Authentic Africa ...Tanzania is the land of Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar ... And that's just for starters, there's so much more to see, and some of Africa's most competent tourism professionals, who are ready, willing and able to show you the way. We've visited Tanzania more than any other destination in recent years and never pass up the opportunity for an encore. Africa Travel Magazine offers special thanks to Tourism Minister Zakia Hamdani Meghji and the Tanzania Tourist Board team, which is doing such a standout job in marketing their country to the waiting world. In the photo sequence we travel from Mafia Island on theSwahili Coast to camps at Selous and Ruaha in the vast interior. It was the safari of a lifetime. Read about our Christmas week experience below, and perhaps share the opportunity sometime soon. Editor. Visit the official web site first - http://www.tanzaniatouristboard.com/ New Luxury Brand Hotels come to Tanzania ... Legendary 'Kili' is making history again After a long and careful renovation, the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski Dar es Salaam, or Kili, as it is fondly known by locals, opened in splendour in August 2005, and will regain its rightful place as the popular focal point of the lively capital city of Tanzania. At the substantial cost of USD 40 million and three years construction work, the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski has been totally rebuilt as a modern, eight-storey luxury hotel. Boasting 180 rooms and suites, each offering magnifi cent views over the Indian Ocean, the hotel also features conference, business and leisure facilities, making the hotel ideal for business travellers and leisure guests alike. The hotel's interior designers have preserved the original structural framework of the hotel and have re-clothed it with a new facade, encompassing contemporary interiors which reflect Dar es Salaam's tropical lifestyle and the rich colours of Africa. Seven restaurants and bars serve a wide variety of regional and international specialities, while the banqueting facilities comprise 13 function rooms as well as a grand ballroom which can accommodate up to 600 guests. The superlative leisure and wellness facilities include a magnifi cent 20m wave-free infinity outdoor swimming pool with private sun deck, as well as an Anantara Health & Beauty Spa, operated by Mandara. The name Mandara comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the gods'quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. Anantara Spa embraces this legend, offering unique and exotic spa treatments which refl ect the beauty and spirit of those ancient times and incorporate the soul and ritual of Asian culture. Kempinski's prestigious portfolio comprises over 45 luxurious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. Each offers superior standards of service combined with a distinctive style refl ecting the individuality of the propertyand its location. Kempinski reservations (toll-free): 00 800,426 313 55 Europe 1 800 426 3135 North America www.kempinski.com Kempinski Hotels , Collingham House, Gladstone Road , London, SW19 1QT, United Kingdom Tel +44 20 8307 7657, Fax +44 20 8540 7806 ursula.vonplaten@kempinski.com www.kempinski.com TANAPA- Tanzania's National Parks 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 are protected by government law and placed in trust for future generations to marvel at in wonder and awe. In addition to a listing of the main attractions of Tanzania, we have included many parks that are largely neglected in favor of the big names like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It is our hope that in writing up these lesser-known locations, visitors may be tempted to include them on their itineraries and encourage tourism to other equally beautiful, parts of the country. Most hunting reserves have been omitted due to restricted access for safari vehicles and wildlife tourists. Tanzania has incredible biodiversity, so wildlife populations and bird species often vary according to the season and region. A visit to one of the smaller game reserves for a short hiking trip or a day excursion is well worth the effort of an extended itinerary. Off the beaten track, the sights and sounds of Africa truly come alive. Great Flying Safari from Mafia Island to Selous and Ruaha By Jerry A. Bird Our Air Safari during the 12 days of Christmas, began with a seafood dinner on the patio at one of my favorite places, "The Slipway" on Dar es Salaam's rapidly changing waterfront. At this unique shopping mall, now in its third or fourth stage of development, we were introduced to the owner Nicola Colangelo, an exceptional person and gracious host. Having just completed two weeks of dawn to dusk sessions at conferences in Zanzibar and at Dar es Salaam's Golden Tulip Hotel, the idea of flying on the Coastal Air Safari circuit had a special appeal. Another good omen that same day was our reunion, after five years, with popular entertainer King Kiki, the Swahili Coast's Louis Armstrong - his musical beat goes on forever. The Slipway is a magnet for creative people of all types, as some of the top local artists create and display their works on the broad square facing the harbor. More-> Dar es Salaam Wins Heart of North American Author According to author Henry Pelham Burn, his travel agent was quite concerned that, during a scheduled trip to Tanzania, he would be "stuck" in Dar es Salaam