Andrew Stegmann

From The Hippo’s Ears: Tunisia

Contributions by Mariem.

Facts you may not have know about Tunisia:

Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a sovereign state in Northwest Africa, covering 165,000 square kilometers. Its northernmost point, Cape Angela, is the northernmost point on the African continent. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Tunisia’s population was estimated to be just under 11.93 million in 2016.

Tunisia’s name is derived from its capital city, Tunis, which is located on its northeast coast. The country’s official language is Arabic, and other spoken languages include Berber and French.

1.  When you first meet someone, how do you greet them?

When meeting someone, it is common to shake hands as a greeting. Acquaintances also generally shake hands, while friends may kiss and hug each other.

2. What languages are spoken in the country?

Arabic is the official language, and Tunisian Arabic, known as Tounsi, is the national, vernacular variety of Arabic and is used by the public. There is also a small minority of speakers of Berber languages known collectively as Jebbali or Shelha.

French also plays a major role in Tunisian society, despite having no official status. It is widely used in education (e.g., as the language of instruction in the sciences in secondary school), the press, and business. In 2010, there were 6,639,000 French-speakers in Tunisia, or about 64% of the population. Italian is understood and spoken by a small part of the Tunisian population. Shop signs, menus and road signs in Tunisia are generally written in both Arabic and French.

3. Do you use a twelve hour clock, or a twenty-four hour clock?

We use a 24-hour clock.

4. What side of the road do people drive on? What do we need to know about driving in the country?

We drive on the right-hand side of the road. Road infrastructure is fine. Drivers tend to respect the traffic lights and signs, but we have to be careful, as taxi drivers can be reckless sometimes.

5. How important is punctuality?

Punctuality is quite important, although a few minutes of delay is accepted.

6. Which types of music are popular? Who are some of the most popular musicians?

he country is best known for malouf, a kind of music imported from Andalusia after the Spanish immigration in the 15th century. Though in its modern form, malouf is likely very dissimilar to any music played more than four centuries ago.

20th century musicians from Tunisia include Anouar Brahem, an oud player, Jasser Haj Youssef, a composer and a violin player, and El Azifet, a rare all-female orchestra, as well as well-known vocalist Raoul Journo, singer and oud player Dhafer Youssef, singer, guitarist and lutenist Nabil Khemir, Lotfi Bouchnak, Khemais Tarnane, Saliha, Saleh Mehdi, Ali Riahi, Hedi Jouini, Fethia Khairi, Chikh El Ofrit, Oulaya and Neema.

21st century alternative music groups include Neshez, Zemeken, Aspirine, Kerkennah, Myrath, Ymyrgar and Checkpoint 303.

For a taste of Senegalese music, listen to Sonia M’barek, and Checkpoint 303’s Rissala Min Qalandia.

7. Are there any Traditional Dances?

Bedouin dance is popular throughout Tunisia, and is featured at a number of music festivals. Nékhikhe, a dance from the Kairouan region, involves tratidional dress, such as scarves.

Tunisian dance can resemble Egyptian dance, and is distinguished mainly by its dynamic, which is faster with more staccato, and its multitude of forms, each region having its own “style”. The variety of dances performed by the Tunisians may reflect the migration flows that have traversed the country throughout the centuries. The National Troupe Folk Art Center and the National Dance of Ariana continue practice the traditional Tunisian dances.

8.  What traditional Festivals are celebrated in the country?

Due to its cultural diversity, Tunisia plays host to a number of popular festivals.

The Carthage Film Festival is held in October and November of every other year, alternating with the Carthage Theatre Festival. It was created in 1966 by the Tunisian Minister of Culture to showcase films from the Maghreb, Africa and the Middle East. In order to be eligible for the competition, a film must have a director of African or Middle Eastern nationality, and have been produced at least two years before entry. The grand prize is the Tanit d’or, or “Golden Tanit,” named for the lunar goddess of ancient Carthage; the award is in the shape of her symbol, a trapezium surmounted by a horizontal line and a circle.

The International Festival of the Sahara, celebrated annually at the end of December, honors the cultural traditions associated with the Tunisian desert. This attracts many tourists and musicians from all around the world, as well as horsemen who flaunt their saddles and local fabrics and skills.

