About the Tanzania Culture, Population, Religion and How Much Expensive It Is for Tourists – A Complete Guide

Tourvashu Blogs
Jun 24
3 min read

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is a land of natural wonders, cultural richness, and welcoming people. Known for its majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and the spice island of Zanzibar, Tanzania is much more than a safari destination. This guide gives a closer look at Tanzania's culture, population, religion, and the costs you can expect as a tourist.

Tanzania at a Glance

Capital: Dodoma (Government), Dar es Salaam (Commercial hub)
Official Languages: Swahili & English
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time Zone: GMT+3

Population of Tanzania

As of 2025, Tanzania has an estimated population of over 67 million people. It’s one of the fastest-growing countries in Africa. The population is youthful, with more than 60% under the age of 25, and it’s mostly rural, though urbanization is steadily increasing.

Tanzania is home to over 120 ethnic groups, including the Sukuma, Chagga, Haya, and Maasai. Each group contributes its own traditions, languages, and customs to Tanzania's diverse cultural landscape.

Culture of Tanzania

Tanzanian culture is vibrant, communal, and deeply tied to the land. Key features include:

Language: Swahili (Kiswahili) is the national language and unites the various ethnic groups. English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas.
Music & Dance: Traditional drumming, Bongo Flava (modern Tanzanian pop), and Taarab music from Zanzibar are popular.
Art & Craft: Makonde wood carvings, Tingatinga paintings, and beadwork are common souvenirs.
Food: Tanzanian cuisine is a mix of African, Indian, and Arab influences. Common dishes include ugali (maize porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), and pilau (spiced rice).
Community Life: Hospitality is highly valued. Greetings are elaborate and show respect. Family and elders are central to social life.

Religions in Tanzania

Tanzania is religiously diverse and tolerant:

Christianity – Practiced by about 60% of the population, especially in mainland Tanzania.
Islam – Around 35% of the population, with a strong presence in coastal regions and Zanzibar, where it is the dominant faith.
Traditional Beliefs – Still practiced in some rural areas, often blended with major religions.

Religious harmony is a strong feature of Tanzanian society, and most religious communities coexist peacefully.

How Expensive Is Tanzania for Tourists?

Tanzania offers a wide range of options for all kinds of travelers — from backpackers to luxury adventurers. Here’s a breakdown:

Accommodation

Budget Guesthouses: $10–$25/night
Mid-range Hotels: $40–$100/night
Luxury Safari Lodges: $300–$1,000+/night

Food & Dining

Local meals: $2–$5
Tourist restaurants: $10–$25 per meal
Fine dining: $30–$60+

Transport

Local transport (Dala Dala/shared taxi): $0.50–$2
Private Taxi: $10–$30 (city rides)
Domestic Flights (e.g., to Zanzibar or Serengeti): $50–$200+

Safari & Activities

Day Safari: $150–$300/day
Kilimanjaro Trekking: $1,200–$2,500 (7-day climb)
Zanzibar tours: $30–$100

Park Fees

Serengeti National Park: $70–$80 per day
Ngorongoro Crater: $250 (includes crater descent fee)

Miscellaneous

SIM card with data: $5–$10
Tipping (guides, porters, hotel staff): Common and expected

Total Daily Budget Estimates:

Budget traveler: $40–$70/day
Mid-range traveler: $100–$200/day
Luxury traveler: $400+/day

Final Thoughts

Tanzania is an unforgettable destination that blends cultural richness with wild adventure. Whether you're dancing to Swahili music in Dar es Salaam, exploring the spice markets of Zanzibar, or watching lions in the Serengeti, Tanzania will leave you inspired.

Yes, safaris and climbs can be pricey, but budget travelers can still experience the warmth of Tanzanian hospitality, stunning nature, and vibrant street culture without breaking the bank.

Travel Tip: Respect local customs, dress modestly in religious areas (especially Zanzibar), and always greet with a smile – it goes a long way in Tanzania!