for two whole days. After some deliberation, Burn resigned himself to visiting Dar, a city depicted by some as a place to go through rather than enjoy as a destination in it self. This misconception is prevalent among the uninformed, or those who haven't taken the time to explore this historic capital and seaport city with its ideal climate, classic buildings, modern airport and ferry service to Zanzibar and other exotic islands. Commenting in Africa Travel Magazine, Pelham said, "A couple of days in Dar proved not long enough." Among Mr. Burn's recommended attractions are KARIOKOO MARKET, THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, NYERERE CULTURAL CENTER, MWENGE VILLAGE, VILLAGE MUSEUM, COCO BEACH, KIGAMBONI. A newly minted Dar enthusiast, the American author provides many reasons why the sites mentioned are sure please most visitors to Dar es Salaam. Details: http://www. africa-ata.org/tz_dar_es_salaam.htm Meet the TTB Award Winners for 200 Photo and listings on our Awards page. Kilimanjaro Marathon Event More Popular Than Ever Situated south of the equator in Tanzania at 19 340 feet, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the highest "free standing" mountain in the world. Huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, and the sheer presence of this huge mountain dominates the entire area. An icon in Africa, "Kili " as she is affectionately known, is one of the sights every African should see at least once in his or her life. On the above date, a standard 42 km marathon will be run from the town of Moshi, Tanzania. This race has been set up to promote the sport in Tanzania, and has the official backing of the Tanzania Tourist Board, the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association and therefore the IAAF, and is registered with AIMS. The route starts and ends in Moshi, Tanzania, and runs north towards the mountain, through rural farmland on a tarmac road, before returning on another rural dirt road to end back in Moshi. The total altitude gain is not great, and the whole race is completed between 4000 and 6000 ft above sea level. More-> Olivers Camp Offers New Options In Walking Safaris Olivers Camp has earned a proud reputation for its intimate knowledge of Tanzania's fascinating and varied wildlife. Now there's a new opportunity for guests &endash; to view Africa's fauna at close range, while walking one's way to peak health and enjoying an unequaled, unforgettable experience. Among the many programs at Olivers Camp, the Walking Safari has become very much in demand. One example is a 3 night fly-in camping expedition in the Tarangire Wilderness, starting in the extreme south of the park and heading due north along the river for 3 days. It covers quite different terrain and passes through southern comiphora stands (gerenuk and vulturine guinea fowl country) to seasonal flood plains to dense riverine and onto the very typical Tarangire sausage tree and acacia stands near Kuro. Walks are led by one of Olivers experienced guides. http://www.oliverscamp.com Tanzania Tourism News Briefs: Coastal Airlines flies daily to Mafia, plus launches new service to Rubondo Island National Park, Lake Victoria, Home of Great Game Viewing and World Class Fishing. Coastal Airlines, already providing service to all coastal destinations north of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar on a daily basis, launched daily service to Mafia Island. Southern Tanzania was originally served by Eagle (Airline), which suspended service recently. This gap in the market prompted Coastal Airlines to organize direct service to Mafia Island, and from there to Kilwa and Songo Songo. Passengers can board an aircraft in Arusha and fly to Mafia without waiting at any transit stations. For details contact Coastal Travels Ltd., Tel. 255 22 2117 959 or 960, Fax 255 22 2118 647, Toll free 255 741 800 285. E-mail: safari@coastal.cc, Web: Investment Action: President Benjamin William Mkapa made it clear during the Investment Forum. "We have a unique tourism product mix. We must keep it unique by sustaining it. A correct balance has to be established ." Read the latest Tanzania Investment Buzz by Karen Hoffmanen exploitation and conservation; and between economic interests and the social, environmental and cultural impact of human activity in tourism. ". The timely news briefs on this page attest to the fact that things are happening on a variety of fronts, from the Bagamoyo World Heritage Site, to Selous, Serengeti, exotic Zanzibar and more places than we can name. Quick facts about Zanzibar? • Incorporated as part of Tanzania. • World's oldest functioning Swahili city is Stone Town, Zanzibar. • Popularly known as the "spice islands." • Located about 30 K off the coast of mainland Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. • An archipelago with the two main Islands of Zanzibar (also known as Unguja, the larger one) and Pemba (the smaller of the two). • Incorporated into the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964.