Complete Guide to the Tribes in Tanzania and How to Visit Them

Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world and is home to over 125 different tribes, all with their own unique languages and individual traditions. If you are looking for a unique cultural experience during your trip to the country, then you must visit one of the tribes in Tanzania. The more local you go, the most authentic the experience is going to be. So try to pick a locally run tour, which works directly with the tribes, rather than stopping to a village created especially for tourists, on your way to the safari parks.

Tanzania’s location on the eastern coast of Africa, along ancient trade routes, has resulted in the mixing and intermingling of different ethnic groups.

According to a 2021 survey, the Sukuma ethnic group, found in the northwestern part of the country, constitutes the biggest tribe in Tanzania, accounting for 17.5% of the population.

The other tribes represent under 5% of the population each. The fact that no one tribe accounts for the vast majority of the population, helps to explain how so many tribes co-exist without any major conflict.

The tribes in Tanzania play an important role in attracting tourism to the country which accounts for 10.6% of the country’s income. Most Tanzania safari Itineraries include cultural aspects which often center around visits to Tanzania’s tribes.

In this article I’m going to introduce you to the major tribes in Tanzania including their history, language, culture, and customs. I’ll also provide guidance on how to visit these tribes as part of your visit to Tanzania.

The Major Tribes in Tanzania

There are hundreds of different tribes residing in Tanzania. However some of the major tribes are the Maasai, Sukuma, Chagga, Hadzabe, Datoga, Iraqw and Makonde tribes.

One of the most well-known tribes worldwide is the Maasai. The Maasai tribe are mainly located in the north of the country. They are pastoralists (sheep and cattle farmers) and have their own unique customs such as their iconic brightly coloured clothing and famous jumping dance.

The Sukuma tribe, which is the largest ethnic group in Tanzania, is found in the northwestern part of the country. They are primarily farmers and are known for their musical traditions, including the use of the zeze, a stringed instrument.

The Chagga people live on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where they are famous for both their work ethic and cultivating coffee. They produce traditional clothing from banana fibers.

Located in the Lake Eyasi region in the northern part of the country, the Hadzabe are one of the last remaining hunter gatherer tribes in Africa. They hunt using traditional bows and arrows and have a unique click language.

Also in the Lake Eyasi region are the Datoga tribe, pastoralists who are famous for their blacksmith skills. The Datoga tribe creates beautiful metal jewelry from recycled metals as well as arrowheads for the neighboring Hadzabe tribe.

The Iraqw people are located in the north of the country and are known for their skill in cultivating grains and vegetables. They are distinguishable by their sharp features and their traditional hairstyles, which include braids and shaved patterns on the scalp.

The Makonde people are primarily found in the southern part of Tanzania and are known for their rich artistic traditions, particularly their intricate wood carvings. In fact most wood carvings that you’ll find in Tanzania have been expertly crafted by the Makonde tribe.

Visiting the Tribes in Tanzania

There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to interact with and learn from the tribes of Tanzania. For example, most local tour operators can arrange a cultural tour for you to visit the Maasai tribe to watch their famous jumping dance as well as walk around their village and learn about their unique way of life.

A cultural tour for visiting the Hadzabe requires the use of a guide who has spent time with the tribe and knows how to communicate with them using their click language. Most local tour operators will be able to arrange this for you.

Another option is a homestay in Tanzania. Homestays provide visitors with the opportunity to live with a local family and experience their daily way of life. This allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of the tribe.

Community and volunteering projects are also available. Community projects allow visitors to learn more about Tanzania’s tribes whilst making a positive impact by engaging in activities such as volunteering, conservation work, or supporting local businesses.

It’s important to be respectful and responsible when visiting Tanzania’s tribes. Tanzania is a modest country so it is best to dress respectfully. Additionally, please keep open minded when hearing about the tribe’s unique cultures which are vastly different to the cultures which we were brought up with, such as the Maasai’s practice of polygamy.

Avoid exploitative practices such as disrespecting local traditions and always check reviews before booking a tour as these give you a good idea of how ethical a tour is. I’d also recommend working with small local tour operators where possible as they are usually most committed to sharing the benefits of tourism with local communities.

Below I will go into more detail on visiting some of the tribes in Tanzania.

Maasai

Famous for being fearsome warriors and combating lions, the Maasai tribe are perhaps the first tribe that springs to your mind when you think of Tanzania.

The Maasai originally migrated to northern Tanzania from Sudan in the 15th century.

They are nomadic and today move around northern Tanzania searching for grazing lands for their cattle. They are most concentrated around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti though can also be found around Lake Manyara to as far east as Kilimanjaro.

The Maasai are a pastoralist tribe and gain almost everything they need to survive from their cows. Cows are everything to the Maasai including their food, milk and currency. The more cows a Maasai warrior has, the more wealthy and respected he is.

The Maasai are known for their vibrant clothing and famous dances where the warriors of the village show their strength by jumping as high as possible.

