Where oh where should you go on your next family holiday? At Timbuktu, we know just how challenging it can be to find a destination that ticks all the boxes from little ones to grandparents. But worry not, decades of experience have singled out Tanzania as one of the best family safari spots in Africa. With everything from junior ranger programs to private game drives and chefs willing to whip up a mac and cheese at the drop of a hat, Tanzania is made for families. Don’t believe us? Read on…
Spot zebra while on a walking safari in Tanzania
Why Tanzania?
When it comes to an intrepid yet balanced family safari, Tanzania certainly has our vote. For one thing, it offers all sorts of activities, from the adventurous to the more sedate and that age-old adage of, “there’s something to suit everyone”, really is true. Young families can opt for shorter game drives and nature walks around the property, including bug hunts and poop identification, while older children and teens can join a full walking safari or even take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride.
Tanzania family holidays are also made supremely easy to navigate thanks to a network of good roads and short, domestic flights. The country is also well-connected to major hubs in Europe and Africa, making even the international flights less stressful.
The people are another reason for families to safari in Tanzania. Famously warm and welcoming, the fantastic staff and guides really know how to engage young minds during game drives or nature walks and the local communities are also known for sharing their traditions and stories in an authentic and genuine manner.
See giraffe while on safari in the Serengeti
Best family safari destinations in Tanzania
At first, the wilds of Tanzania may seem like a daunting destination for a family holiday, but choosing the right region to visit is key.
Serengeti
The most iconic of safari destinations, the golden grasslands of the Serengeti are a wonderland for families. Wildlife is a near-constant feature, making even short drives full of excitement, as you spot everything from prides of lion to elephant herds and the snaking columns of the Great Migration. Needless to say, every moment spent in the Serengeti is enthralling for all ages.
Where to stay
Of course, different properties have their own unique offerings from kid-friendly menus and flexible meal times to private vehicles helmed by top-notch guides who can go from in-depth explanations to animated storytelling in mere moments. If you’re planning a multi-generational adventure, Singita Serengeti House is a fantastic option and can be booked on an exclusive-use basis. In the central Serengeti, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge boasts large family tents and wonderful cultural activities.
Tarangire National Park
Known as the ‘Land of Giants’, Tarangire is a true wonderland for visitors of all ages with its ancient, towering baobabs and sprawling savannah. It also happens to be home to one of the highest densities of elephants in the world – and there will be plenty of kodak moments watching the herds splash on the banks of the Tarangire River – as well as famous tree-climbing lions. The park has far fewer visitors than Tanzania’s more famous wilderness areas, making for spectacular encounters with just you and your family.
Where to stay
With its large swimming pool and views over the river – elephant and other wildlife often wander nearby – Tarangire Safari Lodge is a top choice for families. Elewana Tarangire Treetops is another fantastic family-friendly lodge with treehouse-style rooms including a spacious family suite, and child-appropriate bush walks and cultural visits.
Take a walk in the Ngorongoro highlands
Ngorongoro Crater
A volcanic caldera laden with lush grasses, the Ngorongoro Crater provides pure safari adventure from the moment you venture over the rim. Within a relatively small area, you’ll have the chance to spot an enthralling variety of wildlife including the Big Five (and even rare black rhino). Half-day drives, ending with picnic lunch at a picturesque spot within the crater are also popular with families – munching a sandwich as hippos snort and elephant wander nearby is always a big hit with the kids. For families with older children and more stamina, you could even carry on to do a walkabout along the crater rim or in the surrounding highlands area to meet the local Maasai people.
Where to stay
With a prime position in the Ngorongoro Highlands, Gibb’s Farm is a definite favourite for families. Surrounded by beautiful organic gardens, there’s plenty of space for kids to explore as well as activities including feeding the farm animals and cooking with the chefs. At the other end of the scale, &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is utterly luxurious in every sense of the word and wonderfully suited to those with older children.
Lake Manyara National Park
An easy two-hour drive from Arusha, pint-sized Lake Manyara National Park is often the first stop on a northern Tanzania itinerary, making it a pleasant and gentle introduction to safari for families. Morning, afternoon and half-day drives will provide sightings of elephant, giraffe, zebra, hippo and, perhaps, tree-climbing lions. The park also offers unique activities including a treetop canopy walk and, for older children, seasonal canoeing safaris. Just outside the boundary, there’s also the opportunity to cycle through the farming town of Mto wa Mbu with a guide and make a stop at a local market to wander amongst the stalls.
Where to stay
The only permanent property within the park, &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge quick and easy access to the wildlife – and beautiful treehouse-style suites at the other end of the day. The signature WILDchild program is perfectly tailored to kids with activities like bark rubbing, bug hunting and traditional bow-and-arrow making. Set within a private concession between Lake Manyara and Tarangire, Chem Chem Lodge has a stylish family suite, private guides and unique activities like child-friendly bush walks and cooking lessons.
