10 Amazing facts about Tanzania
10 Amazing facts about Tanzania : It’s possible that Tanzania is the most well-known African nation. It is the country whose name is now connected to the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. In order to go on safari in some of the best national parks in the world, tourists from all over the world flock to Tanzania.
The country boasts some of the best wildlife in the world, is incredibly beautiful, and has a warm and friendly Swahili culture. But Tanzania is far more unusual than you might imagine! Ten amazing facts about Tanzania that may surprise you are listed below.
1: Mount Kilimanjaro
On your Tanzania safari tour, you will be astounded to see this snow-covered cone-shaped mountain if you are lucky enough to witness it! Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 5,895 metres above sea level. It is home to almost every kind of biological system, including those found in the arctic peak, the rainforest, the alpine desert, and farmed land. Though those who are interested can climb this dormant volcano and witness incredible vistas, you are more than welcome to admire the beauty of this mountain from the ground.
2: The Great Wildebeest Migration
During the Great Wildebeest Migration, around 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles traverse the plains of Tanzania and Kenya in search of grass. The most exciting part of this amazing event is definitely crossing the Mara River, when enormous herds of animals travel to the Masai Mara while avoiding crocodiles and other hazards.
3:30% of Tanzania is National parks
Some of the best national parks in the world are located in Tanzania. With over a million distinct kinds of large mammals calling the Serengeti National Park home, it is one of the most popular and beloved places. It holds the distinction of being the seventh World Wonder in addition to being a World Heritage Site. During the Great Migration, zebras and wildebeest traverse the Serengeti plains in search of new grasses. There are also large herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, leopards, impalas, gazelles, and the Eastern black rhinoceros, which is threatened. The largest concentration of elephants, which are also present in Tanzania, is found in the Selous Game Reserve. In Tanzania, Gombe Stream National Park is another well-known location where Dr. Jane Goodall notably carried out her research on chimpanzees.
4:Lake Tanganyika is the second largest lake in the world
One of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, Lake Tanganyika is second only in volume and depth to Lake Baikal in Siberia. It is split among four countries because of its size: Tanzania, Burundi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One of the world’s most significant and biologically varied habitats is the lake. At least fifty rivers and streams supply it. Lake Tanganyika is home to 500 different species of fish and holds an astounding 8% of the freshwater on Earth. The majority of these fish stay 20 metres or less below the surface.
5:Tree Climbing lions
Tarangire National Park is home to lions that scale trees. Why these lions have taken to climbing is unknown. Whether they do it to avoid the tsetse insects or to enjoy a cool breeze is up for debate. Naturally, it’s also conceivable that the lions are merely taking in the view from above. Regardless of their intentions, it’s amazing to see these lions moving carefully among the tree limbs.
6:Ngorongoro Crater
Another must-see place is the well-known Ngorongoro Crater, which is located in northern Tanzania. One of the most beautiful locations on Earth for a wildlife safari, this fertile valley-which is believed to have been formed by a volcanic explosion-has been recognised as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. Because of the crater’s limited area, there are some of the best opportunities to see game because of its distinct ecology. It also has the largest recorded density of lions. Buffalo, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and many more famous African icons, such as the ostrich, zebra, cheetah, wildebeest, gazelle, and even hippos, can be seen here.
7:Olduvai Gorge
The discovery of prehistoric human remains in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge, which is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in the nation, is among the most fascinating facts about the country. These millions of years-old humanoid bones provide evidence of the first humans’ existence. Among the discoveries was the oldest known human skull.
8:Slave trade centre in Zanzibar
Along with Portuguese and other European traders, Arab and Indian traders also traded slaves in Zanzibar for a very long time. One of the primary commodities in this place was people. The sad truth is that slavery played a big role in the Zanzibar trade. In the centre of Stone Town was the last operational slave market on Earth. It is now a prominent historical site in Zanzibar. Every year, between 40 and 50 thousand slaves were transported to Zanzibar, where many of them laboured on the plantations in the region under Omani administration. In 1873, under pressure from the British, it closed.
9:A country of Great waterfalls
Given Tanzania’s abundance of lakes and highlands, waterfalls seem to be a natural addition. Undoubtedly one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls is Kalambo Falls, which is close to the Rukwa Region and Zambian borders. One of the highest continuous falls on the continent, the water drops 772 feet in a single, uninterrupted plummet. It is a continuation of the Kalambo River and is situated where Zambia and the Songwe Region meet. Considering that people have lived there for almost 200,000 years, it is also an important archaeological site. A visit to the Materuni Waterfalls is another wonderful option to spend a day away from the daily grind. Trekking to Materuni Waterfall, close to the Kilimanjaro Region, offers breath taking views of Tanzania’s natural splendour.
10:The Shortest war in History took place here
Less than an hour was spent in the Anglo-Zanzibar War in Tanzania in 1896. To be precise, it took 38 to 45 minutes. Everything started because the British did not want the successor to the previous Sultan to hold power. Since Hamud bin Muhammad was more amiable towards the British, they wanted him. The British demanded that the successor be replaced and issued an ultimatum. Since the new Sultan was unwilling to cooperate, the British Navy opened fire on the palace with 500 shells, 1,000 rifle bullets, and 4,100 machine gun rounds. The British achieved their objective, and the frenzy came to a stop.
