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National Geographic Traveller, October 2006

50 Tours of a Lifetime

Like many of our readers, the editors of National Geographic Traveler have always shied away from organized tours, feeling that unscripted, independent travel is the richest sort. But for some places in the world--those where road signs are nonexistent, or where the alphabet is a series of graceful curlicues, or where ceasefires among warring parties are tenuous--tours may be more a practical way to travel than going it alone, especially if, like most workaholic Americans, you've only got two weeks a year to tackle that challenging but worthwhile destination. That's why we've decided to dedicate this year's Next Great Places special issue to "Tours of a Lifetime: 50 of the World's Best." Here, in alphabetical order by country or region, are the tours. Read more about them in the October 2006 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

Tanzania, Mozambique
Trail of the Chimps

This safari starts in the heart of Africa for a glimpse of the continent's endangered chimpanzees. Lodging is at the Greystoke Mahale Camp in Tanzania's Mahale Mountains, where the proprietors have founded the Tongwe Tribal Trust to preserve the musical and oral history of the forest dwellers there. After a stint in the remote Katavi National Park (where hippos wade by the hundreds and vast herds of wild Cape buffalo are shadowed by lions, hyenas, and leopards), it's sun and surf in the Quirimbas Archipelago, off the coast of northern Mozambique, and newly accessible by regional flights.

Tanzania, Mozambique
"Western Tanzania and Northern Mozambique Surf and Safari" - 15 days, $6,725
Mango African Safaris