 The
United Republic of Tanzania lies on the Indian
Ocean bordered by Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda,
the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi
and Mozambique. Many beautiful beaches are within
easy reach of Dar es Salaam, such as those at
Kunduchi, Mjimwena and Mbwa Maji. Kunduchi, 24km
north of the city, is a fishing village with nearby
ruins of Persian tombs and mosques. The beautiful
island of Zanzibar is only 20 minutes' flight
from Dar es Salaam. Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5895m
(I9,34lft), Africa's highest mountain is a major
attraction for mountaineers. The ascent takes
about three days. The United Republic of Tanzania
includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, about
45km (28 miles) off the coast to the northeast
of the country.
Tanzania follows an enlightened policy of wildlife
conversation and is the only country in the world
where almost one quarter of the land has been
set aside as national parks, game sanctuaries
and game reserves. As a result, today the country
supports a population in excess of four million.
It
was in the Olduvai Gorge that Dr. Leakey discovered
fossil material dating back at least two million
years or longer, that set the record on the
origins of man in East Africa. Here one may
well ponder on the history and splendour of
this magnificent country where the highest mountain
in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro (6447 metres), reigns
in majestic grandeur over a colorful nation.
All the superlatives may be applied to Tanzania’s
fantastic geographical features. Mount Kilimanjaro
if Africa’s highest mountain; Lake Tanganyika
is its deepest and longest fresh water lake;
and Ngorongoro is its second largest crater
while Selous is the world’s most extinct
game reserve.
In
the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, caressed
by the cool trade breezes, lies the spice island
of Zanzibar, once the centre of the hated slave
trade, and a historical doorway in the exploration
of nineteenth century Africa. Famous personalities
like Livingstone, Stanley, Burton, Speke-to name
but a few used Zanzibar as the jumping off point
for their African trips. The Serengeti plains
and the famous Caldera of Ngorongoro crater have
captured the imagination of the world where the
unique glamour of Hollywood has catapulted these
landmarks to the forefront making them household
names internationally. Where else can one find
a veritable Noah’s Ark roaming free within
the confines of a 67 metre intact but extict volcanic
crater wall/ where else can one witness such a
unique annual spectacular event as millions of
wildebeest and zebra concentrated into one huge
mass of animals prepares to migrate across the
Serengeti plains in search of new grass. |
