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Karibu Tanzania - Welcome ! 7Tanzania – the Facts 9The Towns and Cities l l 13Other Places to See 15 The Northern Parks 17

Arusha National ParkKilimanjaro National ParkLake Manyara National ParkMkomazi National ParkNgorongoro CraterOlduvai GorgeSerenegti National ParkTarangire National Park

The Southern Parks 27Mikumi National ParkRuaha National ParkSelous Game ReserveUdzungwa Mountains National Park

The Other Parks 31 Gombe National ParkKatavi National ParkKitulo Plateau National ParkMahale Mountains National ParkRubondo Island National ParkSaadani National ParkSaanane Island National Park

Zanzibar – the Spice Islands 35Tourist MapKaribu Zanzibar - WelcomeStone Town ... and aroundTouring ZanzibarPemba IslandThe Other IslandsZanzibar Festivals

The Swahili Coast 51 Activity Holidays 55Kilimanjaro - the Roof of Africa 59 Special Interest Holidays 61 Conferences & Exhibitions 63Tanzania’s Own Shows 63Cultural Tourism – Visit the People 65 Travel Tips 68

Editorial Contents

Selling TANZANIA is published by Nigel Foster’s Selling AFRICA Ltd.Whilst every care has been taken to ensure all information is accurate andup-to-date, responsibility cannot be taken for any errors or omissions.© 2014Selling AFRICA Ltd, PO Box 640, Amersham, Bucks HP8 4BU, UKTel: 44 (0)1494 766099 E-mail: sellingafrica@hotmail.comDesign: MDA Marketing Services Ltd, Little Maplestead, Halstead, Essex CO9 2RTPrint: Ancient House Press, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0HA

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Mwanza

Musoma

Karatu

Mkomazi

National Park

Lake Rukwa Great Ruaha River

Lindi

Bagamoyo

Rubondo IslandNational Park

Butiama

SaananeIsland

Tourist Map of Tanzania

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Tanzania was recently voted thebest safari country in Africa byboth international visitors and

by specialised safari operators. Even more recently, and after a

four year worldwide search, it nowalso boasts the top three ‘NaturalWonders of Africa’. The SerengetiNational Park, Mount Kilimanjaroand the Ngorongoro Crateroutvoting the River Nile, the Red SeaReef, the Sahara Desert andBotswana’s Okavango Delta.

Tanzania has also been named asone of the world’s top five ‘moststunningly beautiful countries’ by FoxTV News.

The country’s 16 national parks,which protect more than 25% of itsland, are home to 20% of the Africancontinent’s larger mammals so it islittle wonder game viewing

experiences are the best in Africa. It is the place to see seemingly

endless herds of wildebeest andzebra trekking across the plains ontheir annual migration – followed bylion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. It iselephant country, boasting some ofthe largest populations in the world.While Gombe and Mahale nationalparks are home to groups ofchimpanzees rarely seen in the wild.

In Tanzania visitors can enjoyauthentic African wilderness withoutpaved roads and fencing. And awildlife safari can be enhanced by awide choice of beach holidays orvarious other activities.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – the‘Roof of Africa’ and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.Deep-sea Fishing. Hot-air Ballooning.Scuba Diving. Swimming with

Dolphins. Visits to the numerousarchaeological sites. WhaleWatching. And, perhaps mostvaluable of all, participating in oneor more of the many CulturalTourism Programmes to gain aninsight into the history and culture ofthe people.

Both Tanzania’s Swahili Coast,Mafia and, of course, Zanzibar andPemba share beautiful beaches –hundreds of miles of palm-fringedsands overlooking the Indian Ocean.Its huge lakes – Victoria, Tanganyikaand Nyasa – are bountiful with fish.Its mountains are massive andmysterious. Its cities relaxed andfriendly. And travel is easy, with manyflights to and from neighbouringcountries and around Tanzania.

It was in Tanzania that Stanleyuttered those famous words –

“Dr Livingstone I presume” – whenhe tracked down the Scottishmissionary and explorer after a longtrek into the interior. IndeedTanzania was a magnet for severalVictorian explorers who made epicjourneys of discovery in search of thesource of the Nile.

Today’s visitors are able to explorethe country, and see Tanzania’sremarkable seven UNESCO WorldHeritage sites -

Kilimanjaro National ParkKilwa Kisiwani RuinsKondoa Rock-Art SitesNgorongoro Conservation AreaSelous Game ReserveSerengeti National ParkStone Town, Zanzibar

- with none of the hardship but all ofthe adventure of those early,intrepid pioneers.

Karibu Tanzania - Welcome !

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For more information contact:The Conservator, Ngorongoro Conservation Area AuthorityPO Box 1, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, TanzaniaTel +255 27 253 7019/06 Fax + 255 27 253 7007E-mail: ncaa_faru@cybernet.co.tz www.ngorongorocrater.org

Ngorongoro- Africa's Natural Wonder

A world natural and cultural heritage site; an international man and biosphere reserve; a home to both the ‘big five’ and pastoralists; the ‘cradle of mankind’;

and a ‘living Eden’ for tourists

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HISTORYIt is with good reason that Tanzaniahas been called the “cradle ofmankind” for it was here, in 1960,that Dr Louis Leakey and his wifeMary discovered the fossilisedremains of homo habilis, or “handyman”, calculated to be 1.75 millionyears old. Since then, in 1976,hominin footprints found at Laetolihave been been dated back anincredible 3.5 million years.

Tanzania was originally occupiedby various African tribes, particularlythe Masai with their proudtraditions. Arab merchants visitedthe coast some 2,000 years ago andsettled in Zanzibar around the eighthcentury establishing trade routesinto the interior. The inter-marriageof Arabs and local people created anew race with their own language -Kiswahili, or Swahili whose word fora journey - safari - has become theinternational description of a tripinto the wild. The Portugueseestablished temporary settlementsin the 16th century but in 17thcentury were supplanted by the

Omanis who developed theinfamous slave trade. The scramblefor Africa by the European powers atthe end of the 19th century led tooccupation of the mainland byGermany although Zanzibar becamea British protectorate. After WorldWar I, Germany was forced tosurrender its territory to the British.

Tanganyika, as the mainland wasthen known, achieved independencefrom Great Britain in December 1961.Zanzibar becoming independent twoyears later, in December 1963, andshortly afterwards, in April 1964,joining the mainland to become theUnited Republic of Tanzania.

GEOGRAPHYTanzania covers 937,062 sq kmmaking it the largest country inEastern Africa. Just south of the equator, it borders Kenya andUganda to the north; the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo, Rwanda andBurundi to the west; and Zambia,Malawi and Mozambique to thesouth It is therefore an ideal centrefrom which to explore eastern,central and southern Africa.

The Great Rift Valley, the vastfault-line that runs down the spine ofAfrica, has created many fascinatingtopographical features in Tanzaniaincluding the world-famousNgorongoro Crater, Lake Tangayika,and Mount Kilimanjaro, thecontinent's tallest mountain. Thecentral plateau is a huge expanse ofsavannah and sparse woodland andwhile the interior is largely arid the800 kilometre coastline, and theislands of Zanzibar, Pemba andMafia, are lush and palm-fringed.

The coastal areas are hot and humidwith an average day timetemperature of 30°C. Sea breezesmake the climate very pleasant fromJune to September. The centralplateau experiences hot days andcool nights. The hilly countrybetween the coast and the northernhighlands has a pleasant climatefrom January to September, withtemperatures averaging around20°C. Temperatures vary aroundKilimanjaro according to the seasonregistering a low 15°C during May

to August rising to 22°C duringDecember to March. For the whole country the hottestmonths are from October toFebruary. The long rainy season isfrom mid-March to late May.

ECONOMYAgriculture plays a vital part in theeconomy of Tanzania and touristswill see evidence of this as they aredriven past huge coffee, tea andcotton plantations and witness theprocessing of cashew nuts, sisal,cloves and other spices.

The country also has large mineraldeposits that include gold,diamonds, a wide variety of othergemstones and natural gas.

Of particular interest is tanzanite,a brilliant gemstone found only inTanzania. It is mined in the foothillsof Mount Kilimanjaro and is onethousand times rarer than diamonds.Geological research indicates thatthis source will be depleted in thenext 10 to 20 years and that thechances of finding tanzanite in anyother part of the world are ‘less thanone in a million’.

Tanzania - the Facts

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ARUSHALocated in the north of Tanzania, inthe shadow of Mount Meru, Arushais the safari capital of the country.Tourists usually overnight herebefore their safari around theNorther Circuit. Built by the Germansas a centre of colonial administration,Arusha is now one of the country’smost prosperous towns. The site forthe United Nations Criminal Tribunaland the headquarters for thetripartite Commission for East AfricanCo-operation, Arusha is also thecentre for the trading of Tanzanite, arare gemstone only found inTanzania. The National NaturalHistory Museum, with its collection ofantiquities demonstrating Tanzania’snatural heritage, is housed in an oldGerman Fort in the centre of Arushawhile the nearby Cultural Heritagecentre and its adjacent, four storeyArt Gallery are also well worth a visit

BAGAMOYOSome 70 km north of Dar es Salaam,on the coast opposite Zanzibar,Bagamoyo was once one of the mostimportant trading ports on the EastAfrican coast. The former capital ofGerman East Africa, it is a centre fordhow building. Saadani National Parkis 45 km to the north and the Kaoleruins five km to the south.

Dar es Salaam, which means “Havenof Peace” in Swahili, boasts one ofthe world’s finest natural harboursbut, while it has grown to become a

prosperous centre of the EastAfrican region, it remains a place offascination with many reminders ofits colourful past. Dhows still ply itswaters while dug-outs, piled withfish, bob by the harbourside. The citydisplays the many influences of itshistory. There is an Asian district withits speciality shops, restaurants andtemples, while the Germancolonisation has left behind aBavarian-style railway station, theRoman Catholic St. Joseph’sCathedral and the Lutheran AzaniaFront Church. The Botanical Gardensand Gymkana Club are evidence ofBritish occupation. Dar es Salaam’s60,000 seater, multi-purposeNational Stadium was been built toboth FIFA and Olympic standards at acost of US$56 million.

DODOMALocated in the heart of Tanzania,Dodoma is the nation’s officialpolitical capital and its seat ofgovernment. Smaller and lessdeveloped than the country’scommercial centre, Dar es Salaam,Dodoma, is also the centre ofTanzania’s expanding wine industry.

IRINGALocated in the Southern Highlands,Iringa overlooks the Ruaha River andis a popular stopover for visitors toboth the Ruaha and UdzungwaMountains national parks. Duringtheir occupation, the Germanmilitary built the town as a fortifieddefence against marauding tribalwarriors. Iringa was also the site of

several battles during the First andSecond World wars, andCommonwealth war graves can befound just outside the town. TheIsimila Stone Age Site lies about 15km from the town and is easilyaccessible. This is one of the mostinteresting stone age sites in EastAfrica and, with its pillars oflimestone left standing after years oferosion, is well worth a visit.

KIGOMAKigoma, is located on the easternshores of Lake Tanganyika. It is aparticularly good base forchimpanzee safaris to both Gombeand Mahale Mountains NationalParks while Ujiji, the village whereStanley met Livingstone, is nearby.

MBEYANear the Zambian border, Mbeya is amajor agricultural centre. Coffee,tea, bananas and cocoa are all grownin the area. It is the main gateway toKitulo National Park and the site ofthe Mbozi meteorite.

MOSHINestled at the base of MountKilimanjaro, Moshi is the coffeeproducing centre of the country andvast plantations blanket the area.Sugar plantations are also of centralimportance to the region’s economybut the main reason visitors come toMoshi is to climb Kilimanjaro.

