Tanzania is made up of mainland Tanganyika and the Islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia which occupy over 2600 sq kms on the Indian Ocean. The mainland has a coastline of over 800 kms of beaches, most of them palm-fringed. The topography ranges from 5895 m at the peak of Africa’s highest mountain to the depth within the Great Rift Valley of Lake Tanganyika, 772 m deep, the worlds second deepest lake.

The history of Tanzania goes back over one and half million years ago. At Ol Duvai Gorge the remains of the earliest known mankind were discovered here in 1959 by Dr Louis Leakey. Likewise, relics of long extinct birds and animals have also been uncovered. Excavations have also revealed Roman coins and Chinese pottery. Between the 11th and 16th century, there was also considerable development along the coast, during which time the Kiswahili language evolved, being a derivative of African, Persian and Arab languages.

Tanganyika attained independence on 9th December 1961 and a year later the country became a Republic within the Commonwealth.

Tanzania is one of the distinctive destinations on the African continent that has yet to be discovered by many, from the unspoiled coral reefs to the Ngorongoro Crater highlands, secluded Game Reserves and the famous National Parks, protected by law and placed in trust for future generations to marvel at in wonder and awe.

Almost everywhere you go in Tanzania you’ll find interesting wildlife and inspiring landscapes (over forty percent of the country is protected in some form or other) ranging from forest-covered volcanic peaks to dusty savanna populated by elephants, antelopes, lions, leopards and cheetahs. Tanzania is one of the four most naturally diverse nations on earth: it contains Africa’s second-largest number of bird species (around 1500), the continent’s biggest mammal population and three-quarters of East Africa’s plant species (over ten thousand). Add to this the country’s rich ethnic diversity, some superb hiking and other activities like snorkelling and diving, and you have the makings of a holiday of a lifetime.