Zanzibar is an archipelago and semi-autonomous region belonging to the African country, Tanzania. It is a group of two large islands Unguja and Pemba and many smaller islands, located an approximate distance between 25 and 50 km from the mainland Tanzania. Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar, situated on the island of Unguja. Zanzibar covers a total area of 2,650 sq. km and is located at 6°8′ S 39°19′ E.

Zanzibar is noted for its several of typical features like for the production of black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon, for which Zanzibar, together with the country’s another major island Mafia Island, is popularly called the Spice Islands. Zanzibar is also well known for the population of endemic Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey.

History of Zanzibar:

The history of Zanzibar dates back from the early Later Stone Age around 20,000 years, when it was originally inhabited by humans, according to the microlithic tools found in the area. The history of Zanzibar also includes diverse features as it was ruled by many European powers, including British and Arabs.

Getting Zanzibar:

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the major airport serving Zanzibar and is situated on Unguja Island, around 5 kilometers from the Zanzibar city. It covers many global cities like Amsterdam, Dar es Salaam, Brussels, Nairobi, Muscat and Johannesburg.

Zanzibar can be reached by boat from the mainland Tanzania, from the city of Dar es Salaam. Small minivans, taxis and rental cars are the prevalent options to get around Zanzibar.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Zanzibar:

Zanzibar is rich in culture, home to a wide range of music and dance events, including the Festival of the Dhow Countries and Sauti za Busara, which take place at Old Fort of Zanzibar.

Old Stone Town Market is a perfect place to have a memorable shopping experience. Some famous restaurants in Zanzibar include:

• Terrace Restaurant
• Amore Mio
• Passing Show Restaurant

Things to do in Zanzibar:

• Divine Diving
• Safari Blue Tour
• Zanzibar Spice Tour
• Visiting spas

Places to see in Zanzibar:

Zanzibar City:

Zanzibar City itself is one of the top tourist destinations of Zanzibar, situated on the west coast of the island of Unguja. Stone Town is the historic part of Zanzibar City, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, considering its unique architectural and cultural features.

House of Wonders:

The House of Wonders is an iconic building in Stone Town, situated in front of Forodhani Gardens, between the Palace Museum and Old Fort. Constructed by the second Sultan of Zanzibar,  Barghash bin Said, the house is currently home to the Museum of History & Culture of Zanzibar.

Forodhani Gardens:

The Forodhani Gardens is a nice and attractive park located in the historic Stone Town. It is located on the sea coast, getting crowded during the evening time by both locals and tourists.

Sultan’s Palace:

Situated on the seafront on Mizingani Road, Stone Town, the Sultan’s Palace is a landmark structure, having 3-floors that are dedicated to showcase the history of the sultans who ruled the island. It was constructed in the late 19th century.

Old Fort of Zanzibar:

The Old Fort of Zanzibar is considered as the oldest building of the historic Stone Town, built in the late 17th century to guard island from the Portuguese attacks. It is also venue for the Festival of the Dhow Countries.

List of other places of interest in Zanzibar includes:

• Paje Beach
• Mtoni Palace Ruins
• Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
• Prison Island
• Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
• Uroa Bay
• Obama Beach Zanzibar
• Maisha Mazuri Horse Riding Club
• Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
• Nungwi Natural Aquarium
• Kiwengwa Caves

Best time to visit Zanzibar:

Zanzibar generally experiences a warm climate year round and it sees heavy rainfall from March to April. The most popular time to visit Zanzibar is from July to October.

Accommodation options in Zanzibar:

Being a heaven of tourists, Zanzibar owns an amazing hospitality industry with dozens of superior hotels with world class facilities and services, served with a great degree of love and care in an engaging manner. Some reputed hotels in Zanzibar include:

• Zanzi Resort
• Chumbe Island Coral Park
• Baraza Resort & Spa
• The Residence Zanzibar
• Mashariki Palace Hotel
• Hotel Dongwe
• Next Paradise Boutique Resort
• Essque Zalu Zanzibar
• Anna of Zanzibar
• Pumzika Beach Resort
• Diamonds Star of the East
• Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort
• Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel
• Kasha Boutique Luxury Hotel
• Mamamapambo Boutique Hotel

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Sumbawanga is a city and the administrative centre of Rukwa Region in the western part of Tanzania. Located at 7°58′ S 31°37′ E, Sumbawanga is situated around 380 km northwest of the city of Mbeya and 900 km southwest of Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania. Sumbawanga is home to the Rukwa General Hospital, the largest hospital in Rukwa Region. Agriculture is the backbone of Sumbawanga’s economy, mainly from the production of maize and rice. Being the capital of the region, Sumbawanga holds all types of facilities like hotels, restaurants, shops, colleges and recreational centres.

Connectivity to Sumbawanga:

The Sumbawanga Airport is located 3 km away from the city centre and offers flights from/to the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, served by Auric Air. Sumbawanga is situated around 390 km from Mbeya Airport, where flights from Dar es Salaam are also available.

