Local traditions and culture in Tanzania

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We stayed in Stone Town for 4 nights, it was interesting but without our "taarab experience" our stay there wouldn't be so fantastic...
Just by asking and by some luck we managed to find Huseyin's house. Huseyin is a "ney" player and a room of his house is allocated for the rehearsals with his group, one of the oldest taarab groups in Zanzibar, Ikhwan Safa. We just met him in front of his house and asked if we could listen during the rehearsal, he was so kind to invite us for the evening rehearsal. That was incredible...
The following night we were at Serena Inn, this time listening the "twinkling stars" at the stage by the sea...
We found ourselves at Huseyin's house the next night again...

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During our drive from Ngorongoro to Tarangire we stopped for petrol in Karatu village, and Reginald suggested that we might like to visit a local primary school. We agreed and so we stopped off at one where he knew the teacher and knew that she would welcome the interruption. Some of the children were naturally shy, but others were keen to try out their English and show us their school books. The teacher asked them to sing us some traditional songs and one of the English ones they had been learning (sadly I forget what that was though I have some recollection that it too was a traditional song).

We had a few pencils with us which we gave to the teacher for the children to use, but we wished that we had known in advance that we might be able to visit the school as we would have taken more gifts. An English family was there at the same time, and they had planned their visit in advance. The two children had made a scrap-book about their life in England to show the Tanzanian children – a wonderful idea.

On our return we sent some of our photos to Reginald to be passed on to the school as a little thank you for the time they gave us.

there is no dress code, but the people are very modest people so the women are mostly covered. there is a % of muslims so they tend to cover their shoulders and arms., no mini skirts or shorts its not forbidden but you are looked down upon for being so scatterly dressed. there are alot of tourists and they tend to wear their shoulders out and shorts and they tend to say its ok for them since they are tourists.....

Depending on how patient you are. It doesn't take that long. Don't forget some systems that could speed up some procedures have not been fully implemented in some developing countries,some manual operations are still in use which of course are slow.My clients have been severally issued with visa at border entry points [Namanga & Tarakea]from Kenya to Tanzania.So there is no need of alarm you just need some patience and having all the required documents in order.Remember Dar and Kilimanjaro Airports are major entry points in Tanzania so in most cases some human traffic seeking services.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS FOR BUDGET TRAVELLERS, NOT SOMETHING AGAINST LOCAL PEOPLE. You have to haggle EVERY price in Tanzania, except some restaurants. So, you can play the money trick to make sure you always get a good price. Tanzanian Schillings are weak against the U.S. Dollar, which everyone will take. Make sure you take some single $1 notes for emergencies. You get about 1100 to 1200 Schillings to 1 dollar. Agree a price and take in units of 1’s so it sound like you mean dollars. Some people will even say $1 or 1000 Schillings. They would say 10 meaning 10,000 Schillings. Schillings are cheaper for you. Go to any good exchange in Stone Town have some Schillings with you when you haggle. You agree ‘10’, hand over 10,000 Schillings, not $10. Too late, they know you know and they have just given you a 10-20% discount! I did this with a hotel and agreed ‘30’. I saved $10 over a 3 night stay. It makes your money stretch! You can also agree the price, leave to get Schillings and come back. The deal has already been done. Remember – if you do agree a deal, you have to stick with it.
***PLEASE NOTE ** Watch out for anyone trying to agree Kenyan Schillings, they are much more valuable than Tanzanian and only con artists would say this. $1 only gets you about 69 Kenyan Schillings. So 10,000 Kenyan Schillings would be $143!

To feel comfortable as a woman in Tanzania here are some general guidelines for clothes to wear.

1) Pack skirts. Especially if you will be in any type of professional suitation.

2) Pants are good, jeans are growing in popularity in the country. However, it's mostly teenage girls wearing jeans. It's is acceptable for female tourist to wear pants. No one will comment if you wear shorts, but it is frowned apon.

3) DO NOT WEAR SPAGHETTI STRAP TANK TOPS! These shirts are worn by local prostitues. Although, it is unlikely that you will be confused for one, it will attract loads of attention and not the good kind. Thicks straps will fly.

4) I packed sunglasses, but ended up wearing a hat a lot more. Most locals don't wear sunglasses.

General Rules for Personal Displays of Affection

Tanzania is very conservative when it comes to affection. Affection between couples on the street is pretty unacceptable. One example is, I saw a white couple kissing good bye at a bus station and it attracted alot of negative attention. Although is seems acceptable to members of the same sex to hold hands, including grown men (although homosexuality is not, infact is punishable by heavy jail time). Holding hands with children (local or your own) is more than alright, especially while walking down the street. Other than holding hands, I strongly suggest that you keep it behind closed doors.

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Basic Swahili

As you walk down the road, your conversations will go like this:

You will hear (shouted at you) – “Jambo!” (Hello)
You reply – “Jambo!”
”Habari?” (what is the news or how are you?)
”Nzuri” (I am fine)
You usually hear “Karibu” (you are welcome here) sometimes the name of the village is said as well. I often heard “Karibu Jmbiani.” OR “Karibu Zanzibar”!
Always reply “Asante Sana!” (Thank You very much)

Sometimes after you have spoken to someone a little longer or purchased something from them you will be called “Rafiki” which means friend. This is heart felt and you rarely hear it unless you have become friends – in the village.

If the word “Rafiki” is shouted at you as a greeting – they are trying to sell you something, usually in large towns.

A Few Basics Words/Phrases:
Yes = Ndiyo
No = Hapana
Okay = Sawa
Maybe = Labda
How are you? = Habari Yako?
Good = Nzuri
Thank you = Asante
Hello = Jambo
I am fine = Sijambo
Please = Tafadhali (the dh is pronounced like a th)
Goodbye = Kwaheri
What is your name? = Jina lako ni nani?
My name is ...= Jina langu ni ...
I don't speak Swahili = Sisemi Kiswahili

Bia = Beer
Bia baridi = Cold beer
Daktari = Doctor
Duka = Shop
Hakuna matata No problem
Karibu welcome

Rafiki Friend

A young person to an older one: "Shikamoo!" (originally it meant "I touch your feet" as a sign of respect) and the greeted answers, "Marahabaa!" (I acknowledge your respect!).

*** Please note that as this is partly a Muslim Country – never greet a woman in conversation outside. You may respond if they greet you first. ***