Duteni Tours, Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the most beautiful countries in the world! With over 20 National Parks including the world famous Serengeti National Park (which has the world’s greatest wildebeest migration), Nyerere National Park - the largest national park in Africa, beautiful white sandy beaches along the coast of Indian ocean and home to the highest mountain in Africa and the highest stand-alone mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro; make Tanzania one of the greatest tourist destinations.

However, that’s not all. Another main thing that makes Tanzania unforgettable is the food. Our diverse cuisine that vary from region to region will allow you to experience different cultures, history and the geography of our country.

Spicy foods and ingredients like coconut milk, ginger, garlic, cinnamon and cloves are commonly used in many of our dishes. Some of our dishes like curry, has also been influenced by the Indian cuisine from back when the Indian traders introduced it to the country.

TWO DISHES TO TRY WHEN VISITING TANZANIA

If you are planning to visit Tanzania, then below are the two most popular dishes you might want to try:

Wali wa nazi

Wali is a Swahili (our national language) word for cooked rice and nazi is a Swahili word for coconut. This staple Tanzanian dish is made of rice that is cooked (boiled) with a mixture of coconut milk and water and seasoned with salt. It is most popular on the coastal regions of the country mainly because that’s where coconut trees are indigenous. The food maintains the distinct coconut flavor and it is commonly accompanied with beans, red meat, chicken, fish, or curry.

Alternatively, the rice can be cooked with water and a small amount of vegetable oil and then seasoned with salt if the coconut milk is not available.

Ugali

This is the staple dish of Tanzania. It is made by mixing corn flour (maize flour) with hot boiling water to get a stiff consistency. The flour can be mixed with other flours like sorghum and cassava flour. This staple dish is considered a high energy food. It is common in all regions of Tanzania. Ugali is served as a side dish for everything but commonly with beans, fish, meat and vegetables stews.

Ugali is traditionally eaten with a hand. You simply pull a little bit apart, roll it in your hand to create a small ugali ball. You then press the ugali ball with your finger in the middle to create a small indent with which you can scoop whatever the ugali is served with.

Tanzania is home to more than 120 tribes and each tribe has a different method for cooking certain foods. So, please stay tuned as we will be continuing to share different delicious cuisines of our beautiful country.

This article was written by Duteni Tours, a Class A licensed Tour Operator based in Tanzania, East Africa. For questions about the content of the article or for information about magical safaris or immersive cultural experiences in Tanzania, please contact us at:

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than Tanzania, a land of stunning natural beauty and breathtaking wildlife encounters. In our today's episode of Wild animals found in Tanzania we'll delve into one of our country's most remarkable and awe-inspiring inhabitants Known for their formidable size and unique characteristics, Hippopotamuses.

According to Wildlife Conservative Society (WCS) there are two species of hippopotamuses: the common river hippo (Hippopotamus amphibious) and the much smaller pygmy hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis). Tanzania has an estimated of 20,000 to 30,000 number of hippos. These semi-aquatic mammals can be found in various water bodies throughout the country, including rivers, lakes, and swamps. Lake Manyara, Lake Tanganyika, and the Rufiji River are just a few of the prime locations where hippos thrive.

Facts about Hippopotamus.

Hippos are the third-largest land mammals on Earth, surpassed only by elephants and rhinoceroses. Adult hippos can weigh between 1,500 to 3,200 kilograms (3,300 to 7,000 pounds) and reach lengths of up to 5 meters (16.5 feet).

Hippos have a semi-aquatic life style. They split their time between water and land.

Hippos do not have sweat glands, so they rely on water to keep cool. They spend most of the day time submerged in water which helps them stay cool and protect their sensitive skin from the sun. At night they graze on land to find food.

Despite their intimidating size and large tusks, hippos are herbivores. They primarily feed on grasses and aquatic plants, consuming approximately to 40 pounds of food each night which makes them nocturnal feeders.

Hippos are known for their social behaviors and live in groups called pods. These pods can range from a few individuals to dozens, and they often communicate through vocalizations and body language.

