When planning for your first vacation after the pandemic, remember to be diligent with your research. Look into details about your trip, hotels, activities, and don’t forget to be more informed about the culture and practices of the location. It’s your duty as a traveler to know what is culturally appropriate and what could be potentially offensive to the locals when traveling abroad. Tanzania is home to over a hundred different ethnic groups with all kinds of religious beliefs and customs. Practicing social etiquette may be your top priority, but it is still confusing as you try to keep up with the traditions. While the population is friendly and used to hordes of tourists every year, you can still play your part by keeping the following things in mind.

USE THE RIGHT HAND FOR GREETINGS.

If you’re left-handed, you’d be amused to know that in Tanzania, the left hand is considered impure and reserved for ablution or going to the bathroom only. Tanzanians strive for doing most things with their right hand, including eating and greeting others.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION ARE NOT A GOOD IDEA.

Try to remember this, especially if you’re on a honeymoon. As friendly and polite, the people of Tanzania are, public displays of affection such as cuddling, kissing, and intimate touching are not a norm here. While you may be used to expressing yourself this way, you could be making many locals uncomfortable. It’s acceptable for you to do this in the privacy of your room and not in any public areas.

DON’T SNIFF YOUR FOOD BEFORE EATING IT.

It can be tempting to take a big whiff of new spices and smells when trying out local cuisines, but this is considered a faux pas as it implies the food smells bad. It can also mean in the local culture, that you are suspicious of the food or disapprove of it. Remember to be grateful for the food and the person who made it to show respect and proper etiquette.

TAKE PERMISSION BEFORE YOU TAKE PICTURES OF OTHERS.

This rule applies to wherever you travel in the world. Even if locals are friendly and happy to be photographed, it’s important to take consent with whomever you meet. In Tanzania, certain ethnic groups believe that camera flashes can take a piece of their soul. This can be not very comforting to them, so proceed with caution, and if you’re not sure if it’s allowed, don’t do it. Nakuja Expeditions organizes luxury safari tours in Tanzania, including family safari tours, honeymoon safari, and private and group safaris Tanzania. Call us at +255 713 658555 or drop an email at info@nakujaexpeditions.com for more information on our destinations. Find out more about Whiskey Route tour package here.