The bus transportation of Sumbawanga extends to its nearby cities, both towards the north and south directions, including the cities of Mbeya and Mpanda. Visitors can hire taxi and rental car at the local travel agency for airport travel, intercity travel and to move within the city.

Food and shopping in Sumbawanga:

Kifipa is a widely spoken language in Sumbawanga and locals also speak Kiswahili as their second language. Sumbawanga houses a mid size traditional market, where local specialties like plastic goods, handicraft products and traditional jewels can be bagged for reasonable prices. There are also many nice restaurants in the city.

What to do in Sumbawanga?

• City tour
• Walking
• Shopping

What to see in Sumbawanga?

Conference centres in Sumbawanga:

Sumbawanga is the site of many famous cultural centres, especially conference centres, including Libori and Moravian conference centres, where cultural events take place regularly.

Sumbawanga Memorial:

Sumbawanga Memorial is a manmade rock formation, erected in the circle directing a way to the city of Sumbawanga. It is a nice construction and also one can bring camera to take pictures of this typical structure.

Lake Rukwa:

The Lake Rukwa is situated to the east of Sumbawanga, covering an area of 5,760 square kilometers with a length of 180 kilometers and width of 32 kilometers. The lake is a perfect place to enjoy boat riding and swimming.

Uwanda Game Reserve:

Adjoining Lake Rukwa, the Uwanda Game Reserve sprawls over an area of 4100 square kilometers, featuring a dense forest with the opportunities of trekking, hiking and many other outdoor activities.

Katavi National Park:

The Katavi National Park is located around 150 km from the city of Sumbawanga and is the 3^rd largest national park of Tanzania with an area of 4,471 square kilometers. Established in 1974, the park features Katuma River, Lake Katavi and Lake Chada and houses abundant animal species, Cape Buffalo, hippos and elephants. It is worth a trip.

List of other places of interest in and around Sumbawanga includes:

• Luafi Game Reserve
• Mahale Mountain National Park
• Lukwati Game Reserve
• Rukwa Game Reserve
• Sokoine Stadium
• Mount Rungwe
• Kitulo Plateau National Park
• Mbozi meteorite
• Teofilo Kisanji University
• Ngozi Crater Lake
• Gangilonga Rock
• Matumaini Women’s Centre
• Mkwawa Golf Course
• Isimila Stone Age site
• Neema Crafts Centre

Best time to visit Sumbawanga:

The best time of the year to visit Sumbawanga is from June to October when the weather dry and supportive for outdoor activities.

Where to stay in Sumbawanga?

In Sumbawanga proper, hotels are limited, but most hotels of the region are located around Katavi National Park. Tourists can also consider that hotels to have better hospitality services. The prominent hotels in and around Sumbawanga are listed below:

• Chada Katavi
• Lake Shore Lodge & Campsite
• Katavi Wildlife Camp
• Katuma Bush Lodge
• Flycatchers Camp
• Palahala Luxury Camp
• Super City Hotel
• River Side Camp
• Lupita Island Resort & Spa

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Songea is the capital city of the Ruvuma Region in the eastern African country Tanzania. It is situated in the southwestern part of the country, between 10°41′ S latitude and 35°39′ E longitude, around 920 km southwest of the nation’s largest city and commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. St. Augustine University is one of the prime educational institutions located in Songea. Songea is one of the gateways to the world’s one of the largest faunal reserves, the Selous Game Reserve. Songea is geographically positioned between 10°41′ S latitude and 35°39′ E longitude.

History of Songea:

Songea was the focal point of the Maji Maji rebellions’ activities against the German during the colonial period between 1905 and 1907. Songea saw a considerable growth in agriculture sector following the Second World War and it began to connect nearby cities through railway and road in 1985. Songea achieved municipal status in 2006.

Travelling Songea:

There is an airport in Songea, around 8 kilometers west of the city centre but the airport receives less scheduled flights. So visitors are advised to reach Mbeya Airport first and afterwards they can take bus or rental car from the airport to Mbeya. Mbeya Airport is situated around 410 northwest of Songea and operates flights from/to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, served by Tropical Air.

Buses generally ply between Songea and Mbeya, Dar es Salaam, Iringa, Arusha and Njombe. To move within Songea, taxis are recommended option.

Food and Shopping in Songea:

Songea has all the basic and modern facilities, including upgraded shops and restaurants, but most of them don’t accept credit cards, so keeping some local currency is suggested.

Things to do in Songea:

• Day tours
• Shopping
• Visiting nearby game reserves

Places to see in Songea:

Selous Game Reserve:

Situated towards the east of Songea, the Selous Game Reserve is an internationally known game reserve, holding the title of the world’s one of the largest faunal reserves. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Selous Game Reserve is a reserve for a large number of wild creatures, including hippopotami, African Wild Dog, Cape buffalo and elephants. It is worth a trip.

