A family safari is one of the best holidays you can share with your children. Watching their faces as they see their first elephant or lion is unforgettable. With the right planning, Tanzania is a safe, exciting and rewarding destination for families.
What age is right for a safari?
There is no strict minimum age for a private safari, but most families find that children aged six and over get the most out of it. Some lodges have minimum ages for activities such as walking safaris (often 12 or 16) or may not accept very young children. We choose lodges that welcome families.
Best parks for families
- Tarangire — only two hours from Arusha, with huge elephant herds
- Lake Manyara — compact, with baboons, monkeys and flamingos
- Ngorongoro Crater — lots of animals in a small area, perfect for short attention spans
- Serengeti — for older children who enjoy longer game drives
Why a private safari works best
With your own vehicle and guide, you control the pace. Stop for snacks and toilet breaks, return to the lodge for a swim at midday and keep game drives short when energy runs low.
Keeping kids engaged
- Give each child binoculars and a wildlife checklist
- Ask your guide to teach animal tracks and bird calls
- Visit a Maasai village or a coffee farm
- Choose lodges with pools and junior ranger programmes
Health and safety
- Talk to your doctor about malaria prevention suitable for children
- Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats and insect repellent
- Bring snacks and drinks from home that your children like
- Choose lodges with fenced areas or that offer family tents
Combine with the beach
Many families finish their trip with a few days in Zanzibar, where calm beaches and swimming pools let everyone relax.
A sample family safari
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha and relax at a lodge with gardens and a pool.
- Day 2: Tarangire — elephants and baobabs.
- Day 3: Lake Manyara and a Maasai village visit.
- Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater game drive.
- Day 5: Coffee farm tour and return to Arusha.
Add the Serengeti for older children, or Zanzibar for beach time.
Choosing family-friendly lodges
Look for:
- Family rooms or interconnecting tents
- Swimming pools and safe outdoor spaces
- Flexible meal times and children's menus
- Activities such as guided nature walks, bush skills or arts and crafts
Budgeting for a family safari
Many lodges offer discounts for children sharing with parents, and park fees for children are lower than for adults. A private vehicle shared between a family of four or five is excellent value per person.
Frequently asked questions
Is malaria a concern for children?
Malaria is present in many safari areas. Speak to your doctor about suitable prevention for each child, use repellent and make sure everyone sleeps under nets.
How long should a family safari be?
Four to six days is ideal for a first family safari, with plenty of breaks. Avoid very long driving days.
Can teenagers do walking safaris?
Yes, in many areas teenagers can join walking safaris with an armed ranger. Age limits vary by location, typically from 12 or 16.
Family safaris we recommend
- 5 Days Family Safari in Tanzania
- 4 Days Private Safari: Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
- 7 Days Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
See all family and private safaris.
Utmost Tanzania Tours
Utmost Tanzania Tours is an Arusha-based tour operator specialising in tailor-made wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar beach holidays and cultural tours.