• Largest number of carved doors in East Africa. • Stone Town has 50 mosques and four Hindu temples. • Zanzibar has seen an influx from the British, Dutch, Portuguese, Egyptian, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Arabs and Sumerians at various times in its history. • Visitors enjoy a variety of pristine beaches and stunning coral reefs. • Zanzibar's oldest remaining building is the 11th century mosque at Kizimkazi . Women in Tourism in Tanzania: It should come as no surprise to anybody who has been in the dynamic presence of the Honorable Mme. Zakia Hamdani Meghji, MP, Tanzania's Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism since 1987, that the door is wide open with opportunities for women to excel as professionals in the country's rapidly growing travel industry, starting right from the top. The private sector, recently paid tribute to Hon. Meghji for her strong leadership and contribution to the tremendous increase in tourism since she became Minister, and honored her by affectionately naming her "Mama Utalii" (Mother Tourism)." This is just one of the features that appeared in our May 2003 Congress edition of Africa Travel Magazine. An expanded version in full color will appear in our next issue. Bagamoyo, Tanzania's Former Slave Route Center Proposed World Heritage Site. Because of its strategic location as a staging point during the ivory and slave-trading era, Bagamoyo, 45 miles north of Dar es Salaam, has been proposed as a World Heritage site. If approved, Bagamoyo would join six other UNESCO sites in the country. Tanzania Tourism Board Managing Director, Peter Mwenguo said, "Given the growing interest in Cultural Heritage Tourism, especially in the American market, the timing of the focus on the development and preservation of Bagamoyo as a World Heritage Site is excellent." He stated that this would enable Tanzania to develop its African Diaspora Heritage Trail product, a project announced by Bermuda's President Jennifer Smith at the ATA 27th Congress. Few travelers realize that Tanzania was once part of German East Africa, and Bagamoyo was its capital. Site for Tanzania Business Times Magazine http://www.coastal.cc Twenty four hours in the Selous (pronounced Se-loo) is certainly not long enough for a wildlife safari in the world's second largest protected area and Africa's largest game reserve! But thanks to Coastal Travel Services, a charter flight took our press group of ten journalists from Dar es Salaam for the one hour scenic flight over this 21,000 square mile park. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1982 and more than half the size of the state of Ohio, the Selous is three and three quarters times as large as the more famous Serengeti in Northern Tanzania. We arrived at the air strip where the staff of the Selous Safari Camp met us. Game viewing began immediately as we spotted giraffe, zebra and impala on the way to the luxury tented Selous Safari camp (formerly the Mbuyuni Safari Camp). Selous Safari Continued TTB in Action. Recently, Tanzania- Zanzibar scored a "Marketing Triple-Header," starting with the (SADC) 14-Nation Southern Africa Heads of State Summit,followed by the ATA 8th Ecotourism Symposium in Zanzibar and Second IIPT African Peace Through Tourism Conference in Dar. Tanzania hosting the ATA International Congress in Arusha was a success catalyst that sparked the phenomenal growth of Tanzania's tourism sector. It was evident at IATOS in Chicago, Adventures in Travel Expo in New York, and TTB's 1st Tourism Investment Forum, cosponsored by ATA and MIGA, a powerful World Bank group. On the humanitarian front, Students for Peace and Miracle Corners are signs of a new generation taking positive hands-on action. Leadership is all important, and Tanzania's Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources, Hon. Zakia Hamdami Meghji has guided her country's tourism sector to new heights, while providing wise counsel and a steady hand at the Africa Travel Association as its President for a three year term. President Benjamin William Mkapa made it clear during the Investment Forum. "We have a unique tourism product mix. We must keep it unique by sustaining it. A correct balance has to be established ." Read the latest Tanzania Investment Buzz by Karen Hoffmanen exploitation and conservation; and between economic interests and the social, environmental and cultural impact of human activity in tourism. ". The timely news briefs on this page attest to the fact that things are happening on a variety of fronts, from the Bagamoyo World Heritage Site, to Selous, Serengeti, exotic Zanzibar and more places than we can name. Ladies Take Note: Of particular interest is the article by Karen Hoffman, part of a new series, entitled "Wide Open for Women in Tourism."Karen says. " It should come as no surprise to anybody who has been in the dynamic presence of the Honorable Mme. Zakia Hamdani Meghji, MP, Tanzania's Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism since 1987, that the door is wide open with opportunities for women to excel as professionals in the country's rapidly growing travel industry, starting right from the top. The private sector, recently paid tribute to Hon. Meghji for her strong leadership and contribution to the tremendous increase in tourism since she became Minister, and honored her by affectionately naming her "Mama Utalii" (Mother Tourism)." This is just one of the features that appeared in our May 2003 Congress edition of Africa Travel Magazine. An expanded version in full color will appear in our next issue. Tanzania Tourism News Briefs: Coastal Airlines flies daily to Mafia, plus launches new service to Rubondo Island National Park, Lake Victoria, Home of Great Game Viewing and World Class Fishing. Coastal Airlines, already providing service to all coastal destinations north of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar on a