Considering organizing a family trip to Tanzania but uncertain about safety and requirements to ensure a perfect holiday for your loved ones?

At Kilimanjaro Fair deal, we specialize in helping families arrange unforgettable holidays in Tanzania!

It’s important to note that Tanzania is an amazing destination for family safaris! However, due to being within Africa’s malaria belt, we advise against traveling here with children under 6 years old—unless we provide recommendations for engaging activities suitable for younger kids. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic spot for youngsters aged 6 and above who love wildlife.

Tanzania boasts an incredible concentration of animals, particularly in areas like the renowned Northern Circuit, making it an action-packed destination for game drives. These areas are also among the most affordable options in Africa for family safaris. Plus, the larger your group, the more cost-effective the trip, as the vehicle expenses are divided among family members. You might also consider the Selous Game Reserve in the southern region and even combine your safari with a relaxing beach getaway in Zanzibar!

In both the north and south of the country, numerous properties cater well to families. They offer family rooms or interconnected accommodations, along with amenities like swimming pools and spacious communal areas. Additionally, there are companies providing private activities tailored for families, allowing you to personalize your vacation experience.

How can I organize a family safari in Tanzania?

Before diving into the details, understanding a few key aspects about ftamily safaris in Tanzania is crucial. Firstly, many tented camps, safari lodges, and campsites impose age restrictions, typically allowing kids of a minimum age, often ranging from 8 to 12 years old. This precaution is primarily due to safety concerns regarding wildlife proximity in Tanzania’s national parks during safaris.

Secondly, collaborating with the Kilimanjaro Fair Deal team, equipped with firsthand knowledge of Tanzania, ensures that all your family’s specific requests and unique needs during safari activities are seamlessly addressed. Prior research into family safaris can help identify lodges with extensive experience in catering to family travel and accommodating children during safaris.

For instance, some safari lodges offer amenities like swimming pools, providing enjoyable activities when not exploring the African bush. It’s essential for your children to have an exceptional experience witnessing wild animals in their natural habitat while also having opportunities to engage with the local community.

Where to go in Tanzania on your family safari

Pick of our places for families in Tanzania are:

The Serengeti – from witnessing the Great Migration to catching sight of the big cats that follow the herds, you and your children will be mesmerized by this national park every time you set off on a traditional game drive!

Ngorongoro Crater – the views from the Crater rim are sure to have you and your little ones gasping with awe. Well worth a visit for the scenic vistas alone, the Crater is also steeped in history, so the kids can enjoy a little learning as you cruise along the caldera floor.

Selous Game Reserve – the Selous is a watery world filled with palm trees, boat cruises, and of course some wonderful wildlife. This reserve is perfect for a quieter family safari!

Zanzibar – you can’t beat family time spent on the beach, and that’s why we recommend a few days’ post-safari along the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar!

When is the best time of year to go on a family safari in Tanzania?

The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, which runs from late June to October when it’s easier to spot wildlife on safari drives. National parks are busy then, but the weather is fantastic and game viewing for big cats, elephants, giraffes, and other animals is at its peak. Consider taking your Tanzania family safari during this time. The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is usually during June and July and the best time to see the wildebeest calving is late January to February. While spotting smaller mammals has its unique thrill, taking children to see the great migration is simply jaw-dropping.

What is the cost of a family safari in Tanzania?

The cost of a Tanzania family safari varies depending on whether you are willing to include other guests in your vehicle. If you choose to take game drives with other guests staying at your lodge, this could save you money. If you opt for a private safari with a private vehicle, where it’s only you and your family on game drives, you will pay for that privacy. Safaris can range from $200 per person per day to upwards of $1,000 per person, per day. Kilimanjaro Fair deal can work with just about any family size and budget.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania with kids?

While Tanzania may seem intimidating for traveling with kids, overall, it is a safe destination as long you practice common sense. There are some health concerns, and you will need to check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations and the use of malarial prophylactics. It is essential to bring long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks for dawn and dusk, and always use mosquito repellent.

However, for families with a sense of adventure, a safari in Tanzania is well worth the time, effort, and cost. Your vacation will include wildlife, beaches, friendly people, and excellent weather and you’re bound to have an unforgettable safari experience.

Recommended family activities in Tanzania

Family game drives
  • Game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are pretty special. If you stay at a property that supplies a private vehicle for your family, you’ll be able to explore well away from the crowds. These areas also offer cultural activities with appeal to all ages. Adults can enjoy interacting with work-age and elderly members of a community, while kids can meet the local children.
Family activities in the Serengeti
  • The Serengeti really excels when it comes to safari activities for youngsters – tracking, making bows-and-arrows, and going on walks around camp with staff, are just a few examples of what kids can get up to here. There’s always something to look at close to camp, from birds to smaller mammals, and the staff is great at entertaining children.
Family activities in the Selous
  • In the Selous, there is fishing and canoeing, at least for older children. Walking has a minimum age requirement of 15 years, so this activity is available for mid-to-late teenagers. Walks provide thrilling opportunities to experience the bush, offering a different perspective from game drives.
Family activities in Zanzibar
  • Zanzibar offers plenty of things to do too, such as playing on the beach, trying a few watersports, and taking trips to spice farms, Jozani Forest, and tortoise-tastic Prison Island!
Family flying safaris.
  • Flying safaris also open up several of northern Tanzania’s most expensive properties: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Serengeti Under Canvas, and Mnemba Island Lodge all have family units.