Awesome family vacation
Our family of 5 (ages M53, F53, M22, F20, and F17) decided to climb Mt. Kili and then go on a safari in Tanzania. Our guides (Sylvester and August) were great and although it was cold on the final day of the climb, we were all successful getting to the top of the mountain. Everyone was in decent shape, so don't think you can just show up, but the key to making it up the mountain is acclimation; do the 7 day trip. We tackled the Machame route and were not disappointed. I'd recommend using foot-warmers (maybe 2) in your boots as you climb to the top on summit day.
Our Safari lasted 8 days and were fortunate to see everything we hoped for. Highlights included: The Big 5, cheetahs, 3 wildebeest crossings in the northern Serengeti and even some lions mating from 15 feet away. Simply amazing. David, our guide, was the right fit for our family and was a pleasure to be with throughout the entire trip. He even introduced us to his favorite local restaurant in Arusha on the last night, making it a trip that was truly memorable.
Sunny Safaris helped create a trip that was tailored to our requirements of 'somewhat rugged', not too expensive, yet with the right amount of luxury/comfort to keep us in budget. After tenting on the mountain, we spent our evenings in nice, yet simple "luxury tented camps" where the service was great and the facilities were excellent. Other evenings we were in the Sopa Lodges in south Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. We also visited Lake Manyara. If you are short on time, you can have a great 4-5 day trip and simply go to the Crater and then the Serengeti. If you want to go to the northern section because the wildebeest are crossing, strongly consider flying. We had 8 days so driving was an acceptable and cheaper alternative (saved $1200), but we also had one long day of washboard roads that lasted about 8 hours.
For our family, this trip will be one of the most memorable trips we ever take. If you enjoy the outdoors, learning about life and world around you, and are open to new and adventurous things, this type of trip needs to be at the top of your list.
