Naaz Khan
Educator. Author. Speaker. Magical Moment Seeker
Information about Zanzibar, Tanzania, and East Africa
Here are a few things I learned while traveling in Zanzibar, Tanzania and East Africa.
Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands and a part of the country of Tanzania, in East Africa. Mainland Tanzania used to be called Tanganika and when it was united with Zanzibar in 1963, the united country was called Tanzania. What are some countries that border Tanzania? Dodoma is the capital of Tanzania. Can you find it on the map? Dar es Salaam, (haven of peace), is the biggest city in Tanzania. Can you find it on the map?
The largest island in Zanzibar is called Unguja, which is also known as Zanzibar. STONETOWN is on the West coast, next to Zanzibar city. NUNGWI beach is in the North at the very top.
Can you find Stonetown and Nungwi on the map below?
Zanzibaris speak Swahili, a Bantu based language with some elements of Arabic. Below are some songs and videos from Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania that are in Swahili.
Listen to Music from Tanzania!
This video features places, people and music from Zanzibar’s Dhow Countries Music Academy. The Dhow countries include places along the shore of the Indian Ocean such as Zanzibar, Comoros, Oman, Kuwait, Iran, U.A.E. and India. Check out their channel for more info!
The National Anthem
Mungu Ibariki Afrika/God Bless Africa is based on the Swahili translation of the South African song Nkosi Sikelel iAfrica, which was composed by Enoch Sontonga, in the late 1800s. This song became a Pan African song for freedom and then became Tanzania’s national anthem when it gained independence in 1961.
Popular Music
This Tanzanian music video, Superwoman, features famous women singers from all over the country.
Music to Dance Along With!
Diamond Platnumz is one of Tanzania’s most famous singers. People all over the world love dancing to his songs. Here is a dance class having fun dancing to his song Inama. Feel free to dance along!
Learn Some Swahili!
This video is from the Tanzanian series Akili and Me, which has shows in English and Swahili. Watch the video and see if you can learn how to count from 1 to 5 in Swahili! 1 (moja) 2 (mbili) 3 (tatu) 4 (nne) 5 (tano)
For more videos check out the Akili and Me channel!
Already know how to count from 1-5? Here’s another video (from Swahili Simba) with Swahili numbers from 1-10!
Once you learn the numbers, share what you learned with a friend! Have fun!
Your Turn! What do you remember?
1
ONE
1
MOJA
6
SIX
6
SITA
2
TWO
2
MBILI
7
SEVEN
7
SABA
3
THREE
3
TATU
8
EIGHT
8
NANE
4
FOUR
4
NNE
9
NINE
9
TISA
5
FIVE
5
TANO
10
TEN
10
KUMI
Learn Some More!
Hello/ How are You?
Habari
Welcome
Karibu
I am fine
Nzuri
Thank you
Asante
I am at Peace
Salama
Sorry
Pole
Watch a fun East African show!
This video is from the Kenyan series Super Sema. Sema and her brother are trying to win a race, but when their friends are in trouble they must decide whether or not to continue the race or stop and help their friends. It even includes an old man on an old bicycle. Watch the video and find out what happens!
For more episodes you can visit the SuperSema channel.
Did you know that Zanzibar is famous for it’s spices? One of the spices that grows in the region is black pepper. Watch as these scientists from Sema’s Lab use some black pepper, soap and water in a cool science trick! Try it out at home and see what happens!
Taste some tropical fruit and coastal cuisine!
ZANZIBAR is famous for its tropical fruits like mangoes. Do you have mangoes where you live? If you do, maybe you can try this easy 3 INGREDIENT MANGO SORBET RECIPE from Step Stool Chef!
If you have a grown up to help, you can also try a recipe for Zanzibari palao from the cook book In Bibi’s Kitchen. This book features stories and recipes of grandmothers from eight African countries that touch the Indian Ocean.
Can you guess what countries those are? Find out below
8 African Countries that touch the Indian Ocean
8 African Countries that touch the Indian Ocean
Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar and Comoros
Click here for the Zanzibari Palau Recipe.