Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
waterbirds peck in the shallows. See flamingos wading in Lake Manyara National Park,
and hold your breath while a lion pads in front of your vehicle in Ngorongoro Crater.
Idyllic Beaches
But it's not just the wildlife that enchants visitors. Tanzania's Indian Ocean coastline is
also magical, with its tranquil islands and sleepy coastal villages steeped in centuries of
Swahili culture. Travel back in time to the days when the East African coast was the seat
of sultans and a linchpin in a far-flung trading network extending to Persia, India and bey-
ond. Relax on powdery white sand beaches with gently swaying palm trees and vistas over
the turquoise sea. Take in pastel-coloured sunrises and immerse yourself in languid coastal
rhythms. Sail on a wooden dhow, with its sails billowing and its rigging creaking in the
wind. Watch sea turtles nesting. Dive into crystal-clear waters, past spectacular corals and
shoals of colourful fish.
Captivating Cultures
Above all, don't miss the chance to get to know Tanzania's people. Walk through the Crater
Highlands guided by a spear-carrying, red-shawled Maasai warrior. Get to know the semi-
nomadic Barabaig near Mt Hanang. Experience the hospitality of a Tanzanian meal or the
rhythms of a traditional dance. Watch a Makonde carver bring a piece of wood to life. Hike
from village to village in the Usambara Mountains, stopping to chat and barter at the local
markets. Learn to cook Haya-style in Bukoba. More than anything else, it is Tanzanians
themselves - with their characteristic warmth and politeness, and the dignity and beauty of
their cultures - who make a visit to the country so memorable. Chances are that you will
want to come back for more, to which most Tanzanians will say
'karibu tena'
(welcome
again).
