Forming much of the country's western border, the long thin and extraordinarily deep Lake Tanganyika has for centuries attracted independent-minded explorers, travellers and naturalists.

It was on the lake's shore in 1871 that Stanley met Livingstone - the only other white face for hundreds of miles of uncharted territory in any direction - with the famously understated greeting "Doctor Livingstone I presume".

Zebra crossing in Serengeti National Park

The word Serengeti comes from the Maasai term for endless plains which is certainly the most appropriate way of describing these rippling oceans of russet and green grasses.

Maasai women stroll along a Zanzibar beach

Every bit as exotic as it sounds, the island of Zanzibar harbours a unique Afro-Arabian culture based largely in the chaotic medley of streets in its Stone Town.

Historically the island's big industries have been slaves and spices, and visiting what is left of either makes for a revealing insight into the island.

Maasai keep ancient traditions alive in Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Though essentially a southern extension of the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area differs in its more indigenous populace.

An artist paints away in Dar es Salaam

Far and away Tanzania's largest and most cosmopolitan city, Dar es Salaam might not be the seat of government (Dodoma, in the centre of the country, is), but it might as well be.

The epic trek to the snow-covered summit of Mt Kilimanjaro

Rising 5,895 meters out of the red dust of the plains to poke through the clouds, Mount Kilimanjaro is the only place to find year-round snow in Africa.

Reaching it and its summit is certainly an epic trek, but since it requires no real mountaineering experience, it is manageable for most people in reasonably good shape.