Fun Facts Tanzania

15 Fun Facts about Tanzania

Tanzania’s jaw-dropping landscapes and abundant wildlife attract over five million visitors each year. But how much do you really know about this East African nation? From its volcanic delights to its tree-climbing lion population, read on to learn our favourite fun facts about Tanzania…

1. Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa 

At 365,800 square miles (including land and water areas), it’s around four times the size of the UK (we’re pretty dinky). It’s bordered by eight countries: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.

2. Tanzania is home to the world’s only tree-climbing lions 

The largest population resides in Lake Manyara National Park, but smaller have been recorded in Serengeti National Park too. These lazing lions prefer the sturdy branches of trees such as sausage, acacia and sycamore. Wildlife experts can’t explain the phenomenon, but it’s believed that they might climb to avoid ground-dwelling insects and to seek respite from the heat.

3. Tanzania is home to the largest lion population in the world 

This second roar-some fact about Tanzania has earned the nation the nickname of ‘Lion Kingdom’. Approximately 14,500 lions roam Tanzania’s national parks, making this a hotspot for safari-goers to see the ‘kings of the jungle’ in the wild.

Image by Michael Hughes/LAIF REA

4. The Masai giraffe is Tanzania’s national animal 

Before Tanzania gained independence from the British in 1961, Tanganyika’s (as it was then known) flag featured a giraffe head. Although the flag changed, the Masai giraffe – the world’s tallest species – has remained an enduring national symbol. In Swahili, the Masai giraffe is known as ‘Twiga’.  

5. Tanzania’s Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake 

With a maximum depth of over 4,800ft, Tanganyika is second only to Lake Baikal in Siberia (which is over 5,300ft deep). At 418 miles long, Tanganyika is also the longest freshwater lake in the world, straddling Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s renowned for its biodiverse marine life, including around 250 colourful cichlid species (the majority of which are endemic). 

6. Tanzania is home to Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro 

At 19,341ft tall, Kilimanjaro is also the world’s tallest free-standing mountain (meaning that it’s not part of a mountain range). Kilimanjaro is a snowcapped stratovolcano comprised of three cones – Kibo (the highest point), Mawenzi and Shira. Kibo is the mountain’s summit and a dormant volcano which last erupted over 150,000 years ago. Here’s hoping it doesn’t erupt again any time soon… 

7. Ugali is Tanzania’s national dish 

This popular dough-like side dish is a Tanzanian staple made by mixing maize (corn) flour and water. It’s typically served alongside meat, fish, stew or vegetables and is an integral part of Tanzania’s food culture. 

8. Over one-and-a-half million wildebeest travel across Tanzania each year during the Great Migration 

Following the calving season (usually between January and March), the wildebeest migrate north, embark on river crossings (July to October) and return to the southern Serengeti. The Great Migration is one of the most incredible natural spectacles on earth and should have a place on every eager traveller’s bucket list. 

9. Swahili is the national language of Tanzania

Around 90% of Tanzanians speak Swahili, but often not as their native tongue. Thanks to Tanzania’s ethnic diversity, the East African nation is home to over 120 different languages. English is also widely spoken alongside Swahili, predominantly in higher education and government. 

10. Tanzania’s population includes more than 120 tribal groups 

The largest groups are the Sukuma, who live in the northwest, followed by the Nyamwezi in western Tanzania, and the Chagga, who live on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The majority of Tanzania’s tribal population is of Bantu origin.

11. Freddie Mercury was born in Tanzania 

The iconic Queen frontman was born in Stone Town, Zanzibar, on the 5th of September 1946. Mercury spent the first years of his life in Zanzibar, meaning fans of the legendary lead singer can even embark on a tour of his home and place of worship. 

12. Tanzania is home to the world’s largest intact volcano caldera 

The ancient Ngorongoro Crater is between ten and 12 miles wide, and has a total area of 102 square miles. Formed around two-and-a-half million years ago, today it’s best known for its rich biodiversity – think thick forests, salt lakes and grasslands – and abundant wildlife (over 25,000 animals live inside the crater, including the Big Five). The Ngorongoro Conservation Area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

Image by UryadnikovS/Fotolia.com

13. Tanzania’s national bird is the grey crowned crane 

This beloved crane species is renowned for its striking gold feathered crown and its courtship displays (dance routine, anyone?). They’re one of the only perching crane species, and live in wetland areas. Sadly, the grey crowned crane is now an endangered species thanks to destructive human activity. 

14. Over 40% of Tanzania’s land is protected 

This protected area includes national parks, game reserves and conservation areas. Tanzania is home to 21 national parks, including the famed Serengeti and Ruaha, as well as the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and reserves such as Selous.

15. Zanzibar is known as the ‘Spice Island’ 

Thanks to its fertile soil and tropical climate, the Tanzanian archipelago has enjoyed a rich history as a major producer of spices including cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Zanzibar’s lucrative spice trade attracted merchants from all over the world and it became an important centre for competing colonial powers. 

Image by Gisman/Fotolia