Tanzania is the jewel in East Africa’s crown. Apart from being the picture of serene beauty, Tanzania is also home to Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Let’s take a look at what not to do while traveling in Tanzania.
- Do NOT drink anything other than bottled products
Tourists might face health concerns if they are not suited to tap water. Don’t make the mistake of drinking tap water, as you might get stuck with an infection that’ll ruin your visit to Tanzania. Bottled and filtered water is readily available, so make sure you always use these sources to quench your thirst. The same goes for ice and anything even washed in tap water, unless you’re staying at a reputable hotel that handles these pesky issues for you.
- Do NOT Miss Out on The Local Cuisine
Tanzania is known for its exquisite food, as its cuisine is a blend of Portuguese, Swahili, Turkish, Arabic, and Indian influences. Tourists can try delicious foods such as Ugali, Nyama Choma, Wali na Nazi, Kuku Paka, Mandazi, Mshikaki, Chipsi Mayai, Uji, Chapati, Biryani, Samosa, Pilao, octopus curry, and Muhogo. Restaurants can be overpriced, and may offer cuisines that are readily available elsewhere as well. Do not miss out on local cuisine, and do not shy away from street food, as it is often hygienic as well as mouth watering and unforgettable.
- Do NOT Miss out on Sleep
During your trip, you will often be getting up at the crack of dawn to play games, depart for day trips or new locations, or just to breathe in the natural beauty of the country. To be able to fully enjoy that, you’ll need your rest. A good sleep schedule is necessary to ensure that you enjoy your visit to Tanzania.
- Do NOT bring in Plastics
The most important issue that tourist-heavy natural resorts face is pollution. There are various examples throughout the world of beautiful natural resorts being invaded by tourists, resulting in littering and pollution that takes away the charm of the place. In its attempt to avoid that, Tanzania has implemented a ban on plastics. If you bring plastic into the country, it’ll likely be confiscated, and you’ll have to pay fines for your transgressions. Avoid polluting tourist spots, and make sure you leave natural resorts as clean as you found them.
- Do NOT disrespect the locals
Like most countries in Africa, Tanzania has a proud tribal culture. The people take solace in their customs that have survived the test of time, and they stay true to them even as the world around them changes so rapidly. To visitors, this seems so intriguing that they cannot help interacting with them and taking memorable pictures. However, tourists should always take permission before snapping a picture. They should also make sure that they do not make any remarks that can offend the sentiments of local people. Even beyond tribal areas, travelers should ensure that they respect local communities. They should not interact with children without the permission of their guardians and should not take pictures of people without their consent. It is also important to follow local dress codes, especially in Zanzibar, which is a conservative region. If you offer utmost respect to locals, they will be friendly and helpful towards you.