Tanzania has whatever you are dreaming about - be it tropical islands, climbing the highest mountain in Africa, diving for marine treasures or watching the annual migration of plains game.

Tanzania boasts some of the most romantic and tropical beaches in Africa - Zanzibar and Pemba. Zanzibar Stone Town was once home to Sultans and explorers and is the land of exotic spices, azure waters and white sandy beaches.

The Tanzania people are friendly and interesting, and there are more than 130 ethnic groups. Perhaps one of the most memorable sights is seeing a lone red-robed Masai warrior stalking the parched plains with his cattle or goats. Despite there being so many different cultures, Tanzania has had a peaceful history and an enviable political stability compared to some of its neighboring countries.

Almost 25% of Tanzania is designated as national parks and game reserves -- from the Serengeti in the north, which sweeps uninterrupted from neighboring Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, to Selous in the south, with its long distances and large variety of animals. No area is more protected, by geography as well as by permit, than the Ngorongoro Crater, whose steep walls create a separate ecosystem with its own representative collection of animals. Combined, the crater, Serengeti and the Masai Mara represent one of the world's most important ecosystems, and it is estimated that some 3 million large animals inhabit this region. Many of them move around the plains of East Africa on the annual wildebeest migration, the largest movement of animals on Earth. Because these spaces are protected -- and because they are so wild -- the best way to see them is by guided tour, locally known as safari, which in Kiswahili means journey.

Although most visitors spend their time in the wildlife areas, travelers should make time for Tanzania's other attractions as well. The country boasts Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and the only mountain in the world that can simply be walked up. There are white-sand beaches on the Indian Ocean along the mainland coast. Then there are the impossibly exotic, evocative islands of the Zanzibar archipelago, with their intriguing culture, architecture, watersports and wide range of beach accommodations. Tanzania's smaller, less-known parks are dedicated to not only big game but forests and mountain ranges, primates and birds, and the marine life along the coast.

Tanzania is without doubt one of the most exciting countries in the world.

The official language is Kiswahili, which is generally spoken, and various local languages abound. Although English is the second official language, it is widely spoken and understood in the cities.

Tanzania's culture is a result of African, Arab, European and Indian influences. The African people of Tanzania represent about 130 tribal groups. The Tanzanians are friendly people, to foreigners and amongst themselves. Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued.

Immodest attire, public affection and open anger are disrespectful to the Tanzanian people. In Zanzibar, it is important for women to dress modestly out of respect for Muslim cultural beliefs. Men should not wear shorts on the main island, and women should wear dresses that cover their shoulders and knees.

Express and ordinary buses operate along major long distance routes. Express buses are slightly more expensive but are more comfortable. Ordinary buses and dalla-dallas (minivans) serve shorter routes.

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Zanzibar International Airport

Requirements may change so you are advised to contact your nearest Tanzanian Consulate before finalizing your travel arrangements.

Visas cost US$10-60 depending on nationality and are usually valid for three months.

Requirements for obtaining a visa are: a passport, valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay, two passport photographs, proof of sufficient funds, two application forms and a detailed itinerary stating reason for visit. Sometimes, a copy of your airline tickets is required.

It’s best to drink bottled water when travelling through Tanzania – numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants and lodges.

For minor aches and pains during your travels, there are many hospitals and clinics around the country which will care for you and prescribe any medicine you may need. For emergency or out-patient cases, Dar es Salaam’s Aga Khan Hospital provides excellent care.

African Air Rescue (AAR) have clinics and out-patient care in both Arusha and Dar es Salaam, and smaller clinics offer consultations and laboratory services around the country.

Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Tanzania is a true example of tolerance and cooperation in our modern world, with an evidenced multicultural diversity that has co-existed for centuries and has a lot to offer the world by its example.

As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe, which frees your mind to absorb the natural beauty and incredible sights that will stay with you forever.

Gogo woodcarving, kanga traditional sarong-like garment, Tinga Tinga Paintings and Makonde Carvings are amongst some of the traditional items available for purchase.