Tanzania may be the country in Africa that people know the most about. It is the nation whose name has come to be associated with Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Serengeti.
Travelers from all over the world swarm to Tanzania to go on safari in some of the world’s top national parks.
The nation is breathtakingly gorgeous, has a welcoming Swahili culture, and has some of the world’s best wildlife.
Tanzania, though, is considerably more unique than you may think! Here are ten fascinating facts about Tanzania that might surprise you.
1. IT IS HOME TO THE TALLEST MOUNTAIN IN AFRICA
If you’re fortunate enough to see it, this cone-shaped mountain covered in snow will amaze you!
The highest freestanding peak in the world and the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, is 5,895 meters above sea level.
Almost every type of ecological system, including those found in cultivated land, the rainforest, the alpine desert, and the arctic peak, can be found there.
You are more than welcome to take in the magnificence of this mountain from the ground, though those who are interested can climb this dormant volcano and see amazing views.
2. OVER 1.5 MILLION ANIMALS TRAVEL DURING THE GREAT MIGRATION
Over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles travel through the plains of Tanzania and Kenya during the Great Wildebeest Migration in search of pasture.
The crossing of the Mara River, where vast herds of animals make their way to the Masai Mara while dodging crocodiles and other dangers, is unquestionably the most thrilling aspect of this incredible event.
3. NEARLY 30% OF TANZANIA IS NATIONAL PARKS
Tanzania is home to some of the world’s top national parks.
One of the most well-known and adored parks is the Serengeti National Park, which is home to more than a million different species of large mammals.
In addition to being a World Heritage Site, it has the distinction of being the 7th World Wonder.
Wildebeest and zebras travel across the plains of the Serengeti during the Great Migration in search of new grasslands.
Great buffalo herds, elephants, giraffes, leopards, impalas, gazelles, and the endangered Eastern black rhinoceros can all be found there too.
The Selous Game Reserve is home to the biggest population of elephants, which are also found in Tanzania.
Gombe Stream National Park, another well-known park in Tanzania, is where Dr. Jane Goodall famously conducted her chimpanzee research.
4. LAKE TANGANYIKA IS THE SECOND LARGEST LAKE IN THE WORLD
Second only to Lake Baikal in Siberia in terms of volume and depth, Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
Due to its size, it is divided among four nations: Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The lake is one of the most biologically diverse and important environments in the world. It is supplied by at least 50 streams and rivers.
500 different kinds of fish live in Lake Tanganyika, which contains an incredible 8% of the world’s freshwater. Most of these fish remain within 20 meters of the surface.
5. TANZANIA HAS A UNIQUE SPECIES OF TREE-CLIMBING LIONS
Tree-climbing lions can be found in Tarangire National Park. It is unknown why these lions have started climbing.
It’s debatable whether they do it to catch a cool breeze or to get clear of the tsetse flies. Of course, it’s also possible that the lions are just admiring the scenery from above.
Whatever their motivations, it is impressive to watch these lions cautiously traverse the tree branches.
6. NGORONGORO CRATER IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO SEE THE BIG FIVE
The internationally known as Ngorongoro crater, which is situated in northern Tanzania, is another must-visit location.
This rich valley, which is thought to have been created by a volcanic explosion, is one of the most stunning places in the world for a wildlife safari and has even been named one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders.
The crater’s constricted nature has given rise to a unique ecology that provides some of the best chances to see game. Additionally, it boasts the highest known density of lions.
In addition to a variety of other well-known African icons like the ostrich, zebra, cheetah, wildebeest, gazelle, and even hippos, you can witness buffalo, elephants, leopards, and rhinoceroses here.
7. OLDUVAI GORGE HAS HUMAN FOSSILS FROM MILLIONS OF YEARS AGO
One of the most intriguing facts about Tanzania is that ancient human bones were discovered in Olduvai Gorge, home to one of the country’s most picturesque lakes.
These ancient humanoid bones, which date back millions of years, are proof of the existence of the first humans.
Among what was found was the oldest human skull ever unearthed.
8. ZANZIBAR WAS THE CENTER OF ARAB SLAVE TRADE
Slaves were long traded in Zanzibar by Arab and Indian traders, in addition to Portuguese and other Europeans.
People were one of the main commodities here.
It’s sad to say that a significant portion of the Zanzibar trade involved slavery. The final active slave market in the world was located in the heart of Stone Town.
In Zanzibar, it is currently a significant historical site.
A total of 40–50,000 slaves were sent to Zanzibar every year, many of whom worked on the plantations of the area that was then ruled by the Omani.
Under British pressure, it shut down in 1873.
9. IT HAS SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS IN AFRICA
Tanzania has a lot of lakes and mountains, so it makes sense that there would be waterfalls as well.
One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Africa is without a doubt Kalambo Falls near the border of Zambia and the Rukwa Region.
The water descends 772 feet in a single, unbroken drop, making it one of the highest uninterrupted falls on the continent.
It is an extension of the Kalambo River located on the border between Zambia and the Songwe Region.
Given that it has been inhabited for more than 200,000 years, it is also a significant archaeological site.
Another fantastic activity for a day spent away from the hustle and bustle of daily life is a trip of the Materuni Waterfalls.
Tanzania’s natural beauty may be seen on the hike to Materuni Waterfall, near the Kilimanjaro Region.
10. THE SHORTEST WAR IN HISTORY TOOK PLACE HERE
The Anglo-Zanzibar War, which took place in Tanzania in 1896 and lasted less than an hour.
It was between 38 and 45 minutes, to be exact. It all began because the British did not want the previous Sultan’s successor to be in command.
They desired Hamud bin Muhammad, who was friendlier to the British. The British gave an ultimatum and asked that the successor be changed.
The British Navy opened fire on the palace with 4,100 machine gun rounds, 1,000 rifle rounds, and 500 shells since the new Sultan wasn’t willing to cooperate.
The frenzy came to an end, and the British accomplished their goal.
Extra Facts
- Baobab trees can live to be 1,000 years old. They can be seen in Tarangire National Park, along with the tree-climbing lions. The oldest one, found in South Africa, is believed to be 6,000 years old.
- Germany used to rule Tanzania until the end of World War 1, when the British took over. It ceased to be a part of the British Empire in 1961.
- Tanzania has more languages than any other African country. It has over 100 languages, however, the national languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili.
- It is home to Africa’s highest point and lowest point. The highest is the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, while the lowest is the floor of Lake Tanganyika.
- Freddie Mercury was born in Tanzania. The Queen frontman was born to Parsi-Indian parents in Zanzibar, and fled to Middlesex, UK, in 1964 during the Zanzibar Revolution.
- Tanzania is home to over 100 tribes who each have their own tribal language and religion. These tribes live in harmony with one another, and are able to live together peacefully and respect each other’s decisions when it comes to culture and religion, including those who follow Christianity and Islam.
FINAL WORD
There is much more to Tanzania than meets the eye. It is an incredibly fascinating country with a rich history and interesting culture, as well as stunning landscapes.
These were just some of the truly amazing facts about the African country.
