Destination:
Tanzania

Tanzania boasts some of the world's most famous natural attractions, three of which are national parks in a country that offers outstanding opportunities for viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. Almost a quarter of the country is protected within a park or reserve, and of these most tourists visit the 'big three' in the north: the plains of the Serengeti, famous for the annual migration of about two million wildebeest; the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area with the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater; and Mt Kilimanjaro National Park, which encompasses Africa's highest mountain. Other attractions, including the massive Selous Game Reserve in the south, can be difficult or expensive to get to, and are less visited as a result.

The word 'safari' had its origins in Tanzania, a Kiswahili word meaning 'journey', and there are unlimited safari options that can be tailor-made by any tour operator, with accommodation ranging from luxury lodges to camping. A journey by vehicle, foot, horseback or hot air balloon into prime game-viewing country is an experience not to be missed. The attractive town of Arusha is the main gateway to the parks and reserves in the north and is the best place from which to arrange a safari.

Located about 22 miles (35km) off the east coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of the main island of Unguja (commonly known as Zanzibar), Pemba Island famous for its deep-sea fishing, and about 50 smaller surrounding islands and coral reefs.

Also known as 'Spice Island', Zanzibar evokes images of an exotic paradise with white palm-fringed beaches and turquoise coves, dreamy dhows with billowing white sails, and ancient Islamic ruins. Today's idyllic beach resorts belie the island's haunting history of slavery, and Zanzibar combines Arabic alleyways and historic monuments with coral reefs and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.

The island's varied history has brought with it seafarers, explorers and traders, and it became a major centre for the slave industry. Its heyday was during the 19th century, when the island became the world's leading producer of cloves; its plantations still produce more than 50 different spices and fruit, and guided spice tours are a Zanzibar speciality.

Stone Town, Zanzibar's capital, is a captivating place built by Arab and Indian merchants in the 19th century from the island's coral stone. A walk through the disordered twisting alleys, past intricately-carved wooden doors and beneath ornate balconies, and with the lingering scent of spices in the air, takes one back in time to the days of a prosperous slave and spice industry. Decaying architecture, numerous mosques, a bathhouse and old fort, cool interior courtyards and lively markets are the remaining influence of the Persians and the Omani Arabs who established themselves as the ruling power here.

For centuries Zanzibar has enticed those in search of business; today it remains an irresistible attraction for those seeking a heavenly beach holiday or an exploration into its exotic heritage - or a bit of both.

Meaning 'Haven of Peace' in Arabic, Dar es Salaam began as a small fishing village and has become a melting pot of cultures, encompassing African, Arabic and South Asian flavours. But this city is anything but peaceful. A bustling metropolis of east Africa and largest city of the exotic land of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is a major port, which straddles some of the world's most important sea routes.

With German, Asian, Swahili and British architecture to appreciate, visitors will find no shortage of attractions to busy themselves with while on holiday in Dar es Salaam. The city also has a few interesting museums, including the National Museum and the Makumbusho Village Museum.

On a nice day you can head to the Botanical Gardens, while the colourful and vibrant Kariakoo Market and clock tower is also very popular with tourists and holidaymakers. Those in search of sandy beaches to sun worship will do well to head to Oyster Bayor take the ferry to Bongoyo Island, while Kigamboni on the south coast has picturesque beaches that will enchant and captivate.

The small and unspoilt Tanzanian island of Pemba is becoming a popular alternative for visitors seeking a quieter, less developed alternative to Zanzibar, located approximately 31 miles (50km) to the south. Pemba is known as Al Jazeera Al Khadra(the green island), and is one of several islands that make up the Zanzibar archipelago. The island trio consisting of Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia is traditionally referred to as the Spice Islands.

This undulating, fertile island hosts a number of small and large scale farming enterprises. The smaller farms producing mainly rice, coconuts, bananas¸ cassava and maharagwe(red beans), while the larger farms produce cash crops such as cloves (there are over 3 million clove trees on the island!) This backdrop of cultivated countryside makes for some interesting - and fragrant - sightseeing.

As a tourist destination, Pemba offers some great dive sites with abundant marine life, untouched corals and dizzying vertical drop-offs. The towns of Chake-Chake (the capital), Mkoani and Wete have some interesting cultural and archaeological attractions influenced by the local Arab and Waswahili peoples; the island is recognised as a national centre for traditional medicine and witchcraft. There are also bullfighting events to watch, a throw-back of the island's 16th century Portuguese colonisation.

Getting to Pemba Island isn't too much of a problem - there are regular domestic flights from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam to Pemba Airport (also referred to as Wawi or Karume Airport), located 4 miles (7km) from Chake Chake on the east coast of the island. There are also ferries to Pemba from Zanzibar.