Wednesday Wanderlust – 10 Values and Attitudes of East Africa

East Africa is a beautiful part of the continent, with lots to see and do. Read our top tips about the values and customs of this amazing region before you go.

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Tanzania

  1. In Tanzania, it’s polite to leave a little food at the end of the meal to show your hosts you are full.
  1. Commenting on weight gain is a compliment as it means that you are successful, enjoying your free time and eating well. So if someone comments that you’ve put on weight, say “thank you”.

  1. Tanzanian people place great importance on leisure time. Work sometimes comes second to leisure or family time and there is a relaxed work ethic.

Uganda

  1. Dancing and drumming is a huge part of culture and is common at special occasions such as weddings. Dancing in Uganda varies according to the origin of the dance and the tribe. For example, traditional Kiganda dancing from Bugana is very energetic.
  1. When it rains in Uganda, life comes to a standstill. There are traffic jams, meetings and deadlines missed and people are late for work. However, no one feels the need to give an explanation since everyone knows it has rained.

Ethiopia

  1. Ethiopians like taking the air are there are recreation parks called Menafesha – literally a place for getting fresh air – on the outskirts of towns and cities. People go to Menafesha to relax or hold occasions such as weddings and parties.
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  1. Drinking coffee is an elaborate ritual in Ethiopia. Coffee beans are roasted over a hot brazier. Every woman, and many men, is practised at roasting coffee. Sugar but no milk are added and there are three pourings. The first called abol, the second is huletegna and the third is the blessing bereka.
  1. Hot water spas are very popular in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa was built by a spa, called by the Oromo name Finfinne, which was patronised by the Empress Taitu at the end of the nineteenth century.

Kenya

  1. Khanga are worn by women all over Kenya as a wraparound skirt, apron, shawl, baby carrier and general all-purpose garment. The khanga originated from the coast, where Swahili women traditionally wear two at once, as a skirt and a veil.
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  1. If you are invited to a Kenyan home, do not arrive earlier than the time stated, but rather half an hour later. If you arrive early, you may find that the preparations are not complete and although welcome you will be left to wait.

 

 

Take a look at our Africa section to check out our other guides to the continent.

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