St. Mathias Mulumba Kalemba Metropolitan Cathedral:

The St. Mathias Mulumba Kalemba Metropolitan Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Songea, drawing a group of both local devotees and visitors year round. It is also one of the major landmarks of Songea.

Songea Airport:

Situated around 8 km from the city centre, the Songea Airport is a nice, well constructed and maintained airport with the pleasant surrounding environment. Non-travelers are also allowed.

List of other places of interest in and around Songea include:

• Sokoine Stadium
• Mbozi meteorite
• Kitulo Plateau National Park
• Teofilo Kisanji University
• Neema Crafts Centre
• Gangilonga Rock
• Matumaini Women’s Centre
• Mkwawa Golf Course
• Mzumbe University
• Ngozi Crater Lake
• Isimila Stone Age site
• Ruaha National Park
• Mnazi Bay Marine
• Selous Game Reserve
• Iringa University College
• The Mikumi National Parks

Best time to visit Songea:

Like the rest of Tanzania, from June to October is the best time to visit Songea, when very less rain falls in the area.

Hotels in Songea:

Yapender Lodge Annex is one of the known accommodation centres in Songea, offering all the basic amenities for visitors at affordable budget. For more hotels, visitors can head towards hotels in Mbeya (around 410 km) that are given below:

• GR City Hotel
• Landmark Hotel
• Mbeya Peak Hotel
• Mount Livingstone Hotel
• Mbeya Forest Hill Motel
• Hill View Hotel
• Kyela Resort
• Matema Beach View Lutheran Centre
• Crazy Crocodile Campsite
• Karibuni Center Hotel
• Manyanya Inn Hotel
• Mbeya Hotel
• Peace of Mind Rest House
• Utengule Coffee Lodge

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Shinyanga is a Tanzanian city situated to the south of the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria, in the northern part of the country. The city serves as the headquarters of both the Shinyanga Urban District and Shinyanga Region and also both the district and region take their name from the city. Shinyanga is located around 175 kilometers southeast of the largest city on the southern shore of Lake Victoria, Mwanza, 475 kilometers northwest of the country’s capital, Dodoma and 1010 km northwest of the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam. The geographical coordinates of Shinyanga are 3°45′ S 33°00′ E and the region of Shinyanga covers a total area of 18,901 sq. km.

How to get Shinyanga?

Shinyanga houses an airport but flights are not scheduled. So visitors are advised to reach Mwanza Airport, the closest airport to Shinyanga. Mwanza Airport is situated around 150 km from Shinyanga and handles flights to Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Bukoba, Kigoma, Mpanda, Musoma, Rubondo, Kilimanjaro and many other airports in the country and Nairobi in Kenya. From Mwanza, it will be a four hours drive from Mwanza by rental vehicle.

Shinyanga can directly be reached from Dar es Salaam by both bus and train services. For local travel in Shinyanga, minibuses and rental vehicles like cars and bikes are the prevalent options.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Shinyanga:

Sukuma, Nyamwezi, and Sumbwa tribe are the major communities forming the population of Shinyanga and they are into agricultural activities, specifically in the production of maize, cotton, and rice.

Large shopping malls and restaurants are difficult to see in Shinyanga but one can find many standard shopping and restaurant options with both traditional and modern features.

Things to do in Shinyanga:

• Walking
• City tours
• Shopping

Places to see in Shinyanga:

Shinyanga City Stadium:

The Shinyanga City Stadium is one of the landmarks of the city of Shinyanga. It is a public stadium, managed by the Shinyanga City Council. The stadium is a nice half day trip for visitors, where visitors can involve themselves into play or just walk around.

River Nkumbu:

The River Nkumbu flows through Shinyanga city, around 3 kilometers from the downtown area. This river is the main source of water for the Shinyanga city and also known as a nice sightseeing spot and a location for different water sport activities.

Maswa Game Reserve:

The Maswa Game Reserve borders the Serengeti National Park to the south, towards the east of Shinyanga. Established in 1962, the reserve is spread over an area of 2,200 square kilometers and features diverse eye-catching attractions like acacia plants, rivers and animals like lion, roan antelope, Thomson gazelle and Cokes hartebeest.

Northern Kahama Game Reserve:

Situated around 140 km west of the heart of Shinyanga, the Northern Kahama Game Reserve is a popular game reserve, home to a substantial number of African wild animals and birds. It can be explored best through a guided tour.

List of other places of interest in and around Shinyanga include:

• Shinyanga Airport
• Shinyanga General Hospital
• Shinyanga Central Market
• Shinyanga Railway Station
• Lake Victoria
• Bujora Museum Centre
• Saanane Island Game Reserve
• Williamson diamond mine
• The National Natural History Museum
• Arusha National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Arusha Clock Tower

Best time to visit Shinyanga:

Shinyanga relatively remains warm year round and the most preferred time to visit Shinyanga is June to October.

