Tanzania

It depends on what you want to see. Jun–Oct is the classic dry season — easy game viewing, clear skies, peak prices, and Mara River crossings in the north. Dec–Mar is calving season in the southern Serengeti and excellent for predator action. Apr–May is the long rains — many camps close, but rates drop sharply and the northern circuit still operates.

Budget mid-range safaris start around $400–500 per person per day all-inclusive. Luxury averages $800–1,200 per person per day. Ultra-luxury private-concession camps in the Serengeti or Singita's properties run $1,500–3,500+ per person per day. Park fees ($70–80/day for Serengeti, plus a $295/vehicle Ngorongoro crater descent) are included in every reputable operator quote.

Most nationalities (US, UK, EU, Australia, etc.) need a tourist visa. The easiest route is the eVisa via immigration.go.tz, applied 2–4 weeks ahead, $50 single-entry. Visa-on-arrival is also available at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar — bring USD cash. US passport holders need a $100 multiple-entry visa (no $50 single-entry option).

Yes — Tanzania is one of the safer African safari destinations. Petty theft happens in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town like any major city; the safari circuits themselves are very low-crime. Standard precautions apply: malaria prophylaxis for the mainland (Zanzibar low-risk), yellow-fever certificate if arriving from an endemic country, and good travel insurance with emergency-evacuation cover.

Yes — this is the most popular Tanzania trip shape. Spend 5–8 days on safari (northern circuit or fly-in southern), then a bush flight direct from Seronera or Arusha to Zanzibar (about $370 per person, no backtracking to Arusha). 4–6 nights on the coast is a comfortable add-on. Stone Town for culture, Nungwi or Kendwa for the north beaches, Paje for kitesurfing on the east coast.

The northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara) is Tanzania's classic — driving distances are manageable, all the famous parks, and it works for first-timers and families. The southern circuit (Nyerere, Ruaha, Mahale, Katavi) is fly-in only, much quieter, more big-cat density, and best for repeat safari travelers. They start from different cities — northern from Arusha, southern from Dar es Salaam — so combining them in one trip needs careful logistics.

A standard operator-direct quote covers your guide and 4x4 vehicle, accommodation, all park and conservation fees, three meals per day, water in the vehicle, and airport transfers. Bush flights between parks are usually itemized separately ($170–450 per leg). Excluded almost everywhere: tips ($15–25/day for guide), alcohol, premium activities (balloon safari $550pp, walking with a ranger, night drives in private concessions), and your international flight.