There are also a number of musical festivals; some honor traditional Tunisian music, while others, including the Tabarka Jazz Festival, focus on other genres.

9. What are the seasons like?

Tunisia’s climate is Mediterranean in the north, with mild rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The south of the country is desert. The terrain in the north is mountainous, which, moving south, gives way to a hot, dry central plain. The south is semiarid, and merges into the Sahara. A series of salt lakes, known as chotts or shatts, lie in an east-west line at the northern edge of the Sahara, extending from the Gulf of Gabes into Algeria.

Tunis has an average of 65 annual precipitation days, with annual average precipitation at 465mm. Average highs and lows in mid-summer are approximately 34 and 22 C respectively. In mid-winter, average highs and lows are around 16 and 8 C respectively.

10. What are some interesting facts about the President?

Tunisia is a semi-presidential republic, whereby the president is the head of state and the prime minister (named Head of Government of Tunisia) is head of government. The president and the prime minister have executive roles, with the executive power being exercised by the president and the government (dual executive). The President is the commandar-in-chief of the military, and does not hold political affiliation while in office.

President Beji Caid Essebsi has served since December 2014. Essebsi is the founder of the Nidaa Tounes political party, which won a plurality in the 2014 parliamentary election. In December 2014, he won the first regular presidential election following the Tunisian Revolution, becoming Tunisia’s first freely and directly elected president.

Tunisia’s Head of Government, Youssef Chahed, serving since August 2016,  previously served as Secretary of State for Fishing from 2015 to 2016, and Minister of Local Affairs in 2016. He is a member of the Nidaa Tounes party. By profession, he is an agricultural engineer, researcher, and university professor.

11. What are the country’s major industries?

Tunisia is an export-oriented country in the process of liberalizing and privatizing its economy. Tunisia, which was ranked the least corrupt Arab African-country in 2016, has a diverse economy, ranging from agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and petroleum products, to tourism. The industrial sector is mainly made up of clothing and footwear manufacturing, production of car parts, and electric machinery.

Tunisia is one of the European Union’s most established trading partners in the Mediterranean region, being the first Mediterranean country to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union, in July 1995.

12. How do people spend their free time?

Many people in Tunisia enjoy exploring their cities, finding new restaurants or coffee shops to eat at, or night clubs to go to. Watching or playing football is also popular.

13. What is a popular local drink?

Tunisians produce grapes, wheat, barley and orchard fruits, which are used to create a number of drinks. These include wines, such as the staple Tunisian wine, Chateau Mornag, beers, brandy, liqueurs, and apple ciders. Scented waters with dark rose or blossom petals can also be found in Tunisia.

14. What is a popular local dish?

Couscous, called “Kosksi”, is the national dish of Tunisia, and can be prepared in many ways. It is cooked in a special kind of double boiler called a ‘kiska’ in Arabic, or ‘couscoussière’ in French, resembling a Chinese steamer atop a Mongolian pot.

Meats, vegetables and spices are cooked in the lower pot. Cooking steam rises through vents into the container above. It is layered with whole herbs such as bay leaves and covered with a fine-grain couscous. The couscous pasta is therefore cooked with aromatic steam. During the cooking process, the couscous needs to be regularly stirred with a fork to prevent lumping, as risotto is cooked.

Preferred meats include lamb or chicken, but regional substitutes can include red snapper, grouper, sea bass, hare, or quail.

Thanks to its long coastline and numerous fishing ports, Tunisia offers an abundant and varied selection of fish. Most diners in Tunisia are also content to have their fish fillet simply fire-grilled and seasoned with olive oil, a lemon squeeze and salt and pepper to taste.

Unlike other North African cuisines, Tunisian food is quite spicy. Tabil is Tunisian and Algerian spice mixture, generally consisting of ground coriander seed, caraway seed, garlic powder, and chili powder, which is closely associated with the cooking of Tunisia.

