Our Guide to a Family Trip in Tanzania
Published on: April 16th, 2024
Tanzania is one of our all-around favourite safari destinations – but it’s an especially phenomenal choice for families. There’s so much to see here, from the Great Migration and wildlife-rich national parks to chimps in the Mahale Mountains and the beaches of Zanzibar. Young children, teenagers and adults will be equally enthralled by the jaw-dropping landscapes, abundant animals and fascinating culture of this East African nation.
Another perk of taking a family trip to Tanzania is that the country has a well-established tourism industry with family-friendly lodges, experienced guides and a wide array of activities. We can design an itinerary according to your specific needs and interests, customising every detail to make it an unforgettable experience for every member of your family.
Where to go in Tanzania with your family
Serengeti National Park
This is an obligatory stop on any trip to Tanzania with kids. It’s hard to imagine a more quintessential safari destination than Serengeti National Park, where you’ll spot giraffes, elephants, lions and many other animals. This is also where most of the annual Great Migration takes place, featuring hundreds of thousands of migrating wildebeest and zebras.
Singita Grumeti
For a more exclusive family safari in Tanzania, Singita Grumeti is at the top of our list. Located right next to the Serengeti, this is the country’s largest private reserve. It’s only open to guests of the handful of lodges within it, which means you’ll have vast swathes of wilderness nearly all to yourself. These excellent lodges offer flexible family accommodation and kid-friendly activities.
Chem Chem Concession
Located in a wildlife corridor between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park, Chem Chem boasts exceptionally diverse landscapes; think glassy lakes, dense forests and wide-open plains. The area itself is small and privately owned, with three different properties that welcome a small number of guests at a time – each with one suite specifically designed for families.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is among Tanzania’s most impressive natural wonders. It’s also the largest intact volcanic caldera on earth, measuring almost 20 kilometres across and surrounded by 600-metre walls. Within it you’ll find plenty of animals – including the big five – and the panoramic views from the crater rim will captivate everyone in your family.
Zanzibar
For something a bit different to the classic safari itinerary, consider a family getaway in Zanzibar. This idyllic tropical island is an ideal place to wind down and relax after an adventure on the mainland. The little ones will love playing in the sugar-white sand and snorkelling in the shallows; teens and adults can try kitesurfing, explore Stone Town or simply relax in the sun.
The best family activities in Tanzania
Safari adventures
To plan the best family safari in Tanzania, it’s important to consider all the safari and wildlife activities available – some of which are age-dependent. Game drives may not be ideal for younger kids, as they tend to be long and require both patience and quiet. That said, special game drives can be arranged for families, and there are plenty of other activities for little ones.
Many camps have specific programmes to entertain younger children while older kids and adults are out on safari. Keep in mind that hot air balloon excursions generally accept kids aged 8 and up, while walking safaris and fly camping have a minimum age of 16.
Beaches and islands
Family holidays in Tanzania can be about more than just safaris. To start with, there are the postcard-worthy beaches of Zanzibar, where kids of all ages can enjoy sun, sand and sea. For an even more exciting escape, head to Mnemba Island Lodge on a real-life desert island.
These places offer plenty of land- and water-based activities to keep every family member entertained. Try paddleboarding, kitesurfing, kayaking or snorkelling; step aboard a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise; or take an intertidal walk to see undersea secrets revealed.
Cultural and educational experiences
As if there weren’t already enough reasons to visit Tanzania, this country is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups including the Maasai, Hadza, Datoga and dozens more. Many of the local safari guides you’ll meet are Maasai, which means they can provide insight into not only the natural environment and wildlife, but also important cultural context.
Lots of lodges offer the opportunity for families to experience Tanzania’s culture, to learn about Indigenous languages and customs. Other educational experiences for kids might include arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and cooking lessons.
Tips for travelling to tanzania with different types of families
Tanzania with children under 5 years old
If you’re travelling with kids under the age of 5, it’s especially important to choose destinations and lodges that are designed with families in mind. In this case our travel designers suggest visiting private concessions and possibly even private camps, where the experience can be totally customised.
Private game drives can be tailored to accommodate younger travellers, and some places even have childminding services to give parents the chance to go out exploring. We also highly recommend lodges with swimming pools to keep kids entertained back at camp.
Tanzania with teenagers
Visiting Tanzania with teenagers doesn’t require quite as much consideration, since many of the same activities will be appropriate for both parents and older children. That said, we suggest opting for a varied itinerary to help keep teens engaged throughout the trip.
Guided walks can be a great option, ranging anywhere from two to four hours. The Mahale Mountains are also an especially fun destination to visit with older kids who want to try and view chimpanzee families in their natural habitat; keep in mind that only those 12 and older can go on chimpanzee treks.
Tanzania with multi-generational families
If you’re hoping for the ultimate Tanzania family expedition involving multiple generations, it’s best to choose lodges that are set up for larger groups. A sole-use camp or lodge can be the perfect place to bring together family members, and perks like private vehicles for game drives ensure that there’s room for everyone.
What are the best places to stay for families in Tanzania?
There are so many incredible places to stay in Tanzania, including classic safari lodges and cosy mobile camps. If you’re travelling with just a few family members, intimate lodges like Little Chem Chem, Singita Sasakwa and Gibb’s Farm are ideal. To get as close to nature as possible, check out family-friendly mobile camps like Serian’s Serengeti Lamai and Nyasi. Wilderness Usawa Camp is particularly good for teenagers, as it offers fantastic walking safaris.
If you’re travelling with a larger group, want more privacy or prefer a totally personalised stay, there are plenty of sole-use properties to choose from. Our travel designers highlight Nomad Mkombe’s House Lamai in the Serengeti, with space for up to four adults and six children. At the Ngorongoro Crater, Entamanu Private Camp can easily accommodate multi-generational groups in four separate cottages.
For a truly relaxing stay, book the four-bedroom Lemala Hamerkop House in the Arusha region. And if you decide to add on a few days in Zanzibar, we love White Sand’s luxurious villas and long list of activities. The larger Zuri Zanzibar is also great for all ages, boasting a pristine private beach that’s accessible all day (regardless of the tides).
