Tanzania boasts a rich wildlife population thanks to its variety of habitats. The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater are home to all Big Five species (lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo), and Tarangire National Park is home to massive elephant herds. Farther south, you’ll find large numbers of wild dog in Nyerere National Park, while Ruaha counts lion, leopard, and elephant among its residents.
Embark on an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of Africa as you discover the wonders of Tanzania. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage that await you. In this article, we will take you on a journey through Tanzania’s diverse and mesmerizing destinations, offering insights into the ultimate family safari experience.
From the iconic Serengeti National Park, home to the annual wildebeest migration, to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, Tanzania offers a myriad of opportunities for wildlife encounters, outdoor exploration, and immersive cultural experiences. Imagine witnessing lions in their natural habitat, encountering elephants up close, and marveling at the vivid colors of flamingos in Lake Manyara National Park.
With experienced guides and a range of family-friendly accommodations, your adventure in Tanzania will be both safe and enjoyable for all ages. Whether you choose to spot wildlife in Ngorongoro Crater, go on a thrilling safari in Tarangire National Park, or unwind on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is sure to leave a lasting impression on the entire family.
Why choose Tanzania for your Family Safari Holiday?
Wildlife
Child-friendly accommodation
Tanzania offers a wide variety of accommodations, many of which are perfect for families travelling with children. Some lodges have interconnecting suites or spacious family rooms for four or five guests. Others operate exclusive-use private bush villas built specifically with children in mind – these feature connecting rooms, kids’ plunge pools, and private safari vehicles, so families can create their own game-viewing schedules.
Beaches
For many families, a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so they want to maximise their time and cover as much ground as possible. A post-safari beach holiday is an extremely popular way to spend those last few days together. Zanzibar has all the ingredients for a fabulous family beach holiday, including some great hotels, Robinson Crusoe-style beaches, turquoise water, and a gorgeous tropical climate.
Good infrastructure
Tanzania has a well-established safari infrastructure, making domestic air travel a breeze despite the long distances. National parks and conservation areas are well connected, and flights usually run to schedule, which counts when you’re on a multi-stop trip with kids in tow!
Affordability
Tanzania’s wide variety of game parks, conservation areas, and accommodation options allows plenty of scope for budget flexibility. You can benefit from significant savings as part of a larger group, especially if your dates fall outside peak season. However, great deals still exist even during the most popular times of the year, especially if you choose some of the less-frequented regions.
Recommended Family Activities in Tanzania
Game Drives
Wildlife-dense Tanzania is ideal for day and night game drives, allowing families to cover plenty of ground. Exclusive-use properties supply private vehicles and dedicated safari guides, so you can create your own schedule and even spend the whole day in the bush with a picnic lunch. Your guides will always know the best routes to take, ensuring you see as much wildlife as possible.
Bush Walks
Walk the same path as a lion, see fresh elephant dung and know that a herd of gentle giants recently passed through, and marvel at the size and shape of a termite mound. Bush walks allow up-close encounters with nature that aren’t possible from a vehicle. Safari walks are best suited to families with older children, as the minimum age for this activity is usually 12 or 16 years.
Sleep-outs
Explorers can spend a night beneath the stars in a private sleep-out – usually a simple set-up with a mesh-covered tent that allows you to fall asleep gazing at the night sky. Gather around the campfire for storytelling and enjoy dinner on a lantern-lit deck accompanied by the sounds of nature. Don’t forget to listen out for lion calls in the distance as the big cats begin a long night on the prowl!
Boating
Travellers can also take to the spectacular Rufiji river in Nyerere National Park for some of Africa’s best boating safaris. This area is a great option for fishing too.
Watersports
Visit the island of Zanzibar, and you’ll have plenty of watersports to choose from, including windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and diving amidst gorgeous coral reefs. You can also take a dhow excursion and sail along the coast, perhaps stopping for a snorkel or a spot of line fishing. Sunset cruises and full-day boat charters are also popular, particularly with lunch served on a secluded island.
Farm Activities
Some of Tanzania’s lodges are on working farms, where visitors can see young offspring, such as lambs and baby piglets, at certain times of the year. You can also choose to enjoy a hands-on experience on many of these working farms, by helping with day-to-day tasks like harvesting vegetables and collecting eggs. This activity is particularly popular with small children, who love the freedom of being outdoors without too many restrictions!
We know that planning a trip can be tough, which is why we’ve created a selection of family safari packages that combine fantastic properties, destinations, and activities.
Tips for Tanzania Family Safari
We’ve worked with a lot of families to plan the perfect Tanzania safari that works for every age group. Between that and our own family holidays, we’ve got plenty of hints and tips to make sure you get exactly the right experience – that’s one of the biggest benefits of working with experts, you get all the extra knowledge.
Get the most out of your trip with these top tips:
Choose a tailor-made, bespoke safari so you know that every activity and every location is specifically chosen to meet your family’s needs. Keep an eye on your dates. Luckily, Tanzania is a fantastic safari destination during the school holidays – it’s at its best from late June to early October – so you can even squeeze in a half-term break if you’re lucky.
If you’re staying in more than one place, choose internal flights rather than long drives to get there faster and avoid ‘are we nearly there yet’ calls from the back seats. Very young children may not get as much out of the experience or remember it very well, so it’s best to wait until they’re around 8 years old and can really get the most out of the trip.
Many lodges offer activities for children – let us help you find the perfect fit, no matter what age groups you’re travelling with. Bring a checklist of the animals you might be able to spot – from the elephants to lizards – and have everyone tick off what they’ve seen.