“Tanzania” was formed as a clipped compound of names of two states, on unifying, established the country – Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The first three alphabets of each state – “Tan” and “Zan”, and the suffix “ia” created the name “Tanzania!”
The vast, fertile lands is where the “Big Five” can be seen including the the “Greatest Show on Earth,” Migration of the Wildebeest. At Lake Manyara witness the tree climbing lions! Should you visit in the afternoon, you will find these mighty beasts taking a much needed siesta.
Need to get your adrenaline pumping? How about swimming with sharks on an island in Zanzibar? Do you know how Zanzibar got its name?
It is from the local people, referred to as “zenji,” which means black. The Arabic word “barr” means shore or coast. Travel to the “Roof of Africa” climbing or just take in the majestic view of Africa’s highest peak – Mount Kilamanjaro. The fertile coffee plantations of Arusha where Africa’s magnificent coffee is grown. A visual feast of breathtakingly beautiful panorama, sandy white beaches with coconut palms, the inviting turquoise oceans replete with marine life, wildlife roaming freely across the land, archaeological sites, reminiscent ancient civilizations – this cannot be earth!
The world’s last slave market closed it doors in 1873 in Stone Town, Zanzibar. At one time, a horrific slave market, one of the worst infliction upon humankind, today, is renowned for its history, diverse culture and spice plantations.
It is a piece of history that should never be forgotten, the inhumane, horrific treatment meted out to people being sold and purchased as they were shackled in heavy chains. Traversing through Kelele Square, through Stone Town’s alleys, arriving at the former trader, Tippu Tip’s home. Continue to the largest slave market, Mkunazini, where slaves were whipped prior to being sold. Followed by a visit to Dr. David Livingstone’s residence, the champion in abolishing slavery. At Maruhubi ruins, hear stories of slave women entertain the Arab Sultan of Zanzibar from 1870 to 1888, at the luxuriant palace. The last stop is at Mangapwani chamber where slaves awaited for their sea transportation to transport them to a distant land.
Constructed in the 10th century, the Great Mosque of Kilwa is the oldest in East Africa and a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is the first mosque not to include a courtyard but is completely roofed with 16 domes and vaulted bays. On the eastern slopes of Masai escarpment bordering the Great Rift Valley, are natural rocks, used for rock painting are about 2,000 years old. It lends an insight to the lives of hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists who have resided here.
Another spectacular site is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, vast highlands of forests, savanna, highland plains and savanna woodlands stretching from the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley to north-west plains of Serengeti National Park. Semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing, living peacefully with the wildlife. The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest caldera and the Olduvai Gorge is a 14 kilometer long deep ravine. Found here is the endangered species, the black rhino including Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, zebras and the yearly migration of the wildebeest. For over 80 years, extensive archaeological research has unearthed proof of human evolution and human environment dynamics spanning close to four million years.
It is one of the largest and last ecosystems in the world! Tanzania is more than just a safari experience but a reminder of a slave trade in a not so distant past. I am here should you wish to embark on a journey where a country co-exists with the wild and the importance of respecting other cultures and heritage. Please DM me: [email protected] Website: https://aclassictour.com/tours/httpsaclassictour-comcountryafrica/
Photo credits: Pixabay. Kyle Henderson, Magdalena Kula Manchee and Ben Sp – Unsplash. © Ron Van Oers, © Nina R from Africa, © Erasmus Kamugisha, © Muhammad Mahdi Karim, © A_Peach from Berlin, Germany, © Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, © Prof Chen Hualin and © Eid John – on WikiCommons #aclassictourscollection #tanzaniaculture #slavehistory #traveltaleswithdebika #tanzaniaheritage #wildlifephotographytour #unescoheritagesites
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