MTWARALocated on the south-eastern coast,near the border with Mozambique,

Mtwara is a good base for exploringthe Mnazi Bay Ruvuma EstuaryMarine Park and nearby Mikandani.

MWANZASituated on the southern shores ofLake Victoria, in the north west ofthe country, Tanzania’s second city isthe perfect base from which to visitnearby Rubondo National Park,Saanane Island and the BujoraSukuma and Nyerere museums. Italso offers easy access to theSerengeti being only a 21⁄2 hour drivefrom the Western Grumeti. Otherattractions include lake cruises,canoeing safaris and fishing fortilapia or giant nile perch. Mwanza isalso known as Rock City because ofthe gigantic rock outcrops juttingout of the lake and strewn aroundthe city. The most famous of theseare the Bismarck Rocks, named afterthe German chancellor under whomthis originally small town wasestablished as the administrationcentre of German East Africa.

TABORAIn the hinterland of westernTanzania, Tabora is a key transitpoint as the main railway line fromDar es Salaam branches here forboth Kigoma and Mwanza.

TANGAThe country’s second and mostnorthernly port, Tanga is a naturalgateway to the Amani Forest NatureReserve, the Amboni Caves, TongoniRuins and both Mkomazi andSaadani National Parks.

The Towns and Cities

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In addition to the world-famousMount Kilimanjaro, covered ingreater detail elsewhere in this

publication, Tanzania has many othermountains and some of the world’slargest and deepest lakes.

EASTERN ARCA crescent shaped mountain rangerunning along the eastern side ofTanzania. Formed millions of yearsago, they contain some of the mostbiologically diverse, and endemicallyrich, montane ecosystems in Africa.Often called the Galapagos of Africa,the range includes the Pare,Usambara, Nguru, Ukaguro, Ulyguru,Ribeho and Udzungwa Mountains.

Home to the Hadzabe bushmen,some of the last remaining hunter-gathers in Africa, Lake Eyasai is a saltlake situated on the southern edgeof the Ngorongoro CraterConservation Area.

Situated in Lake Manyara NationalPark, this soda lake is home to hugepods of hippo; thousands offlamingo; and large numbers ofother large waterbirds includingpelecans, cormorants and storks.

A soda lake, at the base of Ol DoinyoLengai, some 200 km north-west ofArusha on the Kenya border. It ishome to thousands of flamingo andthe surrounding area, with itsstreams and waterfalls, is an idealarea for walking.

Set against the stunning backgroundof the Livingstone Mountains, andcalled the ‘Calendar Lake’ because itis 365 miles long and 52 miles wide,the lake shores form the border withMozambique and Malawi where it iscalled Lake Malawi.

In the south-west of the country thisshallow, alkaline lake is Tanzania’sfourth largest. It is home to a largeconcentration of hippo and crocodileand to the rare shoebill stork.

The waters of Lake Tanganyika, thelongest and after Lake Baikal inSiberia, second deepest freshwaterlake in the world, contain one of therichest concentration of fish foundanywhere. More than 300 differentspecies live within it. Many are

endemic to the lake but are morefrequently seen, worldwide, in homeaquariums. Gombe National Park andMahale Mountains National Parkboth border the lake’s shores.

The source of the Nile eluded 19thcentury explorers but today’stourists can easily view the watersthat supply it. Lake Victoria is by farthe largest lake in Africa and, thesecond largest freshwater lake in theworld. Nearby attractions include theBismark Rocks, Rubundo IslandNational Park and Saanane Island.

A range of low-lying mountains thatrise precipitously from the shores ofLake Nyasa. Mount Jamimbi, thehighest lakeside peak, rises to aheight of 7,870 ft.

The crown of Tanzania, the ‘Roof ofAfrica’, and one of the seven naturalwonders of the world.

MOUNT MERULocated within Arusha National Park,and overlooking the ‘safari’ town ofArusha,. At a height of 14,980 feet itis second to only Mount Kilimanjaro

among Tanzania’s peaks. Its fertilelower slopes, covered in denseforest, support a diverse wildlife thatinclude buffalo, black and whitecolobus monkey, nearly 400 speciesof bird and, supposedly, leopard.

Situated at the southern end of LakeNatron and know as ‘Mountain ofGod’ to the Masai, Ol Doinyo Lengairises to an elevation of 9,442 feet. Itis the only active volcano in Tanzaniaand last erupted in 2007.

UDZUNGWASLocated near the western edge ofthe Selous Game Reserve, close toMikumi National Park. A smallsection of the mountains fall withinthe boundaries of the UdzungwaMountains National Park wherethere are trails covering the forestand mountain peaks.

USAMBARASThis little known mountain range isone of the gems of Tanzania.Located to the west of the coastaltown of Tanga, and part of theEastern Arc Mountains, theUsambaras offer incredible naturalbiodiversity and are a paradise forhikers and bird-watchers.

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In addition to the fantasticwildlife, glorious beaches andstunning scenery there are plenty

of other places to visit and things tosee in Tanzania.

AMANI FORESTEstablished in 1997, to protect theflora and fauna of the East UsambaraMountains, the Amani Forest NatureReserve is now an eco tourismattraction with an emphasis onwalking and hiking. The area has awonderful collection of birds,butterflies and plants some of whichare only found here. Black and whitecolobus and blue monkeys; ninespecies of African violet, and theNduk eagle owl – a species onlyfound in Amani – are among themany highlights.

AMBONI CAVESAbout 8 km north of Tanga these tenlimestone caves, formed during theJurassic Age some 150 million yearsago, are the most extensive cavesystem in East Africa.

BUJORA SUKUMAAlso known as the Bujora CulturalCentre, the museum is located in thevillage of Kisesa some 20km fromMwanza. Exhibits commemorate thehistory, traditions and culture of theSukuma, Tanzania’s largest tribe.

Stone Age tools were discoveredhere in 1951. Many fossilized boneswere also found in the area, amongthem those of a mammal related tothe modern giraffe but having amuch shorter neck, and an extincthippopotamus with an unusualperiscope-like projection.

Close to the border with Zambia andnear the tip of Lake Tanganyika, a 215metre drop makes this one of thehighest waterfalls in the world and,after Tugela Falls in South Africa, thesecond highest in Africa. This area isa breeding ground for the giantmarabou stork. Primitive tools have

been excavated from the KalamboGorge.

KONDOA IRANGIHalf way between Dodoma andArusha, near the village of Kolo, aresome of the finest examples of rockpaintings in the world ! Theseextraordinary paintings, depictingthe animals, customs and people ofthe time, are Tanzania’s seventhUNESCO World Heritage site.

MBOZI METEORITEA 12 ton iron monolith, the world’seighth largest known meteorite, lieson the slopes of Marengi Hill, off theroad to Tunduma, 70km west ofMbeya. Officially discovered in 1930,the absence of legends recountingits arrival suggest it was more than athousand years ago.

NYERERE MUSEUMLocated 190 km from Mwanza, at hisbirthplace of Butiama, the museum isdedicated to the achievements ofJulius Nyerere, the founding

President of Tanzania. Tours includehis mausoleum, his three formerresidences, and a library of some8,000 of his books.

TENDUNGURUA site near Lindi where, in 1912,German palaeontologists found theremains of several dinosaursincluding the complete skeleton ofBrachiosaurus, one of the largestanimals ever to walk the earth.

TONGONIA small village, 17km south of Tanga,where 15th century ruins of a mosqueand 40 tombs may be found.

UJIJIUjiji is a village close to Kigoma fromwhere, in 1858, Burton and Spekecommenced their explorations andwhere, in 1871, Henry Morton Stanleypronounced the famous words ‘DrLivingstone I presume’. Twoengraved plaques and a smallmuseum commemorate thesehistoric events.

Other Places to Visit

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The best developed ofTanzania’s tourism routes isknown as the Northern Circuit.

Here there’s the chance to see the‘big five’ - elephant, leopard, lion,rhino and buffalo - and huge herdsof wildebeest and zebra on theirannual migration.

The circuit includes many of thecountry’s most famous nationalparks, Arusha, Lake Manyara,Tarangire and the Serengeti as wellas famous landmarks such as theNgorongoro Crater, the OlduvaiGorge and Africa’s highestmountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.

ARUSHAJust 32 km away from the town ofArusha is the Arusha National Park,it consists of three spectacularfeatures, the Momela Lakes, MountMeru and the Ngurdoto Crater.

On clear days magnificent viewsof Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen

from almost any part of the park.The vegetation and wildlife varieswith the topography, which rangesfrom forest to swamp. The park isfamous for its 575 species of birdlife,both migrant and resident, and blackand white colobus monkey - the onlyplace they may be seen on theNorthern Circuit. Elephant are rare,and lion absent alltogether, butother animals frequently seen in thepark are baboon, buffalo, giraffe,hippo, hyena, warthog, zebra and awide range of antelope speciesincluding dik dik and waterbuck.Leopard are ever-present but, asalways, difficult to find. An area ofadjoining land was recentlyincorporated into the parkincreasing its size to 550 sq km.Tourist attractions include canoesafaris on the Momela lakes, ridingsafaris on specialised car-freeroutes, and walks around the rim ofthe Ngurudoto Crater, and three or

four day climbs of Mount Meru -good acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro.Getting there: A short drive from

Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.

At 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is thetallest free-standing mountain in theworld, so it can truly be regarded asthe roof of Africa. “As wide as all theworld, great, high and unbelievablywhite,” was Ernest Hemingway’sdescription. Now a World Heritagesite, its outstanding features are itsthree major volcanic centres, Shira inthe west, Mawenzi in the East andthe snowcapped Kibo in the centre.The forests of the surroundingnational park are inhabited byelusive elephant, leopard, buffalo,bushbuck, the endangered Abbott’sduiker, and numerous other smallantelope, primates and rodents.They are however difficult to seedue to the dense vegetation.

Getting there: A two hour drivefrom Arusha or one hour fromKilimanjaro International Airport.

This park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which spend most ofthe day spread out along thebranches of Acacia trees six to sevenmetres above the ground.

Nestling at the base of the GreatRift Valley escarpment the park isnoted for its incredible beauty. Asvisitors enter the gate they passthrough a lush forest, home totroops of baboons and both blueand vervet monkeys.

Further along the forest opens upinto woodlands, grassland, swampsand beyond these the soda lakeitself, covering 200 sq km andsanctuary to over 400 species ofbird including flamingo, pelican,storks, sacred ibis, cormorants andEgyptian geese.

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The Northern Parks

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The park is particularly noted for itshuge herds of buffalo and elephant.Also giraffe, hippo, reedbuck,warthog, wildebeest, zebra, a greatvariety of smaller animals and, morerecently, a family of endangered wilddog.Getting there: A half hour flight

from Arusha or a 90 minute drive enroute to the nearby NgorongoroCrater, Olduvai and the Serengeti.

MKOMAZIThis former game reserve contains90% of all botanic species found inTanzania with one third classified asunique in the world. It is also hometo the Mkomazi Rhino Project. Thisinvolves the re-introduction of anumber of black rhino from SouthAfrica and the UK which, it is hoped,will breed before being relocated totraditional natural habitats withinTanzania. The Captive BreedingProgramme for the African wild dog

is another project for thepreservation of endangered speciesthat is based in Mkomazi.Getting there: By road from Arush,

Moshi or Tanga.