15. What do you pay, on average, for the following? (1 USD = approx. DT 2.60)

3 Course meal: DT 18
Domestic beer (500ml): DT 3
Cup of coffee: DT 1.79
Coca cola (330ml): DT 1.13
Milk (1l): DT 1.14
Loaf of white bread: DT 0.32
Apples (1 kg): DT 3.31
Water (1.5l): DT 0.64

16. Any general safety tips?

Tunisia is quite safe, as a lot of security measures have been taken by the Tunisian government, not only to protect its citizens, but also its important tourism industry. Visitors to the country will notice that there are CCTV cameras and armed police in many places, as well as bag scanners in hotel lounges. Travelling in a group rather than alone will add safety when travelling around.

17. In conclusion, famous (and sometimes infamous) people from the country include:

  • President Beji Caid Essebsi, Tunisia’s first freely and directly elected president.
  • Abdellatif Kechiche, a Tunisian-French actor, film director and screenwriter. His film ‘Blue Is the Warmest Colour’ won the Palme d’Or (the highest award) at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.
  • Marc Gicquel, a former professional tennis player, who played for France.
  • Aboul-Qacem Echebbi, a poet who wrote the final two verses of the current National Anthem of Tunisia, ‘Humat al-Hima’ (Defenders of the Homeland).

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. Image sources: Haythem Gataa on Unsplash [1].

Andrew Stegmann

Why You Should Use a Relocation Provider and What to Look For

Relocating employees can be a time-consuming, costly, and confusing process. But it doesn’t have to be. Making use of a Relocation Service Provider has numerous advantages for your business. We asked our Director, Rene, for an overview of the reasons you should do so, and what to consider when looking for the best service provider for your needs.

What would you say are some of the downsides to a company deciding to manage relocating their employees in-house?

Companies could end up spending 80% of their time on 20% of their employees. Unless all those relocating are going to the same location, it’s difficult to build resources and have a bank of information about each location when not using experts in each of those locations. In contrast to Destination Service Providers, companies might not have capability to negotiate on behalf of their employees. Human Resources’ time could be better spent – potentially making the business more money and developing employees.

What are some advantages to using a Relocation Provider?

Focused knowledge, expertise, and support along the journey. There are also potential cost and time savings due to the reasons mentioned above.

What should I look for when choosing a provider?

Don’t only look at cost – it’s only one factor. A successful assignment has other elements to it. Consider compliance – whether the provider has all the necessary checks and balances, such as ISO 9001 and industry quality standards. An example is whether a provider has reached the audit requirements to gain the EuRA Global Quality Seal (EGQS). Also look into how long the provider has existed for, and judge whether they are likely to continue to be in existence when you need them a few years into the future.

Look into how they vet and recruit their people, as well as whether they have the required insurance. Get feedback from previous clients of theirs, and, if possible, perform a site visit to see if what they are saying about their presence in a location is accurate. Consider their alliances and memberships, such as with The International Relocation Associates (TIRA).

Finally, there is a big difference between a mover and Destination Service Provider (DSP), and there can be confusion in the industry. DSPs focus on people, not boxes. It is important to understand exactly what the provider does, and where its focus areas are and capabilities lie.

What should I do if I’m struggling to work with my current provider?

Ultimately you want to fix the problem. Partner appropriately – remember you are both trying to service the client (assignee) as best as possible. Focus on bringing things back from red to amber to green as soon as possible. Work together to solve the problem, rather than pointing fingers. Consider whether the problem is a first, or a repeating one, before considering moving to a new provider. Resolve the issue in the best interests of the assignee.

Is it best to go with a global company, or one that is located in and specializes in the area I’m interested in?

It is definitely better to use a regional provider – one located in the country the assignee/s will be moving to, as it is too broad for one global provider to have expert experience in every area. If, for example, you are moving employees into or around Africa, use a provider that has years of experience focused on that continent.

Any insights on industry trends happening right now?

One trend is the shift from longer-term programs to shorter-term programs. Another is finding ways to add value for assignees and clients by using available technology and data. There is a general trend of companies disproportionately placing price over value, quality of service, and compliance. This needs to be considered in terms of risk aversion, taking new legislation such as GDPR into account, as well as long-term success working with the provider, in order to enhance the true overall value of using an expert.

