Former US president arrives in Dar es Salaam

Former US president George Bush and his wife Laura have landed in Tanzania, which is the first leg of their five-day tour of Africa.

The couple are visiting the continent to help promote efforts to fight diseases such as cancer and they received a warm welcome from Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete.

He was full of praise for the ex-leader of the US and thanked him for his support when they met in capital Dar es Salaam yesterday (December 1st). Bush and his wife are also expected to take in Zambia and Ethiopia during the trip.

"We cannot fail to recognise and acknowledge the invaluable support we have received and continue to receive from the people and government of the United States of America," Mr Kikwete commented.

Dar es Salaam is an ideal place for those looking to embark on a luxury holiday in Tanzania, as tourism chiefs recently stated that its coastal location means those who want a rest from the bustling metropolis do not have far to go before reaching a tranquil beach.