Explore The Major Tribes of Tanzania : Tanzania is a cultural melting pot in East Africa. With over 120 tribes in the country, this country is an ideal destination for cultural safaris. You definitely have a thousand options of which tribe you should know best.
Tanzania’s major tribes might be a difficult topic to discuss. It mainly depends on the criteria used to set boundaries between these tribes, like population and fame. In this article, we will cover the 5 largest tribes in Tanzania.
#1. Sukuma
The Sukuma is the largest in Tanzania (Bantu ethnic group). They live in the southwestern part of Tanzania. They occupy five regions: Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Geita, and Tabora. They have also spread across other regions in Tanzania, including Rukwa, Morogoro, and Mbeya.
The Sukuma live in big extended families comprising many members. Siblings stay together until the age of marriage. When a man marries, his father pays a dowry (cattle) for the bride. The family will stay with their son and daughter-in-law for years until they have kids. At this age, their son is old enough to have his own home. They allow him to build a separate home within the family land. Such practices have been followed for generations such that there are huge extended families.
The Sukuma earn a living from agriculture and livestock keeping. They cultivate food crops like maize, sweet potatoes, sorghum, groundnuts, and others. They also grow cash crops including cotton, sunflower, etc.
The Sukuma have some dialects that depend on their location. These tribes do not differ much but there is a slight difference in language and marriage rituals. Some pay huge dowries for brides while others pay just small.
The Sukuma have a myriad of traditional sports. Their local artists sing melodies and usually have local performances. If lucky on your visit, you may witness the ‘Mbina’ sports. Mbina is a traditional dance featuring two sides; Wagika and Wagalu. The Wagika usually set their stage in the north while the Wagalu set theirs in the south. The two sides then compete through dances, jokes, drumbeats, songs, and more to get more spectators. The winner is awarded cattle or cash. Mbina sports are common in Simiyu.
Another place where you can learn more about the Sukuma is the Bujora Cultural Center in Mwanza. This center is at the heart of Mwanza City. It houses many features of the Sukuma.
#2. Maasai
The Maasai are among the major tribes in Tanzania. They live in the northern part of Tanzania, especially in Arusha, Manyara, Ngorongoro, and west Kilimanjaro. The Maasai originate from the Nile Valley. They migrated to the south of this valley thousands of years ago and settled on the foothills of Kilimanjaro, south Kenya, and across the northern highlands of Tanzania.
What makes the Maasai stand out?
Maasai dress: The Maasai have kept their dressing style for years. The style is very simple. It consists of Maasai shuka (bed sheet), shield, stick, and bangles. The Maasai dress has been very popular even with artists and fashionists. It is one of the unforgettable things you should try on your next adventure.
The Maasai do not hunt for food. They have coexisted with wild animals for thousands of years without causing harm. To a surprise, they do not consume wild meat. Conservationists appreciate their efforts in protecting nature. They still graze their cattle in Ngorongoro and other areas. You may be wondering how these people have managed to escape dangerous predators like lions.
Another thing you should not miss about the Maasai is their traditional dance. The jumping style is usually done during ceremonies, etc. The higher you jump the stronger you are. The dance is associated with songs.
When you visit the Maasai, you can also buy their handmade crafts. These locals are highly talented. The fees you pay for village offices usually support public schools to educate them.
#3. Chagga
The Chagga is probably the wealthiest tribe in Tanzania. They live on the southern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. They have adopted Western culture and living standards due to their long-time ties with the European missionaries.
The Chagga originated from the large Bantu ethnic group. They moved to the slopes of Kilimanjaro about 400 hundred years ago. Once they settled, established clans, and absorbed the natives, they met there. Today, the clans are united.
The majority of the Chagga are Christians. Therefore, they lost many of the traditional beliefs, especially the local gods they once had. However, they have unique things to offer, including ‘mbege’ a locally made alcoholic drink made from bananas. Their favorite dish is mtori – a local dish made of green bananas mixed with fish or meat.
Unlike the Sukuma, the Chagga live in nuclear families. They practice farming and are known for their large coffee and banana plantations. When on a tour, you may visit their coffee processing plants to learn how fine coffee is made from coffee beans.
#4. Haya
The Haya is another major tribe in Tanzania. They inhabit the Kagera region, southwest of Tanzania. This tribe has much in common with the Baganda of Uganda.
The Haya is famous for two types of food: dizi (banana) and serene (long-horned grasshopper). The way they cook it may vary from other tribes. They cook it with meat something they call dizi nyama or fry it as ndizi kaanga. You may order this dish in any nearby restaurant.
The Haya have their own way of dancing. It is phenomenal and especially featured in ceremonies, etc. Like the Chagga, the majority of Haya people are educated. They also grow coffee, bananas, and other products.
#5. Nyakyusa
The Nyakyusa live in the fertile mountains of Mbeya in the south of Tanzania. They are among the biggest tribes in Tanzania. They speak the Nyakyusa language. Like other tribes, the Nyakyusa perform traditional dances, cook delicious cuisines, and many other fascinating things.
Some focal points to interact with the Nyakyusa include Tukuyu, Kyela, and Lake Ngozi. The majority of them are Christians. They are welcoming to visitors and would love to have your company. Tanzania is the home of vibrant cultures. If you are longing for an immersive cultural tour, consider taking a trip. Explore African Safaris can get your inquiry done in few minute.
