Why you should travel to Tanzania during this election season

I’ve always said Tanzania isn’t just a country, it’s a feeling. From the way strangers greet each other to the rhythm of evening chai, the heart of this place beats with peace, warmth and pride.

What makes Tanzania so special is how the mainland and the islands flow together like the tide that carries Zanzibar’s spice air into Dar es Salaam’s morning breeze.

As the nation heads toward its general election on 29 October 2025, the same unity that defines Tanzanian culture is what promises a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for everyone, including travellers.

Here are five things that make Tanzania’s culture uniquely beautiful – even during this election season.

1. Chai: more than just tea

In Tanzania, chai is a language of love.

Whether you’re in a Dar es Salaam office, a market stall in Arusha, or a shaded courtyard in Zanzibar, chai means connection.

It’s milky, sweet, sometimes spiced with cardamom or ginger. People pause their day to share it, turning ordinary moments into friendship.

2. The beauty of hijab and modest culture

On both the mainland and Zanzibar, hijab is worn proudly by women who blend faith with fashion.

The hijab culture here is gentle and elegant, a reflection of respect and balance – irrespective of religion. It’s common to see friends, Muslim and Christian, wearing hijabs – their diversity embraced, not debated.

3. Food, flavour and women who love to cook

If there’s one thing that unites Tanzania, it’s the aroma of food cooked with care. Women take pride in feeding families and visitors alike.

Pilau, biryani, samaki wa kupaka, ugali and ndizi are daily delights. Zanzibar’s cuisine adds cloves and coconut to the mix, creating a blend that tastes like harmony itself.

4. Open arms for tourists

Tanzanians welcome visitors the way they welcome rain after a dry season – with joy. In both Dar and Zanzibar, locals greet you with “Karibu sana” and mean it.

Safety, friendliness and curiosity define the Tanzanian spirit, making travellers feel part of the community from the moment they arrive.

5. Peace, family and unity above all

Tanzanians value togetherness. Families are close, neighbours look after each other, and disputes are handled calmly. This same culture of respect extends to politics.

As the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, prepares for the 2025 election, Tanzanians expect the process to remain peaceful.

Even international observers from Reuters and BBC Africa describe Tanzania as stable, with tourism continuing uninterrupted during the campaign period.

Flights, safaris and ferry schedules remain normal, a reflection of national trust and maturity.

A culture that keeps the peace

What ties Zanzibar to the mainland isn’t just geography, it’s shared values. Respect, family, hospitality and faith are the same threads woven from coast to island.

As the election approaches, that unity promises that visitors can travel to Tanzania – stress-free.

Elections 2025: Travel still welcome

Tanzania holds its general election on 29 October 2025 for president, parliament and local seats. Campaigns officially began on 28 August 2025.

The ruling party CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi) nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Emmanuel Nchimbi as her running mate.

However, the opposition party Chadema was disqualified for failing to sign a code of conduct.

Many observers believe the election will remain peaceful. The culture of respect, family, tradition and hospitality acts as a buffer in tense times. Even visitors will feel safe.

As for you planning to travel, this election is unlikely to disrupt daily life or tourist routes. Tanzania’s spirit of unity and calm is stronger than fear.

So, pour yourself a cup of chai, pack your camera and travel to Tanzania where peace isn’t a slogan – it’s a way of life.