NGORONGOROThe Ngorongoro Crater, at 2,286 m.above sea level, is the largestunbroken caldera in the world. Surrounded by very steep wallsrising 610 metres from the craterfloor, this natural amphitheatremeasures 19.2 km in diameter and304 sq km in area. It is home to up to30,000 animals, almost half beingwildebeest and zebra. Buffalo,elephant, hippo, hyena, jackal, lion,ostrich, serval, warthog, bushbuck,eland, hartebeest, reedbuck,waterbuck and huge herds of bothThomson’s and Grant’s gazelle areeasily seen on the crater floor.Thanks to anti-poaching patrols, thecrater is now one of the few places

in East Africa where visitors can becertain of seeing black rhino, withthe number now approaching 25.Leopard may occasionally be seen inthe trees of the forest surroundingthe crater while cheetah are alsopresent but rarely seen.

Large herds of giraffe live on therim of the crater and will be seen onthe drive to the nearby OlduvaiGorge and the Serengeti.

Countless flamingo form a vastpink blanket over the soda lakeswhile more than 100 species of birdsnot found in the Serengeti have beenspotted here.

The crater, which has beendeclared a UNESCO World Heritagesite, lies within the NgorongoroConservation Area, which coversmore than 8,300 sq km. It is boundedby Lake Eysai in the southwest andthe Gol Mountains in the north.Roughly in the centre is the OlbalalSwamp and the arid Olduvai Gorge.

Getting there: A three hour drive,or one hour flight, from Arusha. A twohour drive from Tarangire or some 90minutes from Manyara.

Located within the NgorongoroConservation Area, a short drive offthe main road between Ngorongoroand the Serengeti, the name Olduvaiderives from Oldupai, which is theMasai word for the type of wild sisalthat grows in the gorge.

It was here that, in 1959, Dr LouisLeakey and his wife Mary discoveredthe skull of first Zinjanthropus Boisei,or “nutcracker man”, and then, ayear later, the remains of HomoHablis or “handy man” at that timeregarded as mankind’s first step onthe ladder of human evolution. Manymore fossils have since beendiscovered including those ofprehistoric elephants, giant hornedsheep and enormous ostriches.

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There is a small museum to view andan observation platform, wherevisitors can listen to an informativetalk.Getting there: A four hour drive, or

one hour flight, from Arusha. A twohour drive from Lake Manyara orTarangire National Park.

SERENGETIThe Serengeti National Park isarguably the best known wildlifesanctuary in the world.

“Serengeti” means “endlessplains” in the Masai language, andwithin its boundaries are more thanthree million large mammals. Some35 species of plains animals may beseen here including the so-called“big seven” - buffalo, elephant, lion,leopard, rhino, cheetah and Africanhunting dog. Unfortunately very fewof the latter remain in the Serengeti.Originally exterminated as a threat

to domestic stock they have recentlybecome victims of distemper.

However, after being decimatedby poaching, the black rhinopopulation of the Serengeti hasdeveloped well in recent yearsthanks to constant surveillance andthe shielding of the animals frommass tourism. There are now around30 black rhinos in the Moru Kopjesarea but they may be difficult to seeas visitors are only allowed to drivethrough the area on certain roads.White rhinoceros are not found inthe Serengeti.

In May or early June, huge herdsof wildebeest and zebra begin theirspectacular 600 mile pilgrimage. Intheir wake follow the predators -lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena andjackal - while vultures circle overheadand some of Africa’s biggestcrocodile lie in wait.

Other animals frequently seen in

the Serengeti include aardvark,baboons, caracal, civet, bat-earedfox, genet, giraffe, hippo, honeybadger, hyrax, mongoose, ostrich,pangolin, serval, both Grant’s andThomson’s gazelle, vervet monkey,warthog and some 20 types ofantelope including eland, hartebeestor kongoni, impala, kudu, reedbuck,roan, topi, waterbuck and the muchsmaller dik dik, duiker, klipspringerand oribi.

There is, of course, also a greatprofusion of birdlife. Over 500species have been recordedincluding bee-eaters, bustards,cranes, eagles, flamingo, herons,hornbills, guinea fowl, hoopoe,kingfishers, ostrich, parrots, storks,vultures, weavers, and the bizarre,long-legged secretary birds.Getting there: A six hour drive, or

one hour flight, from Arusha, or a twoand a half hour drive from Mwanza.

TARANGIREClose to Arusha, 118 km away,Tarangire National Park gets its namefrom the river that threads its waythrough the reserve. It is famous forits dense wildlife population which ismost spectacular between June andSeptember, the dry period.

During this time thousands ofanimals - elephant, buffalo, giraffe,eland, hartebeest, kudu, wildebeestand the rarely seen oryx and gerenuk- migrate from the dry Masai steppeto the Tarangire River looking forwater. Lion, leopard and otherpredators follow the herds.Tarangire has the largest populationof elephant of any park in thenorthern circuit and is also home to550 varieties of bird including theKori bustard - the heaviest flying bird.Getting there: A 90 minute drive, or

30 minute flight, from Arusha.

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Managed by PlanHotel Hospitality Group

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The Ngorongoro ConservationArea is a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site, and International

Biosphere Reserve, covering almost8,300 sq km with altitudes rangingbetween 1,020m to 3,577m.Frequently referred to as the eighthwonder of the world, the areaencompasses a blend of landscapes,archaeological sites, people andabundant wildlife that isunsurpassed in Africa. Featuringvolcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls andforests, it is home to the nomadicMasai.The centrepiece, and majorlandmark, of the Conservation Areais the breathtaking NgorongoroCrater, a natural amphitheatresurrounded by steep walls risingover 600 metres from the craterfloor. It is one of the world's greatestnatural spectacles whose magical

setting and plentiful wildlife neverfail to thrill.The crater is a natural sanctuary forsome 30,000 animals including the‘big five’ of buffalo, elephant,leopard, lion and rhino. It is alsohome to cheetah, hartebeest, hippo,hyena, jackal, reedbuck, serval,warthog, waterbuck, wildebeest,zebra and a great many bird andinsect species.Close to the Ngorongoro Craterthere are two less famous, and lessvisited, craters ideal for walking andhiking safaris.Empakaai Crater is about 6 km widewith steep walls rising to almost300m. Nearly half of the crater flooris covered by a deep salt water lakebut eland and waterbuck may beenseen. The trail down to the craterfloor offers spectacular views of astill active volcano, Oldoinyo Lengai,

and, on a clear day, the snowy peaksof Mount Kilimanjaro. On the waydown to the lake there are buffalo,bushbuck, blue monkeys and rarebirds, such as sunbirds and turacos.Olmoti Craters's floor is shallow andcovered with grass where, inaddition to the Maasai and theirlivestock, buffalo, eland andreedbuck may be seen. The MungeRiver crosses the crater beforefalling hundreds of metres in aspectacular waterfall. Yet another attraction of theNgorongoo Conservation Area isOlduvai Gorge, the site where, in1959, Dr Louis Leakey and his wifeMary discovered the remains of whatwas regarded as man’s first step onthe ladder of human evolution.The Ngorongoro Conservation AreaAuthority was established in 1959, topioneer this multiple land use in

which conservation, tourism andpastoral activities co-exist in carefullymanaged harmony.

For further information contact:The Conservator

Ngorongoro Conservation Area AuthorityPO Box 1, Ngorongoro Crater,

Arusha, TanzaniaTel +255 27 253 7019/06

Fax +255 27 253 7007E-mail: ncaa_faru@cybernet.co.tz

www.ngorongorocrater.org

The Ngorongoro Crater

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The Great Migration

The Serengeti is famed for itsannual migration when morethan 1,500,000 wildebeest and

500,000 Thomson Gazelle followsome 200,000 zebra in a 2,000 kmround pilgrimage in search of freshgrazing and water. It is “the greatestwildlife show on earth” and “a oncein a lifetime experience” !Wildebeest feed only on new shootsand very short grass but do, ofcourse, eat the longer grass once ithas been ‘trimmed’ by zebra orbuffalo. It is for this reason theyfollow the zebra. Eland and Thomson’s gazelle alsomigrate but instead of following themain migration they just alternatebetween the plains and thewoodlands. Grant’s gazelle do notmigrate as they are not sodependant on water. They moveonly locally and, in many cases, in the

opposite direction to the migratoryspecies.Predator versus prey dominates themigration. Lion, leopard, cheetah,hyena and a host of other, smallerpredators, watched by the ever-present vultures, gorge on theirannual feast while, in the rivers, giantcrocodile wait their turn.The best time to see the migration isbetween June and August when thewildebeest congregate and prepareto cross the Grumeti River. Howeverboth the route and timing of themigration are unpredictable sovisitors must plan carefully to beassured of seeing the spectacle.During December to May the animalsare found on the short grass plainsaround Lake Ndutu, the GolMountains and the Moru Kopjes inthe south of the park. December is apeak month for zebra foaling and

February the main month forwildebeest calving.Then the migrations starts as vastherds, in columns over 40 km long,head north towards Kirawira andMbalageti, in the Western corridor,before crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti River into theGrumeti Game Reserve and theIkorongo Wildlife Management Area.Meanwhile some smaller herds movedirectly north through the Seroneraarea, while others travel up theeastern boundary of the parkthrough the Loliondo and Loboareas.All routes eventually crossing theMara River, where the animals faceanother life threatening experience,into Kenya’s Masai Mara.Finally, in November, the herds starttheir trek back through the Serengetiarriving at the short grass plains

ready to give birth again. And so the cycle continues ! As it hasfor over a million years !

For further information contact:The Director General

Tanzania National ParksPO Box 3134, Arusha, Tanzania

Tel: +255 27 250 3471Fax: +255 27 250 8216

E-mail: info@tanzaniaparks.comwww.tanzaniaparks.com

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Less frequented than thenational parks in the north, thesouthern parks provide a sense

of African adventure unsurpassedanywhere else on the continent.

The principal areas are the SelousGame Reserve and the Mikumi,Ruaha and Udzungwa MountainsNational Parks.

MIKUMILocated north of the Selous Reserve,less than 300 km. from Dar esSalaam, is the Mikumi National Park.Because of its accessibility it is one ofthe most popular parks in Tanzaniaand is an important centre foreducation where students go tostudy ecology and conservation.

The Mikumi flood plain, with itsopen grasslands, dominates the park

together with the mountain rangesthat border the park on two sides. Awide range of wildlife inhabits its3,230 sq km area. Lion is commonlyseen as are packs of wild dog, rareelsewhere in Africa. Elephant may beencountered and other animalsfrequently observed are buffalo,civet, eland, giraffe, impala, kudu,reedbuck, warthog, waterbuck,wildebeest, zebra and Lichtenstein’shartebeest. Near the southernboundary of the park it is possible tosee groups of female and youngbachelor sable with their onedominant male.

Crocodiles, monitor lizard andgiant python are among the park’smany other residents.

At the southern end of the floodplain, in the Kikoboga area, families

of yellow baboon live whilewallowing hippos are frequentlyjoined in their pools by flocks ofopen-billed storks, hunting fortasty molluscs.

Over 400 species of birds havebeen observed in the park, many ofwhich are Eurasian migrants whostay between October and April.Getting there: A four hour drive, or

a one hour flight, from Dar es Salaam.

RUAHARecently expanded to become thelargest national park in East Africaand, after Kafue National Park inZambia, the second largest in Africa,Ruaha is home to more than 10,000elephant. Its name derives from theGreat Ruaha River which flows alongits eastern border, creating

spectacular gorges. Flowing into theRufiji River, the Great Ruaha is hometo hippo and crocodile. Variousantelope species, such as eland,grant’s gazelle, impala, greater andlesser kudu, reedbuck, waterbuckand the rare sable and roan antelopethrive in the grasslands borderingthe river alongside buffalo, giraffeand zebra. Predators include lion,leopard, cheetah, both striped andspotted hyena, and wild dog – orAfrican hunting dog as they shouldcorrectly be called.

