Careerbreaker Destinations - Tanzania
The largest country in East Africa, with its eastern coast on the Indian Ocean, Tanzania has some of the finest game parks, Africa’s highest mountain, superb beaches, coral reefs and friendly and hospitable people.
A relatively new country, the mainland Tanganyika and the island of Zanzibar being united a 1964, it has a rich and diverse culture despite a relatively recent history of colonialism. Tanzania’s history can be traced back over 4 million years to man’s first upright steps.
There are over 120 tribes in Tanzania all with their own languages and traditions, perhaps the most famous of these being the Maasai, the pastoralist cattle-herding people of the north. Kiswahili, reinforced during German colonialism and English are the country’s official languages and the majority of the population are Christian or Muslim, although indigenous beliefs still have a reasonably strong presence.
Not having suffered terrible internal tribal conflicts like other African nations Tanzanians are very welcoming, quietly proud people who treat all visitors with courtesy and warmth. Wherever you go you will be greeted with sincerity and small children shouting ‘Mzungu’, this Kiswahili word strictly means a European, although the real meaning, which is somewhat lost, comes from ’zungua’ which means to travel or to wander. Nineteenth century missionaries flattered themselves that ‘mzungu’ meant ‘clever’ and should have been grateful that the Maasai phrase ‘iloridaa enjekat’ didn’t stick instead, which generally translates as ‘those that confine their farts’!
Mountainous in the north east, the great Lakes of Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika are found to the north west, whilst the centre is a large plateau of plains and farming land. Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most famous attractions including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro and the spice island of Zanzibar. With over 1500 species of birds and the continents biggest mammal population up to 40% of the country falls under some form of protection. The climate has distinct rainy and dry seasons but is always hot and humid on the coast and lakesides and more temperate in the highlands.
Despite its attractions and relatively stable history Tanzania remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with over half of the 36 million population living in poverty, with no access to safe water. Careerbreaker is currently based in rural communities in the north, in the breathtaking ancient tropical rainforests of the Usambara Mountains. Working with local NGO’s and communities the key focus of our programmes is to provide education facilities and support.
At the weekend and mid-project break you can take the opportunity to learn more about this amazing country and do some sight-seeing. There is also the option to do some adventurous travel after your volunteer placement with our in house travel agent Gap Club. Visit the spice island of Zanzibar, see the wildlife on safari, experience the musical night-life of Dar es Salem or even take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!
What Can I do In Tanzania?
Community Development Projects
Adventurous Travel
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Destinations Homepage
About Tanzania
Full Name
United Republic of Tanzania
Capital City
Dodoma (official); Dar es Salam (administrative)
Area
945,090 sq km
364,899 sq miles
Population
35,922,000
Time Zone
3 hours ahead of the UK
Languages
Swahili (official)
English (official)
Religion
40% Christian, 40% Muslim, 20% indigenous beliefs
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TSh)
Famous For
Mount Kilimanjaro, vast open plains and wildlife, spice island of Zanizibar
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