Tanzania has been recognized as unique among African nations because of its tolerance for tribal, religious and racial differences.
Tourists are immediately impressed with the hospitality and warmth displayed by Tanzanians. A former guest commented “Tanzania is the one developing country that I would visit over and over again; it was truly the friendliest place I have ever visited.”
Tanzania’s Diversity
There are over 132 distinct tribes in Tanzania and they are considered of equal value without any tribe(s) receiving favoritism. The largest tribe is the Sukuma with a population of over 5 million. The smallest tribe in Tanzania are the Hadzapi with perhaps as few as 900 individuals. The “wealthiest” tribe is the Chagga with a population of just over 1.5 million. Whether you are the largest, the smallest, the wealthiest or the most remote tribe, no tribe has more or less importance within the country.
The Maasai
The Maasai are one of the most visible tribes for tourists because they often live near the national parks on the northern circuit and have maintained their traditional dress and lifestyle. There are less than 600,000 Maasai in Tanzania and they were not one of the early tribes to inhabit the area that is now Tanzania. Tanzanians have learned the value of respecting differences and living in peace. That is not to say all tribes have affection for one another but they have peacefully accepted differences in culture.
A Peaceful People
Most Tanzanians have a hard time understanding the violence among other tribes on the African continent. Tourists are immediately impressed with the hospitality and warmth displayed by Tanzanians.