Hotels in Shinyanga:

There are a less number of modernized hotels in Shinyanga. Karena Hotel is one of the nice accommodation options in Shinyanga, where visitors can enjoy all upgraded facilities and services along with authentic Tanzanian and international delicacies. Tourists can refer hotels in Mwanza (around 175 km) for more options that are listed below:

• Hotel La Kairo
• Royal Orchid Malaika Beach Resort
• Ryan’s Bay Hotel
• Gold Crest Hotel
• Monarch Hotel & Beach Resort
• Nyumbani Hotel
• Hotel Tilapia
• Victoria Palace Hotel
• Bujora Point Swimming Pool & Lodge
• New Mwanza Hotel
• Christmas Tree Hotel Mwanza
• Lake Hotel
• Wag Hill Lodge
• Speke Bay Lodge

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Seronera is a settlement in the world class tourist destination Serengeti National Park in the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem region in Tanzania, an Eastern African country. The settlement is positioned between 2°26′10″ S 34°49′16″ E, around 335 km from one of the prominent cities of the country with an international airport, Arusha. Seronera is home to an airstrip that receives flights from all the major Tanzanian destinations, including Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. There is also a well facilitated lodge in the area, named Seronera Wildlife Lodge, which is one of the first accommodation facilities constructed in the Serengeti National Park.

Getting Seronera:

Seronera is the site of an airstrip with charter flight services from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Fort Ikoma, Grumeti, Kilimanjaro, Kogatende, Lobo, Pangani, Manyara, Mwanza, Ndutu, Sasakwa, Selous, Ruaha, Tarime and Zanzibar. It costs around 135 US$ per person from the Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha to Seronera Airstrip by charter flight.

Seronera can also be reached by bus services from Arusha and other cities in the country. Buses’ number substantially increases during peak season.

Food and shopping in Seronera:

With less permanent human population, there are shops few in number in and around Seronera, so tourists can take the suggestion of bringing some food packets and other essentials at the city where they start their journey to Serengeti National Park. There is a restaurant and bar facility inside Seronera Wildlife Lodge that is probably allowed for non-guests also.

What to do in Seronera?

• Hiking
• Wildlife tours
• Balloon tours

What to see in Seronera?

Serengeti National Park:

The Serengeti National Park is the centre of attraction of the Serengeti ecosystem. It is the site of many natural wonders, including a large wildebeest and zebra migration and also offers an opportunity to get the introduction of a wide range of African plant species.

Seronera Airstrip:

The Seronera Airstrip is one of the landmarks of Seronera, having a runway of 2,200 meters. Apart from travelers, the airstrip also draws visitors for its nice construction and scenic surroundings,

Seronera Wildlife Lodge:

Seronera Wildlife Lodge is one of the major options for staying in Serengeti National Park, situated around 5 minutes drive from the airstrip. Surrounded by massive rocks and long trees, Seronera Wildlife Lodge is also famous among visitors for its impressive construction with eye-catching exterior and interior designs apart from offering quality and healthy hospitality services.

List of other places of interest in and around Seronera includes:

• Maswa Game Reserve
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Arusha National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Arusha Clock Tower
• The National Natural History Museum
• Lake Manyara
• Bishop’s Cathedral of Arusha
• Cultural Heritage Centre Arusha
• Meserani Snake Park
• Kilimanjaro Golf

Best time to visit Seronera:

From June to October is the best time to visit Seronera in Serengeti National Park, when less rainfall occurs.

Where to stay in Seronera?

Seronera Wildlife Lodge is the most prominent accommodation centre serving the settlement of Seronera and Serengeti National Park. It has 75 rooms with private bathroom that are well equipped and maintained and other major facilities include mailing service, laundry, 24 hour reception, swimming pool, fax and telephone, nurse for medical assistance, 24 hour security and acceptance of credit cards. Other hotels near Seronera in Serengeti National Park include:

• Four Seasons Safari Lodge
• Serengeti Halisi Camp
• Ikoma Wildcamp
• Giraffe Garden Hotel
• Serengeti Bushtops Camp
• Chaka Camp
• Olakira Camp
• Sayari Camp
• Lamai Serengeti
• Lobo Wildlife Lodge
• Ikoma Safari Camp
• Grumetti Luxury Tented Camp
• Singita Sasakwa Lodge
• Singita Sabora Tented Camp
• Singita Faru Faru Lodge

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The Serengeti National Park is a recognized national park in the northern part of the African country, Tanzania. It is situated in the Serengeti ecosystem region, covering the Mara and Simiyu regions of Tanzania. Established in the year 1951, the Serengeti National Park is spread over an area of 14,750 square kilometers, located between 2°19′58″ S latitude and 34°34′0″ E longitude. The geographical feature of Serengeti is divers like savanna, grassland plains, woodlands and riverine forest.