Birdlife is prolific, over 370 specieshave been recorded, some of whichare not found in northern Tanzania.Eurasian migrants flock to Ruahatwice a year - March to April andOctober to November - joining theresident kingfishers, hornbills,

The Southern Parks

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Tailored Safaris in Southern Tanzania

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sunbirds, egrets and plovers. Best months for game viewing are

during the dry season from July toNovember, when the animals areconcentrated around the shrinkingwater-courses. The park has anairstrip for light aircraft on thewestern bank of the river. Getting there: Up to a ten hour

drive, or a one and a half hour flight,from Dar es Salaam.

The Selous Game Reserve is thelargest wildlife area in Africa. AUNESCO World Heritage site, thispristine, uninhabited area is largerthan Switzerland.

Selous boasts Tanzania’s largestpopulation of elephant as well aslarge numbers of lion, leopard,African hunting dog, buffalo andhippo. Only in the Serengeti willvisitors see a greater concentrationof wildlife.

Once home to over 3,000 blackrhino there are sadly now only a fewhundred left. They tend to hide in thedense thickets but sightings arepossible. Species commonly seen arebushbuck, red and blue duikers,eland, hartebeest, hyena,

klipspringer, impala, giraffe, oryx,reedbuck, waterbuck and zebra.Yellow baboon and vervet and bluemonkey are a common sight whilefamilies of black and white colobusmay sometimes be seen movingfrom tree to tree. Endangered redcolobus inhabit the west of thereserve but visits to observe this rarebreed can be arranged.

The bird-life in the Selous is prolificand the 400 species recorded includethe globally threatened wattledcrane and the corncrake.

The topography of the park variesfrom rolling savannah woodland,grassland plains and rocky outcropscut by the Rufiji River and itstributaries, the Kilombero andLuwegu, which together cover thegreatest catchment area in EastAfrica. The Rufiji, which flows fromnorth to south, provides the life-blood of the Selous and sailing orrafting down the river is a superbmethod of seeing game, especiallyduring the dry season between Juneand October. Crocodiles, hippo and avast array of antelope will be seen.

Linked to the Rufiji is LakeTagalala, where elephant, giraffe,waterbuck, reedbuck and bushbuck

gather at the water’s edge. In thelong grassland, safari enthusiastsmay get a chance to see rare sableantelope, greater kudu - or lion.

The park gets its name from thehunter-explorer Frederick CourtneySelous, whose books were bestsellers in Victorian England.

Walking safaris, game drives andboat trips may be organised. Thebest time to visit is during the dryseason, when game is forced fromhiding places to the river to drink.

The waters of the KilomberoGame Controlled Area are home tothe ferocious tiger fish and vanducatfish, the latter equipped with aprimitive set of lungs which allows itto migrate from one landlocked poolto another.Getting there: Between a seven and

nine hour drive, but only in the dryseason, or a one and a half hour flightfrom Dar es Salaam.

UDZUNGWAUdzungwa Mountains National Parkis a conservation area of about 2,000sq km. It lies in the Iringa andMorogoro regions of south-centralTanzania where it is bordered by theGreat Ruaha River to the north and

by the road between Mikumu andIfakara to the east.

The major attraction of the park isits bio-diversity and unique rainforestwhere many rare plants, not foundelsewhere in the world, have beenidentified. These range from a tinyAfrican violet to 30 metre high trees.For this reason Udzungwa is beingproposed as Tanzania’s eighth WorldHeritage Site.

The park is home to eleven typesof primate. Five of these are uniqueto Udzungwa, including theendangered Iringa red colobusmonkey and the Sanje crestedmangabey. The plateau alsosupports populations of elephant,buffalo, lion and leopard. Visitorsshould not expect to necessarily seethese larger species however as theytend to be found in the lessaccessible area of the park. Bushbaby or galago, bush pig, civet,duiker, honey badger and threetypes of mongoose are more likely tobe seen.

The park is also home to a numberof rare forest birds many only foundin this area of Tanzania.Getting there: A five hour drive

from Dar es Salaam.

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In addition to the nine parks of thenorthern and southern circuitsTanzania has seven other national

parks to explore.

GOMBEA mountainous strip bordering theshores of Lake Tanganyika, 16kmnorth of Kigoma. Gombe is currentlyTanzania's smallest park. It coversjust 56 sq km and is only reachableby boat from Kigoma. Gombe offersvisitors the rare chance to observethe chimpanzee communities madefamous by British explorer JaneGoodall. A number of monkeyspecies can also be seen includingred colobus, red-tail and bluemonkeys. The area is heavilyforested making it unsuitable for

carnivores and safe for walking.Birdwatchers will be richly rewarded. Getting there: By air from Arusha or

Dar es Salaam. Or by road or train toKigoma and then a one hour boat trip.

KATAVIRecently extended southward tocover some 4500 sq km the mainfeatures of Tanzania's third largestpark, located about 40 km south-east of the town of Mpanda, areLake Katavi, with its vast floodplains,the palm-fringed Lake Chala and theKatuma River. The park is noted forits Miombo woodland and is home tobuffalo, elephant, leopard, lion andzebra. Antelope species includeeland, impala, topi, roan, and sable.Water fowl are abundant with Lake

Chala particularly rich in bird-life with400 species recorded. Katavi alsoboasts the greatest concentration ofhippo and crocodile.Getting there: By chater flight from

Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Or a day'sdrive from Mbeya or, in the dryseason, Kigoma.

One of the two more recentlygazetted national parks, Kitulo is thefirst park in tropical Africa to berecognised largely for its floristicsignificance. Known locally as ‘God’sGarden’ or the ‘Serengeti ofFlowers’, Kitulo plateau has had over350 species of plants documented todate. These include 45 species oforchids, many of which are not

found anywhere else in the world. Also only found in Kitulo, and the

Nundulu Mountain Reserve adjacentto Udzungwa Mountains NationalPark, the Kipunji - or HighlandsMangabey - is the rarest monkey inAfrica. First discovered in 2003 it wasthe first new monkey genusestablished since 1923.

The plateau is also home to someimportant bird species, again manyendemic to Tanzania, including theendangered blue swallow, Denham’sbustard, mountain marsh widow,Njombe cisticola, and Kipengereseedeater. Some of the world’srarest butterflies inhabit the area. Getting there: By road from Dar es

Salaam to Chimala, via Mbeya, andthen only by a 4x4 vehicle.

The Other Parks

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The other sanctuary of thechimpanzee, Mahale MountainsNational Park, is only reached bycharter flight or by boat fromKigoma. Covering an area ofapproximately 1,600 sq km, thepark's western boundary is theshore of Lake Tanganyika. Thechimpanzee population is estimatedat around 1,000 and they may beobserved in their natural habitat ingroups of up to 30. Yellow baboons,red colobus, red-tailed and vervetmonkeys also live in the park and arecommonly seen as are bush-babies,bush-pigs, bushbuck, blue duiker,civet, hyrax and white-tailedmongoose. Buffalo, elephant,giraffe, leopard, lion, porcupine andother various types of antelope arealso present but will prove moredifficult to find.

Lake Tanganyika is also home tomore than 250 species of fish. Getting there: Between a four and a

nine hour boat trip, depending on the

boat, from Kigoma. Or a two hourflight from Arusha or Dar es Salaam.

RUBONDOA water wonderland comprisingRubondo Island and nine smallerislands tucked into a corner of LakeVictoria north-west of Mwanza. Thepark provides a variety of habitatsranging from savannah to openwoodland, dense forest, papyrusswamps and sandy beaches. There isalso a wide variety of animalsincluding bushbuck, crocodile,elephant, genet, giraffe, hippo,mongoose, vervet monkey and thereclusive sitatunga - a shaggy coatedaquatic antelope.

The birdlife is unique with bee-eaters, fish eagle, grey parrot, heron,ibis, malachite kingfishers, paradiseflycatchers, spoon-billed and saddle-billed stork flocking to ‘Bird Island’ tobreed.Getting there: By air from Arusha or

Mwanza. Or by road from Mwanzaand then a boat transfer.

SAADANITanzania’s first coastal wildlifesanctuary is located on the IndianOcean coast some 45 km north ofBagamoyo and directly west ofZanzibar. The park contains manyindigenous species includingLiechtensteins hartebeest and therare Roosevelt sable. A goodpopulation of elephant live inSaadani as do several herds ofbuffalo while numerous largegroups of hippo and crocodileinhabit the nearby Wami River. Lion,leopard, spotted hyena, and black-backed jackal are present as areeland, giraffe, greater kudu, redduiker, reedbuck, warthog,waterbuck, wildebeest, zebra, yellowbaboon and vervet monkey.

The bird life is extensive andincludes fish eagle, flamingo and themangrove kingfisher.

Dolphin are common off thecoast; whales pass through theZanzibar channel, and green turtlebreed on the beach.

Saadani village, one of the oldestcommunities on the East Africancoast, the Kaole ruins and historicBagamoyo are nearby.

Getting there: About a four hourdrive from Dar es Salaam or by charterflight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.

SAANANESaanane Island, in Lake Victoria, wasrecently elevated to national parkstatus increasing the number ofTanzania National Parks to 16. It isthe smallest national park in EastAfrica covering an area of only 2.18sq km. Saanane is currently home toagama lizards, clawless otter,crocodile, impala, monitor lizard,python, rock hyrax, tortoise, vervetand de brazza monkey, and wild catbut there are plans to introduce newspecies such as dik-dik, grant’sgazelle, klipspringer and zebra. Over40 type of resident and migratorybirds may be seen.Getting there: By air to Mwanza

and then by boat.

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ZANZIBARThe Spice Islands

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With its launching in December 2013, the Emerald Collection aims to set new standards of luxury for the island of Zanzibar and the

Indian Ocean. Our aim is to target the most discerning guests who seek the ultimate in luxury, combined with an enriched experience

from their holiday destination. These objectives will be achieved through the Resorts’ unique locations, state of the art accommodations

and dedicated five star facilities and services. Our properties are staffed by an exceptional team of professionals from Europe, Asia and

Africa, combining decades of international hospitality experience. Our company ethos is that of integrity, vision and a dedication to the

cause, ensuring a guest experience of luxury service, crowned with African compassion, grace and authenticity.

Reservation Office:Via Tacito, 74 • 00193 Rome - Italy

Phone: +39 06 45481670 • Fax: +39 06 45481671www.emerald-collection.com • info@emerald-collection.com

DDrr eeaamm ooff ZZaannzz iibbaarr

HHiiddeeaawwaayy ooff NNuunnggwwii RReessoorr tt && SSppaa

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Tourist Map of Zanzibar

Unguja(Zanzibar Island)

INDIANOCEAN

ZANZIBARCHANNEL

INDIANOCEAN

PEMBACHANNEL

Pemba

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Just the name, Zanzibar, evokesdreams of romance and mysteryand the reality will not

disappoint. Zanzibar - the nameincludes the main island, Unguja, andits sister island, Pemba - has forcenturies attracted seafarers andadventurers from around the world.Now it welcomes a new generationof explorers - those who have cometo marvel at the rich heritage,reflected in the architecture and theculture of the people.

Visit Zanzibar’s historic StoneTown - another of Tanzania’s sevenUNESCO World Heritage sites. Relaxon the dazzling white, palm-fringedbeaches, where the azure waters ofthe Indian Ocean beckon swimmers,divers, fishermen and water-sportsenthusiasts alike.

Breathe in the fragrant scents ofcloves, vanilla, cardamom andnutmeg, and discover why Zanzibaris called “The Spice Islands.”