daily basis, launched daily service to Mafia Island. Southern Tanzania was originally served by Eagle (Airline), which suspended service recently. This gap in the market prompted Coastal Airlines to organize direct service to Mafia Island, and from there to Kilwa and Songo Songo. Passengers can board an aircraft in Arusha and fly to Mafia without waiting at any transit stations. For details contact Coastal Travels Ltd., Tel. 255 22 2117 959 or 960, Fax 255 22 2118 647, Toll free 255 741 800 285. E-mail: safari@coastal.cc, Web: http://www.coastal.cc Thomson Safaris Introduces Safari Offering Unique Combination of Northern & Southern Circuits. Your clients begin their Thomson safari by venturing deep into the heart of the Serengeti Savannah. Here they will spend three nights in a private Classic Camp, which allows them to explore far off the beaten path. Continuing to Ngorongoro Crater, they will see an unparalleled concentration of animals, before heading south into the remote wilds of Ruaha National Park and the Selous Game Reserve. Walk along sand rivers past prehistoric looking baobab trees. Search for the elusive wild dog and greater kudu antelope. Drive through massive herds of buffalo. View some of the largest crocodiles in the world from a boat on the mighty Rufiji River. Look out from your private verandah and watch an elephant come down to drink. If they have already been to East Africa, this is the perfect opportunity to return. Land & Air Package $7,390 per person; Land Only $5,690 (commissionable) http://www.thomsonsafaris.com. Dar es Salaam Wins Heart of North American Author according to author Henry Pelham Burn, his travel agent was quite concerned that, during a scheduled trip to Tanzania, he would be "stuck" in Dar es Salaam for two whole days. After some deliberation, Burn resigned himself to visiting Dar, a city depicted by some as a place to go through rather than enjoy as a destination in it self. This misconception is prevalent among the uninformed, or those who haven't taken the time to explore this historic capital and seaport city with its ideal climate, classic buildings, modern airport and ferry service to Zanzibar and other exotic islands. Commenting in Africa Travel Magazine, Pelham said, "A couple of days in Dar proved not long enough." Among Mr. Burn's recommended attractions are KARIOKOO MARKET, THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, NYERERE CULTURAL CENTER, MWENGE VILLAGE, VILLAGE MUSEUM, COCO BEACH, KIGAMBONI. A newly minted Dar enthusiast, the American author provides many reasons why the sites mentioned are sure please most visitors to Dar es Salaam. Details: http://www. africa-ata.org/tz_dar_es_salaam.htm New Sand Rivers Selous and Fundu Lagoon Packages and Five &endash;Day Walking Safaris SELOUS: A popular new tour begins at Dar es Salaam airport, with a charter flight by Cessna 206 to Selous, where visitors will enjoy five nights at Sand Rivers Selous, with full board and all activities. A night of fly-in camping is optional if pre booked. On Day 6 of the tour, a charter flight by Cessna takes visitors from Selous to Zanzibar, with air connections to Pemba. The next 5 nights at Fundu Lagoon, include full board, transfers and snorkeling. On the final day, visitors fly from Pemba to Dar es Salaam International airport for departure. Package price in US dollars is $2750 net, and the offer extends from Nov. 1, 2002 to April 2003; June 15-June 30, 2003 and excludes December 15, 2003- January 5, 2003. Five day Walking Safaris are also available, and they have proven to be very popular. Contact: sand-rivers@intafrica.com. Enhanced Flight Schedule and New Twin Otter Aircraft for Tanzania's Regional Air Services. Regional Air Services, operating from Arusha Airport and serving the Northern Route, has added a 16 seat Twin Otter to its fleet. Locations include Arusha, Manyara, Seronera. Grumeti and Klein's Camp. There will be a surcharge for afternoon and low season flights to and from Grumeti. Despite rising costs the airline is maintaining most established prices. The airline's new schedule and rates are valid up to 14th December 2003. Information is available from Mrs. Caroline Blumer, Marketing and Administration Manager, Regional Air Services, e-mail sales@regional.co.tz Olivers Camp Offers New Options In Walking Safaris. Olivers Camp has earned a proud reputation for its intimate knowledge of Tanzania's fascinating and varied wildlife. Now there's a new opportunity for guests &endash; to view Africa's fauna at close range, while walking one's way to peak health and enjoying an unequaled, unforgettable experience. Among the many programs at Olivers Camp, the Walking Safari has become very much in demand. One example is a 3 night fly-in camping expedition in the Tarangire Wilderness, starting in the extreme south of the park and heading due north along the river for 3 days. It covers quite different terrain and passes through southern comiphora stands (gerenuk and vulturine guinea fowl country) to seasonal flood plains to dense riverine and onto the very typical Tarangire sausage tree and acacia stands near Kuro. Walks are led by one of Olivers experienced guides. http://www.oliverscamp.com uthern Tanzania. Contact Bobby Tours and Safaris: E-mail bobbytours@bobbytours.com; http://www.bobbytours.com For more information on Tanzania visit www.tanzania-web.com or contact the Bradford Group in New York at (212) 447-0027. Email: Tanzania@bradfordmarketing.org