Tanzania Family Safaris

Tanzania is a wonderful destination for family holidays, with its warm and welcoming people, abundant wildlife, beautiful beaches, and a well-established tourist infrastructure. There are numerous affordable and child-friendly tours to choose from. Here are some of our favorite Tanzania family safaris to inspire you. You can find more details and options by using the filters on the SafariBookings website to tailor your preferences.

5-day Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater; Tanzania Family Safaris

This 5-day family-friendly itinerary offers an engaging experience for everyone. Departing from Arusha in the early morning, your first destination is the picturesque Lake Manyara National Park. Kids will especially enjoy the treetop canopy tour, providing a unique bird’s-eye view of the forest. Your journey continues to the Serengeti National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Here, you have an excellent chance to spot all of the big cats: lions, cheetahs, and perhaps even the elusive leopard. On your way out, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most significant fossil sites. A visit to the museum is highly educational, and for the kids, a short drive into the excavation site is particularly exciting.

The next morning, you’ll descend to the Ngorongoro Crater floor, a natural wildlife haven set in a spectacular landscape. On your way back to Arusha, you’ll have the opportunity to visit an authentic Maasai village. Your kids might even be tempted to join in when the Maasai perform their impressive jumping dance.

10-day Tarangire National Park, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Carter, Lake Manyara National Park; Tanzania Family Safaris

This 10-day family itinerary covers all the major attractions in northern Tanzania. The diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife will keep the whole family excited throughout the trip. Expect to see large herds of elephants in Tarangire National Park, vast plains teeming with grazers and predators in Serengeti National Park, and enjoy exceptional birding in the scenic Lake Manyara National Park. Interactions with the traditional Hadzabe people at Lake Eyasi will be a highlight, where your kids can even learn how to shoot a bow and arrow. The setting of Lake Natron at the base of the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai is simply spectacular. You can also get active here with a hike and a swim under a waterfall. It’s an incredible family adventure!

11-day Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, Udzungwa Mountains, Nyerere (Selous) National Park; Tanzania Family Safaris

This 11-day tour covers the highlights of southern Tanzania, making it a great choice for a family adventure. Your teenagers will especially enjoy the diverse activities available in Nyerere (Selous) National Park, including game drives, boat trips, and walking safaris, providing opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. Ruaha National Park offers a remote wilderness experience with unique animals like the highly endangered wild dogs. In the Udzungwa Mountains, you can enjoy hiking, discover beautiful waterfalls, encounter various monkey species, and appreciate stunning scenery. It’s a fantastic family journey with plenty of excitement.

8-day Nyerere (Selous) National Park, Zanzibar; Tanzania Family Safaris

This well-rounded 11-day adventure allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds in Tanzania. It begins with an exciting safari in Nyerere (Selous) National Park, where your kids can engage in a variety of activities, from thrilling game drives in search of lions to boat safaris filled with hippo encounters, and educational wildlife tracking walks. Then, you’ll head to Zanzibar, the enchanting spice island. In Zanzibar, your family can embark on a spice tour to experience the fragrant local spices, explore the historic alleys of Stone Town, and enjoy water activities such as snorkeling with colorful reef fish and swimming with dolphins. With so much to do, the only complaint might be that the holiday feels too short.

4-day Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater (Wildebeest-calving Season); Tanzania Family Safaris

This 4-day family safari is ideal for experiencing a unique wildlife spectacle with your loved ones. It takes you to the Ndutu area of the Southern Serengeti, where, between December and March, millions of wildebeest gather for the calving season of the great migration. During this period, up to 8,000 wildebeest calves are born daily, making it a prime time for predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals to be active. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to witness these hunters and scavengers in action.

Your safari also includes a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most beautiful wildlife havens in Africa. Here, your family can have the chance to spot the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino. This safari promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and educational experiences for the entire family.

Why Travel to Tanzania With Kids?

Tanzania is an exceptional destination for a family safari. Tanzania Family Safaris combines breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife making it a top choice for both first-time and seasoned safari-goers. Tanzania is well-prepared to accommodate long journeys across various reserves as well as shorter escapes into the bush. The country’s picturesque coastline and the renowned spice islands of the Zanzibar archipelago provide the perfect setting for an incredible beach and bush safari combination. No matter which package you choose, a family safari in Tanzania promises to be a remarkable bonding experience for everyone.

What to Expect on a Family Safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania Family Safaris shares many similarities with a general safari, but there are some considerations to ensure it’s child-friendly and suitable for kids of various ages. While safari itineraries are often packed with activities, you can make adjustments to cater to your children’s needs during your Tanzania Family Safaris. Most days are spent searching for wildlife, primarily on game drives, and occasionally by boat or on foot (for older kids). Activities are usually scheduled for early mornings and late afternoons when animals are most active, although some full-day excursions might be on the agenda. Cultural interactions with local tribes like the Maasai or Hadzabe can be both educational and enjoyable for kids. Regardless of your children’s ages, it’s important not to overexert them on this special holiday. Ensure there’s downtime for relaxation, either by the pool or on the beach.

Is It Safe to Travel With Children to Tanzania?

Tanzania is generally considered safe, especially when you book your safari with a reputable company like safari-adventurers for your Tanzania Family Safaris. Your safari guide will prioritize your family’s safety and provide thorough instructions on how to behave in the bush to ensure your well-being. However, it’s important to be aware of age restrictions for specific activities like walking safaris, canoeing, and balloon safaris to safeguard your children. Keep in mind that some lodges and campsites within the parks are unfenced, and wild animals may roam through the property at any time. When traveling with young children, it’s advisable to select your accommodation options carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience of your Tanzania Family Safaris.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania With Children?

The best time to visit Tanzania with kids is generally during the Dry season, which occurs from late June to October. This period is ideal for wildlife viewing because animals gather near reliable water sources like rivers and waterholes. It’s also a great time to enjoy the coastal areas with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall. However, if you specifically want to witness the wildebeest migration, your timing needs to be more precise during your Tanzania Family Safaris. The peak of the calving season is from January to February, the best time for the Western Serengeti is June to July, and August to September is when you have a good chance to observe the Mara River crossing in the Northern Serengeti.