Explore the forests, with their rareflora and fauna. Or visit some of themany ancient, archaeological sites.

Spend a few days here before orafter a safari on the Tanzanianmainland or, better still, allocate aweek or two and immerse yourself inthe magic that is Zanzibar.

A Mix of CulturesZanzibar’s colourful history is an epicsaga of travellers and traders, raidersand colonisers. To its shores cameSumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians,Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese,Malays, Persians, Portuguese, Arabs,

Dutch and the British, each leavingbehind a legacy of their stay. Fromthe island the great Europeanexplorers – Burton, Speke,Livingstone, and Stanley - set off fortheir voyages of discovery into thevast, uncharted wilderness of thegreat African hinterland.

Bantu tribes from the mainlandwere the first inhabitants of theisland, but by 700 AD the IndianOcean trade winds had broughtPersians and Arabs to its shores.

From the beginning of the 16thcentury, for 200 years, Portugueseraiders dominated this part of theEast African coast. Then, in 1652,Zanzibar was invaded by Arabs fromOman, signalling the end ofPortuguese domination.

Sultan Sayyid Said moved his

capital from Muscat to Zanzibar in1840 to exploit the flourishing slavetrade and the island grew in power,wealth and population.

David Livingstone stronglyprotested against this inhumaneactivity creating a ground-swell ofopposition in Britain. Under pressurethe Sultan outlawed the export ofslaves in 1873. Zanzibar then becamea British protectorate in 1890 and in1913 total power was transferred tothe British.

Independence was achieved, inDecember 1963, under SultanJamshid bin Abdulla but thesultanate was toppled in favour of aPeople’s Republic a month later. OnApril 26, 1964 the republic joinedTanganyika to form the UnitedRepublic of Tanzania.

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Karibu Zanzibar - Welcome

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www.hotelzanzibar.com www.africa-safari.com

Make the most of your precious holiday time by combining a relaxing stay in one of our Beach Resorts in Zanzibar with an adventurous, authentic African Safari at the Selous Game Reserve.

Enjoy the incredible Zanzibar beaches, local seafood cuisine, tropical climate and warm Zanzibar hospitality at our beach front resort in Uroa, Eastern Zanzibar.

Then, take a short flight to the heart of the African Savannah and view first hand the incredible African wildlife and live an adventure you will never forget!

Book directly a Safari Tour, Beach Holiday or combine both in a special Holiday Package with us and be sure to get the best price possible.

Contact us to discover our latest offers!

Resorts & SafariArusha - Zanzibar - Selous - Tanzania

www.atoz-travel.com

+255 777 699 000+255 789 467 746info@hotelzanzibar.com

B� k your holiday today!

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Stone Town...

It may not have a particularlyromantic name, but Stone Town,is the capital and cultural heart of

Zanzibar, little changed in the last200 years. A labyrinth of windingalleys, bustling bazaars, mosquesand grand houses whose extrav-agance is reflected in their brass-studded, carved, wooden doors.

The National Museum is a goodstarting point for finding out moreof the history and culture ofZanzibar. It opened in 1925 andcontains relics from the time of theSultans and the early explorers, aswell as traditional carvings andexhibits of local wildlife, including agood collection of birds and reptiles.

Another “must” is the House ofWonders, with its pillars, frettedbalconies and intricately carveddoors. It was built by SultanBarghash in 1883 and was occupied

by the British in 1911 when theSultan moved to the much lesspretentious palace, now called thePeople’s Palace, on the other side ofthe street.

Next to the House of Wonders isthe Old Fort, built on the site of aPortuguese church when the Arabstook over the island, and now thevenue for many of Zanzibar’snumerous theatrical and musicalevents. Perhaps the mostimpressive, ornate building is the OldDispensary which has recentlyundergone excellent restorationwork. The High Court and AfricaHouse, a former English gentleman’sclub and now a boutique hoteloffering, supposedly, the best viewof the sunset, are also worth a visitas is Livingstone House, where theScottish explorer lived for threemonths in 1866 gathering suppliesfor his last expedition.

At the centre of Stone Town arethe Persian-styled Hamamni Baths,

built at the command of SultanBarghash at the end of the 19thcentury while nearby is theCathedral Church of Christ,completed in 1879 on the site of anopen slave market. Echoes ofZanzibar’s more sinister past are alsoto be found in Tippu Tip House, builtfor the notorious slave and ivorytrader Hamad bin Muhammad el-Marjab, and a former slave pit innearby Kelele Square.

...and aroundNorth of Stone Town are the

former palaces of Maruhubi andMtoni. The ruins of Maruhubi offer atantalising glimpse of the formergrandeur of this palace, built bySultan Barghash in 1880 to house hisharem, but burned down in 1889.The palace of Mtoni suffered asimilar fate. Dating back to the earlypart of the 19th century, it once

housed 1,000 people.Inland from here are the Kidichi

and Kizimbani Persian Baths, builtin1850 for the Persian wife of SultanSaid, and Dunga Ruins, a palace builtbetween 1846 and 1856.

Further north are the Coral Caveand Mangapwani Slave Chambers,used to conceal slaves at night, andTumbatu Island with its numerousShirazi Ruins.

South of Stone Town are theremains of the Mbweni Palace andChukwani Palace while, to the east,are the Bikhole and Unguja UkuuRuins. The latter is the site of theisland’s oldest known settlementdating back to the 8th century.

Still further south is the formerwalled city of Kizimkazi, where theruins of Shirazi Mosque, part ofwhich dates back over 900 years, arefound. A coral stone inscriptionprovides evidence of its age, makingthis one of the earliest Islamicbuildings in this part of East Africa.

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Uroa Bay Beach ResortZ A N Z I B A R

Welcome to Paradise

info@uroabay.comwww.uroabay.com

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Touring Zanzibar

Tours of Zanzibar are arewarding experience. Visitorswill travel past fragrant

plantations of cloves, cinnamon,nutmeg and other spices on theirway to numerous places of historicalinterest; to the unique flora andfauna of Jozani Forest; topicturesque fishing villages; and toone of many white sandy beaches.

DHOW CRUISESCruise around the islands on atraditional Arab dhow while enjoyinga seafood lunch of grilled fish andlobster with an exotic fruit juice, ice-cold soda, chilled beer or glass ofwine. All followed by coffee andliqueurs as the sun sets.

Watching or, particularly, swimmingwith dolphins, in their natural habitatcan be both exciting andeducational. However care must be

taken to avoid disturbing the animalsas this could have a negative effecton their daily life. Dolphins aremarine mammals that spend theirentire lives in the water. Like othermammals, they are warm bloodedand breathe air. Most commonlyseen around Zanzibar are thebottlenose and humpback varietiesalthough spinner dolphins are alsoseen north of the island.

Brilliant white beaches provide theperfect place to take a break frombusy sightseeing. The beaches are aparadise but there are alsonumerous picturesque fishingvillages where the people live asimple way of life, unchangedthrough the years. So, as well as allforms of water-sports, there is alsoample opportunity for fishing or justwatching the activities of the localfisherman. Nungwi, at thenorthernmost tip of the island, offerspossibly the best swimming on theisland. There is also a turtle aquarium

there and a boatyard wherefisherman’s dhows are still built inthe old traditional way.

JOZANI FORESTThirty five kilometres south-east ofStone Town is the Jozani ForestChwaka Bay Reserve, an area of 50sq km whose thick forests, with treesover 100 years old, are the lastremaining sanctuary of the ZanzibarRed Colobus monkey.

Other residents include Sykes bluemonkey, bushbaby, bush pig,chameleon, civet, genet, mongooseand tree hyrax. There are also twospecies of very small antelope –Ader’s duiker, one of the two rarestantelope in the world, and the evensmaller suni. Both are extremely shyand unlikely to be seen.

The forest is also home to over 40different bird species as well as over50 species of butterfly.

South of the park an elevatedboardwalk runs through themangroves providing easy sightingsof hundreds of tropical fish.

SEAWEED CENTREDuring this tour you will see

seaweed harvested and learn tomake natural beauty products fromraw seaweed.

SHOPPING TOURSZanzibar is a shopper’s paradise.Stone Town’s narrow windingstreets are crammed with storesselling antiques, art, books, clothes,coffee, gemstones, jewellery,paintings, perfumes, printed fabrics,silver, tea and, of course, spices.

SPICE TOURSAn organised spice tour is probablythe best way of seeing the island.While taking tourists on a walkingtour, local guides will pluck bunchesof leaves from various bushes andask visitors to guess what they are.Most will be found in the averagekitchen spice rack - black pepper,chillies, cinnamon, cloves, coconut,garlic, ginger, lemon grass, nutmeg,saffron, turmeric and vanilla.

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Pemba Island

Fifty kilometres north ofZanzibar main island anddirectly opposite the mainland

port of Tanga, is the highly fertilePemba Island which, althoughsmaller than Zanzibar, is hillier andgreener and grows three times asmany cloves.

Pemba has its own distinctcharacter with more historicalmonuments, particularly ruinedmosques and tombs, than on themain island; some excellent beaches;and spectacular diving and fishing

In the centre of the island is ChakaChaka, the capital and main town,where there are remains of a 200year old Arab fort. Some 14 km to thewest, at Ras Mkumbuu, are the ruinsof a 14th century mosque and some

elaborate ‘pillar’ or ‘chimney’ tombsused to mark the burial place ofprominent Muslims. While 10 km tothe south the Pujini Ruins feature afort built around the 15th centuryand known locally as Mkame Ndume.Other interesting sites may be seennear Kangagani, Mkamandume,Chakalakati and Mtangani Island, onthe east coast, and near Wete to thenorth.

Also in the far north of the islandis the Ngezi Forest Reserve, aprotected area containing rare trees– some not found anywhere else inthe world. These include the PembaPalm known locally as the MapapindiPalm. The wildlife features theindigenous Pemba Flying Fox – reallya large bat – blue duiker, civet,vervet monkey, marsh mongooseand tree hyrax. Bird species includeflycatchers, hornbills, kingfishers,

turacos, starlings and severalvarieties of owl. Four species – thePemba scops owl, white-eye, greenpigeon and violet-breasted sunbird -are endemic to Pemba.

The much smaller Ras Kiuyu ForestReserve, joined to the north east tipof mainland by just a narrow strip ofland, is home to a much lessimpressive range of flora and fauna.

Pemba offers some of the bestdiving in the world although,because of the strong currents,some is best suited to moreexperienced divers. Misali Island, tothe west of Chake Chake, is now aMarine Conservation area, rich inbiodiversity, and with more than 40different species of coral, 350varieties of fish, and five types ofturtle. It is therefore a perfect placefor both snorkelling and diving.There are also some idyllic beaches

where swimming is possible at bothhigh and low tide.

Popular dive sites are EmeraldReef and Wreck Dive, off PanzaIsland in the south, and Fundu Reef,Kokota Reef, Njao Gap, and UvinjeGap in the north-west.

Other good beaches can be foundat Fundu, Varani, Vumawimbi and onthe lesser islands of Funzi, Kiweni,Panza and Uvinje.

Green and hawksbill turtles neston the western side of the island.

Pemba also offers some of thebest game fishing in the world withbarracuda, billfish, blue marlin,dorado, kingfish, sailfish, tuna,wahoo, and hammerhead and tigersharks all found in the watersaround the island and, especially, inthe Pemba Channel that runsbetween the main Unguja islandand Pemba.

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Sun Tours and Travel has the mostexperienced tour guides and officestaff who are always available to

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Our office is located at Hurumzi Street

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The Other Islands

Unguja and Pemba islands aresurrounded by more than 20smaller islands. Most are

uninhabited and are located to thewest of the main island.