 

So there you have it. Using a trusted Relocation Provider can not only save you time and money, but help prevent unforeseen problems with relocating employees around the globe. With over 25 years of experience across the African continent, Relocation Africa would be happy to assist you with your mobility needs, and help you embrace the unknown.

 

Sources: [1]. Image sources: Kyle Glenn on Unsplash [1].

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Andrew Stegmann

From The Hippo’s Ears: Senegal

Contributions by Khary.

Facts you may not have know about Senegal:

Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country in West Africa. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania in the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. The country gained independence from France in 1960, and has a population of over 15 million people.

Senegal’s economic and political capital is Dakar, and the country’s name comes from the Wolof language’s “Sunuu Gaal”, which means “Our Boat”.

French is the official language, although many native languages are spoken and recognized. Senegal has been a member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie since 1970.

1.  When you first meet someone, how do you greet them?

When meeting someone, common greetings are “Good morning/afternoon/evening”, and shaking hands is also common.

2. What languages are spoken in the country?

French is the official language, spoken at least by all those who enjoyed several years in the educational system that is of French origin. Most people also speak their own ethnic language while, especially in Dakar, Wolof is the lingua franca.

Several of the Senegalese languages have the legal status of “national languages”: Balanta-Ganja, Hassaniya Arabic, Jola-Fonyi, Mandinka, Mandjak, Mankanya, Noon (Serer-Noon), Pulaar, Serer, Soninke, and Wolof.

3. Do you use a twelve hour clock, or a twenty-four hour clock?

We use a 24-hour clock.

4. What side of the road do people drive on? What do we need to know about driving in the country?

We drive on the right side of the road. The system of roads in Senegal is extensive by West African standards, with paved roads reaching each corner of the country and all major towns. While it is expected that everyone respects the rules of the road, including traffic signs and traffic officer instructions, many drivers are not disciplined in doing so.

5. How important is punctuality?

Punctuality is quite important, although being a few minutes late is generally alright.

6. Which types of music are popular? Who are some of the most popular musicians?

Senegal’s music is best known abroad due to the popularity of mbalax, a development of Serer sabar drumming popularized by Youssou N’Dour. Acoustic folk music has also left its mark on Senegal’s music culture. Artists that have contributed to this genre include TAMA from Rufisque, Pape Armand Boye, les Freres Guisse, Pape et Cheikh, and Cheikh Lo.

The biggest trend in 1990s Senegal, however, was hip hop. Traditional culture includes rapping traditions, such as the formal tassou, performed by women of the Laobe woodworking class the morning after marriages. Modern Senegalese hip hop is mostly in Wolof, alongside some English and French. Positive Black Soul is the best-known group in the country

For a taste of Senegalese music, listen to Pape Armand Boye’s Wadji, and Positive Black Soul’s L’Afrique.

7. Are there any Traditional Dances?

Mbalax Dancing is popular in nightclubs and social gatherings as well as religious and life cycle events such as: weddings, birthdays, and naming ceremonies. New Mbalax dance movements are constantly emerging, this often occurs with the increasing popularity of a particular song.

The dance of Ndawrabine was invented by the women of the Lébou community, a Wolof ethnic group, and can be seen here.

8.  What traditional Festivals are celebrated in the country?

The annual Blues du Fleuve festival in Podor, founded by musician Baaba Maal, attracts thousands. Maal’s festival has run since 2006 and usually takes place in Podor, the northernmost town in Senegal. He hopes the event will one day become Senegal’s Glastonbury.

Since 1996, the Biennale has celebrated contemporary African art with exhibitions every other year. African contemporary artists apply to display paintings, sculptures, and other masterpieces across Dakar during the month-long Dak’Art Biennale event.

Saint Louis Jazz Festival: As the former capital of Senegal and West Africa during colonial times, Saint Louis has always been a cultural and economic center. The city welcomes jazz enthusiasts from around the world every spring since 1992. Festival goers can also check out the nearby Langue de Barbarie, Lompoul Desert, Djoudj National Park, Pont Faitherbe and old colonial buildings.

