Torch in low-key Tanzania visit

Tanzania is the torch's only African stop

The torch for the Beijing Olympics has arrived in Tanzania, with officials expecting far less trouble than its world tour has so far generated.

There was high security as the torch arrived at Dar es Salaam airport on a flight from its last destination, Argentina's capital Buenos Aires.

Dar es Salaam's mayor said it was an honour to host the torch.

Thousands of protesters angry over Tibet and China's human rights record have previously dogged the route.

A Chinese official handed the torch to Dar es Salaam's mayor Adam Kimbisa at the city's airport.

Map of planned world torch relay route

Mr Kimbisa said: "It is a great honour and privilege for Tanzania to host this torch. Don't worry, all preparations are all set."

Tanzania is the torch's only African stop.

'Journey of peace'

Although few protests are expected, the planned 25km (15-mile) torch relay on Sunday has been reduced to 5km in the capital.

Dar es Salaam officials have said they are determined "to follow in the footsteps of Buenos Aires" in reducing trouble.

UN Under Secretary-General, Anna Tibaijuka, a Tanzanian, told AFP news agency: "Tanzanians are peace-loving people and they are eagerly waiting for such a beautiful symbol... which unites people of different religions, different ethnic origin, different political systems, cultures and languages."

The Chinese embassy in Dar es Salaam said: "We believe that the Olympic torch relay is the journey of peace, friendship and harmony and it should not be subjected to political manoeuvre."

The torch's journeys through Paris, London and San Francisco were all disrupted by heavy protests.

OLYMPIC TORCH ROUTE

Torch lit in Olympia on 24 March and taken on five-day relay around Greece to Athens

After handover ceremony, taken to Beijing on 31 March to begin a journey of 136,800 km (85,000 miles) around the world

Torch arrives in Macau on 3 May. After three-month relay all around China, it arrives in Beijing for opening ceremony on 8 August

See detailed route on Beijing 2008 official site

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