Etiquette in Tanzania and Zanzibar

Tanzanians are welcoming and appreciate visitors, and while tourism supports much of the local economy, the culture remains conservative. Always ask kindly before taking someone's photo. And when it comes to PDA, public displays of affection, avoid it entirely

When I traveled to Tanzania, I was traveling in a group. We had traveled from Kenya, a booming populace with big personalities, to the sparse, quiet and shy people of Tanzania. It was a relief to feel the comfort and ease of the Tanzanian people after so much hustle and bustle. Our journey went very smoothly due to the fact that we followed some important etiquette rules.

Before we get to the protocols of being a traveller in Tanzania, let me explain the history of this little-known country. Tanzania is a country located in East Africa and is best known for its vast and scenic wilderness and friendly, welcoming people. Its great lakes region is home to several national parks. It was previously called “Tanganyika and the Zanzibar Archipelago.” These two areas were governed separately. Today, it is combined as one and officially called the United Republic of Tanzania. It encompasses the Zanzibar, its islands, and is part of the British Commonwealth.

How to Start the Conversation

Tanzania is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in Africa, and has had many different rulers, such as those from the Horn of Africa, West Africa, Arab States, Germany and the United Kingdom. All of these had an influence on the Tanzanian language, religion, infrastructure and economy and the way education and the judicial systems have been structured.

Tanzanian introductions and greetings are less pointed than in many other countries. They feel warmer and earnest and should be done in a relaxed way. They could be spoken by the state language, Swahili – be aware that there are approximately 120 languages spoken throughout Tanzania – however, when speaking to the elderly, less direct eye contact may be used and those in authority will want to speak in a polite and formalized language rather than colloquial. 

 The following is some terminology to use when traveling:

• Hello > ‘Jambo’ – Common with Tourists
• Hello > ‘Shikamoo’ Reply > ‘Marahaba’
• How are you? > Habari? Reply > Nazuri
• Farewell > ‘Kwa Heri Ya Kuonana’
• Asante > Thank you
• Local greetings can be a light touch on the shoulder or wrist and then the more “right-hand Western” would be the handshake, which can last longer. 
• For women, placing your left hand over the right elbow may occur when performing a handshake or bow. 
• Differences in religious practices may dictate whether you can touch the other person or not. 
• It is an important part of Tanzanian culture to treat elders and those in authority with great respect. When shaking the hands of elders, use both hands; this shows you have respect for tradition. 
• After the introduction is dispensed with then inquiries are made about how the family and health, proceed. 
• It is essential that if an elder is speaking is to be stop and mindfully listen and hear their stories, advice or viewpoints.

Cultural Expectations of Tanzania

• Modesty is essential; it shows respect, and it ensures you will be seen and heard more positively. When visiting villages, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and legs. On safari or sea, however, shorts and T-shirts are generally acceptable. 
• When entering religious sites such as churches or mosques, observe local customs and dress similarly to the locals to avoid offending. 
•  Tanzanians are welcoming and appreciate visitors, and while tourism supports much of the local economy, the culture remains conservative. 
• Always ask kindly before taking someone’s photo. 
•  And when it comes to PDA, public displays of affection, avoid it entirely.

Zanzibar’s Archipelago, the Spice Islands of Africa

Zanzibar is truly beautiful. It is an ancient seaport and trading hub dating back to the 9th century, where Tanzanian merchants exchanged goods with seafaring nations such as India, the Arab world, and Persia. Precious items like ivory, gold, spices, and salt were traded, along with, tragically, enslaved people. The island’s architecture reflects its international traders, including locally designed coral-stone buildings.

Eating the Tanzanian Way

While travelling through Tanzania via Zanzibar, I found that the food was deliciously spicy, fresh and fragrant. Thanks to explorers discovering spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, and vanilla and bringing them via the Zanzibarian archipelago, this changed the way locals flavored their meals.

• If you are invited to a traditional Tanzanian home, you will be invited to sit on a mat, so be ready to wear loose-fitting clothing or food offered to you on a low stool.
• Food is eaten with fingers or hands, be ready to wash your hands before and after the meal, as I have found throughout Africa, washing hands is customary.
• When passing food or eating, always use your right hand for most clean functions. Never use the left hand for anything during the dining event.
• Whilst dining, be very aware that it is essential that the cook, or cooks, are valued and should be shown great respect. One way to do this is by not smelling your food, which may indicate that something ‘smells off’ or rotten.
• When you are offered food, taste everything and sample food that you may not be keen on. 
• Always use your own bowl, never eat from the communal dishes that may lie in front of you.

If you can, visit Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago. You will be rewarded with pristine beaches, breathtaking safari parks, and thousands of years of history. It's a truly worthwhile experience, especially for the chance to meet the kind people of Tanzania.

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette. Elizabeth can currently be found in Melbourne Australia and on numerous social media sites.

 🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia