Family Safari in Tanzania
A family safari in Tanzania is an adventure that children remember for life, and a private vehicle makes it relaxed for parents too. You set the pace, take breaks when the youngest need one and see the animals together, with a guide who knows how to keep children engaged.
A family safari in Tanzania is an adventure that children remember for life, and a private vehicle makes it relaxed for parents too. You set the pace, take breaks when the youngest need one and see the animals together, with a guide who knows how to keep children engaged.
Our Tanzania family safari packages start from USD 2,330 per person and are planned around child-friendly lodges, shorter driving days and plenty of variety.
What age is right for a safari?
There is no single answer. Many families go with children from about five or six, when they can sit through a game drive and remember the experience. Some lodges welcome babies and toddlers, while others set minimum ages of six or twelve years for safety, especially in unfenced camps. Tell us the ages of your children and we will choose lodges that suit them.
Malaria is the main health issue to plan for. Speak to a travel doctor early about malaria prevention, which is different for young children, and see our health guide for the basics.
Planning the day for children
The best game drives are in the early morning and late afternoon. In the middle of the day the animals rest, and so can your family. A lodge with a pool, a quiet room and a flexible lunch time is far more valuable than an extra game drive. Our family itineraries keep driving days short, avoid back-to-back transfers and add experiences children enjoy.
- Tarangire for elephants, baobabs and short drives from Arusha
- Lake Manyara for monkeys, flamingos and tree-climbing lions
- The Ngorongoro Crater for lions, rhinos and hippos in one day
- A visit to a local village or a coffee farm to meet people
- Beach time on Zanzibar to finish the holiday
Which parks are best with kids
Tarangire and Lake Manyara are the easiest starting points: short transfers, lots of animals and a compact setting. The Ngorongoro Crater is a highlight at any age because the animals are close and easy to see. The Serengeti is bigger and has longer drives, so it is best for children old enough to enjoy a full day in the vehicle. A fly-in saves a long day on the road.
Tips for a smooth family safari
Bring a small binocular for each child, a notebook for their sightings, snacks and a hat and sunscreen. Choose neutral colours for clothes, avoid dark blue and black near tsetse flies in some areas and keep a light jacket for cool mornings. Our packing list explains what to bring for every month.
A sample 7 day family itinerary
Days 1 and 2: Tarangire
An easy start with elephants and baobab trees, a short drive from Arusha, and a family room in a lodge with a pool.
Day 3: Lake Manyara and a village
A short morning game drive, then a walk through the banana plantations of Mto wa Mbu and a cooking or craft activity for the children.
Days 4 and 5: Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti
A full day in the crater, where animals are close, and a flight or a long drive to the Serengeti for a night or two.
Days 6 and 7: Rest and return
A relaxed last day with a late start and time in the pool, and the drive or flight back to Arusha.
Keeping children engaged
A bingo sheet of animals to find, a notebook and a small binocular transform a game drive for a child. Our guides make time to teach children about tracks, bird calls and the way animals live, and they are patient with questions. Games on the drive, a swim after lunch and early bedtimes help everyone enjoy the trip.
Health and safety for children
Speak to a travel doctor well before the trip about malaria prevention for your children, as the recommended drugs depend on age and weight. Use insect repellent in the evening, cover arms and legs at dusk and sleep under a net where provided. Children should stay in the vehicle at all times except at designated places, and your guide will explain the rules before the first game drive.
Family safari packages
- 6 Day Family Tour Tanzania 2026–2027 (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,330 per person) A 6 Day family safari with a relaxed pace: Arusha, Lake Manyara, three Serengeti days, and Ngorongoro Crater, USD 2330 per person.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tanzania safe for families?
Yes. Safari in Tanzania is safe when you follow your guide's instructions. The main precautions are malaria prevention, sun protection and staying in the vehicle during game drives. See our Tanzania safety guide.
Do children get discounts?
Many lodges offer reduced rates for children sharing a room with parents, and park fees are lower for children. The discounts depend on age and the property, and we show them in your quote.
Can we do a family safari with a baby?
It is possible with the right lodges, but long drives and malaria prevention make safaris harder with babies. We usually recommend waiting until children are at least five years old.
How many days do you recommend for families?
Five to seven days is a good balance: enough time to see the main parks without long driving days. Add three or four days on Zanzibar if you want a beach finish.
Can we bring a car seat or a booster?
Safari vehicles do not have child seats fitted. Bring a small portable booster if you need one, and tell us in advance so we can plan seating.
Are there lodges with family rooms?
Yes. Many lodges in Tarangire, Karatu and the Serengeti have family rooms, adjoining rooms or family tents.