About one-third of the residents in Tanzania are Christians, so Christmas in this country is quite a huge deal, although it’s not much of the “buy” frenzy that is witnessed in most western countries. However, Tanzania shares the tradition of families getting together to celebrate Christmas, as people living far in the city travel to rural areas to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. So, Christmas is a special time for the citizens of Tanzania and tourists visiting this country will be in a position to enjoy the amazing things it has to offer. Therefore, if you are planning to travel to Africa this festive season, do not forget to visit Tanzania and enjoy the myriad of amazing things it has to offer. Here are ten things you can see and do in Tanzania this festive season.
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The first thing that comes to mind when one mentions Tanzania is Mt. Kilimanjaro. As a guest in this country, you are certainly going to enjoy climbing the roof of Africa and looking out over Furtwängler Glacier. Passing through the Muchame Route is also a wonderful experience which gives you some time to acclimate to high altitude areas. What’s more, this route is considered the most scenic as it offers so many things to enjoy during the expeditions. At about 5895 meters, it’s an achievement you’ll be proud of when you finally arrive at its summit. When in Tanzania, therefore, make sure you do not miss this amazing trek with Shrike Safaris.
- Lots of Beer
The local beer in the villages of Tanzania is something you may also need to look out for. Many villages brew their beer and create their own brands. For instance, you can find Mbege from the Chagga tribe which is brewed from a combination of sprouted miller and bananas. During Christmas Eve, this beer comes out to accompany meat and other delicacies.
- Tour the City of Dar es Salaam
When in Tanzania for the festive celebrations, do not forget to tour Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest city. You’ll be surprised by the magical decorations and countless lights that decorate the streets of the city during the holidays. Additionally, there are some well-decorated Christmas trees around the city, a clear sign that everyone is in the mood for the Christmas celebrations. You can also enjoy a myriad of traditional Christmas buffets, Swahili dishes, as well as some wine tastings. If you have kids, you can enjoy a night out at the theater shows, musical gatherings, and amusement parks in the city.
- Serengeti Safari
The Serengeti is not only Tanzania’s number one wildlife destination, but it is the leading wildlife destination in Africa. Every year, more than a million wildebeest migrate in the plains along with other thousands of animals such as the zebra and gazelle.
Do not limit yourself when in Tanzania for the Christmas celebrations because Serengeti is rich in wildlife of various kinds. Even if you don’t see the great migration, you’ll most likely come across cheetahs, lions, leopards, and elephants in their natural habitats on the vast plains of the Serengeti.
- Scuba Dive in Zanzibar
Your trip to Tanzania is incomplete if you don’t visit Zanzibar. A spice island, Zanzibar is not only an attractive place, but it’s also a beautiful island above the turquoise waters and sandy beaches. The island of Zanzibar is also considered to be one of the best places for scuba diving. It will certainly be a waste if you fail to visit Zanzibar when in Tanzania for the Christmas celebrations.
- Gombe Stream National Park
The Gombe Park in Tanzania is found on the north shore of Lake Tanganyika. When visiting this area, you can hire a guide to take you through the park where you’ll be able to see different animals such as apes and monkeys. Gombe National Park is known to be a habitat for primates, so your family will most likely enjoy the sight of humans’ closest cousins.
- Enjoy the Culture
One of the most amazing things about Tanzania is the culture of its people. You will be surprised at how the people in Tanzania enjoy Christmas in their own style. In the country, it is a custom for parents to kit put their children with new Christmas clothes. During Christmas, children in Tanzania expect to wear new clothes and it is often an exciting time as parents try their level best not to disappoint. When you visit Tanzania for the Christmas celebrations, you are certainly going to love the beautiful colors worn by Children in the streets and in the city. This, in itself, is a breathtaking sight which you are going to enjoy when you tour this part of East Africa.
- The Rift Valley
Marvel at the Rift Valley when you finally set your foot on this African soil. The rift valley stretches from Lebanon through Tanzania and Kenya on the East African side. This is a beautiful site which you and your family will enjoy when you are vacationing in Africa. The Rift Valley houses Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, which are also beautiful places to visit.
- The Perfect Kanga
The kangas are pieces of clothes that are rectangular in shape and are usually a must have in a Tanzanian wardrobe. These clothes can tell a lot about your status, depending on where you wear them or the pattern they display. This is also a perfect souvenir given their striking patterns and bright colors. Kangas reveal so much about the political and social issues facing the country, so do not be surprised to find that the kanga you buy features a picture of a famous politician in Tanzania.
- Get a Taste of its Cuisine
While Tanzania is well-known for its art, music, and wildlife, its cuisine is something you may want experience. In most place in the country, you’ll be offered different meals including Pilau, Biryani, and grilled meat. You’ll not taste this elsewhere except in East Africa and Tanzania is certainly one of the places to experience the taste of extraordinary meals.
Conclusion
The above are some of the things you can do and see when you visit Tanzania for the Christmas holidays. You can also find the best accommodations close to a national park where you can enjoy the beautiful wild scenery from the comfort of your balcony.
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