What is the most intelligent tribe in Tanzania? This is one of those questions you ask yourself whenever you listen to a Tanzanian belch out crisp Swahili. You wonder if there are people who could speak it any better than them because, truth be told, Swahili is not everybody’s strength, even for those born in Swahili-speaking countries.
Tanzania has more than 120 tribes and ethnic groups, all with their distinct customs and traditions. The Maasai, Ngoni, Haya, Chagga, Datoga and Sukuma are among the most popular tribes living in this East African country. Some of these tribes are distinguished as more intellectual than others, based on their level of academic success, entrepreneurship and wealth creation.
Table of Contents
What is the Most Intelligent Tribe in Tanzania?
The Chagga, also known as Wachagga, Jagga, Waschagga or Dschagga, are Tanzania’s wealthiest, richest and most educated tribe. They are the most intelligent tribe in Tanzania. Many factors have played a role in this, including their strong work ethic, primarily in farming, and their zeal for education. Western curriculum of education is popular in regions inhabited by the Chagga.
A young Chagga woman. Photo/ THE DOWN MEMORY LANE.
Most of the young people from this community work as teachers, clerks and administrators, proof that they are educated. The Chagga tribe is also known for their sense of enterprise, politics and strong work ethic. If you decide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, chances are that you will encounter members of the Chagga tribe on your approach. The Chagga are also among the wealthiest people in East Africa.
History of The Chagga Tribe
With over two million people, the Chagga are the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania. This Bantu-speaking indigenous group live on the eastern and southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. They arrived here from other regions that are now Kenya and Tanzania around five or six centuries ago.
Historically, the Chagga people divided their land into many politically independent chiefdoms in vertical swaths around the mountain. They were separated by the deep valleys that extend downward from the mountain. However, these chiefdoms were abolished in 1961 after Tanzania gained independence. Despite their numerous groups, the Chagga have maintained a strong sense of identity over the years. This can be shown by the fact that there are various dialects spoken here, but they all understand Kichagga, which is their primary language. Their exposure to different facets of life makes them the most intelligent tribe in Tanzania.
Education of The Chagga
The Chagga received their first classroom education when the missionaries came to Tanzania. They learnt in Christian missions where boys outnumbered girls because education was not highly valued for girls during that period. However, the Chagga people now see education to be of great importance to both boys and girls. The Tanzanian government made basic education free by 1971, and all children were required to complete at least seven years of primary education. Those who performed well in primary school joined secondary schools and later universities. A big number of students who transition to secondary schools and later the university were from Chagaa tribe.
The Chagga is the most intelligent tribe in Tanzania. Photo/ Explore Tanzania Tours.
What is the Best Tribe in Tanzania?
Maasai. The Maasai tribe is well-known around the world and is one of the most popular ethnic groups. If you are visiting East Africa for the first time, you will easily identify a Maasai due to their choice of dresses, distinct traditions and proximity to many of the national parks.
What is the Dominant Tribe in Tanzania?
The two largest ethnic groups in Tanzania are the Sukuma and Nyamwezi. They are linguistically and culturally closely related. Their traditional homelands are in Western Tanzania, south of Lake Victoria. The population of the Nyamwezi is about 1 to 1.5 million, while that of the Sukuma is about 3 to 3.5 million.
What is the Smartest Tribe in Kenya?
A young woman dressed in Kikuyu cultural attire. Photo/Pinterest
Currently, the Kikuyu tribe tops the list of the smartest tribes in Kenya. They are the most educated tribe, with over 130 professors and 5600 Ph.D. holders. Kikuyus are industrious in nature and spread out to every part of the country. Every Kenyan speaks of the great business acumen that they possess, whether in gainful employment or self-empoyment.
What are the 5 Most Intelligent Tribes in Africa?
Some tribes in Africa stand out as the most educated – besides the most intelligent tribe in Tanzania. They include the following:
- Igbo tribe of Nigeria
- Lebou people of Senegal
- Gurage tribe of Ethiopia
- Tutsi people of Central Africa
- Venda people of South Africa
- Kikuyu people from Kenya
In conclusion, Tanzania’s most popular tribe living in the Serengeti area, the Chagga, are very intelligent. Besides having beautiful women, their quest for knowledge opened many doors for them in the world of academia, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
