Seven Facts About Tanzania You Never Knew : Tanzania is regarded as a top safari destination in Africa thanks to hosting some of the most varied and unique landscape you will ever see in the world. From rock formations, grasslands, mountain peaks, woodlands and the savannah. There is no question that Tanzania provides astounding opportunities for any traveler from all over the world.
With no surprise, Tanzania also offers a wide variety of attractions and activities, seeing that the country hosts many of the most iconic and biggest national parks in Africa.
The countries protects a varied ecosystems which are a hub from an unparalleled variety of African animals, this makes Tanzania a quintessential go-to spot for any and all adventurers, animal enthusiasts and safari goers.
Almost every traveler will agree that no safari would be complete without a glimpse of a few of the Big Five or a chance to witness the fascinating birds of Tanzania. Fortunately, Tanzania doesn’t disappoint as you will seethe Great Migration. Each year, you will be able to catch a glimpse of millions of animals making their way across the land in search of water and fresh pastures. About 2 million animals including wildebeests, zebras and gazelles. These animals make the arduous journey, braving the ranging Mara River filled with dangerous crocodiles.
But the Great Migration isn’t Tanzania’s only aspect worth witnessing, these herds of grazing animals attract predators including leopards, African wild dogs and cheetahs which you will see in action.
Let’s take a look at the six fascinating Tanzania facts in this article
- Nearly 30 Percent of Tanzania’s Land Are Protected Areas
Tanzania is home to twenty-two national parks, among these parks are the some of the best national parks in the world such as Serengeti National Park which is one of the most beloved national parks and hosts millions of large mammals.
Serengeti National Park is a dubbed a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, the park is also named the 7th Natural Wonder of Africa. Being home to the Great Migration where over 2 million wildebeests and zebras make their way across the plains in search of fresh grasslands. Serengeti National Park is every adventurer’s dream destination.
Also, Serengeti National Park is home to majestic animals such as the buffalo herds, elephants, giraffes, leopards, the endangered Black Rhinos, hippos, impalas and gazelles.
Other famous National Parks in Tanzania include Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Gombe Stream National Park and Lake Manyara National Park among others.
- Tanzania Is Home to Africa’s Highest and Lowest Points
Tanzania hosts the highest freestanding mountain in the world which is also the tallest mountain on the African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro stands at about 19,341 feet (5,895m) above the sea level. The beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro will take your breath away, this immaculate beauty is described in Ernest Hemmingway’s short story which takes about the beauty of the snow-capped, cone-shaped mountain of Kilimanjaro.
On Mount Kilimanjaro, you can find five main vegetation zones from the lowest to the highest point that is cultivation Zone, Forest Zone, Heather-Moorland Zone, Apline Desert Zone and the Arctic Summit climate zones.
Also, Tanzania is home to Africa’s deepest floor – Lake Tanganyika, the lake is 4,820 feet deep and is the longest freshwater lake in the world. It is also the second deepest lake in the world following Lake Baikal.
- Tanzania Hosts the Largest Land Mammal Migration on the Planet
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest terrestrial mammal animal in the world and has been a hot topic of various documentaries, the incredible migration is definitely one of the best safari experience one can have once in a lifetime.
This incredible spectacle is an annual event that encompasses the migration of millions of mammals including wildebeests, gazelles and zebras. The mammals migrate in a circular route in search of fresh pasture.
Undoubtedly, the most thrilling part of the Great Wildebeest Migration is the Serengeti is the Mara River Crossing with animals facing off with the Nile crocodiles and danger at every turn.
- Tanzania is Home To The Largest Intact Caldera In The World
Spanning 8,300 square kilometers of land, The Ngorongoro Conservation is the only region in the world where man and the wild animals co-exist in harmony. However, what makes this conservation area spectacular is that it hosts the World’s largest intact caldera – the Ngorongoro Crater.
It is believed that this crater before it erupted, would have been higher than Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest peak in Africa. This bowl hosts about 25,000 large mammals including a large population of lions, cheetahs and leopards. Thus Ngorongoro Crater has been identified as one of the eight wonders of the world by UNESCO
- Tanzania Hosts 20% of Africa’s Large Mammal Population
Tanzania is most famous for the sheer number of animals in the region, but what makes this place all the more amazing is the different types of animals it hosts. There are more than 4 million animals in Tanzania, the staggering four million animals comprise 430 different species as well as subspecies.
Tanzania houses about 20% of Africa’s large mammal population and the common animals include wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, and gazelles and large predators like lions, leopards and cheetahs.
- There are More Languages Spoke in Tanzania Than in Any Other Country in East Africa
Over 100 languages are spoken by the people of Tanzania, to be exact there are 126 languages spoken in Tanzania. Tanzania is a multilingual country and its official language is Swahili, while 10% speak Swahili as their first language, 90% of the population speaks Swahili as their second language.
English is wildly spoken as a second language reflecting the colonial past of Tanzania.
Some of the languages spoken in Tanzania include
- Swahili
- English
- Maasai
- Datoga
- Ogiek
- Kisankasa
- Pare
- Bemba
- Digo
- Safwa
- Makonde
- Hehe
- Yao
- The Baobab Tree Can Easily Live Over A Thousand Years
The iconic Baobab Trees are beautiful and fascinating trees that can be seen in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, the fascinating about these trees is that they can live 1,000 years or longer. The oldest Baobab tree is found in South Africa and is believed to be over 1,060 years old.
Conclusion – Tanzania is a special and beautiful safari destination and has always been, the spectacular and unique landscape combined with plentiful opportunities for game spotting makes Tanzania more amazing. No wonder Tanzania ranks amongst the top safari choices for both first timers and experienced safari goers.