Chapwani, or Grave Island, is theclosest island to Stone Town. It ishome to a number of Christiangraves belonging to British sailorskilled fighting against the Arab slaveships or in the First World War. Thereis a small beach and a patch ofindigenous forest which is home toblue duikers, enormous coconutcrabs and a colony of fruit bats.

Changuu, or Prison Island, is themost popular island excursion fromStone Town. It is only a short 10minute boat ride and the snorkellingis excellent. There was a prison builton the island but it was never usedfor its intended purpose and is now ahotel. One of the island's mainattractions is the giant tortoises.

Bawe Island which lies south ofPrison Island, has some of the bestsnorkelling spots in the archipelago.About a 30-minute boat ride andslightly more expensive than theboat to Prison Island, this island ismuch less visited.

Chumbe Island is a rare exampleof a still pristine coral island. A UNProtected Area, it carries theaccolade of “one of the mostspectacular coral gardens anywhere

in the world”. Tanzania’s first marinepark, and the first privately managedmarine park in the world, Chumbeoffers visitors the opportunity tosnorkel through the shallow-waterReef Sanctuary; scuba dive thenearby reefs; explore the ForestReserve with its nature trails andabundance of local birds and flora; orvisit the historical monuments. Theseinclude a hundred year oldlighthouse and the only ancient

mosque, in East Africa, with Indianarchitecture.

Off the north-east coast ofZanzibar main island, Mnemba Islandbasks in its own tranquil lagoon.Boasting, splendid beaches andspectacular coral reefs, alive withfish, it is renowned as the ultimate in‘barefoot luxury’.

Tumbatu, the largest of Zanzibar'soffshore islands, is located to thesouthwest of Nungwi and is inhabited

by the Watumbatu people who speaktheir own unique dialect of Swahili.In the south-west are Uzi Island,which is only connected to Unguja bya causeway, and the Menai BayConservation Area which includesthe islands of Kwale, Miwi,Nianembe, Pungume and Vundwe.The latter is a sea-turtle breedingarea, also famous for its humpbackand bottlenose dolphins, and is aWWF Protected Area.

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Festivals

The islands of Unguju andPemba have a wealth oftraditions many of which are

recognised in numerous annualfestivals and celebrations.

This is the three day festival thatfollows the end of Ramadan, wheneating, drinking and smoking isprohibited during daylight hours. Thedate is dependent on the Islamiccalendar but in 2015 festivities willcommence around July 18.

MWAKA KOGWAThis four day festival, which marksthe arrival of the Shiraz New Year,takes place at the end of July.Although celebrated in many parts ofZanzibar, it is in Makunduchi that theancient rites are mostenthusiastically followed. It involveshuge bonfires; mocks fights betweenthe men; and much playful banterbetween the sexes.

An annual boat race, held everyAugust, featuring the double-outrigger canoes of the local people.

SAUTI ZA BUSARAThis is East Africa’s premier musicfestival and highlights the best music

from the Swahili-speaking world.Featuring hip hop, r’n’b, rap andreggae along with the moretraditional ngoma, taarab andreligious music, the six day event isheld each February. In 2015the dates will be February 12 to 15.Taarab is a form of local music that isa mixture of sounds and styles fromIndia, Arabia and Africa. Ngoma is a

traditional African dance with fast,rhythmic drumming. More than 400musicians participate.

ZIFFZIFF – the Zanzibar International FilmFestival - is the highlight ofZanzibar’s artistic and culturalcalendar. A two week event, heldevery July, it features films from

Africa and beyond. ZIFF alsoincorporates the annual Festival ofthe Dhow Countries which highlightsthe arts and cultures of East Africa,the Gulf States, Iran, India, Pakistanand the Indian Ocean islands. Themain venue is the open-air theatre atthe Old Fort but events also takeplace at various other venues acrossthe island and on Pemba.

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Remnants of a spectacularhistory give Tanzania’smainland coast an appeal far

greater than just sun, sand and sea.More than 800 kms of coastline,from Tanga in the north to Mtwara inthe south, consist of palm-fringed,white sandy beaches looking outover the warm, sparkling waters ofthe Indian Ocean. These offerunlimited scope for big game fishing,scuba-diving, snorkelling and othervarieties of water sports. Howeverinsufficient attention is often paid tothe coast’s vast array of othernatural and cultural resources as, inaddition to the beach resorts to boththe north and south of Dar esSalaam, there are a number of othermajor tourist attractions. Ancient

Bagamoyo, a former capital city, andthe nearby Kaole Ruins; historicalMafia Island; the natural beauty ofPangani; Saadani National Park; andthe history and culture of theUNESCO World Heritage sites ofKilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara.

Areas scheduled for developmentinclude the Mnazi Bay area ofMtwara and the Rufiji River delta.

BAGAMOYOOnce the penultimate stop for slaveand ivory caravans travelling fromLake Tanganyika on their way toZanzibar, the name Bagamoyomeans ‘Bury my Heart’ in Swahili.Missionaries, intent on abolishing theslave trade, made it the centre oftheir activities.

The town’s museum has awonderful collection of photographsand mementos relating to DavidLivingstone while a house whereHenry Morton Stanley once lived canbe seen near the beach.

Saadani National Park lies 45 kmto the north and the Kaole ruins 5 kmto the south.

The largest city and the economiccapital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaamalso has much to interest touristsstaying in the city before, or after,their safari to the parks and gamereserves in the south.

The Nyerere Cultural Centre, aself-supporting handicraft scheme, iswell worth a visit. Here over 100

young artists can be seen at workproducing various works includingpaintings, carvings, batiks, potteryand weavings.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of theKariakoo Market were fish, fruit,vegetables, traditional medicines,herbs and livestock are traded. Themaze of stalls and shops in thebazaar that surrounds the market,are also worth exploring.

Nearby beaches include Armani,Bahari, Jangwani, Kunduchi andOyster Bay. Jangwani and Kunduchibeaches also feature water parks.

About five kilometres to the south ofBagamayo, at Kaole, are the ruins ofa once prosperous Arab town, which

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The Swahili Coast

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was forced into decline by the arrivalof the Portuguese in the 15thcentury. The ruins, dating back to the13th century, include two coralmosques, one the oldest in Tanzaniaand one of the oldest in East Africa,and Shirazi-style pillared tombs.

A group of three former settlements– Kilwa Kivinje and Kilwa Masoko onthe mainland and the offshore islandof Kilwa Kisiwani - Kilwa was originallyestablished as a centre for the goldtrade. Now a World Heritage site, it ishome to some of the most spectacularruins on the East African coast. KilwaKisiwani and the nearby Songo MnaraIslands contain numerous ruins manydating back to the 13th century.

A 20 minute flight south of Dar esSalaam, Mafia Island was Tanzania’sfirst Marine Park. It is one of themost exciting diving and fishingareas in the world and is home tosome four hundred species of fishand five species of turtle.

Sports fisherman flock here forthe superb catches, many of themgreat fighters, which includebarracuda, marlin, sailfish and tuna.The main season is from Septemberto March although fishing is possibleall year round within the reef andchannel. Divers will see a veritablekaleidoscope of reef dwellers amongthe fifty types of coral. These includebutterfly fish, clown fish, lion fishand rainbow fish while, in deeperwaters, they will come acrossgroupers, rays and sharks. The raredugong breeds in the Mafia Channelwhile the green and hawksbill turtlenest on the smaller islands.

MIKANDANIThe starting point for Livingstone’sfinal journey, Mikandani is a town,close to Mtwara, on Tanzania’ssouthernmost coast. The Mnazi BayMarine Reserve is nearby as is theRuvuma River, the border withMozambique and home to hippos,crocodile and a myriad of bird-life.

PANGANISituated on the coast two hoursnorth of Saadani National Park, and afurther two hours from AmaniNature Reserve, this is a delightfulvillage with its mosque, ancient Arabbuildings and a six km palm-fringedsandy bay. The birthplace of

Tanzania’s sisal industry, and oncethe major port for the export ofslaves and ivory, visitors can snorkelat Maziwe Island Marine Reserve, trydeep-sea fishing, or visit UshongoBeach some 16 km south of the village.

RAS KUTANIRas Kutani, a resort to the south ofDar es Salaam, is ideal for rest andrecreation before or after an excitingwildlife safari.

RUVUMA RIVERThe river, which forms Tanzania’sborder with Mozambique, is home tohippos, crocodile and, with MnaziBay, forms one of the country’s newmarine sanctuaries.

SAADANINow a national park, and enlarged toover 1,000 sq km, Tanzania’s onlycoastal park is situated on the shoresof the Indian Ocean north of Dar esSalaam and Bagamoyo and south ofTanga.

TANGAThe country’s second, and majornorthern port, Tanga lies close to theborder with Kenya.

It is a convenient gateway to theAmanai Forest Nature Reserve, theAmboni Caves - the most extensivelimestone caves in East Africa - andthe recently gazetted MkomaziNational Park.

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With its mountains, ruggedterrain and Indian Oceancoastline, there’s plenty for

the activity enthusiasts in Tanzania.

Hot air balloon safaris in theSerengeti and Tarangire NationalParks, and over Lake Manyara,provide an exciting vantage point forviewing the wildlife beneath.

BUDGET CAMPING Budget camping, as opposed to flycamping at luxurious lodges,involves travelling with all necessaryequipment, setting up camp and,perhaps, cooking your own meals.Very economical - and great fun.

Explore the bush on the back of the“ship of the desert”!

CANOEINGCanoe safaris in Arusha or LakeManyara National Parks offer anideal opportunity to get close to thewildlife, while kayaking on the manylakes, are exciting and fun.

CAVINGThe Amboni Caves, just north ofTanga, form the most extensive cavesystem in East Africa. There are tencaves with chambers up to 13 metreshigh which support stalactites andstalagmites. It is essential cavers goin pairs, with a guide, as there havebeen fatalities when people haveexplored on their own. The caves arehome to a great many bats.

DIVINGThe waters of the Indian Ocean,particularly those off the mainland

coast and around Zanzibar, Pembaand Mafia Islands, provide superbopportunities for scuba divers. Thecoral reefs, teeming with colourfulfish, can be explored on divingexpeditions for both beginners andexperts. Encounters with dolphinsand turtles add to the wonder of thisunderwater world.

FISHINGThe rivers and lakes of Tanzania offeranglers ample opportunity to castfor trout; fish for tilapia or giant Nileperch; or battle with tiger fish.

GAME FISHINGSome of the richest sports fishing seasare to be found off the Tanzanianmainland. Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafiaislands, and the Kilwa coast, werethe haunts of Ernest Hemingway andamongst the record-breaking prizes

to be caught are barracuda,broadbill, dorado, giant trevally,kingfish, mako, sailfish, yellowfintuna, wahoo black, blue and stripedmarlin and tiger and other shark.

Tanzania cannot be considered themost renowned of golf destinationsbut courses can be found in Arushaand Dar es Salaam. The first nineholes of a new 18 hole championshipcourse, built to USGA specifications,near Kilimanjaro, are already openwith the second nine ready byDecember 2015. A nine hole, 18 teecourse will open on Zanzibar inDecember 2014.

HORSERIDINGEquestrian safaris and horsebackexpeditions allow horse-lovers theexperience of riding across unfenced

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Activity Holidays

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- In Your Wi ldest Dreams

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wilderness in Arusha National Park,or private game ranches, in closecontact with the wildlife. Riders willoften see a wide variety of plainsanimals and encounters withelephant are a common occurrencein the Manyara and West Kilimanjaroareas. It is surprising how close onecan sometimes come to theseanimals when on horseback, whileon occasions it is possible to canteralongside herds of giraffe orwildebeest and zebra.

