A What you need to know about Tanzanian culture And
Safari Etiquette
SAFARI and Traveling Together
When out in the bush:
We have some pretty specific protocol for your safety and your enjoyment together. If you think you see something - say something. We love many eyes scanning the land, so not be shy. Its better to stop and have nothing than to miss an animal. This is a team 'hunt'. Do not harass the animals when we stop. Don't make sounds or throw things for that perfect shot. Our guides will be there to make appropriate actions for driving and getting great photos. IMPORTANT: BE QUIET!!! We are all together having an amazing experience - silence is golden.
Meeting the tribes and demonstration/education Villages:
We will have a great learning opportunities at markets, villages and dance demonstrations. This is the time to take your photos and learn, but there will be animals roasting (this is their food) or small children being children. We will meet the Datoga Tribe, Hadzabe, and Maasia. All fascinating people. You are allowed to take photos but always ask and always do shopping to support these amazing cultures. It has all been prearranged for photos so you are not being rude, but do remember this is their way of life, not for us to judge.
Visiting towns and shops:
Tourists are an important source of income for Tanzania, so when visiting villages expect locals to try to sell you jewelry, carvings, and other souvenirs. Haggling is fine, as the vendors typically name an inflated price for foreigners. Just smile, be friendly and start negotiating. Tanzanians appreciate charm and don’t take kindly to aggressive tourists.
Avoid handing out sweets or other small gifts to the children you meet, as it can encourage them to drop out of school to beg full-time.
Greetings in Tanzania:
Greetings are important and take time. Culturally, there’s an emphasis on people and relationships, and it’s considered rude to jump straight into a conversation without asking after the other person’s day, work, children, and so on.
Sometimes people will shake your hand and continue holding it for a while. Don’t freak out – it’s just a gesture of companionship.
Taking Photos:
It’s tempting to raise your camera as soon as you see tribes people in traditional dress, but it’s bad manners to take photos without asking. You should also be aware that Maasai people usually expect a small tip in exchange for photos.
How to dress in Tanzania
Tanzania is deeply conservative, so both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders in public. Traditionally, women only wear skirts, but it’s fine for foreign women to wear jeans or trousers – as long as they aren’t too form-fitting.
You might be inspired to buy a kanga – a colorfully printed wrap that local women use as skirts, headwraps, and baby slings. When wearing one, keep modesty in mind and don’t tie it so tightly around your waist; it’s better if your curves aren’t clearly outlined.
When out in the bush:
We have some pretty specific protocol for your safety and your enjoyment together. If you think you see something - say something. We love many eyes scanning the land, so not be shy. Its better to stop and have nothing than to miss an animal. This is a team 'hunt'. Do not harass the animals when we stop. Don't make sounds or throw things for that perfect shot. Our guides will be there to make appropriate actions for driving and getting great photos. IMPORTANT: BE QUIET!!! We are all together having an amazing experience - silence is golden.
Meeting the tribes and demonstration/education Villages:
We will have a great learning opportunities at markets, villages and dance demonstrations. This is the time to take your photos and learn, but there will be animals roasting (this is their food) or small children being children. We will meet the Datoga Tribe, Hadzabe, and Maasia. All fascinating people. You are allowed to take photos but always ask and always do shopping to support these amazing cultures. It has all been prearranged for photos so you are not being rude, but do remember this is their way of life, not for us to judge.
Visiting towns and shops:
Tourists are an important source of income for Tanzania, so when visiting villages expect locals to try to sell you jewelry, carvings, and other souvenirs. Haggling is fine, as the vendors typically name an inflated price for foreigners. Just smile, be friendly and start negotiating. Tanzanians appreciate charm and don’t take kindly to aggressive tourists.
Avoid handing out sweets or other small gifts to the children you meet, as it can encourage them to drop out of school to beg full-time.
Greetings in Tanzania:
Greetings are important and take time. Culturally, there’s an emphasis on people and relationships, and it’s considered rude to jump straight into a conversation without asking after the other person’s day, work, children, and so on.
Sometimes people will shake your hand and continue holding it for a while. Don’t freak out – it’s just a gesture of companionship.
Taking Photos:
It’s tempting to raise your camera as soon as you see tribes people in traditional dress, but it’s bad manners to take photos without asking. You should also be aware that Maasai people usually expect a small tip in exchange for photos.
How to dress in Tanzania
Tanzania is deeply conservative, so both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders in public. Traditionally, women only wear skirts, but it’s fine for foreign women to wear jeans or trousers – as long as they aren’t too form-fitting.
You might be inspired to buy a kanga – a colorfully printed wrap that local women use as skirts, headwraps, and baby slings. When wearing one, keep modesty in mind and don’t tie it so tightly around your waist; it’s better if your curves aren’t clearly outlined.