Family safari
A Tanzania safari paced for children: shorter drives, lodges with space to run around, flexible days in a private vehicle and, if you like, a few days on a Zanzibar beach to finish.
A safari paced for children
Children often make the best safari companions. They spot things adults miss and remember every elephant. The trick is pacing: shorter drives, regular breaks and enough time at the lodge to swim, play and rest.
Northern Tanzania works well for families because several good parks sit close together. Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater are all within a few hours of each other, so you can see a lot without spending whole days in the vehicle.
Who it suits
Families with children of almost any age, though most get the most out of it from around school age, when they can manage a few hours of game driving. Grandparents travelling with grandchildren too. If your children are very young, a shorter trip with more lodge time works best.
What to expect day to day
A typical family day starts with an early game drive, when the animals are active and the air is cool. You're back at the lodge for lunch and a swim, then out again in the late afternoon. Travel days are kept short where possible.
A private vehicle makes the biggest difference. You can stop when someone needs a break, go back early if a child is tired, and spend half an hour watching baboons if that's what they love.
Mid-range or luxury
At comfort level, look for lodges with a pool, family rooms and space outdoors. Several on the Ngorongoro highlands and around Lake Manyara suit families well.
At luxury level, some camps offer family tents or private houses, and a few run activities for children. Some camps set minimum ages, especially those in remote areas or with walking activities, so check before you choose.
Practical considerations
- Health: talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about malaria prevention and vaccinations for children well before you travel.
- Seats: tell us the ages of your children so suitable seating can be arranged.
- Packing: binoculars for each child, layers for cold highland mornings, sun hats and snacks for the drives.
- Walking: walking safaris usually have age limits, so they're best for older children.
- The beach: a few days on Zanzibar after the safari gives everyone time to rest.
The 4-day northern circuit safari covers short distances, and Lake Manyara suits younger children well. A Zanzibar beach extension is a good way to finish. Our family safari tips go into more detail.
Share your children's ages and your dates on the plan your safari page and we'll suggest a pace that works.
Journeys with this experience
Where it happens
Questions travellers ask
What is a good age for a first family safari?
Most children get the most out of a safari from around school age, when they can manage a few hours in the vehicle and enjoy spotting animals. Younger children can travel too, with shorter drives and more time at the lodge. Some camps and activities set minimum ages, so tell us your children's ages early and we'll plan around them.
Is Tanzania safe for a family safari?
Northern Tanzania is a well-established safari region, and families travel there every year. On game drives you stay in the vehicle except at designated spots, and lodges and camps brief you on their own safety rules, especially at night. Talk to your doctor about malaria prevention and vaccinations, and check your government's current travel advice before you book.
Should we take a private vehicle with children?
We'd recommend it. A private vehicle lets you set the pace: stopping for breaks, heading back early when someone is tired or staying longer at a sighting that has the children captivated. On a shared vehicle you'd be working around other travellers' plans. For families of four or more, the cost difference per person is often smaller than expected.
Build a journey around Family safari
Tell us when you would like to travel, and we will suggest where and when it fits best, and what to pair it with.