East Africa's safari crown jewel — home to the Great Migration, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the spice island of Zanzibar.
The dry season from June to October is peak safari time with excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti from July to October for dramatic river crossings. The short rains (November-December) bring green landscapes and newborn animals. January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti — over 8,000 wildebeest born daily. The long rains from March to May are the low season with reduced prices but some camps close. Zanzibar is best June to October and December to February. Kilimanjaro is climbable year-round but January-March and June-October offer the driest conditions.
Tanzania spans all budget levels. Budget camping safaris from $150-250/day. Mid-range lodge safaris $300-600/day. Luxury tented camps and fly-in safaris $800-2,000+/day. National park fees are significant: Serengeti $70/adult/day, Ngorongoro Crater $70 entry + $295 vehicle fee. Budget 5-7 days for a classic northern circuit safari ($1,500-4,000 mid-range). Kilimanjaro climbs cost $2,000-6,000+ depending on route and operator. Zanzibar beach extensions add $100-500/night depending on hotel choice. Internal flights (e.g. Arusha to Serengeti) cost $250-400 one-way but save significant driving time.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha is the main safari gateway, with direct flights from Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar), Istanbul (Turkish), and Nairobi. Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam serves the southern circuit and Zanzibar connections. Most nationalities require a visa — available on arrival ($50) or via e-visa. Safari operators typically arrange airport transfers. The northern circuit operates from Arusha; the southern circuit from Dar es Salaam. Internal bush flights connect the Serengeti, Nyerere, Ruaha, and Mahale — essential for remote western parks. Zanzibar is a 20-minute flight or 2-hour ferry from Dar es Salaam.