10 fun and interesting Tanzania facts

1. Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa

Tanzania is home to the highest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro. Standing at a staggering 19,341 feet, this majestic peak is a sight to behold. Located in the Kilimanjaro National Park, the mountain is a popular destination for hikers and climbers from all over the world. It is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world, meaning it is not part of a mountain range. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.

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2. Tanzania's Unique Way of Counting Time

In Tanzania, time is counted in a unique way. The work day begins at 6am, which is referred to as the 1st hour of the day. This means that when someone says that mass starts at 10, it is actually at 4pm - the 10th hour of the day. This unusual way of counting time is something that is unique to Tanzania and is something that visitors to the country should be aware of.

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3. Tanzania is birthplace of human life

Tanzania is widely believed to be the birthplace of human life on Earth, with strong evidence to support this claim. The discovery of Homo Habilis, a species of early human that lived around 2 million years ago, in the Olduvai Gorge of Tanzania has been a major factor in this belief. This species is thought to be the earliest known human ancestor, and its discovery in Tanzania has been a major factor in the country's reputation as the cradle of human life.

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4. Tanzania's Three Stunning Lakes

Tanzania is home to three of the world's most stunning lakes: Lake Nyasa, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. These lakes are renowned for their beauty and size, with Lake Nyasa being the ninth largest lake in the world, Lake Tanganyika being the second deepest lake in the world, and Lake Victoria being the largest lake in Africa. Each of these lakes offers a unique experience, from the crystal clear waters of Lake Nyasa to the diverse wildlife of Lake Tanganyika to the stunning sunsets of Lake Victoria. Tanzania is truly a paradise for nature lovers.

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5. A Country of Diversity

In 1964, the African nation of Tanzania was formed from the separation of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, two countries that had been combined since the late 19th century. This split marked the beginning of Tanzania's journey as an independent nation, and the two countries have since gone on to develop their own distinct cultures and identities. Tanzania is now home to over 55 million people, and is one of the most populous countries in Africa. It is also one of the continent's most diverse nations, with over 120 ethnic groups and over 120 languages spoken.

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6. Tanzania's Tribal Groups Keep Their Customs and Culture Alive

Tanzania is home to more than 100 distinct tribal groups, many of whom live in some of the most remote areas of the country. These tribes have their own unique cultures, languages, and customs, and many of them have been living in the same area for centuries. Despite the remoteness of their homes, these tribes have managed to preserve their traditional ways of life, and they continue to be an important part of the country's cultural heritage.

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7. Tanzania's Unique Tree Climbing Lions

Tanzania is home to the world's only tree-climbing lions, which can be found in the Lake Manyara National Park. This unique behavior is thought to be a result of the lions adapting to the park's terrain, which is composed of steep cliffs and dense vegetation. The lions use the trees to survey their surroundings and to escape the heat of the day. They also use the trees to hunt, as they can easily spot prey from the branches. This behavior has been observed since the early 1900s, and it continues to fascinate visitors to the park.

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8. Tanzania's Coconut Crab is the Largest Land-Living Arthropod

Tanzania is home to the world's largest crab, the Coconut Crab, which is found on Chumbe Island, a semi-autonomous part of the country. This species of crab can grow up to a meter in length and weigh up to 4 kilograms, making it the largest land-living arthropod in the world. The Coconut Crab is an omnivore, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and even small vertebrates such as lizards and birds. It is also known for its ability to climb trees and coconuts, hence its name.

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9. Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest

Tanzania is home to the world's largest complete crater, the Ngorongoro Crater. This extinct crater is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is estimated to be around three million years old. It is the world's largest unbroken caldera, measuring 19.2 km in diameter, 610 meters deep, and covering an area of 264 square kilometers. The crater is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the endangered black rhinoceros, and is a popular tourist destination.

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10. Lake Tanganyika: Tanzania's 2nd Deepest Lake

Tanzania is home to the second deepest lake in the world, Lake Tanganyika, located in the western part of the country. This remarkable lake has a maximum depth of 1,470 meters (4,823 feet), making it the second deepest lake in the world after Lake Baikal in Russia. It is also the longest freshwater lake in the world, stretching for 673 kilometers (418 miles) along the border of Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Zambia. Lake Tanganyika is home to a variety of unique species of fish, and is a popular destination for fishing and other recreational activities.