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Tanzania Family Safaris

4.8/5  –  1,681 Tanzania Reviews

Tanzania is a great choice for a family safari. The big wildlife densities and varied landscapes make it perfect for first-time visitors. Aside from the parks, it is also home to the famous Spice Islands of Zanzibar and Mafia, with their idyllic beaches. Whether you want to do a beach-bush combo or you want to disappear into the wilderness for at least a week, Tanzania is bound to offer an unforgettable experience. It’s even better if you can share the experience with your family. Your kids will love it, but there are a few things to consider when planning a trip to Tanzania with children. Below, some often-asked questions are answered.

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6 Questions About Tanzania Family Safaris

1. Which Tanzanian parks are most suited for a family trip?
2. Is there an age restriction on activities in Tanzanian parks?
3. What is the recommended minimum age for children to go on safari?
4. Are many of the Tanzanian lodges family friendly?
5. How many days do we need for a Tanzania family safari?
6. Is it safe for a family to book a camping safari in Tanzania?
 
 

6 Questions About Tanzania Family Safaris

Answered by Ariadne van Zandbergen

Which Tanzanian parks are most suited for a family trip?

“Although the incredible wildlife viewing in the Northern safari circuit is hard to beat, the Southern safari circuit (Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks) is perhaps more suited to children. The proximity to the beaches of Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar make tours of the Southern circuit a great choice for a combined beach-bush holiday. Several Tanzania family safari packages are available at relatively affordable prices. Kids will enjoy the range of activities in Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve). Aside from vehicle-based safaris, boating excursions offer the opportunity to see big crocs and hippos from a unique vantage point, which is hugely rewarding. They might enjoy a bit of fishing, too. Ruaha and Nyerere offer walking safaris and this could be very educational, not to mention exciting, for older teenagers. A night drive in Ruaha National Park is yet another activity to keep the family entertained. The camps in Nyerere and Ruaha tend to be small, and many have a real bush feel. A couple of days in an authentic tented camp with dinners in a boma (a rounded enclosure used for evening drinks and/or dinner, around a fire) and log fires is an adventure the kids won’t easily forget.”

1

Is there an age restriction on activities in Tanzanian parks?

“There is no age restriction for most activities available in the parks and reserves (all Tanzanian parks permit children). This includes game drives, night drives and boat safaris. The one exception is walking safaris. Although walking safaris are only available in limited parks, kids have to be over 16 years old to participate. Some lodges have age restrictions as well. If you are traveling with kids, check this before booking. Aside from age restrictions, some lodges are more child-friendly than others. Depending on your children’s ages and personalities, different considerations come into play. You might want to find out, for instance, whether the lodge offers special children’s meals and activities, whether it has wifi or a swimming pool, and whether or not the property is fenced.”

2

What is the recommended minimum age for children to go on safari?

“Although there is no legal minimum age for children to go on safari with their parents, there are some things to consider. All children are different and there is no general recommended minimum age. As a parent, you know your children best, and you are able to judge what your children are ready for. There is no point paying a lot of money for a holiday that your children are too young to appreciate. Most safaris entail sitting in the car quite a lot. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend taking toddlers on a safari in Tanzania. Children should have quite a mature attention span and, ideally, a pre-existing interest in nature. As a rule, children that have been exposed to and enjoy bush camping and other such outdoor activities will be ready for a Tanzanian safari at a younger age than children without any such experience or interest. In general, children over about eight years old should gain a lot from a Tanzanian safari if planned carefully.”

3

Are many of the Tanzanian lodges family friendly?

“Not all lodges in Tanzania are family friendly. Many lodges don’t allow kids under six years old and some set the minimum age at 12 years. Even when children are allowed, you might have to book private drives, so your children won’t disturb other guests. However, some lodges market themselves as child-friendly and will have things in place to make travel with kids easier. Even if kids are allowed, there is the cost to consider as well. Traveling with a family is not cheap, but some lodges offer heavily discounted rates for children. Some lodges offer interconnected rooms or special family units. Small concessions, such as flexible dinner times and maybe a separate dining area for families, all indicate a child-friendly environment.”

4

How many days do we need for a Tanzania family safari?

“I would recommend a family safari of about 6 to 8 days in Tanzania, depending on your children’s age. A safari is likely to be a new experience for your children. As with many new things we embark on, there is a learning curve involved. You need to get into the daily routine of being on safari. I feel it takes a few days to find that rhythm and to settle into a new environment and reality. A safari should be therapeutic and it takes a few days to leave all your worries and everyday stresses behind. Therefore, I would recommend a minimum of 6 days. Longer is better, but it shouldn’t become stale. Most children have a shorter attention span than adults and the typical safari routine of two daily game drives might bore them after a while. It would be a shame to push your children to the point where their lasting memory is wanting to go home. Rather, leave on a high and plan another trip in the future.”

5

Is it safe for a family to book a camping safari in Tanzania?

“Tanzania is a very safe and stable country, and if you book with a reputable company, there is little to worry about on a camping safari. You’ll be in good hands, and your professional guide will be responsible for your safety. You’ll be briefed on what to do and what not to do. Note though, that campsites in the parks and reserves are unfenced. Wild animals can walk through camp at night and even during the day. Although incidents with wild animals are almost unheard of, this kind of camping might not be advisable for families with young children. There are many privately owned fenced campsites outside the parks that have facilities more suited for families with smaller kids.”

6

Tanzania Reviews

4.8/5 1,681 Reviews
Expert
Stephen Cunliffe  –  
South Africa ZA

Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.

Much More than a Migration Destination
5/5

For me, Tanzania is a country of two halves. Both hemispheres have been richly endowed with natural beauty and plentiful wildlife, but there are some big differences when it comes to the type of safari experience you’re looking for. The...

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Expert
Mary Fitzpatrick  –  
United States US

Mary is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including South Africa, Tanzania, East Africa and Africa.

Tanzania – Classic African Safari Destination
5/5

Few areas of the continent offer the amount, variety and accessibility of wildlife that Tanzania does, against such a scenic backdrop. Wildlife is abundant, species diversity excellent, and evocative acacia- and baobab-studded landscapes...

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Julia  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Sep 16, 2024
Perfect destination - so many different environments and microclimates, you get a bit of everything
5/5

My sister and I went to Kenya and Tanzania and both were amazing, but Tanzania was just something special. The food was incredible, the scenery, parks and animals were beyond what you'd expect, everything was seamless and worked out great,...

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Hans-Jörg  –  
Austria AT
Reviewed: Sep 12, 2024
friendly people, many animals and scenic beauty
5/5

best Safari we ever did with Topy Tours through Serengeti, Arusha, Ngorogoro and other parks. Icredible experience to sleep in a tent in the middle of Serengeti and watching Zebras next to our tent. All people, whom we met were very...

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Kaloussa Nafpaktitou  –  
Greece GR
Reviewed: Sep 12, 2024
Magnificent Nature and wildlife
4/5

The parks the animals the camps are amazing! We were so lucky and the weather was amazing! The most important point for Tanzania is the nature and the wild animals! But the most downsize thing are the street and beach hawkers all over...

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Babul  –  
United Kingdom UK
Reviewed: Sep 9, 2024
Country blessed with great open grasslands, rugged natural beauty and abundance of wildlife
5/5

Tanzania was very welcoming for tourists. The wildlife tour operators seem very well regulated and self disciplined - we went with Savannah Explorers who were very professional and supportive ( thanks, Sultan!) - right from making a bespoke...

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All 1681 Tanzania Reviews