Tanzania

Here's our homepage for all things Tanzanian.

A Community in Crisis: "I write from Arusha in Northern Tanzania. We at our charity work with street children and/or orphaned children within our community. Every day someone dies here; last week the neighbour next to our office died from HIV/AIDS - she contracted this from her husband - and now her five-year-old daughter will be following the mother shortly as she also has the disease." Ian Williamson describes the bleak prospects facing one Tanzanian community - and what they're doing to help themselves.
A Letter From Tanzania: "The village was high in the mountains close to the Malawi border. It was cold, and Kalisti has never experienced real cold before. He said that in the mornings he drank boiling water straight from the pan to defrost himself - a little exaggeration here, I think. He was struck - saddened - that in the home village of his fiancée the people there are so very poor even by African standards. It is so cold and they eat maize and beans only." Ian Williamson in Arusha writes about his houseboy's impending marriage and future prospects.
East African Safari: "The lodge safari is the best way to see this lovely country. Tanzania has so much to offer, so many parks that have few visitors and high concentrations of game animals. Some National Parks boast just one lodge in a million hectares. Your lodge safari in Tanzania can truly offer a taste of what the early explorers experienced." Ian Williamson in Arusha explains how to get the best from your East African safari experience.
Guide to the Serengeti: "There is so much more to the Serengeti than the Great Migration. These endless plains contain valleys, hills and woodland as well as the open plains that seem to stretch out forever. Every time of year offers something different, something special. Slow down and spend some time exploring; you will be well rewarded." Ian Williamson brings us a guide to the wonders of Tanzania's spectacular Serengeti Plain.
How to book a Serengeti Migration safari: "As the weather is unpredictable, so is the migration. Many people try to predict the whereabouts of the animals. If the rains are on time and last long enough then on past experience the predictions are accurate. However, in recent years the rains have not been on time or they have even failed, leaving some safari-makers with clients in the wrong area of the Serengeti. Solving this problem involves a little work on your part." Ian Williamson brings us some useful tips to ensure a successful Serengeti safari.
Planning the Kilimanjaro Climb: "Kilimanjaro starts on the dusty hot plains around Moshi town and then moves to the lush villages on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. From here you ascend through tropical rainforest, to alpine desert and finally to near-Arctic conditions at the summit. Many people fail because they are ill-equipped, and sometimes people die in attempting the climb." Hints from Ian Williamson on planning a climb up Africa's highest peak - Mount Kilimanjaro.
Ngorongoro Crater - a guide: "Ngorongoro Crater enjoys a year-round water supply and so nearly all animals remain here as permanent residents. It has the densest population of game in the whole of Africa, and it is possible to see the "Big Five" (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) in one day. It is often referred to as a mini-Serengeti, as it shares many of the habitats of this huge neighbour. " Ian Williamson takes us on safari round the spectacular caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater and its wildlife.
Southern Pare Mountains - a letter: "There are no hotels or lodges in the Southern Pare. It is difficult to reach this part of Tanzania - that is, it's difficult for a tourist. This area does not cater for Westerners, and this for me was the attraction. I had been on a Serengeti safari, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and even travelled to Zanzibar. All this was a fantastic adventure, but it was time to visit somewhere where there were no tourists, somewhere I would experience the real culture of Africa." Ian Williamson goes on a bus journey to the little-visited yet breathtaking Pare Mountains.
Sleepy Fundu Lagoon: "On a low tide, walking along the sand flats outside Fundu Lagoon will reveal an astonishing array of inter-tidal wildlife. This is particularly interesting for bird watchers as the waders, such as herons, ibises and egrets, flock to the area to hunt for small invertebrates and fish left behind on the sands and in the shallow sea pools. You can sometimes see the beautiful fish-eagle circling overhead and hear the shrieking of the brown-headed parrot in the trees." Ian Williamson describes the natural beauties of Fundu Lagoon and Pemba Island.
Rubondo Island National Park: "This island is a real paradise, with the African adventure starting as the light aircraft lands on the grass airstrip - sometimes animals have to be cleared off the runway. The island is striking in its greenness, with the whistles of the African Grey parrot echoing in the forest. Truly you have landed in an African paradise. There are only two vehicles on the island, and one tented camp." Ian Williamson takes us around Rubondo Island, in the middle of mighty Lake Victoria.
Mbeya - Tanzania's forgotten corner: "Mbeya seems so far away from every other place in Tanzania, and as a result this lovely African town and the surrounding highlands tend to be shunned. Mbeya is about 860km south-west of Dar es Salaam and close to the borders of Malawi and Zambia." Ian Williamson experiences the wonder of the often overlooked Kitulo Plateau.
Fishing in Tanzania: Game, Lake and Fly: "The waters of Tanzania are only just beginning to gain worldwide fame, which means these waters are less populated with boats and fishing is at its most pristine. However, fishing is an economic stronghold of many parts of rural Tanzania and quickly becoming a popular activity for fishing safaris along the country's rivers and lakes. And the deep waters of the Indian Ocean along Tanzania's coast are rich in big-game fish." Ian Williamson pulls on his waders...
Diving in and around Zanzibar: "The diving around the Zanzibar Islands is exceptional, offering some of the best diving in the world. For serious divers the best locations must be the deep dives out on the Pemba Reefs. The diving around Zanzibar town, particularly Mnemba Island, is great for both experienced and novice divers." Life under the ocean wave as described by Ian Williamson.
The Music of Tanzania: "Over the past few years in particular the 'Sauti za Busara' (Sounds of Wisdom) music festival has become increasingly popular within Tanzania and overseas. And for many years now the Swahili Music Festival has firmly established itself as one of East Africa's finest annual events." Ian Williamson looks at Tanzania's vibrant music scene.
Zanzibar Recipes - Sorpotel: "I think if I had known the ingredients I might never have tried this wonderful dish. Give it a try - you won't be disappointed. It is so succulent it melts in your mouth. It also has a bit of a spicy kick, which you would expect, it coming from Zanzibar." Ian Williamson takes us through the recipe for this spicy meat dish.
Zanzibar Recipes - Tuna Fishcakes with Chutney Yoghurt Sauce: "Even my brother (who hates tuna) loved these. Great as an appetiser, or skip the peppers and the fish cakes make a great children's meal, particularly because you get to eat them with your fingers." Ian Williamson with a great twist on fishcakes!