Tanzania stands out as one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, drawing crowds due to its remarkable wildlife and commitment to nature conservation. For decades, travelers have been flocking to this enchanting East African haven, eager to immerse themselves in authentic African experiences.

Are you contemplating a journey to Tanzania? What better way to ready yourself than by uncovering the surprising facets that await?

Curiosity drove me to seek that rare encounter as well. Thus, in 2022, I embarked on a month-long adventure, spanning three weeks, exploring various cities. As I journeyed through Arusha, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam, I encountered numerous astonishing sights.

While these discoveries were essential and awe-inspiring, I couldn’t help but wish I had been privy to them before purchasing my plane ticket.

1. Greetings and smiles on the street of Tanzania.

In some corners of the world, genuine friendliness can be a rarity, but Tanzania stands apart from that list. It’s a place where the habit of greeting passersby on the streets, even if they’re strangers, is deeply ingrained.

The Swahili word “mambo” for hello echoed countless times, a truly inviting gesture.

After all, who can resist a warm smile? Each time I stepped out, it felt as though I was poised for engaging chats. Interestingly, when I responded in English, conversations often didn’t extend beyond a question. However, when I ventured into my limited Swahili, it was like an unspoken invitation to a never-ending dialogue.

Many were curious about my nationality and keen to learn about my experiences in their homeland. With some, the interaction brimmed with more laughter and smiles than words, bridging the gap of languages.

While my home country, Cameroon, is renowned for its friendliness, I found Tanzania to be even more welcoming. I couldn’t help but notice how readily people offered assistance. As expected, a few aimed to exploit my unfamiliarity with the language.

Interestingly, my similar black skin to that of many Tanzanians made it challenging to distinguish me as a foreigner. Yet, most individuals remained eager to engage in conversation, provided I had the time.

2. What language do people in Tanzania

Despite being classified as a bilingual nation where English and Swahili are widely used, my initial shock upon arriving in Tanzania was discovering that only a minority of people spoke fluent English.

Contrary to expectations, the majority of Tanzanians were proficient solely in Swahili. This revelation left me taken aback on numerous occasions, as I struggled to ask questions and receive clear responses. In instances where vendors couldn’t comprehend my English inquiries, kind-hearted Tanzanian passersby, who had a grasp of English, often stepped in to translate.

Although I had heard the advice to learn some Swahili before my journey, I didn’t heed it seriously. For those like me, who tend to trust everything on Wikipedia, this experience is a reminder to reassess that mindset.

I found effective communication was primarily possible with my Airbnb or hotel hosts, although some of them also grappled with English proficiency.

Despite Tanzania’s colonial history under British rule, it became evident that fluent English speakers were concentrated mainly in tourist areas.

Tour guides, equipped with English skills, could facilitate smooth communication, yet their services often come with a hefty price tag for those seeking to explore with them.

An alternative could be making friends with local Tanzanians who can speak English. That was, it would be friendship assistance.

3. Some women cracked stones to build houses

In a neighborhood adjacent to the renowned Coco Beach in Dar es Salaam, I encountered a scene that left me utterly astonished. Women, ranging from approximately 40 to 56 years old, were engaged in a labor-intensive activity.

Seated on the ground beneath the scorching sun, they tirelessly cracked large stones into smaller fragments. Their heavy hammers struck methodically, almost as if guided by an invisible measuring system. Strikingly, each broken piece bore a near-identical shape.

These miniature rocks were meticulously gathered and placed into generously sized, portable plastic bags. I soon discovered that these stones were destined for use in constructing fortifying walls, which perhaps explained the distinctive nature of their homes.

Given the expense of goods and the elevated cost of living, one might reasonably assume that these women were prosperous.

Despite the immense physical exertion required for such work, which is traditionally associated with men, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the sheer enthusiasm with which these women carried out their tasks.

The surprise evident on my face as I observed a woman performing this trade was unmistakable. As I walked past them, I couldn’t help but gaze at them with a profound sense of admiration.

4. The internet speed

Another element that might catch you off guard is the lack of Wi-Fi in many Airbnb accommodations. Even among the handful that do mention it in their listings, the internet speed is often limited to basic browsing capabilities.

For individuals like myself, who fall under the category of digital nomads, Tanzania might not rank as the most suitable destination for an extended stay if the goal is to reside in an affordable place and maintain consistent video calls.

Internet connectivity can be both costly and sluggish in certain regions, making it less than ideal for those with remote work requirements.

Indeed, expensive hotels or flats will offer the possibility of a guaranteed, stable Wi-Fi connection. If you are a backpacker seeking under 20usd accommodations, it is unrealistic to expect consistent high-speed internet.

5. Nature – trees in the city

Commendation is certainly due to the Tanzanian government for its comprehensive efforts in reforestation and forest preservation.

The landscape is adorned with awe-inspiring giant trees, a testament to these policies’ impact, even within bustling urban centers.

A multitude of streets were adorned with ancient trees boasting massive trunks and a profusion of branches. These natural giants not only graced the thoroughfares with their presence but also extended comforting shades for both vendors and pedestrians like myself who relish leisurely strolls. The streets were transformed by the splendor of these trees, imparting a sense of coziness to those who sought refuge from the scorching midday sun beneath their leafy canopies.

As the sun set, these majestic trees introduced a refreshing coolness to the evening air, rendering evening walks an even more revitalizing experience. The sheer scale of these trees is undoubtedly surprising and adds an enchanting dimension to Tanzania’s urban landscape.

6. Cutest coins

Currency serves as a distinctive emblem of each nation, with the shapes and intricacies of coins often capturing my fascination. As an avid collector of coins and banknotes during my travels, I’ve found these keepsakes to be precious souvenirs. Among the various Tanzanian coins, some stood out for their remarkable beauty.

Yet, curiously, their practical use presented challenges.

This peculiarity took me by surprise, particularly considering that not all coins bore the same level of thoughtful design. I found myself pondering the reason behind the concentrated effort evident in only a select few coins, which intrigued me further.

More things will surprise you based on where you go; please share your experiences in the comment section if you have been there before.

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