JET SKIINGJet-skiing is available at severalcoastal hotels.

MOUNTAIN BIKINGCycling up mountains and downvalleys; through deserts and forests;and close to herds of giraffe, zebra,wildebeest and other antelope is anexciting experience.

MOUNTAINEERINGFor climbers, the major draw is the5,869 metre (19,340 ft.) MountKilimanjaro, covered in greater detailelsewhere in this publication. However, Mount Meru, anothervolcanic peak reaching 4,560 metres,is also a popular climb, partlybecause of the lovely flora and faunawhich can be observed on the way tothe top. It takes about two days toclimb this, Africa’s fifth highest peakwhile Ol Donyo Lengai, coupled witha visit to Lake Natron at the base ofthe volcano, is another favouredclimb.

Tanzania’s huge lakes with their off-shore islands are ideal for a leisurelysail on a converted dhow or bananaboat or aboard a luxury catamaran,lake cruiser or yacht.

SEA KAYAKINGEnjoy the waters of the IndianOcean, and view the marine-life,from a different perspective, by seakayaking to sand islands, hidden

beaches, bird-filled mangrove creeksand tiny fishing villages unreachableby road.

TREKKINGIn addition to the much publicisedKilimanjaro, Mount Meru and OlDonyo Lengai treks there arenumerous other trails on MountHanang, Africa’s ninth highestmountain, and in the Udzungwa andUsambara Mountains. The KituloPlateau in particular - with its

incredible floral displays, unique birdlife and rare butterflies is also wellknown as a hiker’s paradise.

WATER SPORTSTanzania’s coast, islands and lakesprovide the perfect setting for awide variety of water sports.

Canoeing and kayaking;catamaran sailing; jet-skiing;kiteboarding and kitesurfing; scubadiving; snorkelling; surfing; waterskiing; windsurfing and yachting.

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Mount Kilimanjaro is thecrown of Tanzania. Risingabruptly from the open

plains, capped by snow andfrequently fringed by clouds, it isone of Africa’s classic images. At19,344 feet, it is the highestmountain in Africa and the highestwalkable summit in the world. Thediameter of its base is an incredible40 miles.

Now voted one of the top three‘Natural Wonders of Africa’,Kilimanjaro is a dormant, but notextinct volcano. Ominous rumblescan sometimes be heard - and gasesemerge from the fumeholes in thecrater. Although just three degreessouth of the Equator, the peaks ofboth Kibo and Mawenzi havepermanent caps of snow and ice.

During their time on the mountain,climbers pass from a tropical toarctic environment in just a few days.The various trails first pass throughlush rainforests before reachingheather and open moorland wheregiant lobelia and huge, cactus-likegroundsel grow. Above thismoorland is the almost lunarlandscape of an alpine desert whichstretches between the two peaks ofKibo, the flat-topped dome at thecentre, and Mawenzi, a group ofjagged points and pinnacles on theeastern side. Inhospitable as this‘moonscape’ may seem, animalssuch as herds of eland thrive there.

The highest point on Kibo, andindeed the whole of Kilimanjaro, isUhuru Peak, with its spectacularhanging glaciers and stupendous

views of the African plains some20,000 feet below. Also on Kibo isthe slightly lower peak of Gillman’sPoint. These are the goals for mosttrekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi arefor mountaineers only.

With the help of porters and aguide, it is possible to walk all theway to the summit withoutspecialised mountaineeringequipment - or experience - andKilimanjaro can be conquered by anyreasonably fit person.

There are several different routesincluding Marangu, the easiest climb

and therefore the most popular,Machame, Shira, Umbwe andRongai. The total climb normallytakes five to six days and involvesfour or five overnight stays incomfortable mountain huts.

Fees, payable in US dollars,include the cost of both parkentrance and accommodation forclimbers, guides and porters but notfood and equipment.

Many thousands of trekkers reachGillman's Point or Uhuru Peaksuccessfully each year without anyreal difficulty.

To avoid altitude sickness andfailure, it is important to aclimatiseby ascending slowly and steadily.It is best to plan a stay at a Moshi orMarangu hotel - climbing straightafter the drive from Arusha is not agood idea.

Kilimanjaro can be climbed at anytime of the year but the best time isconsidered to be from August toOctober and January to March. It iswet in the rainforest during the rainsin April, May, June and November.December through to February arethe warmest months.

Kilimanjaro - the Roof of Africa

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While the sun, safari andadventure options aremore likely to appeal to

the majority of tourists, Tanzaniaalso offers something extra for thespecial interest enthusiast.

Archaelogists will be in their elementwhen visiting the world-famousOlduvia Gorgeand nearby Laetoli, theIsimila Stone Age Site, the KondoaIrangi rock paintings, the site of theTendunguru dinosaur excavation andhistorical sites at Kaole, Kilwa and onthe islands of Mafia, Zanzibar andPemba.

BIRD-WATCHINGFor birdwatchers the country is aparadise, with over 1,000 species tobe seen in their varying habitats.Flamingos, pelicans and storks flockin abundance to the lakes as dovarious goose and duck types.

Wheeling high in the clear blueskies are the birds of prey includingeagles - amongst them the Tawnyand the African Fish Eagle - as well askites, falcons, hawks and buzzards.The Sacred and Hadada ibises areother treats for ornithologists, whileall visitors will warm to the comicalgait of the Secretary Bird.

Kori bustards, the heaviest flyingbird, giant ostrich and weaver birdsare other fascinating species.

Watching, and swimming with wilddolphins, in the waters aroundZanzibar and Pemba, can be anexciting and educational experience.However care must be taken toavoid disturbing the animals.

For flower lovers the country is averitable wonderland, its ever-changing topography reflected in aplethora of different shrubs, flowers,succulents and trees. Indeed thevariety of eco-systems in Tanzania isconsidered to be wider than in anyother African country with the KituloPlateau the ‘Gem in the Crown’.

Africa is home to over 3,500 speciesof butterfly and a far greater varietyof moth. Many of these can be foundin Tanzania and some are, in fact,endemic to Tanzania such as the

extremely rare Urania ripheus orSunset Moth. Lepidopterists will findthe Kitulo, Mahale, Mkomazi andUdzungwa National Parks; theNgorongoro Conservation Area; andthe Usambara Mountains,particularly rewarding.

TRAIN BUFFSRail enthusiasts will want to travel onthe Great Uhuru Railway, which goesthrough some of the most stunningscenery in East Africa. It runs fromDar es Salaam, through MikumuNational Park and the Selous GameReserve, to Mbeya and then toZambia. Herds of animals can beseen from the carriages.

The Tanzania coastline offers a richarray of coral reefs, mangroveforests, estuaries, beaches and seagrass beds that provide breedinggrounds for its five species of turtle -green, hawksbill, leatherback,loggerhead and olive ridley.

Whale sharks, the largest shark andthe largest fish in the world, whichcan reach lengths of up to 14m andweigh up to 15 tons frequent theTanzania coastline. Humpback andsperm whales may also be seen offMafia and in the Zanzibar Channel.

Special Interest Holidays

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This is a state-of-the-art convention Centre that lies in the heart of Dar es Salaam city, a major gateway to the world renowned “southern tourist circuit”, the “coastal tourist circuit”, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. JNICC has 12 conference rooms that can seat 5 - 300 fl exible styles including theatre, classroom, conference, half-moons, hollow-squares, horse shoe, etc. The largest hall can accommodate 1003 delegates’ theatre style.

Facilities include SIS of up to 4 languages, sophisticated audio video, LCD projectors and internet facilities. JNICC can host meetings, conferences, exhibitions, weddings, cocktail parties, banquets, fashion shows, and the like.

Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC).

For More Information please contact the Manager

Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC)Shaaban Robert & Garden Avenue | P.O BOX 6951,Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Tel. +255 (0) 22 292 2101-3 | Fax. +255 (0) 22 292 2100 | E-mail: md@aicc.co.tz | Website: www.aicc.co.tz

Welcome To

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What could be a moreimaginative place for aconference than Tanzania?

Conference tourism in the country isbooming with national, regional andinternational delegates keen to visitthe country’s spectacular sites onpre-conference or post-conferencetours. These range from wildlifesafaris to any of the sixteen nationalparks, the Ngorongoro Crater or theSelous Game Reserve to spendingrelaxing days on the beaches of theSwahili Coast or the islands of Mafia,Zanzibar or Pemba.

Luxury hotels in Dar es Salaam andArusha offer excellent facilities forlarge meetings but all the country’s

major hotels and many of its luxurylodges, both on the mainland and onZanzibar, also provide all thenecessary equipment and services.

For the really big convention therehas always been the ArushaInternational Conference Centre, inthe safari capital of Arusha, but thereis now a choice between the AICCand the new Julius NyerereInternational Convention Centre(JNICC) in Dar es Salaam

The AICC has seating for up to1,350 delegates, in the Simba PlenaryHall, and numerous smaller roomsaccommodating between 10 and290. Most halls and rooms areequipped with simultaneous

interpretation systems of up to fourlanguages and all halls arenetworked with LAN to allow videoconferencing. A small exhibition areais also available while the centrecurrently has 5,000 sq m of officespace for rent, with internetconnection, 24 hour standbygenerator and access to bankingservices, duty free shop, travelagencies, tour operators, restaurantsand conference facilities all underone roof. Housing accommodation isalso available in its newlyconstructed, nearby apartments.

The JNICC provides state-of the-art meeting facilities including aplenary hall that accommodates 1003

delegates and 12 other breakoutrooms with capacity ranging from 10to 300 delegates. Surrounded byinternational hotels and offeringspectacular views of the IndianOcean and easy access to Tanzania’sless crowded southern parks, theJNCC has already gained theapproval and membership of theInternational Association ofConvention Centres. Innovativetechnology includes simultaneousinterpretation systems of up to fourlanguages, advanced audio visualequipment, LCD projectors, internetfacilities and recording equipmentthat meet the most demandingconference requirements.

In addition to participating inmajor travel exhibitions all overthe world, Tanzania hosts two of

its very own travel fairs.The Karibu Travel Market –

formerly the Karibu Travel & TourismFair – has been held in Arusha everyyear since 2000. Under the mainsponsorship of the TanzaniaAssociation of Tour Operators andthe Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Authority, the Karibu Travel Marketis a showcase for over 200Tanzanian, East African and otherinternational tour and travelcompanies.

The 2015 show will take placebetween Friday May 29 and SundayMay 31 with the Friday reserved fortrade visitors only.info@kaributravelmarkettanzania.comwww.kaributravelmarkettanzania.com

The first Swahili InternationalTourism Expo (SITE) took placeat the Mlimani City Convention

Centre, in Dar es Salaam, in October2014. Dar es Salaam having beenselected as the ideal home for thefair because of its geographicallocation, easy access, and readilyavailable infrastructure and amenities.

Developed by the Tanzania TouristBoard, SITE focuses on both inbound

and outbound travel to and fromAfrica and takes the format of atravel and trade exhibition with aconference element focusing onsustainability, conservation andtopical tourism issues such as healthrisks, poaching and security. Datesfor the 2015 show have not yet beenannounced.

info@site.co.tzwww.site.co.tz

Tanzania’s Own Shows

Conferences and Exhibitions

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PROMOTING TOURISM TO

AFRICA FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD

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Leading role at trade shows around the world

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Daily news service on all aspects of African tourism

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Join our knowledgeable and experienced membership to increase awareness and visibility of your company

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The Tanzania CulturalProgramme was launched in1997 to give local communities

the opportunity to improve theireconomic livelihood by participatingin tourism activities.