Hippos secrete a reddish oily substance from their skin, often referred to as "blood sweat." This secretion acts as a natural sunscreen and antibiotic, protecting their skin from the harsh sun and inhibiting bacterial growth.

Female hippos give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about eight months. The mother is protective of her calf, and they often stay close to the water's edge for safety.

Hippos are highly territorial and can become aggressive when their territories are threatened. They are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal due to their  territorial disputes.

Hippos are known for their vocalizations, which include grunts, roars, and honks. These vocalizations serve various purposes, such as communication within the pod and warning other hippos of their presence.

So, if you've ever dreamed of witnessing the majesty of hippos in the wild while embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Tanzania beckons. Come and explore the wonders of this incredible country, and let the sight of hippos in their natural habitat be the highlight of your journey.

This article was written by Duteni Tours, a Class A licensed Tour Operator based in Tanzania, East Africa. For questions about the content of the article or for information about magical safaris or immersive cultural experiences in Tanzania, please contact us at;

[email protected] OR +255 765 809 691.

Tanzania, a diverse East African nation, boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects the country's vibrant culture and traditions. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey and uncover one of our famous dish: Ndizi Nyama. 

This mouthwatering dish combines the following ingredients  to create a unique and flavorsome experience:

Ndizi which is a Swahili word for banana. The dish traditionally uses green cooking bananas, which are starchy and less sweet than ripe bananas.

Nyama which is a Swahili word for meat. While the choice of meat can vary, beef is commonly used. Other options include goat, chicken, or even fish, depending on personal preferences.

Spices and seasonings used in this dish include garlic, ginger, curry powder, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper.

Tomatoes that are used to create a rich and tangy tomato-based sauce that complements the sweetness of the bananas and the savory meat.

Onions that add depth and flavor to the sauce, providing a perfect balance between the sweet and savory components of the dish.

Coconut Milk which is used to create a creamy sauce that ties all the ingredients together. It adds a hint of tropical flavor to the dish.

To cook this dish start by peeling the green bananas and cutting them into chunks. These chunks are typically boiled until they become tender but not mushy. In a separate pan, brown the meat with a mixture of spices, garlic, ginger, and onions. This step infuses the meat with the rich flavors of the spices and creates a mouthwatering aroma. To make the sauce, combine tomatoes and coconut milk with the meat. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Finally, add the cooked bananas to the sauce, allowing them to absorb the flavors and achieve the desired consistency. The dish should have a creamy texture with a perfect blend of sweet and savory elements. Ndizi Nyama can be served as the main course or served with rice, or ugali (a maize-based staple) or pasta.

This dish offers a delightful fusion of sweet and savory elements, making it a beloved favorite among Tanzanians and an intriguing culinary discovery for visitors. The next time you find yourself in Tanzania or exploring Swahili cuisine, don't miss the opportunity to savor the exquisite Ndizi Nyama – a dish that encapsulates the essence of Tanzanian culinary artistry.

This article was written by Duteni Tours, a Class A licensed Tour Operator based in Tanzania, East Africa. For questions about the content of the article or for information about magical safaris or immersive cultural experiences in Tanzania, please contact us at;

[email protected] OR +255 765 809 691.

Tanzania, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. In our today's episode of Wild animals found in Tanzania we'll delve into the incredible world of one the most famous big five, Elephants.

According to Wildlife Conservative Society (WCS) there are two main species of elephants: the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Tanzania harbors one of Africa’s most significant remaining elephant population with an estimation of 60,000 to 70,000 elephants, making it a vital stronghold for the conservation of these gentle giants. These elephants roam freely across Tanzania's vast and diverse landscapes, from savannas to forests.

Facts about Elephants.

Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth. . African elephants are larger than Asian elephants, with males weighing up to 12,000 pounds (5,400 kilograms).

Elephants are herbivores, primarily feeding on grasses, leaves, bark, and fruits. They can consume large quantities of food each day to sustain their massive bodies. They are the only herbivores that  have mammal glands between their front legs.

Elephants have a long lifespan, often living up to 60-70 years in the wild. In captivity, they can live even longer.

