Travel Info
People and Cultures
Tanzania is home to many ethnic groups, and much of the best travel here comes from meeting people with respect.
A diverse country
Tanzania has well over a hundred ethnic groups. In the north you may meet Maasai pastoralists on the plains, Chagga farming communities on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, and Swahili communities along the coast.
Cultural visits
We arrange community-hosted visits with the consent of the hosts. Visits should be fairly compensated, and what you pay should benefit the people you meet.
Etiquette
- Greet people first: a simple "Jambo" or "Habari" goes a long way.
- Ask permission before photographing people, and respect a refusal.
- Dress modestly in towns and villages, especially in Zanzibar, where most people are Muslim.
- Use your right hand for greetings, giving, and receiving.
- Ask your guide if you are unsure about local customs.
This is general information, not professional advice. Rules and conditions change, so always check current official guidance before you travel.
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