Safaris with the family are fantastic in Tanzania! We do not advise bringing children under 1 year old on trips here because the nation is located within the malaria-prone region of Africa. Children who enjoy wildlife and are at least 3 years old should go there.
Tanzania is hard to beat for animal density alone! Here, game drives are jam-packed with action, like in the regions that make up the nation's renowned Northern Circuit. These regions rank among the most affordable safari vacation spots in Africa. Additionally, as the cost of renting a car is divided among the family, the trip becomes more cost-effective the larger your group is. As exciting as it sounds, you can combine your safari with a beach vacation on Zanzibar or the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania.
Many properties in both the north and south of the nation are well suited for families. They have family rooms and connecting rooms, for instance. Some also feature larger communal spaces and swimming pools. Additionally, a few businesses provide families with private activities, allowing you to plan your vacation however you like.
Family game drives
Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater game drives are particularly memorable. You'll be able to explore far from the crowds if you book a hotel that provides a private vehicle for your family. Additionally, these places provide enjoyable cultural activities for people of all ages. While kids can meet the neighborhood kids, adults can enjoy interacting with community members who are of working age and the elderly.
Family activities in the Serengeti
When it comes to kid-friendly safari activities, the Serengeti really shines. Just a few examples include tracking, making bows and arrows, and going for staff-led camp walks. Birds and smaller mammals can always be seen nearby the camp, and the staff is excellent at keeping kids entertained.
Family activities in the Selous
In the Selous, there’s 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
There are lots of activities available in Zanzibar as well, such as playing on the beach, participating in some water sports, and visiting spice farms, Jozani Forest, and tortoise-favorite Prison Island.
Family flying safaris
The most expensive accommodations in northern Tanzania are also accessible via flying safaris; these include the family-friendly Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Serengeti Under Canvas, and Mnemba Island Lodge. Learn more about the benefits of choosing comfort and style while taking a breathtaking flying family safari tour of Tanzania.
The dry seasons, when game is easier to spot, are between July and October and from December to February in Tanzania. Consider May, November, and early December to avoid the crowds, though you should prepare for some rain. It is best to visit western or southern Tanzania from May through early October because the rest of the year can be very hot. Tanzania experiences prolonged rains in April and May, so plan accordingly for impassable roads and muddy, bumpy conditions. Camps in western and southern Tanzania are also closed during these months.
If you want to see the migration, go to the Serengeti in January through early March, in June or July, or in late October through mid-December (we'll recommend the best camp site based on your travel month). Keep in mind that global weather patterns are altering, which has an impact on how animals move around.