The first ever International Afro-Latino Dance Festival took place in Dakar between April 2nd and 8th. Dance enthusiasts were able to learn or practice kizomba, salsa, and mbalax with teachers and DJs from around the world.

9. What are the seasons like?

Senegal has a tropical climate with pleasant heat throughout the year with well-defined dry and humid seasons that result from northeast winter winds and southwest summer winds. The dry season (December to April) is dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind.

The northernmost part of the country has a near hot desert climate, the central part has a hot semi-arid climate and the southernmost part has a tropical wet and dry climate. Senegal is mainly a sunny and dry country.

Dakar’s annual rainfall of about 600 mm (24 in) occurs between June and October when maximum temperatures average 30 °C (86.0 °F) and minimums 24.2 °C (75.6 °F); December to February maximum temperatures average 25.7 °C (78.3 °F) and minimums 18 °C (64.4 °F).

10. What are some interesting facts about the President?

Macky Sall has been Senegal’s President since 2012. Under President Abdoulaye Wade, Sall was Prime Minister of Senegal from April 2004 to June 2007 and President of the National Assembly  from June 2007 to November 2008. He was the Mayor of Fatick from 2002 to 2008 and held that post again from 2009 to 2012.

Sall was trained as a geological engineer at the Institute of Earth Sciences (IST) of the University of Dakar and then at the French Institute of Petroleum (IFP)’s National College of Petrol and Engines (ENSPM) in Paris. He is a member of multiple national and international associations of geologists and geological engineers.

In January 2016, Sall supported proposed constitutional reforms, which passed in March that year, that limit any president to two consecutive terms in office, and reduced the term of office from seven years to five, in accordance with his promise at the 2012 election.

11. What are the country’s major industries?

The main industries include food processing, mining, cement, artificial fertilizer, chemicals, textiles, refining imported petroleum, and tourism. Exports include fish, chemicals, cotton, fabrics, groundnuts, and calcium phosphate. The principal foreign market is India with 26.7% of exports (as of 1998). Other foreign markets include the United States, Italy and the United Kingdom.

As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a unified external tariff. Senegal is also a member of the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa.

12. How do people spend their free time?

Many Senegalese enjoy spending time with family and friends by playing sport, dancing, and going to the beach.

13. What do people drink?

Popular fresh juices are made from bissap, ginger, buy (pronounced ‘buoy’, which is the fruit of the baobab tree, also known as “monkey bread fruit”), mango, or other fruit or wild trees (most famously soursop, which is called corossol in French). Desserts  are traditionally followed by coffee or tea.

14. What is a popular local dish?

The cuisine of Senegal is a West African cuisine influenced by North African, French, and Portuguese cuisine, and derives from the nation’s many ethnic groups, the largest being the Wolof.

Thieboudienne or ceebu jën (among other names): The literal English translation of the dish is “The Rice of Fish”. Dubbed as the national dish of Senegal, it consists of flavoursome fish that has been marinated with parsley, lemon, garlic, onions (and other herbs), and then later cooked with tomato paste and a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, and carrots. Rice is later added to the mix giving it a reddish look. It is said to resemble the Spanish dish paella, from the region of Valencia.

Maafe, seasoned fish, chicken, lamb, or beef cooked with vegetables in a tomato and peanut butter sauce, is also popular.

Yassa: now popular with other West African countries, Yassa is either chicken or fish that is first marinated with spices, and then simmered in a pan with onion, garlic, mustard, and lemon juice. This creates a chicken and onion sauce side-dish that is served with plain white rice.

15. What do you pay, on average, for the following? (1 USD = approx. CFA 556)

Milk (1 liter): CFA 1,000
Coca cola (330 ml): CFA 400
Cup of coffee: CFA 1,000
3 Course meal: CFA 7,500
Domestic beer: CFA 420
Loaf of bread: CFA 200
Apples (1 kg): CFA 1,100

16. Any general safety tips?

The Senegalese are very proud of their reputation for “teranga” — hospitality. Locals are extremely friendly and helpful; but as anywhere else, watch out for scams and pickpockets. Petty crime here is relatively high, be cautious. Senegal is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa. Try to avoid walking alone at night.