Go on a family safari in Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park
Tanzania family holidays don’t get more adventurous than Nyerere National Park. Just a short flight away from Dar es Salaam, in the south of the country, it’s easy to access but remains well off-the-beaten-track – and that’s despite it being the largest wildlife reserve on the continent! Spliced in two by the great Rufiji River, a major draw for families is the combination of authentic game drives and water-based safaris. You’ll be dazzled by birdlife and spy lurking crocodiles, wallowing hippos and bathing herds of elephant, as well as African wild dogs
Where to stay
In Nyerere, many camps have an age restriction (from six or seven years old) but there are exceptions to the rule. Roho ya Selous welcomes children from five years old and has the option of a private vehicle and private villas Kiba Point is an excellent choice for larger families with its own guide and vehicle and pool for enjoying in your downtime.
Walk along the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar
Add on some beach time
When it comes to taking children on safari, there’s nothing like ending with a little time at the beach and Tanzania’s stunning coastline is, without a doubt, one of the best on the continent. Well-connected and picture-perfect, you can be game driving in the morning and dipping your toes in the ocean by the afternoon.
Zanzibar
A tropical paradise off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a quintessential tropical island. With its powder-soft, white-sand beaches and shallow, warm water, it also happens to be wonderfully family-friendly. Littlies will love splashing in the gentle waves and sandcastle-building, while older kids can snorkel or even kayak. Zanzibar is also a cultural gem with plenty to discover whether you’re embarking on a spice farm tour or exploring the ancient, winding alleys of Stone Town.
Where to stay
On the southeast coast of Zanzibar, Breezes Beach Club & Spa offers a safe, sandy beach, large pool and fun activities like palm-weaving. For an upgrade in luxury, Baraza Resort & Spa is an all-villa property with private plunge pools and superb activities including Swahili lessons. On the north coast, Zuri Zanzibar is another fabulous choice that caters well to families of all ages.
Safety on Tanzania family holidays
Tanzania is generally regarded as one of the safest countries in Africa, however it’s always a good idea to keep a few basic safety rules in mind before embarking on a safari holiday.
Medical safety
Malaria is prevalent across most of Tanzania so it’s important to consult your personal doctor or pharmacist about the relevant medication you will need to take. Whilst on safari, it’s also important to use insect repellent with DEET, keep mosquito nets closed when asleep, and wear long, loose and breathable clothing.
Before leaving for your safari, ensure you’re up to date with all routine vaccinations and carry a first-aid kit with any child-safe medicines your family may need.
General safety
Be sure to drink plenty of water. At camps or lodges, bottled or filtered water will always be available, but it’s important not to drink any tap water whilst in Tanzania. You should also avoid iced drinks served outside of high-end establishments.
Always follow the instructions of your guide, whether it’s on safari or exploring a city. They will always have your safety at the forefront and it is important to listen to all instructions.
If you have children in need of a car seat, you will likely need to bring your own and be sure to request a vehicle with seat belts.
Explore Tanzania on a horseback safari
Tips for having the best family safari in Tanzania
Now that you know just why Tanzania should be at the top of your list for a family safari, we have a few last tips for making it the trip of your dreams.
Consider a private safari
A private safari is led by the same guide throughout, in the same vehicle, and you’ll be able to tailor your daily schedule to exactly your needs, taking into consideration personal likes and dislikes, wake-up and meal times and family dynamics. Your guide will likely feel like a member of the family by the end of your trip!
Pack well
You’ll find an extensive Tanzania packing list in this blog, but there are certain items that a young family will likely need. We love taking a selection of colouring books and travel games, a few soft toys, and a stash of your children’s favourite snacks along with a pair of inexpensive, lightweight binoculars, a camera or an old phone (excellent for turning memories into a scrapbook when you’re back home), a flashlight, and a few cloth bags for organising laundry.
Prepare your kids for the trip
Prepare your kids during the planning process and get them involved and excited for the safari. Role-playing a few likely situations, like sitting quietly while watching for animals or listening to the guide, is a great start. You might also like to learn a few words in Swahili, the local languages, including ‘jambo’ (hello) and ‘asante’, meaning ‘thank you’. Depending on the age of your children, it would also be worth preparing them for limited wifi or screen time.
Less is more
Even when not travelling with kids, you really want to avoid safari burnout, which can happen with a jam-packed schedule. We would suggest focusing on two to four key regions with minimal transit time in between. We also like to schedule down time every three to four days, or ending somewhere like the coast for some much-needed R&R.
Anyone who’s ever visited Tanzania will tell you what a beautiful, authentic, genuine and welcoming country it is, from the heartfelt hospitality to the epic safari moments. So, for memories to last a lifetime, what better place for a family holiday?
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