Tanzania General Information

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 most famous for hosting the Wildbeest Migration, which circulates through the celebrated Serengeti National Park and Kenya's Masai Mara with river crossings occuring from July to October at the Mara and Grumeti Rivers; and calving occuring in February.

The Ngorongoro Crater, an ancient volcano, is recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and in its valley floor resides one of the highest predator densities in Africa.

Tanzania is also home to some of the best chimpanzee colonies in the world. The Mahale Mountains National Park is remote and undiscovered - only accessible by boat or plane. One of the biggest wild populations of chimpanzees reside in these forests.

Zanzibar, a part of the United Republic of Tanzania, is a series of many Islands, the main ones being Unguja and Pemba. The more populated of the two main Islands, Unguja, is better known as Zanzibar Island and is home to Stone Town (also known as Zanzibar Town or Zanzibar City), an historic, bustling city of narrow alleyways and stone coral buildings. In addition to the two main Islands, there are many other Islands and Islets in the Zanzibar archipelago which stretches from the top of Pemba to the south point of Unguja.

Where to go, What to do

Bweju & Dongwe, South East

Driving north from the small town of Paje runs you along what is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The range of hotels and lodges along here is probably the most diverse in Zanzibar and, with a great beach pretty much throughout the day, it is very hard to go wrong with your choice. We have many properties that we recommend highly along this stretch of coast, in particular the cluster that is centered around Breezes. Here the beach is only compromised at low, low tide, the rest of the time it is possible to snorkel and swim as you like. The one criticism that we would have is that the diving is not as good as up on the north, around Mnemba, or down to the very south.

Kizimkazi, South

Generally not renowned for its beach coastline, many who head to the area are after the great diving and snorkeling that is on offer from the shoreline. There are, however, quite a few benefits to coming down here. The first is that the beaches, when they are accessible, are totally your own. The second is that, with fewer people heading down here, you can have utter seclusion. The last is that, of all the beaches, this is the easiest and quickest to get to (excluding Fumba!).

Kimengwa & Pongwe, East

The beach that runs down this part of the island is, as with the Matemwe beach further north, very typical of Zanzibar. At low tide it forms a wide band of white that runs out to the seaweed farms and, finally, to the deep water channel and the barrier reef. At high tide, the waves come right up to the edge of the palm covered land that spreads back to the main road. There are plenty of really good properties along this strip and, without being too overcrowded (as with some of the other areas), this is one of our favourite areas on the island. With probably the best beach on the island at Pongwe, there is very little to fault choosing one of the properties here. The only drawback, one could argue, is that there are no real centres to head for if you are after more than just a beach.

Matemwe, North East

Matemwe village, on the north eastern coast of Zanzibar, looks out to the small and exclusive island of Mnemba. Unlike many of the other beaches on the island it has stayed relatively untouched by tourism until recently. It is possible to see why this beautiful and expansive beach has become so popular. As with many of the beaches on Zanzibar, it is true that the tidal range is very large and so the beach really becomes vast at low tide...but it is still possible to swim here throughout the day and, when the tide comes in, it really is of a paradise

Kendwa, North West

Only a few properties have managed to locate themselves on the western side of the island. The main reason being that there are relatively few beaches that are worth locating on...Kendwa is the one exception. Looking out to the island of Tumbatu, the beach here is one of white sand dropping off into azure ocean. Good at all times of day, they don't have the same issues as on the other side of the island where the beach is very shallow and so the tide retreats huge distances.

Nungwi, North

Right on the northern most point of the island, the beach that surrounds this area is truly stunning. Azure waters and white sands are what await those that come here. The only drawback really is that many of the hotels have had to perch on the coral cliffs that run north from the village and, as such, lose their beaches at high tide. Generally, however, this is not a problem and, with the small backpacker community in the village, this is a great place to head if you like to get out of the hotel for a drink or two.

Zanzibar City Center, Halfday

This half day tour of the City’s colorful market radiates a heady smell of herbs and spices. Other sites include the Anglican Cathedral - The church was started in 1873 and it is said that the altar stands on the exact location of the whipping post from the island's largest slave market. The residence of the late Sultan’s of Zanzibar, ‘Tip Tip House’, The Old Fort, and the ‘House of Wonders’ – all locations rich in relics and full of intrigue from olden times. The tour will end with a romantic stroll along the narrow lanes of the Old Stone Town.

Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is a protected forest and is home to some of our primate cousins. The Red Colobus monkeys are indigenous only to Zanzibar and they are e about 1,000 strong in and around the protected forest. They don't all live together, but rather in little groups. Watch your guide closely because, if he sneaks up on the monkeys, they may try to pee on you. Keep your camera ready because if they decide to switch locations while you're there, you'll see them swinging from branches, jumping on each other, and even running on the ground – maybe through your legs.

Spice Tour

Without a guide, you'll never find nutmeg sitting on the forest floor or think to peel the bark off of a cinnamon tree but these are some of the fun things to do on Spice tour. Almost like a big Easter egg hunt, visitors go from plantation to plantation and from plant to plant trying to find the spice within.

Prison Island, Changuu

Prison Island is the most popular island for people seeking an Island excursion from Stone Town. It is a short boat ride (about 10 minutes) and the snorkeling is excellent. Look for the old prison and watch out for giant tortoises and peacocks in the ruins' courtyard. You will also pass ruins of an old laundry center, a natural lagoon that can be quite beautiful if the tide is right, and the old quarantine housing. There was a prison built on the island after the General had left but it was never used for its intended purpose, instead housing quarantined visitors to Zanzibar.