17. In conclusion, famous (and sometimes infamous) people from the country include:

Abdala Faye is a Senegalese mixed media artist, and member of the Serer noble Faye family. He is the grandson of former Senegalese king, Mbaye Ndiay Djaly. At the age of 12 he had his first showing in Paris, France and sold all of his paintings. Faye began traveling the continent of Africa and Europe at the age of 15. Abdala’s art has been featured in exhibits around the world including Senegal, Brasil, France, Belgium, Germany and the United States. Faye opened Akebuland in Iowa City, IA USA. In 2008 he moved to Cincinnati, OH where he opened The Faye Gallery.

Ousmane Sembène, often credited in the French style as Sembène Ousmane, was a Senegalese film director, producer and writer. The Los Angeles Times considered him one of the greatest authors of Africa and he has often been called the “father of African film”. At the 11th Moscow International Film Festival in 1979, he was awarded with the Honorable Prize for the contribution to cinema. He is the subject of the 2015 documentary film, Sembene!

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]. Image sources: [1].

Andrew Stegmann

From The Hippo’s Ears: Tanzania

Contributions by Joyceline.

Facts you may not have know about Tanzania:

Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a sovereign state in eastern Africa, within the African Great Lakes region. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1961, becoming Tanganyika, and has a population of over 55 million people.

Since 1996, its official capital city has been Dodoma, where the President’s office, the National Assembly, and some government ministries are located. Dar es Salaam, the former capital, retains most government offices, and is the country’s largest city, principal port, and leading commercial center.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is in north-eastern Tanzania, and is a popular destination for explorers.

 

1.  When you first meet someone, how do you greet them?

When meeting someone, common greetings are “Mambo!” or “Jambo!” Alternatively, out of respect for younger or elderly people, a greeting of “Shikamoo” is also common.

2. What languages are spoken in the country?

While there are no official languages, Kiswahili is the national language. Swahili is used in parliamentary debate, in the lower courts, and as a medium of instruction in primary school. English is used in foreign trade, in diplomacy, in higher courts, and as a medium of instruction in secondary and higher education.

More than 100 languages are spoken in Tanzania, making it the most linguistically diverse country in East Africa. Among the languages spoken are all four of Africa’s language families: Bantu, Cushitic, Nilotic, and Khoisan.

3. Do you use a twelve hour clock, or a twenty-four hour clock?

We use a 12-hour clock.

4. What side of the road do people drive on? What do we need to know about driving in the country?

We drive on the left side of the road. Roads are generally in poor conditions. Most transport in Tanzania is by road, with road transport constituting over 75 percent of the country’s freight traffic, and 80 percent of its passenger traffic.

5. How important is punctuality?

Punctuality is not of utmost importance in Tanzania, with many people often running late. Despite this, productivity is high.

6. Which types of music are popular? Who are some of the most popular musicians?

Hip hop and gospel music are both popular. With a fusion of local and foreign music traditions, Tanzanian musicians have grown in prominence within the African Great Lakes region. Popular musicians include Dionys Mbilinyi, Sabinus Komba, John Lisu, Paul Clement, and Christina Shusho.

For a taste of Tanzanian music, listen to Christina Shusho’s Ninanga’ra, and Paul Clement’s Namba Moja.

7. Are there any Traditional Dances?

In many areas in Tanzania, dance and drums are used as part of celebrations, and is seen by some as a way to preserve important parts of the country’s history and traditions.

For an example of Tanzanian Haya dancing, click here. The Haya area group of people residing in northwestern Tanzania.

8.  What traditional Festivals are celebrated in the country?

Bagamoyo Festival of Arts and Culture is a seven-day event that is held in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. It features music, dance, drama, acrobatics and many other arts related activities. It takes place every year at the end of September.

First run in 2003, the legendary East African Safari Classic Rally is a nine-day rally covering up to 5,000 kilometres through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari Classic rekindles the spirit of the original Safari Rally, which put East Africa on the motorsport map and earned an unassailable reputation as the world’s toughest rally.

