Nearly 30% of Tanzania is covered by national parks
One of the things you should know before traveling to Tanzania is that Tanzania is famous for its national parks, which cover nearly 30% of the nation. The Serengeti National Park, being a World Heritage Site and a 7th World Wonder, contains millions of animals. It is perhaps best known for the Great Migration, when wildebeest and zebras migrate in search of fresh grass. It is also home to elephants, giraffes, leopards, buffalo, and the rare Eastern black rhinoceros.
About 43.7% of Tanzania's land is protected, which includes game reserves and forests. Conservation has been done, but wildlife beyond these reserves is at risk due to human development. Tanzania also has endangered species like the black rhinoceros, wild dog, chimpanzee, and cheetah.
Other important places include the Selous Game Reserve, home to the largest elephant population, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is rich in wildlife. Gombe Stream National Park is famous for Dr. Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research, making it an amazing fact about Tanzania.
Over 1.5 million animals migrate during the Great Migration
The Great Wildlife Migration, or Great Migration, is the world's largest land animal migration. An estimated two million hoofed mammals, including over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, make their year-round journey across Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grazing areas.
The animals make a loop journey, from Serengeti National Park in north Tanzania and into the Maasai Mara National Reserve of southwestern Kenya. Perhaps the most stunning moment of this Tanzania wildlife fact is crossing the Mara River, when massive herds risk death against strong currents and hiding crocodiles.
This migration is clockwise and covers a distance of about 1,000 miles each year. The animals continue to migrate through the plains. The animals migrate endlessly on the plains, going in the same path each year as part of their survival.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, is located in Tanzania
If you ask, "What is Tanzania best known for?"One of the most popular responses is Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, rising 5,895 meters (19,341 ft) above sea level. It is a dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park and one of the Seven Summits that is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
There are seven routes to Uhuru Peak, the mountain's summit. Climbing is stunning and goes through many ecosystems, including rainforests, alpine deserts, and an arctic summit. But if climbing isn't your thing, you can still enjoy Kilimanjaro's snowy beauty from the ground.
The second-largest lake in the world is Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest lakes in the world. It is the second deepest and second largest freshwater lake by volume after Lake Baikal, which is located in Russia. It is 673 kilometers (418 miles) long across Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and hence is the longest freshwater lake in the world.
The lake has more than 350 fish species, including Lake Tanganyika sardines, quick lates, and other cichlid species like members of the Altolamprologus, Cyprichromis, and Neolamprologus groups. A few of these fish are found nowhere else on earth. The forests around the lake are full of animals, including chimpanzees.
Lake Tanganyika has clear water and many kinds of fish and animals. It is a wonderful spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature.
Tanzania has rare tree climbing lions
Tanzania is home to rare tree-climbing lions, which are only found in a few places in the world. Unlike most lions that stay on the ground, these lions climb trees and rest on branches. They are often seen relaxing on fig and acacia trees, making it one of the interesting facts about Tanzania.
You can find them in Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park, where they climb trees to escape the heat, avoid insect bites, or find a comfortable resting spot.
One of the greatest locations to view the Big Five is the Ngorongoro Crater
One of the unknown facts of Tanzania that many people don’t know about is Ngorongoro Crater. Located in the northern part of the country, this breathtaking natural wonder was formed by a volcanic eruption. Formed by a volcanic eruption, this green valley is one of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders. Its self-contained environment has resulted in a unique ecosystem, and it is one of the best places to view wildlife.
The crater is famous for having the densest population of lions and is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Many of these animals remain within the crater year-round, providing a good number of frequent sights.
Apart from the Big Five, visitors can also see wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, ostriches, hippos, cheetahs, and hyenas. Ngorongoro is also home to a dense population of black rhinos, and as such, it is one of Tanzania's must-visit locations where visitors can spot the endangered species.
Baobab trees can live for over 1,000 years
An amazing fact about Tanzania is that Baobab trees have a lifespan of more than 1,000 years. Baobabs are also known as the "Tree of Life" because they can provide water, food, and shelter to humans and animals. They are found in Tanzania and other parts of Africa and have big trunks that store water during droughts. This helps them survive dry areas. Their longevity makes them one of the longest-living organisms on our earth.
