Perched on the edge of the continent, Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa which is cut across by the Great Rift valley, faces the Indian Ocean. The Tanzania of today was born from the union of TANganyika and the ZANzibar archipelago. You won’t find a higher peak than its Mount Kilimanjaro in all Africa; the Lake Tanganyika is the deepest on the African continent and also the longest in the world, home to an exceptional variety of fish, most of them endemic; and if you still want more, Tanzania offers you the Lake Victoria as well, the largest on the continent!

Home to many world famous National parks and game reserves, it has also over 800km of gleaming coastline with magnificent palm fringed beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Add to this the luxurious and sometimes out-of-this-world landscapes of Unguja, Mafia and Pemba islands, that constitute the archipelago of Zanzibar and you will start envisioning the magic of the region! Yet, despite its six World Heritage sites and other attractions, Tanzania has managed to avoid an over-exploitation of its sceneries and an excessive touristic development. This, added to the fact that the country has remained enviably untouched by the tribal rivalries and political upheavals experienced by its neighbours, makes the destination an ideal choice for both first-time and Africa regular visitors.

The country can be divided into three main regions: the highlands, the inland plateau and maybe the most interesting for divers, the coast that can be divided into two distinct travel regions: the mainland coast and The Zanzibar archipelago.

The mainland coast has a unique culture and friendly people. The eye-catching landscape, where sun-drenched beaches contrast with the rising mountains and the lush green vegetation doesn’t appear in many tourist brochures but is a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination for adventurers and honeymooners. Most of the mainland coast is in fact a place of untouched beauty and enchantment, with laid back fishing villages, vast stretches of lagoon, and a multitude of uninhabited islets. The only exception to this wild paradise is the bustling hub of Dar El Salaam. Despite its name, “ the haven of Peace” is not an example of calm and tranquility, to the contrary: it is bustling with life! which makes the capital city, rich of a historical past and a cultural heritage, worth a visit: it is also the main port on the Swahili coast, a door to both the Indian Ocean, and the interior of Africa.

The Zanzibar Archipelago lies just few kilometers off the Tanzanian coast. Unguja, the main island is a cultural crossroad between Arabia and Africa, and has evolved under the strong  influence of both worlds.  Its smaller sisters, Pemba and Mafia have always been more discreet, but to the curious mind and/or  avid sea lover, will reveal outstanding  sceneries and unforgettable experiences. At the door of the Indian Ocean, the islands follow the rhythm of the trade winds. Read more about all the fantastic places to discover in Zanzibar!

Safari Njema