A wealth of natural treasures gives Tanzania its unique character. Animated scenery, from the stately Mt Kilimanjaro to the beaches that fringe the coast, is home to captivating wildlife. Landscapes and animals, great and small, mingle to create a country full of colour and life. International flights to Tanzania touch down at Julius Nyerere Airport, which serves Dar es Salaam. The largest city in Tanzania is prosperous and thriving, with glittering skyscrapers now nestled among the African and colonial German architecture. The eclectic mix reflects the diversity of the cultures and people that form the lively vibe of this bustling metropolis.
Come face to face with nature
The vast plains of the Serengeti National Park are one of the best places in the world to see wildlife being truly wild. The annual migration of millions of wildebeest, prides of feasting lions and the black eagles soaring overhead are just a few of the spectacles of this world heritage site. Watch the circle of life play out in the extraordinary changes from season to season, as the arid, sunburnt savannah is transformed into a lush carpet of grass and wildflowers.
A visit to Mt Kilimanjaro National Park is more like a pilgrimage for many, a climb to the snow-capped top of Africa. Reaching the summit of the highest freestanding mountain in the world is no small undertaking but the rewards are boundless. The track takes you from lush rainforest, through alpine meadows and stark lunar landscapes, and finally to the breathtaking peak.
Zanzibar
The island just off the coast of mainland Tanzania is mainly covered by the Jozani Chwaka National Park. The beating heart of the island is Zanzibar town, where winding streets invite you to lose yourself in centuries of history.
The waterfront of the old town is dominated by the imposing ramparts of the old fort. Take in the dramatic setting of the open-air amphitheatre which is a screening venue for the International Film Festival. Wander around the ruins of the once-magnificent Maruhubi Palace or the Mbweni for an atmospheric insight into days gone by.
Beach of your own
Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast is fringed by endless golden sand. With thousands of beaches, each with its own personality, you can find a private and secluded escape from the world or a diving paradise. The islands are particularly picture-perfect but the northern stretches of the coastal mainland are the best place to escape the crowds. The clear, glittering waters are the perfect way to round off an action-packed trip in this special corner of Africa.
