It’s normal to want to give your kids a break from the regular beach vacation and let them witness something more adventurous. So, why not book a family safari in Tanzania?

With tourism numbers in Tanzania reaching a massive 1,131,286 between January and August 2023, it’s clear that families are increasingly choosing the Eastern African gem as their preferred destination for wildlife spotting.

An adventure for your family as big as a safari requires a bit more planning than your average holiday, so it can take some work getting everything right.

The team at Nyumbu Beyond Journeys are safari planning experts with a wealth of experience planning tours for families in Tanzania. So, we’ve developed this guide to ensure you and your children can have an unforgettable time.

WITHIN THIS GUIDE

• What’s the right age for a child to go on a safari 
• Selecting a reputable operator
• Choosing the right itinerary
• Picking suitable lodging
• Packing essentials
• Frequently asked questions
• Make an impact on your next family safari in Tanzania

What’s the Right Age for a Child to Go on a Safari?

A common question we receive frequently in our inbox is, ‘What’s the right age for a child to go on a safari?’ It’s a good question because some safari lodges do have a minimum age restriction.

Generally, the minimum age is between 8 and 12; however, some resorts will allow a child to stay as young as 5.

When you’ve decided on the resort you want to stay at, email them before making any payments to see if your child is old enough. Alternatively, one of our tour planners can find a suitable lodge for your family that meets the restrictions when organizing your package.

Selecting a Reputable Operator

A safari tour operator can make or break your trip. They’re going to be in control of everything from the moment you touch down, so you’ll want to choose wisely.

You need to look out for an outstanding coordinator like Nyumbu Beyond Journeys with in-depth on-the-ground knowledge and contacts so that if anything goes wrong, you know you’re in safe hands. Additionally, they must understand how to work with families and grasp that it’s not like a classic African safari group trip. Knowing simple things like that kids need to use the toilet more often than adults or elderly people might need extra help with vehicles goes a long way.

You mustn’t just look for the cheapest option. You’ll be traveling with kids, so extra care is always advised, especially since you’ll be spending time around dangerous wild animals.

Choosing the Right Itinerary

One of the best parts of planning a safari is making an itinerary. Imagine the excitement your kids will have when you’re settled around a table at home, writing down all the amazing places and animals they could see.

It’s normal to want to pack as much into your trip as possible, but you don’t want to push too hard, or else your little ones will be exhausted by the end.

We’re massive advocates for families joining our Nyumbu Family Safari. It’s a suitable itinerary that will give you a taste of what Tanzania has to offer without draining you by the end of it.

Here’s what you can expect:

Day 1: Land at Kilimanjaro Airport and spend the day in the stunning city of Arusha, immersing yourselves in Tanzanian culture and relaxing before the real action kicks off.

Day 2: Start your day at Lake Manyara, one of Africa’s most recognized lakes, and climb up to the famous Treetop Walkway for your first wildlife encounter. Afterward, you’ll drive towards one of the continent’s seven wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 3: Wake up bright and early and explore all that Ngorongoro Crater has to offer, from the 65 lions that call the park home to meeting a reputable lion conservation organization, Kope Lion.

Day 4: This day is a highlight for many, as your family will go deep into the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration with regular sightings of cheetahs, leopards, black rhinos, elephants, and lots more.

Day 5: Continue your lion spotting at the Ndutu Plains, where you’ll enjoy a game drive with a local expert and track down the kings of the jungle.

Day 6: After a couple of days in the jeeps, get some well-needed exercise by hiking to the Olmoti Crater and Munge Waterfalls. To finish the day, you’ll venture to Nainokanoka to meet the Maasai Tribe and see how they live.

Day 7: Savour your last Tanzanian supper and wave goodbye to your guides before jumping on the plane home so your kids will have an abundance of memories from their family holiday.

Picking Suitable Lodging

Most of the accommodation options in Tanzania for a safari trip are either lodge or tent camping style.

If your family is more adventurous, tent camping will be right up your street. It’s a great way to connect with your surroundings and truly immerse yourself in nature. The standards of these camps vary from basic to luxury options.

Tented camps tend to be much more affordable than lodges. However, you can find some incredible high luxury camps that are exquisite too – so it all depends on what you would like to opt for.

Both camps and lodges can be extremely modern, with gorgeous designs, plush furnishings, and all the facilities you could ask for: pool time under the stars? They will be able to accommodate you and your family. Be mindful to check all lodgings and camps beforehand to make sure they allow children to stay before booking.

Packing Essentials

The most stressful part for many is packing for a safari; it’s even more overwhelming when you have to do it for your kids as well.

Getting your head around the weather in Tanzania can be tricky unless you’re coming during the dry season between June and October. Follow this safe packing list below for adults and children alike so you’re prepared:

• A few t-shirts
• 1 to 2 long-sleeved shirts
• 1 to 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 pair of long trousers
• A sweater
• A waterproof rain jackets
• Plenty of pairs of underwear and socks
• PJs
• A cap
• Sunglasses
• A belt bag
• Sunscreen
• Basic over the counter medication e.g. ibuprofen
• Sports bras (women/girls)
• A few light dresses (women/girls)
• Passports
• Local currency (Tanzanian Shillings)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tanzania Safe to Travel with Kids?

Yes, Tanzania is safe to travel with kids as long as you take the proper safety precautions and follow the right travel advice. We have a helpful guide on being as safe as possible in Tanzania which is worth reading before you go.

Some families will have reservations regarding having their kids around wild animals, but with the right operator, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Is Tanzania Cheap or Expensive for Families?

The price of a trip to Tanzania with your family will depend on your spending habits. However, the cost of living here is very affordable. If you’re coming from somewhere where the minimum wage is quite high, you’ll find it very cheap.

Remember, Tanzanians make a lot less than people in most countries, so tipping from foreigners goes a long way for them.

How Do I Book a Safari for My Family in Tanzania?

Booking a safari in Tanzania for your family is very easy, even if you don’t have a plan in mind.

Start by researching reputable tour companies in Tanzania and choose one to go with that you think is suitable for your safari adventure. After you’ve found the right one, contact them with your requirements and see if they can create an itinerary for you or suggest a group tour to join.

If you need help with your safari planning, you can get in touch with our team directly through our Contact Us Page. We specialize in designing private safaris for all our family’s and have wonderful guides in Tanzania who have extensive knowledge of guiding families on safari.

Make an Impact on Your Next Family Tanzania Safari!

Discover an African Safari with a unique perspective. We have developed one of the most extraordinary experiences that bridges Culture Conservation with adventure travel.

Our journey takes us on a thrilling route through Tanzania – exploring one of the most extraordinary journeys in Africa as we connect with local people close to our hearts from the Masai cultural village to the Hadzabe in Tanzania our journeys are nothing but with a personalized touch.