The park is positioned on the borderline, contiguous with the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The park is widely renowned for the migration of a large number of white bearded wildebeests, zebras and for the notable population of Nile crocodile. These substantial migrations are considered as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and the world’s one of the ten natural travel wonders.

History of Serengeti National Park:

Maasai people were the original inhabitants of Serengeti and the first European explorer to visit Serengeti was German Oscar Baumann, visited in 1892. Serengeti became a game reserve in 1929 thoroughly and got the status of national park in 1951.

Travelling Serengeti National Park:

The Kilimanjaro International Airport is the major closest airport to Serengeti National Park, situated near the city of Arusha, around 280 km southeast of Serengeti. Including Amsterdam, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi, this airport covers many world destinations.

There is also an airstrip within Serengeti that receives charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport and costs 135 US$ per way. Kirawira Airstrip is another airstrip serving Serengeti. Serengeti is also accessible by bus from Arusha that takes around seven hours.

Food and Shopping in Serengeti National Park:

Shops are limited near Serengeti National Park, so visitors are suggested to bring essentials from the city. Independent restaurants are less in number near Serengeti, but food can be taken at lodges and camping sites.

Things to do in Serengeti National Park:

• Wildlife Safari
• Balloon safari
• Hiking

Places to see in Serengeti National Park:

Serengeti National Park:

The Serengeti National Park itself is an amazing tourist destination, where visitors can experience the real wildlife beauty of Africa. The park is a great safari site and animals include wildebeests, zebras, tigers and lions. Exploring the park through a guided tour is advised for the easy and safe exploration.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area:

UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located within the Serengeti ecosystem region, around 180 km from the city of Arusha. Established in 1959, it is well known for Olduvai Gorge, which is considered as the world’s one of the most significant paleoanthropological sites.

Ngorongoro Crater:

Situated in Serengeti ecosystem region, the Ngorongoro Crater is famous as the largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera in the world. It is a great site for animal enthusiasts, home to around 25,000 large animals, including rhinoceros, hippopotamus and wildebeests.

Maswa Game Reserve:

The Maswa Game Reserve, founded in 1962, sprawls over an area of 2,200 square kilometers and borders the Serengeti National Park to the south. The reserve is a wide range of attractions like rivers, acacia plants and animals such as buffalo, lion, roan antelope, Cokes hartebeest and Thomson gazelle.

List of other places of interest near Serengeti National Park include:

• Arusha National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Cultural Heritage Centre Arusha
• Meserani Snake Park
• Kilimanjaro Golf
• Arusha Clock Tower
• The National Natural History Museum
• Lake Manyara
• Bishop’s Cathedral of Arusha

Best time to visit Serengeti National Park:

Undoubtedly from June to October is the best time visit to witness the natural wonders of Serengeti.

Accommodation options in Serengeti National Park:

Being a world class tourist destination, Serengeti National Park is served by dozens of accommodation centres, mainly lodges and tent camps that are good in both service and facility. Some nice lodges and camping sites in and around Serengeti National Park include:

• Lobo Wildlife Lodge
• Ikoma Safari Camp
• Grumetti Luxury Tented Camp
• Singita Sasakwa Lodge
• Serengeti Bushtops Camp
• Chaka Camp
• Olakira Camp
• Sayari Camp
• Lamai Serengeti
• Singita Sabora Tented Camp
• Singita Faru Faru Lodge
• Four Seasons Safari Lodge
• Serengeti Halisi Camp
• Ikoma Wildcamp
• Giraffe Garden Hotel

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Pemba Island is a part of Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania, located on the Indian Ocean. It spans a land area of 988 square kilometers, around 50 km north of the archipelago’s largest island Unguja and 50 km east of Tanzania’s mainland. Chake-Chake is the capital, while Wete is the largest city on the island. Pemba Island receives a substantial number of tourists during the dry season, mainly for its diving sites, historic ruins and fishing. Being a fertile land, Pemba Island is home to abundant of clove, coconut trees, banana and cassava plants and rice fields.

 History of Pemba Island:

The history of Pemba Island dates back to the middle of the 13^th century when it was ruled by two independent sultans, according to the Arab geographer Yakut. As a part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba Island merged with Tanganyika (former name of what is today’s mainland Tanzania) to form a unified country Tanzania after the independence from British.

How to get Pemba Island?

Pemba Airport is the airport serving Pemba Island with scheduled flights to/from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanga, Mwanza and Arusha. The distance of 7 km from the airport to the capital Chake-Chake can easily be crossed by taxi or rental cars.

Pemba Island can also be reached by boat from the mainland Tanzania and Unguja Island but that is time consuming. Dala dala or minibuses are the prevalent options on Pemba Island to move between the towns.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Pemba Island:

People belonging to Arab community dominate the population of Pemba Island, who migrated from Oman long back. The island is also home to the substantial proportion of Waswahili and Shirazi people.