The Wanyambo Festival is one of the best opportunities to check out the local culture of Tanzania in early January. The event is staged in the northern area of Dar es Salaam known as Makumbusho, with lots of traditional music, dance, costumes, and food.

The Marahaba Swahili Music Festival is a festival which happens annually in the city of Dar es Salaam since 2012. It offers a platform for local unknown and popular musicians/bands and cultural troupes to showcase their musicianship, artistry and the rich cultural music of Tanzania.

9. What are the seasons like?

Climate varies greatly within Tanzania. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10 and 20 °C (50 and 68 °F) during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20 °C (68 °F).

The north and east of Tanzania experience two distinct wet periods – the short rains (Vuli) in October to December, and the long rains (Masika) from March to May. The southern, western, and central parts of the country experience one wet season that continues October through to April or May.

10. What are some interesting facts about the President?

Dr John Joseph Magufuli has been Tanzania’s President since 2015. He is the Chairman of the center-left Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, and previously served as a member of the Tanzanian Cabinet, since 1995. Before politics, he taught chemistry and mathematics at The Sengerema Secondary School, and was subsequently an industrial chemist at The Nyanza Cooperative Union Limited.

11. What are the country’s major industries?

The Tanzanian economy is heavily based on agriculture, which in 2013 accounted for just under a quarter of the country’s GDP.

Industry and construction is a major and growing component of the Tanzanian economy. This component includes mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electricity and natural gas, water supply, and construction.

Tourism, banking, and telecommunications sectors are also strong components of the Tanzanian economy.

12. How do people spend their free time?

Many Tanzanians are social, enjoying spending time with their family and friends, and may come to visit without notice.

13. What do people drink?

Mbenge, Kibuku, and Mulamba are popular among Tanzanians.

14. What is a popular local dish?

Ugali (maize meal) – a type of porridge – is very popular. It can be served with fish, beans, or fruit, as well as plain yogurt.

Tanzanian cuisine is both unique and widely varied. Along the coastal regions (Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, and Pemba), spicy foods are common, and there is also much use of coconut milk. Regions in Tanzania’s mainland also have their own unique foods. Some typical mainland Tanzanian foods include wali (rice), ugali (maize porridge), chapati (a kind of bread), nyama choma (grilled meat), mshikaki (marinated beef), samaki (fish), pilau, biriyani, and ndizi-nyama (plantains with meat).

Vegetables commonly used in Tanzania include bamia (okra), mchicha (a kind of spinach), njegere (green peas), maharage (beans), and kisamvu (cassava leaves). Tanzania grows at least 17 different types of bananas which is used for soup, stew, and chips.

Famous Tanzanian snack foods include maandazi (fried dough), isheti, kashata (coconut bars), kabaab (kebab), sambusa (samosa), mkate wa kumimina (Zanzibari rice bread), vileja, vitumbua (rice patties), bagia, and many others.

15. What do you pay, on average, for the following? (1 USD = approx. TZS 2,284)

Milk (1 liter): TZS 9,000
Coca cola (330 ml): TZS 1,100
Cup of coffee: TZS 4,000
3 Course meal: TZS 34,000
Domestic beer: TZS 2,500
Loaf of bread: TZS 1,300
Apples (1 kg): 6,000

16. Any general safety tips?

Don’t walk around alone late at night, and maintain awareness even during the day.
If possible, use a more concealed, smaller bag, rather than a large backpack.
Keep a means of contact, such as a cell phone, on you at all times.

17. In conclusion, famous (and sometimes infamous) people from the country include:

Filbert Bayi, a former Tanzanian middle-distance runner of the 1970s who set the world records for 1500 metres in 1974 and the mile in 1975. He is still the 1500 m Commonwealth Games record holder.

Julius Nyerere, a Tanzanian anti-colonial activist, politician, and political theorist. He governed Tanganyika as its Prime Minister from 1961 to 1963 and then as its President from 1963 to 1964, after which he led its successor state, Tanzania, as its President from 1964 until 1985. He was a founding member of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) party and later a member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party. Ideologically an African nationalist and African socialist, he promoted a political philosophy known as Ujamaa.

 

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Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15]. Image sources: Antônio Soletti (Unsplash) [1].