Geography

Tanzania not only boasts the highest mountain in Africa, (Kilimanjaro is 19,340 feet) but the longest and deepest lake: Tanganyika. Because the lake is over 4,000 feet deep, it harbors many exotic looking species that are endemic. Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, also borders this country. Covering an area of over 362,000 square miles, it is substantially larger than Kenya. Nearly a quarter of Tanzania is protected by national parks, hunting reserves and controlled zones.

The coast is not as exploited as that of Kenya, but remote beaches far north and south of Dar Es Salaam are beautiful. What is being developed are the Indian Ocean islands. Zanzibar has undergone a total facelift within the past decade, with many new hotels, renovated historical structures, and much improved infrastructure, including connections to the mainland by air or hovercraft. Mafia and Pemba Islands also have nice resort lodges and facilities for SCUBA divers. While it can be warm and humid on these islands, as well as the coast, the interior of Tanzania is crisp and ideal between June and September. (April-May have heavy rains.) For many years most travelers have been confined to a northern circuit, but now there are new lodges in the south, especially in the Selous, the largest game reserve this side of Lake Chad. Ruaha is also fast being developed with wonderful wildlife and very scenic landscape. For the intrepid traveler, Mikumi, Katavi and Mahale Mountains are also worth visiting.