Co-ordinated by the TanzaniaTourist Board, supported by theMinistry of Natural Resources &Tourism, there are currently some 47initiatives operating in various partsof the country.

Tanzania is endowed with the richheritage of 120 ethnic tribes and theCultural Tourism Programme enablestourists to gain a unique insight intothese people’s way of life.

Leave your vehicle behind andwalk through the tropical slopes ofMount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Meet the Maasai and learn of theiralmost forgotten traditions and away of life that is so closely linked tonature and wildlife.

Listen to drumbeats and interpretmusic and dances inherited fromancient ancestors.

Learn the history of the SwahiliCoast. Explore the savannahs oncamelback. Boat down a river, orrow on one of the many lakes.

Paddle between mangroves or sailto pristine sandy islands.

Climb a holy mountain and benefitfrom the diagnostic methods of atraditional healer.

Taste the local cuisine. And samplethe local brew!

And then, in the evening, listen toancient legendary tales around anopen fire. An experience you willnever forget.

Visit the people of Tanzania!

For further information contact:Cultural Tourism ProgrammeEmail: culturaltourism@habari.co.tzwww.tanzaniaculturaltourism.go.tz

Visit the People

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Nigel Foster would like to thank the following for theirvaluable support and kind assistance. Devota Mdachi andGeofrey Meena at the Tanzania Tourist Board. VeronicaUfunguo at NCAA. Allan Kijazi and Johnson Manase atTanzania National Parks. Abu Al Amry; Saul Basckin; AndreaBallardini; Manny Bhamra; Raj Bhamra and Annie Birch;Seamus Brice-Bennett; Mary Carneiro and MusaddiqGulamhussein; Suleiman Chasama; Riz Dhanji and WaheedaEssajee; Firoz Dharamshi; Munawer Dhirani; Zul Fazal; Bruceand Jane Fox; James Haigh and Veronica Otter; IanMclachlan; Rosemary Mugambi; Taqi Moledina; ShamezNizar; Julian O’Leary; Sanjay Pandit; Mustafa and AkberPanju; Hein Prinsloo; Gijs de Raadt, and Jans Budding;Mehboob Rajabali; Vandy Sandhu; Simone Scarapicchia andAntonella Archidiacono; Bert Schoonvelde; Henning Schmidt

and Holger Wiebe; Mkunde Senyagwa; Harshit Shah; SujitShah; Anuj Sharma; Stefano Soro; Wissem Souifi; SeanWalwyn and Amos Ndolo; Jerzy Winski; and Nigel Vere Nicol.

…andSpecial thanks are extended to Andrew Morgan, at AndrewMorgan Photography, who loaned many of the new picturesfeatured in this brochure. Andrew can be contacted atandrewmorganphotography@gmail.comOther pictures are courtesy of Paul Hicks; Ian Batchelor; RobMcDowell; the late David Pluth; the Arusha InternationalConference Centre; Busara Promotions; Easy Travel; HarbourView Suites; Hotels & Lodges; Kichanga Lodge; Makoa Farm;Makoma Bay Lodge; Ngorongoro Conservation AreaAuthority; Spice Island Hotel; The Seaweed Center; The TidesLodge; Zanzibar Car Hire; and the Cultural TourismProgramme of the Tanzania Tourist Board.

AccommodationArusha HotelsAfrican Tulip 60Arusha Safari Lodge 4Moivaro Lodge 4Kilimanjaro HotelsBristol Cottages 59KIA Lodge 4Marangu Hotel 56Mountain Inn 58Mwanza HotelsHotel Tilapia 56Safari Camps & LodgesAfrica Safari Camp 40Crater Forest Tented Camp 4Exploreans Ngorongoro Lodge 22Four Seasons Safari Lodge 6Grumeti Migration Camp 67Ikoma Tented Camp 4Karatu Simba Lodge 20Katavi Wildlife Camp 28Kirawira Tented Camp 10Lake Duluti Serena Hotel 10Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge 14Lake Natron Tented Camp 4Lake Ndutu Tented Lodge 60Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp 54Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge 54Lemala Manyara Tented Camp 54Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp 54Mbalageti Serengeti 56Migunga Tented Camp 4Mufindi Highland Fishing Lodge 28Ngorongoro O’ldeani Lodge 14Robanda Safari Camp 4Ruaha River Lodge 28Rufiji River Camp 28Sanctuary Escarpment Luxury Lodge 32Sanctuary Kusini, Serengeti 32

Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp 32Sanctuary Saadani River Lodge 32Sanctuary Saadani Safari Lodge 32Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp 32Sanctuary Swala, Tarangire 32Selous Serena Camp 10Selous Wilderness Camp 4Serena Mivumo River Lodge 10Serengeti Makoma Tented Lodge 60Serenegti Simba Lodge 20Stanley’s Kopje 28Tarangire Silale Tented Lodge 60Tindiga Tented Camp 4Vuma Hills Tented Camp 28Whistling Thorn Tented Camp 4Swahili Coast HotelsDoubleTree by Hilton, Dar es Salaam 50Kunduchi Beach Hotel 14Ledger Plaza Bahari Beach 52Lazy Lagoon, Bagamoyo 28Zanzibar HotelsAzanzi Beach Hotel 47Baraza Resort & Spa 34Barkez Palace 38Beyt Al Salaam 50Breezes Beach Club & Spa 34Che Che Vule 4DoubleTree by Hilton Nungwi 50DoubleTree by Hilton Stone Town 50Dream of Zanzibar 36Fumba Beach Lodge 4Fundu Lagoon 49Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa 36Langi Langi Beach Bungalows 38Paradise Beach Resort 40Reef & Beach Resort 40Sunshine Hotel 48Sunshine Marine Lodge 48The Palms 34The Swahili House 4

Unguja Lodge 4Uroa Bay Beach Resort 42Z Hotel 46Zanzibar Beach Resort 14Zanzibar Heritage Hotel 38Zanzibar Serena Hotel 10Zawadi Matemwe Beach Villas 38

AirlinesFlightlink 44Safari Airlink 28

Car HireGreen Car Rentals 58

Safari & Tour OperatorsAlpha Travel Group 26Bushbuck Safaris 24Easy Travel & Tours 61Leopard Tours 2Masumin Tours & Safaris 53Ranger Safaris 26Roy Safaris 16Shah Tours 58Simba Safaris 30Sun Tours 46Tanzania Experience 18

Other Products &ServicesATTA 64Andrew Morgan Photography 48Arusha Intl Conference Centre 62Ngorongoro Conservation Area 8Rajinder Motors 65Tanzania National Parks 12

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Tanzania Tourist BoardIPS Building, 3rd Floor, PO Box 2485, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tel: 255-22 2111244/5 Fax: 255-22 2116420 E-mail: info@tanzaniatouristboard.go.tz or md@tanzaniatouristboard.go.tz

PO Box 2348, Arusha, TanzaniaTel: 255-27 2503842/2503843 Fax: 255-27 2548628 E-mail: ttb-info@habari.co.tz

www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz

GETTING THEREThere are no direct flights toTanzania from the UK or the USA.

British Airways fly, from London,to Dar es Salaam via Nairobi,Entebbe or Johannesburg; KLM,from Amsterdam, to Kilimanjaro andDar es Salaam; and Swiss, fromZurich, to Dar es Salaam.

Emirates fly to Dar es Salaam, viaDubai; Egyptair via Cairo; Ethiopianvia Addis Ababa; Etihad via AbuDhabi; Oman Air via Muscat; QatarAirways via Doha; and TurkishAirlines via Istanbul.

Numerous regional carriers fly intoTanzania from Kenya, Malawi,Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa,Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Domestic carriers such as AirTanzania, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation,Flightlink, Precision Air, Regional AirServices, Safari Air Link and ZanAirlink the major cities with touristattractions and game parks.

Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation,Flightlink, Precision Air and ZanAir flybetween the mainland and Zanzibar.

AIRPORTSInternational flights serve JuliusNyerere International Airport (DAR),15 km from Dar es Salaam city centreand Kilimanjaro International Airport(JRO), 42 km from Arusha. ZanzibarInternational Airport (ZNZ) airport is8 km from Stone Town.

VISASMost visitors require visas with theexception of citizens of certaincountries of the Commonwealth. It isadvisable to obtain them in advancefrom Embassies and HighCommissions as several airlines insiston them prior to departure. They canhowever also be obtained, on arrival,

at all points of entry. Requirementsmay change so you are advised tocontact the appropriate diplomaticor consular authority beforefinalising your travel arrangements.Although part of Tanzania, Zanzibarremains independent sopassports/Tanzania visas arerequired even on a day’s visit.

It is essential that all visitors take acourse of anti-malaria tabletscommencing two weeks beforedeparture. The UK Department ofHealth also recommendsvaccinations against hepatitis A,polio and typhoid. Personalinsurance is advised.

Travellers arriving from, or via,countries where yellow fever isendemic will need a Certificate ofVaccination although vaccination isavailable on arrival.

Hospitals provide good medicalcare in cities and towns. FlyingDoctors facilities are also available.

WHAT TO TAKEDon’t forget the camera, camcorderand binoculars and take a torch forfinding your way around your campat night. Stock up with replacementbatteries for all these goods.

Take sun-glasses, hat, sun lotion,lip balm - and some insect repellent,it is better not to get stung even ifyou are taking anti-malaria tablets.

It’s best to take any medicinesrequired for the duration of the visit.A spare pair of glasses or contactlenses is also a good idea. Takeplenty of film, it is difficult to obtainoutside the main centres. Whiletraveller’s cheques can beexchanged in cities and towns,banking facilities in remote areas arerestricted, so take plenty of cash.

Some safaris/air charters limitbaggage to a 10-15 kilo maximum.

English is widely spoken but a fewwords of Swahili are alwaysappreciated.

CURRENCYThe unit of currency is the Tanzaniashilling which is divided into 100cents.

Most major currencies -particularly US dollars - andtravellers’ cheques are accepted andmay be converted at banks andbureaux de change in the maintowns and tourist areas. Do NOTchange money in the street howeverfavourable the rate appears.

It should be noted that not allestablishments accept credit cardsand certain cards, particularly Dinersand Amercan Express, are frequentlyrefused even by major hotels.Mastercard and Visa are preferred.

ON SAFARIDistances in Tanzania are vast, andtravel by road can be tiring. It is wiseto spend more time in fewer parks.You will see more and won’t returnhome exhausted. Keep your distancefrom animals to avoid distressingthem. Always follow the instructionsof your ranger or guide. Don’t leaveyour vehicle in the parks except indesignated places. Keep torecognised tracks to avoid damagingvegetation.

WHAT TO WEARIt never gets really cold in Tanzaniaso lightweight clothing is the norm.On safari avoid brightly colouredclothes, they may alarm the animals.

Browns, beiges and khaki arepreferred. Short-sleeve shirts/blouses and shorts are ideal, butpack a sweater, it can be chilly in theearly morning and in the evening.Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke anddon’t forget a swimsuit. Shoesshould be sensible - walking throughthe bush is not like strolling throughHyde Park - and for climbingKilimanjaro or Mount Meru takethermal underwear, a rain jacket,good socks and sturdy boots. Shortsfor women are acceptable - but nottoo short. Women should carry awrap to cover their legs in towns orvillages as revealing clothes cancause offence, especially in Zanzibarand other Muslim areas. On thebeach, and within the confines ofbeach hotels, normal swimwear isacceptable but nudity certainly not.

TIPPINGNot normally obligatory but a tip forexceptional service - a maximum of10% - will be appreciated. Tip $10-$15per day for drivers or tour guides butremember an excessive tip can makeit difficult for the next customer.

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