The Maasai are one of the most popular and easiest tribes to visit. Visits can be arranged either on the day or in advance by tour guides. The Maasai enjoy putting on a show for visitors and teaching them about their way of life. It is however worth doing some prior research on which Maasai boma you visit as not all visits are the same. Visiting a Maasai boma on the road between Arusha and Ngorongoro will be far more expensive than visiting a tribe in a more remote region and you may not get as authentic an experience.

You can book a cultural to a Maasai village by clicking here.

Hadzabe

The Hadzabe tribe is one of the oldest indigenous groups in Tanzania. It is believed that they have inhabited the area around lake Eyasis for thousands of years.

Their culture revolves around their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. They live in temporary huts and move around in search of food which is primarily meat. Nothing is off the menu for the Hadzabe (except for hyenas) and they will eat anything they catch, from small birds to baboons which are in fact the prized meat.

The Hadzabe are known for their click language and amazing hunting abilities with bows and arrows.

In order to visit them, your tour company will need to work with a local guide who has spent time living with the Hadzabe and learnt their click language. This can be done through the Lake Eyasi tourism association who manage all visits to the Hadzabe tribe and choose an experienced guide for you.

A typical visit to the Hadzabe includes touring the village and listening to traditional song and dance. You can also arrange to go on a hunt with them but this must be arranged at least the day before your visit.

You can book a cultural visit by clicking here.

Datoga

The Datoga migrated to Lake Eyasi basin from Ethiopia. Traditionally nomadic pastoralists with herds of cattle, goats and sheep, they are now settled in more permanent villages.

The Datoga tribe are known as expert ironworkers and trade their metal arrowheads, jewelry with other tribes such as the Hadzabe.

The Datoga are located nearby the Hadzabe so you can visit them at the same time. Visits are typically organized through the Lake Eyasi tourism association at the same time as your Hadzabe visit. Your local guide will take you to both tribes. The Datoga welcome visitors and will show you that they perform ironwork and give you the chance to buy their handmade metal jewelry.

You can book a Datoga and Hadzabe cultural visit by clicking here.

Iraqw

Like the Dategoa, it is believed that the Iraqw tribe migrated to Tanzania from Ethiopia.

However, unlike the Datoga, the Iraqw were traditionally agriculturalist (farmers). Their irrigation techniques allowed them to grow crops even in dry and arid conditions. More recently they have adopted coffee growing and ironworking.

The Iraqw are known for their intricate and beautiful beadwork which they apply to make their famous beaded skirts.

The Iraqw tribe are primarily located around the town of Karatu. I was able to visit the Iraqw tribe by staying at a lodge in Karatu which was heavily involved in community work in a local village. On my visit I spent time with children at a local primary school as well as visiting some of the villagers who had been supported by the lodge.

Visits to the Iraqw tribe can also be easily organized by tour companies.

Makonde

In the 20th Century the Makonde tribe migrated to southeastern Tanzania from Mozambique, fleeing the raging civil war.

Much of the Makonde culture revolves around wood carving and their traditional music and dance with percussion instruments and agriculture. Today they cultivate many of the cashew nuts eaten in Tanzania.

They are best known for their art and woodcarving which can be purchased across Tanzania. Their carving skills have been passed down through generations.

You can visit the Makonde’s stalls in Mto Wa Mbu and watch them skillfully carving mahogany and other woods ready for sale. Visits can be organized by local tour guides based in Mto Wa Mbu such as Mtoni Cultural Tour who I used and would recommend.

Chagga

The Chagga tribe is one of the largest ethnic groups in Tanzania, located primarily in the Kilimanjaro region of the country.

The Chagga people are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, having been involved in trade and agriculture for centuries. They are also renowned for their skills in farming on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, where they have developed an intricate system of terraced fields to cultivate crops. In recent years, the Chagga people have become increasingly involved in tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to experience their vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Despite facing challenges such as land ownership disputes and economic inequality, the Chagga tribe continues to thrive and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.

Visiting the Chagga villages is quite easy, with a combined tour from Moshi. I went on a coffee plantation tour, which included a hike to the Kilasia waterfall, as well as a cultural experience at an underground hiding shelter. The entire experience was run by people from the Chagga tribe who showed me how they grow and make coffee, they told me about their troubled history with the Maasai – and therefore the need for the underground shelters, and shared with me a traditional Tanzanian Chagga meal consisting of banana soup and homemade banana bear.

You can book a tour that includes a visit to the Chagga tribe by clicking here.

Conclusion

Visiting one of the many tribes in Tanzania really is a must if you would like to learn more about Tanzanian culture. It is a great way to learn more about the country and its different cultures gathered all under one flag, and have a unique experience in Tanzania.

Not only is a visit a great way to learn about the tribes but visiting them is beneficial for the tribes themselves as any money you spend with them will go straight to their community and support their future.

Have you visited one of Tanzania’s tribes? Let me know in the comments!

For more articles about Tanzania, check out my recommendations below:

• How much does a safari in Tanzania costs?
• The best things to do in Zanzibar
• A guide on how to use the dala dala in Tanzania

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