Tanzania’s popularity is not surprising for a country that boasts Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar. Tanzania is definitely a country to be recognised both in terms of wildlife and beauty. For many, it is the ultimate safari destination. With national parks extending over some 33,660 sq km (13,000 sq miles), Tanzania has more land devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. Everything from pristine coral reefs to the Crater Highlands, remote game reserves and the famous national parks, is protected by government law.

The Serengeti National Park is a plain-dwellers’ stronghold of 14,763 sq km (5,678 sq miles), claimed to be the finest in Africa. Here are 35 species of big mammals, including wildebeest and zebra, and also an extensive selection of birdlife. The Selous Game Reserve is larger than Switzerland and covers one-sixth of Tanzania’s land surface.

The capital city and also a major port, Dar es Salaam is the natural starting point for trips in Tanzania. It is near Mount Kilimanjaro, Dodoma and Zanzibar, and many beautiful beaches are within easy reach of the city, such as those at Kunduchi, Mjimwena and Mbwa Maji. Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895m (19,341ft), is Africa’s highest mountain and the most famous tourist attraction in Tanzania.

As a contrast to the exciting game areas and the mountain, Zanzibar is a beautiful jewel in the Indian Ocean with a fascinating spice and slaving legacy.

In addition to its beautiful landscape, Tanzania is home to approximately 120 tribal groups. Tribal diversity is prized and far from being a source of division, Tanzanians place a high value on their country’s multicultural heritage. Over the past few years, cultural tourism has become an increasing attraction for visitors and visits to tribal villages are often a highlight of safari itineraries. The Masaai are perhaps the most well known of Tanzania’s tribes and inhabit the northern regions of the country. Masaai tribal life revolves around protecting and caring for their herds of cattle and finding ample grazing land in their region.

The ‘Spice Islands’ of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba, Mafia, and the entire Tanzanian coast is home to the Swahili people, a vibrant mix of Arab, Indian and Bantu origins who historically based their livelihoods around Indian Ocean trade. The Swahili Coast, as the region is called, is a predominantly Islamic region with old mosques and coral palaces found throughout the area. Swahili culture centres around the dhow, a wooden sailing boat powered by the seasonal wind. Fishing remains a mainstay of coastal income in small villages throughout the area, and coconut and spice plantations continue to form an important source of export.

Whether you enjoy the tranquillity of the Swahili coast or the challenge of ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has it all.

The United Republic of Tanzania became independent in 1961 and merged with Zanzibar in 1964. Mainland Tanzania has on the whole been, and still is, peaceful and stable with few tribal or regional divisions. It stands out as a stable democracy in a region that has witnessed some of the most vicious civil conflicts in Africa.

It could be said, however, that 15 years after the introduction of multi-party politics, ruling party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) still behaves as if the country were a one-party state. Particularly on Zanzibar, which has its own parliament and president, the political situation has been more volatile since multi-party politics were introduced, with occasional violent conflict between opposition parties and the government.

945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles).

38.4 million (UN estimate 2005).

40.6 per sq km.

Dodoma. Population: 1.7 (2002).

Federal Republic since 1964. Tanganyika gained independence from the UK in 1961. In 1964, Tanganyika joined with Zanzibar, which had been a British protectorate until 1963, and became Tanzania.

Kiswahili and English are the official languages. The terms Swahili and Kiswahili are used interchangeably, though the term Swahili normally refers to the people while Kiswahili refers to the language. Originating along the coast, Kiswahili is a Bantu language with many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages such as Bantu and those of Nilo-Hamitic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.

Muslim, Christian, Hindu and traditional beliefs.

GMT + 3.

When meeting and parting, hands are always shaken; this applies throughout the country in both rural and urban areas. It is the convention to use the right hand, not the left, to shake hands or pass or receive anything. The standard greeting when addressing an individual is Jambo to which the reply is also Jambo. The greeting for a group is Hamjambo to which the reply is Hatujambo. People are delighted if visitors can greet them in Kiswahili. There is no fixed protocol to do with hospitality. Dress is smart and a good appearance is highly regarded. Suits and ties or safari suits are worn by men and suits or dresses by women. Ashtrays are usually an indication of permission for a visitor to smoke. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas and on public transport.

Photography: In some places, a charge will be levied on visitors wishing to take photographs; elsewhere a permit may be required.

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs may be round or square three-pin, fused or unfused.

Prime Minister Edward Lowassa since 2005.

President Jakaya Kikwete since 2005.

Zanzibar is semi-autonomous and has its own parliament and president (President Amani Karume since 2000).