Find all Tanzania family friendly safaris. Travel with your children and the rest of the family members including the grand parents.
Popular Family Safaris in Tanzania
Top Safari Destinations for Families in Tanzania
Now that you know why a family safari in Tanzania is such a rewarding and unforgettable experience, let’s take a closer look at some of the best destinations and activities for families in this magnificent country:
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti, Tanzania’s most famous national park, is known for its vast plains, exceptional wildlife, and the annual migration of wildebeest. Opting for a family safari in the Serengeti will give you the chance to witness one of nature’s most incredible events as well as encounter the Big Five and numerous other species in their natural habitat.
The best time to visit with your children is during peak wildebeest migration season which typically occurs from December to March in southern Serengeti and from July to October in northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Witnessing millions of these animals galloping across the open fields is bound to mesmerize both young and older minds alike.
For a comfortable stay that caters specifically to families, lodges like Four Seasons Safari Lodge or Serengeti Bushtops Camp offer spacious suites, infinity pools, stargazing safaris and bush dinners.
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is regarded as one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on earth according it its classification by UNESCO World Heritage Site. In prehistoric times an enormous volcano collapsed forming what we see today. The crater floor now serves as home for many varieties of wildlife including all representatives of Africa’s Big Five (Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo,Lion,and Leopard). If looking down into this lush paradise doesn’t cut it then perhaps taking your kids on guided walks or cultural visits through nearby Maasai villages will.
If you’re thinking about booking accommodation here Ngorongoro Crater Lodge or Plantation Lodge would be perfect options offering spacious cottages, beautiful gardens, and special activities like Maasai village visits and coffee tours.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem located in northern Tanzania known for its large herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and stunning river views. This park’s intimate vibe with less crowding than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro make it a great option for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of tourism. With more personal space on the land comes better quality time spent with your loved ones.
One of the best times to visit Tarangire with kids is during the dry season from July to October when many wildlife species migrate towards the Tarangire River seeking relief from heat. Another plus about this park is that it not only homes multiple bird species but multiple colorful ones at that.
For family-friendly stays in Tarangire, you can look into lodges such as Tarangire Treetops or Oliver’s Camp that offer spacious tree-house style rooms or family tents alongside guided walks and night drives for nighttime fun.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a beautiful island located just outside the Tanzanian coast. The Island is famous for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue ocean waters. As well as this, it has an exceptionally rich cultural heritage.
Although not traditionally thought of as a safari destination, Zanzibar is a perfect location for families to relax and unwind after a busy safari itinerary.
Once on Zanzibar, there are endless family activities to do. You can go swimming or snorkeling in the warm Indian Ocean or explore the alleys and spice markets in historic Stone Town. The island also boasts many natural reserves and conservation projects such as the Jozani Forest which is home to rare red colobus monkeys and the Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Project where you can learn about sea turtle conservation efforts.
When staying in Zanzibar consider going to resorts like Zuri Zanizbar or Matemwe Lodge as both offer spacious family villas, beautiful pools and special activities like dhow cruises, spice tours, and cooking classes.
Mahale Mountains National Park
The Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most remote wilderness areas in Tanzania’s west. It has been left completely untouched by modern life so it’s not surprising that it has been described as being truly unique.
It is known for its stunning lakeside setting, lush rainforests, and naturally habituated chimpanzee populations. A family safari in Mahale provides an immersive experience free from all distractions where you can get up close with wildlife.
One of the main activities in Mahale is chimpanzee trekking where you hike through dense forests alongside expert guides who provide interesting facts about these primates. There are around 900 chimpanzees living within several social groups here meaning sightings are almost guaranteed throughout July to October which is dry season.
Lake Tanganyika- which Mahale sits on – also offers kayak-fishing opportunities since it is the longest freshwater lake in the world. In addition to this, there are also nature walks that are guided, and cultural visits which take you to nearby fishing villages.
For a family-friendly stay in Mahale, go to lodges like Greystoke Mahale or Mbali Mbali Mahale as they offer beautiful beachfront bandas, delicious cuisine and activities such as sundowner cruises and star-bed experiences.