Modernized shopping centre is difficult to find on Pemba Island but one can find a number of small upgraded traditional options. Pemba Island’s people follow the same kind of food practiced in mainland Tanzania like chapatti, tart soup and vegetable salads.

What to do in Pemba Island?

• Diving
• Beach exploration
• Day tours
• Walking

Tourist Attractions in Pemba Island:

Umoja Children’s Park:

The Umoja Children’s Park is a popular recreational centre on Pemba Island, mainly for children. This dramatic green area is located on the outskirts of the city of Chake Chake.

Diving sites on Pemba Island:

Diving is the main reason to visit Pemba Island as it is popularly called the East Africa’s one of the diving jewels. Swahili Divers and Manta Reef are the main dive operators on the island, who leads visitors to wide plate coral gardens and marine reserve on the island to introduce the real experience of Pemba’s diving.

Historic ruins on Pemba Island:

The Pemba Island is the site of many famous historical sites, one in which is located on peninsula called Ras Mkumbuu, dating from the 14th century and another is at Pujini village, located near the Chake-Chake city, dating from to the fifteenth century.

Pemba Airport:

The Pemba Airport is one of the landmark sites, situated around 7 kilometers from the city of Chake-Chake. The airport is known for standard construction with all basic facilities and also for its pleasant environment.

List of other places of interest in and around Pemba Island includes:

• Kigomasha Peninsula
• Chake-Chake Bay
• Wete
• Mkoani
• Jozani Forest Reserve
• Chake-Chake
• Pemba Flying Fox Forest

Best time to visit Pemba Island:

Generally from July to October is the best time to visit Pemba Island to catch the beauty of natural attractions, especially from July and August are famous for whale watching.

Accommodation options in Pemba Island:

Like nice tourist attractions, Pemba Island houses many nice hotels that are modernized with upgraded facilities and services to provide quality hospitality services to tourists visiting the island occasionally. Some such well facilitated hotels on Pemba Island include:

• Pemba Lodge Ltd
• Fundu Lagoon
• Mamy Hotel
• Pemba Crown Hotel
• Sharook Riviera Grand Lodge
• Emerald Bay Resort
• Zanzibar Ocean Panorama Hotel
• Hifadhi Hotel
• Jondeni Guest House
• Kigomasha Beach Resort
• Verani Beach Hotel
• Pemba Misali Beach Resort
• Pemba Misali Beach Resort
• The Manta Resort

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Oyster Bay, also written Oysterbay, is one of the localities of the Tanzania’s largest city Dar es Salaam. It is situated 3 km north from the midpoint of Dar es Salaam, between 6°46′ S latitude and 39°18′ E longitude. Oyster Bay is located amongst of Mawenzi Road to the north, Ali bin Said Road towards the west, Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road towards the south, while the Indian Ocean touches the boundary of Oyster Bay on the east side. Oyster Bay is home to the prominent Tingatinga Art Gallery and housed the introducer of the famous Tingatinga painting style, Edward Tingatinga, for some years.

How to reach Oyster Bay?

Due to its position within the commercial capital of the country, Dar es Salaam, reaching Oyster Bay wouldn’t be a difficult task for tourists. Julius Nyerere International Airport or Dar es Salaam Airport is located around 15 km southwest of Oyster Bay and handles flights from many global destinations, including Mumbai, Amsterdam, London, Zurich, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and Cairo.

Oyster Bay is well connected to all the major localities of the city by regular bus services. There are also several travel agencies in Oyster Bay, where visitors can hire car and bike for local travel, to reach tourist spots and airport.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Oyster Bay:

Tanzanian Tingatinga Art Gallery is the focal point of Oyster Bay’s cultural activities, where well exhibited Tingatinga paintings are the highlights.

Tinga-Tinga paintings should be purchased in Oyster Bay and handicraft products at Wonder Workshop are also worth a price. Most tourist favor restaurants of Oyster Bay are located on the beach-line.

Things to do in Oyster Bay:

• Exploring beaches
• Watching movies
• Hiking

What to see in Oyster Bay?

Tanzanian Tingatinga Art Gallery:

The Tanzanian Tingatinga Art Gallery is one of the landmark tourist attractions in Oyster Bay, which is a highly recommended place to visit in the area. This art gallery is concentrated on showcasing the renowned Tingatinga painting style, which was created by Edward Tingatinga. It is worth a visit.

Oysterbay Shopping Centre:

The Oysterbay Shopping Centre is not only a shopping centre but also a great entertainment point for local youths and employers. Restaurants inside shopping centre are well known for serving visitors with a wide range of Tanzanian and international cuisines. It is a great hangout point in the city.

Coco Beach:

The Coco Beach is an excellent white sand beach on the Indian Ocean, well served by restaurants, bars and many other modernized entertainment centres. Visitors can also taste local beer and snacks offered by local vendors at the beach.

