Tanzania family safari

Nothing can prepare you and the children for your first glimpse of a lion as it hunts its prey, or a herd of elephants as they drink from a watering hole. Solitary acacia trees provide a backdrop to graceful giraffes as they feed on the top branches and lumbering rhinos munch their way through low shrubs.

Leopard, zebra, buffalo and wildebeest are all found here, together with a huge variety of species of deer, birds and smaller mammals. The landscape rises into the rocky escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and then to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. There are also game-rich rainforests in the south of the country with both the Selous and Ruaha national parks offering families a true wilderness experience.

Lastly, there is Zanzibar with its gorgeous white-sand beaches and a melting pot of Arab, African, European and Indian cultures. It provides the perfect place to round off a Tanzania family safari and is guaranteed to delight the kids.

Why take the kids?

Some of our reasons for choosing a family safari holiday in Tanzania include:

1. World-class game viewing amidst glorious landscapes
2. The chance to get up close and personal with (safe!) animals on walking safaris
3. Iconic national parks that you will all remember forever
4. Cookery lessons, bike and tuk-tuk rides, waterfall walks and village visits
5. An array of appealing child-friendly lodges and tented camps
6. The opportunity to track rhinos or follow elephant spoor
7. The time spent swapping stories around the campfire at night, under the stars
8. The palm-fringed Indian Ocean beaches, perfect for some post-safari R&R
9. Zanzibar, the ‘Spice Island ‘of legend

Provided that the itinerary includes plenty of non-vehicle-based activities to complement the game-viewing, children will love everything about a Tanzania family safari. You will never see your children as quiet as when the ranger tells them they need to be silent to approach a pride of lions. They will quickly become adept at identifying all the different species and particularly at catching glimpses of the magical Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant). Adult vision quickly seems second-rate compared to the eagle eyes of your children!

See our Tanzania with Kids blog for ideas on what to do between game drives.

Example Tanzania family itineraries

All of our itineraries are bespoke which means that they are tailor-made for your own specific family, taking into account the ages of your children, your interests, your budget and so on.

However, to give you an idea of what you could do on a family safari in Tanzania, have a look at our example itinerary, Tanzania Safari & Beach. For those seeking a challenge we can also arrange for you to conquer Africa’s highest peak on our Kilimanjaro Family Climb itinerary.

Also check out some of the other places that you might like to visit on your trip and if you need further inspiration have a look at our Tanzania photo gallery.

Lastly, don’t forget to check what the weather will be like at the time that you want to travel. Or simply give us a ring and we’ll be delighted to advise you on the best Tanzania holiday for your family.

Will all children enjoy a Tanzania family safari?

For expert advice on family-friendly safaris in Tanzania and to compare with other safari destinations, check out our family safari holidays section.