12th to 24th  February 2009

This etapa takes in some of the most famous sites in Africa, from the beautiful island of Zanzibar, to the iconic sight of Mount Kilimanjaro and the vast teeming plains of the Serengeti.

Just off the coast of Dar es Salaam lies Zanzibar and it is worth spending a day or two in this ancient meeting point between Arab and African cultures. It was from Stone Town that successive Sultans chose to rule their empire and you can visit the Sultan´s Palace, also known as €œThe House of Wonders€ which now holds a fine museum. You can go on a Spice Tour and learn more about the valuable spices that made Zanzibar so wealthy or you can watch the dhows winding their peaceful way along the coast and visit the harbour where fishermen haggle over their latest catches. In the evening head to the Jamituri Gardens where the locals set up stalls to cook and sell the freshly caught fish. Here you will discover the real spirit of Stone Town, complete with delicious fresh fish and freshly squeezed sugar cane juice.

The road north from Dar es Salaam winds through fields full of pineapples and lush vegetation and along the edge of the Masai Steppe. As you approach the town of Moshi you will catch glimpses of the famous snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro in the distance. The highest mountain in Africa takes a week to climb, but you can visit the national park that surrounds it which is surprisingly sub-tropical and home to many different species of primates.

In Tanzania, you simply cannot miss the Ngorongoro Crater. The step sheer sides of the crater have formed a natural barrier and created a unique eco-system, full of beautiful bird life, from startlingly pink flamingos to eerie Marabou Storks. It is home to over 30 black rhino, the largest single group in Africa and a large population of lions. Here you are also likely to see local Masai tribesmen grazing their herds, they having grazing and watering rights within the crater and add a colourful flavour of the rich tribal culture of these famous warriors.  A less well known destination is the small peaceful park of Lake Manyara which has an incredible population of elephants, hippos and buffalo, all of which are best viewed as the sun sets across the lake with a cold beer in hand.

The Serengeti Plain is where the great migrations of wildebeest and antelope take place, as they gallop miles to reach fresh water and grazing, oblivious to the artificial borders of countries. Deep in the Rift Valley itself is the famous Olduvai Gorge where the remains of early man were found, making it one of the most important sites in evolutionary history. Across the border in Kenya is the evocative Masai Mara National Reserve, one of the oldest game reserves, it is also the traditional home of the Masai and here you are able to visit local villages and watch the famous Masai jumping dancers.

The crowded streets of Nairobi are a shock after the vast open plains of the Rift Valley, but you can pause for a break at the Norfolk Hotel. A living relic from colonial times, its famous bar was used in the filming of €œOut of Africa€ and it is an oasis of calm amid the swirl of the rapidly changing times.