Zanzibar was once the center of the Arab slave trade
Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania, was an important place for the Arab slave trade in the 19th century. People from East Africa, mainly from places like Tanzania and Mozambique, were captured and sold as slaves. These enslaved people were taken to different parts of the Arab world and beyond.
Zanzibar was a key point for the slave trade because of its location in the Indian Ocean, making it easy to connect with Africa and the Arab world. The Omani Arabs controlled Zanzibar at that time, and the slave trade was a big part of the economy.
Today, visitors can learn about this history by visiting sites like the Old Slave Market in Zanzibar. There are also museums that show how the slave trade affected Zanzibar and the surrounding areas.
Tanzania has beautiful beaches
When you hear "Africa," you most likely think of safari animals or endless savannahs. Thus, it might come as a surprise to learn that Tanzania also has some of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Along the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar, Pemba Island, and Mafia Island are some of the most visited beach destinations with white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and colourful coral reefs. The beaches are perfect for relaxation, snorkeling, and diving.
Tanzania's "Spice Island," Zanzibar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Zanzibar is renowned not only for its stunning beaches but also for its rich history as a spice center. The island's cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg spices have played a key role in shaping its economy. Zanzibar, formerly the "Spice Island," gained its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 due to its deep historical importance and its significant role in the spice trade between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Here, guests can walk through spice farms and learn about the complex process of growing these aromatic plants.
The country has the largest Lion population in the world
One of the unknown facts about Tanzania is it is home to the world's largest number of wild lions, estimated at 14,500 lions. Most of these animals live in Tanzania's game reserves and national parks, such as Serengeti National Park. The protected areas offer a safe habitat, thus making Tanzania a destination of choice for safari and wildlife enthusiasts.
In comparison, South Africa also has a huge population of lions, with an estimated 3,284 lions. Tanzania still leads in lion conservation and in lion numbers living in the wild.
Tanzania is home to over 100 tribes, each with its own language
Tanzania is home to over 100 tribes, each with its language and culture. The majority of Tanzania's tribes are Bantu in origin and represent about 95% of the population. The remaining tribes are Nilotic speakers and descendants of indigenous hunter-gatherers.
All of these tribes vary greatly in beliefs, customs, and traditions, and many have been established in Tanzania for centuries. Some of the most recognized tribes include the Maasai, Zanzibar, Chaga, and Hadzabe. The extensive variety of languages found in Tanzania says a lot about the country's diversity and past history.
Olduvai Gorge contains human fossils that are millions of years old
Olduvai Gorge is located in northern Tanzania, in the Great Rift Valley. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world because human fossils that are millions of years old were found here. The fossils that were found here are believed to be from early human ancestors like species Homo habilis and Australopithecus.
The fossils found in Olduvai Gorge are approximately 1.8 million years old, and the evidence is invaluable in understanding the evolution of humanity. The evidence also includes animal remains, as well as other artifacts that researchers use to describe early human living and behavior. This makes the Olduvai Gorge crucial in the field of research that aims to describe the origin of humanity.
Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, about four times the size of the UK
Tanzania is the largest East African nation, and it is approximately four times larger than the UK. Tanzania's facts reveal that due to its enormous size, Tanzania hosts a diverse range of landscapes, from mountains and forests to savannah and coast.
Tanzania has the highest number of wild elephants in Africa
Tanzania is home to the highest population of wild elephants in Africa, with over 100,000 elephants roaming in its national parks and game reserves. Some of the areas most famous for their elephants include Selous Game Reserve and Ruinsori National Park. Tanzania has protected these creatures to protect these animals from poaching.
Conclusion
Tanzania is a country of great surprises, and there are many things about Tanzania you did not know! From the famous Mount Kilimanjaro to the breathtaking wildlife of the Serengeti, Tanzania is a country of natural wonders. It has some of the world's finest beaches, tree-climbing lions, and over 100 different tribes with their own cultures. Tanzania has the highest population of wild elephants in Africa and the renowned Great Migration, during which millions of animals migrate through the country. From park visits to beach relaxation, Tanzania has something for everyone!
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