served with either meat sauce, fish, veggies, or beans. The ever-popular pilau (or pilaf), often a ceremonial dish, features rice, spices, and vegetables. Meat lovers will want to sample nyama choma, a typical Tanzanian meal of grilled chicken, goat, sheep, or fish.

SHOPPING IN TANZANIA

Most Tanzania vacationers inevitably stumble upon the many curio shops, bazaars, and markets located on main or coastal roads, and near parks and reserves.

Tanzania’s bigger cities, such as Arusha, Dar es salaam and Stone town offer an abundance of shopping opportunities.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO ON A TRIP TO TANZANIA.

*Over 120 languages are spoken in Tanzania, most of which belong to the Bantu group.
*Some of the world’s oldest human remains and tools were found in Olduvai gorge.
*The world’s most expensive African blackwood trees, or mpingo trees, are commonly seen in Tanzania.

The highlight of much Tanzania tourism, Mount Kilimanjaro stands as Africa’s tallest mountain.

Tanzania boasts the largest concentration of wildlife animals in the world per square kilometre.

Tanzania is also home to the world’s largest crab, the coconut crab.

 THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT DO IN TANZANIA

Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex, including kissing, hugging, and holding hands, are generally disapproved of in Tanzania.

Meanwhile, friends of the same sex often hold hands in the street. Homosexuality, however, remains both a taboo and illegal.

Do not criticize people openly. Not only is it impolite, but it is also considered very offensive among the locals. If you have to complain about something, do so in a constructive and discreet manner.

You will probably notice during your Tanzania vacation that there are practically no dress codes. Showing bare legs and shoulders is tolerated in most parts of the country, especially in coastal cities. However, you must dress modestly when visiting Muslim institutions and grounds.

Although it is considered common sense not to eat without washing your hands, to Tanzanians hand washing is a traditional ritual. Never decline an offer to clean yourself up before dining, especially if you visit someone’s home. Hosts will pour warm water on your hands while saying the welcome word “karibu” and place another bowl below to collect the dirty water. The ritual is repeated after a meal, too.

Do not be offended by names Tanzanians call foreigners. This is because they rarely have a chance to communicate and practice their English with tourists, so they will seize their moment if they can. Tanzanians call almost all people of Asian descent Chinese, while Europeans or white people are called “mzungu,” meaning “a person who walks in circles/wanders without purpose.”

Limit your traveling at night as much as possible.