Wonder Workshop:

Located a few hundred meters southwest of the centre of Oyster Bay, the Wonder Workshop is a typical place, where training is provided to handicaps to strengthen their lives, by giving an opportunity to produce colorful art and craft works by using recycled materials. It is open from 8.30am – 6pm (Monday to Friday) and 10am – 6pm (Saturdays).

Other interesting places in and around Oyster Bay include:

• Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve
• Dar Es Salaam Botanical Garden
• Benjamin William Mkapa Pension Tower
• Makumbusho Village Museum
• Azania Front Lutheran Church
• Karimjee Hall
• Askari Monument
• National Museum of Tanzania
• Zoological Gardens in Dar es Salaam
• Mbudya Island

Best time to visit Oyster Bay:

The inviting Oyster Bay can be visited year round, though to have the real beauty of Oyster Bay‘s attractions, visitors can choose any month between June and October.

Accommodation options in Oyster Bay:

The Oyster Bay Hotel is the major hotel in Oyster Bay, located at the corner between Haile Selassie & Ali Hassan Mwinyi Roads, providing unforgettable hospitality service with amazing amenities. Other nice hotels in and around Oyster Bay Hotel include:

• Ledger Plaza Bahari Beach Hotel
• Jangwani Seabreeze Resort
• New Africa Hotel
• Hotel Nikko Tower
• Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant
• Kunduchi Beach Hotel and Resort
• Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel
• Southern Sun Dar es Salaam
• Sea Cliff Hotel
• Tanzanite Executive Suites
• Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam
• Protea Hotel Courtyard
• DoubleTree by Hilton Dar es Salaam

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Njombe is the name of the former district belonged to Iringa Region in the eastern African country, Tanzania. Currently Njombe is divided into two separate districts Njombe Urban District and Njombe Rural District. Now both of these districts are the parts of Njombe Region, Tanzania’s one of the 30 administrative regions. Njombe Rural District is located at 08°51′ S 034°50′ E, while Njombe Urban District coordinates with 09°20′ S latitude and 034°46′ E longitude. The city is surrounded by Mbeya to the west, Iringa to the north and Sonega to the south and is located around 470 km southwest of the national capital, Dodoma and 700 km southwest of Dar es Salaam, the largest city of Tanzania.

History of Njombe:

It is believed that, Njombe got its name from the Mdzombe trees, which was larger in population in the area during the German colonial rule. The new Njombe Region was formed in the year 2012 by carving it out from the Iringa region.

Conenctivity to Njombe:

There is a small airport in Njombe, probably that doesn’t receive any flights currently. The major closest airport to Njombe is Mbeya Airport, is located around 150 km west of Mbeya and operates flights from/to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

By road, Njombe is connected to all three major cities surrounding it, Mbeya, Sonega and Iringa. To move within Njombe, minibuses are the prevalent options and other useful options include cars and taxis.

Food and Shopping in Njombe:

Njombe houses some nice restaurants and shops that are famous for offering both traditional and modernized items at reasonable prices.

Things to do in Njombe:

• Tour to nearby nature reserves
• Shopping
• Walking

Places to see in Njombe:

Kipengere Mpanga Game Reserve:

The Kipengere Mpanga Game Reserve comes within the Njombe Region, covering an area of 1,574 square kilometers. It is shared between Makete District and Wanging’ombe District and houses a dense forest as well many indigenous plant and animal species. It is located towards the west of Njombe city.

Sao Hill Forest Reserve:

The Sao Hill Forest Reserve is located along the highway A 104, which leads Njombe to the city of Iringa and is situated around 110 km northeast of Njombe city. It is really an enthralling natural destination which will be a great day trip for nature enthusiasts.

Kitulo Plateau National Park:

Kitulo Plateau National Park is one of the recommended sites to visit in Tanzania. In its area of 412.9 sq. km, Njombe features many specialties that may be floral or faunal species, everything is gorgeous, distinct and colorful. The park is located around 150 km west of the city of Njombe.

Mbeya:

Mbeya is one of the prominent cities of Tanzania, situated around 160 km west of Njombe city. Apart from city’s attractions, Mbeya is the gateway to many wonderful natural tourist destinations like Mount Rungwe, Kitulo Plateau National Park and Uwanda Game Reserve.

List of other places of interest in and around Njombe include:

• Mbozi meteorite
• Sokoine Stadium
• Kitulo Plateau National Park
• Ngozi Crater Lake
• Matumaini Women’s Centre
• Mkwawa Golf Course
• The Mikumi National Parks
• Isimila Stone Age site
• Neema Crafts Centre
• Gangilonga Rock

Best time to visit Njombe:

The best time to visit Njombe would be during the dry months between June and October, when the pleasant weather makes tour ease and memorable.