Female elephants have a long gestation period of about 22 months, making it one of the longest of any land animal. They typically give birth to a single calf.

Elephants are highly social animals and live in tight-knit family groups called herds. These herds are typically led by a matriarch, the oldest and most experienced female.

One of the most distinctive features of an elephant is its trunk. It is a long, flexible appendage that serves multiple purposes, including breathing, smelling, drinking, grabbing objects, uprooting trees and communication.

Both male and female Elephants have two elongated teeth that are called tusks. Tustks are not equal in size as  one can be seen shorter or longer than the other.

Elephants are known for their excellent memory. They can remember the locations of water sources, migration routes, and even individuals they have encountered, which helps them survive in their often harsh environments.

Elephant herds form strong emotional bonds, and they often display signs of mourning when a member of the group dies. They may stay with the deceased elephant's body for hours or even days.

Elephants communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including trumpets, roars, and rumbles. They can also communicate through body language and tactile interactions.

Elephants, particularly adults, are not typically preyed upon by natural predators due to their massive size and formidable strength. However, young elephants and calves are more vulnerable to predation. Some potential natural predators to young elephants are lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.

Tanzania is a land of wonder and adventure, where the opportunity to see elephants is just one facet of its appeal. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for a safari like no other—one filled with awe-inspiring encounters with Tanzania's remarkable elephants and the breathtaking beauty of our homeland.

This article was written by Duteni Tours, a Class A licensed Tour Operator based in Tanzania, East Africa. For questions about the content of the article or for information about magical safaris or immersive cultural experiences in Tanzania, please contact us at;

[email protected] OR +255 765 809 691.

Did you know that Tanzania has the largest wild animal population density in the world? This means that there are more animals per square mile of land in Tanzania than anywhere else. How interesting is that!

According to Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), the country has 22 National Parks home to more than 430 mammalians, 6,000 insects, 1,112 birds, and 100 snakes species.

So, hop on to this exciting ride as we’ll be sharing some amazing facts of different animals that are found in the beautiful country of Tanzania.

Today we’ll have a look at the Tanzanian’s National Animal and that is none other than the majestic Giraffe. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), there are four distinct species of giraffes and those are the Maasai giraffe (G. tippelskirchi), Northern giraffe (G. camelopardalis), Reticulated giraffe (G. reticulata) and Southern giraffe (G. giraffa). Tanzania is home to the largest population of Maasai giraffes in the world.

Facts About Giraffe

An average giraffe is 20 feet tall, making them the tallest land mammal on earth

Both male and female giraffes have ossified cartilage resembling horns on the top of their heads

They are social animals. They travel in groups of 10 to 12 known as tower

Both male and female giraffes can live to about 25 years in the wild and even longer in captivity. Their mortality rates vary from region to region depending on the density of their natural predators

Their biggest natural predators are lions who are responsible for the mortality of more than 50% of giraffe calves in their first year

They are herbivorous animals and due to their height they eat leaves and buds from trees and shrubs. They can consume approximately 35 kilograms of food a day

Their bodies are covered in spots (patches) which they use as camouflage from their predators

Giraffes’ gestation period is about 15 months. They can carry only one calf at each pregnancy, and they give birth to their calves while standing up

They can run as fast as 35 mph over short distances and about 10 mph over longer distances.

Come visit the beautiful country of Tanzania where you can see these majestic animals. Stay tuned for next time when we come back with other amazing facts about other animals found in Tanzania.

This article was written by Duteni Tours, a Class A licensed Tour Operator based in Tanzania, East Africa. For questions about the content of the article or for information about magical safaris or immersive cultural experiences in Tanzania, please contact us at;

Roarrr! Welcome to Selous/Nyerere National Park, the ultimate playground for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. Get ready to embark on a safari experience like no other. Buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into the wild wonders of this untamed wilderness!

Written by Duteni Tours Team, a Class A licensed Tour Operator based in Tanzania, East Africa. For questions/comments about the content of this article or for information about magical safaris and or immersive cultural experiences in Tanzania, please contact us at; [email protected] OR +255 765 809 691