Hotels in Njombe:

Mihijai Bed and Breakfast is one of the well known accommodation options in Njombe, situated in the heart of the city and around 10 minutes walking distance from the city’s bus terminal. It is an option for all types of travelers, for researchers, tourists and business travelers. Visitors can also consider hotels in Mbeya (around 150 km) that are as follows:

• GR City Hotel
• Landmark Hotel
• Beaco Resort
• Mount Livingstone Hotel
• Mbeya Forest Hill Motel
• Hill View Hotel
• Matema Beach View Lutheran Centre
• Crazy Crocodile Campsite
• Karibuni Center Hotel
• Mbeya Peak Hotel
• Kyela Resort
• Manyanya Inn Hotel
• Mbeya Hotel
• Peace of Mind Rest House
• Utengule Coffee Lodge

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Mwanza is a Tanzanian port city situated on the southern shore of Victoria Lake in the northwestern part of the country at 2°31′ S 32°54′ E. Mwanza is the 2^nd largest city of Tanzania, after Dar es Salaam and the administrative centre of Mwanza Region. It is popularly called as the Rock City, which refers a massive rock formation in Mwanza side of Lake Victoria. Located around 1,140 meters above sea level, Mwanza is blessed by a fresh breeze, calm weather and moderate temperature year round. Fishing and agricultural activities play vital role in Mwanza’s economy.

History of Mwanza:

Prior to beginning of colonial rule in the country, Mwanza had seen the rule of many regional powers, notably of the empires of Kerewe, Kara, Zinza and Sukuma. When the Germans took the control of Tanganyika (today’s Tanzania), Mwanza gained the status of district in the German colonial government. Mwanza also witnessed the British reign after the First World War. Mwanza became town in 1978 and city in 2000.

How to get Mwanza?

Mwanza is well connected to the rest of Tanzania by all three major modes of transportation. Mwanza Airport is situated near the lake shore, around 10 km away from the city’s midpoint. Apart from Tanzanian destinations including Dar es Salaam, the airport also links city to the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

By road, Mwanza is situated around 1160 km northwest of Dar es Salaam and this route is served by Green Star, Princess Muro and many other prominent bus companies with daily buses. Mwanza is also reachable by train from Dar es Salaam.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Mwanza:

Mwanza is a city with people belonging to different religions like Swaminarayan, Hindus, Christians and Muslims along with traditional practices.

The most famous locally produced shopping product in Mwanza is Nile perch fish fillet boxes, is typical and worth a price. Seafood is favorite of visitors in Mwanza that is really mouthwatering.

Things to do in Mwanza:

• Serengeti Sange Safari
• Shopping
• Walking

What to see in Mwanza?

Lake Victoria:

Nearly everything in Mwanza is concentrated on the Lake Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake and the largest lake in Africa. The lake shore is highlighted by Bismarck Rock, a gigantic rock formation. The rock can be climbed to have a charming view of the waters.

CCM Kirumba Stadium:

The CCM Kirumba Stadium is one of the identities of Mwanza as the country’s 3^rd largest stadium. This multipurpose stadium, mainly used for football matches, can hold around 35,000 spectators.

Bujora Museum Centre:

The Bujora Museum Centre is dedicated to the history of Sukuma tribe, who are believed that the largest tribal group in Tanzania. A perfect spot to get the awareness of local culture.

Kageye:

Kageye is a small village and historic site and was one of the parts of the Sukuma Kingdom, one of the regional powers in Mwanza. The village is also the site of the final resting place of an explorer, Frederick Barker and a Jewish descent, Dr Junker.

Saanane Island Game Reserve:

Located around 5 km from the heart of Mwanza, the Saanane Island Game Reserve was initially a zoo, designated in 1964 and became game reserve in 1991. A great site for nature lovers.

Other places of interest in and around Mwanza include:

• Williamson diamond mine
• Northern Kahama Game Reserve
• Maswa Game Reserve
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Arusha Clock Tower
• The National Natural History Museum
• Arusha National Park
• Tarangire National Park

When to visit Mwanza?

The weather of Mwanza generally remains pleasant throughout the year, though the most preferred time to visit Mwanza is from June to October.

Where to stay in Mwanza?

Plenty of options, ranging from budget lodges to star rated hotels with superior amenities, served in a lovely and engaging way to make visitors’ tour memorable. Some such nice hotels in Mwanza are listed below:

• Monarch Hotel & Beach Resort
• Nyumbani Hotel
• Hotel Tilapia
• Hotel La Kairo
• Royal Orchid Malaika Beach Resort
• Ryan’s Bay Hotel
• Gold Crest Hotel
• Victoria Palace Hotel
• Lake Hotel
• Wag Hill Lodge
• Isamilo Lodge
• Speke Bay Lodge
• Bujora Point Swimming Pool & Lodge
• New Mwanza Hotel
• Christmas Tree Hotel Mwanza

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