Best Family Safari Tips: Traveling to Tanzania with Kids

Planning a family safari in Tanzania? Discover expert tips for traveling with kids — including family-friendly parks, safety advice, and how to make it fun for every age.

Tanzania: A Photographer’s Safari Paradise

A Safari Adventure Your Family Will Never Forget

Taking your kids on safari in Tanzania is one of the most memorable gifts you can give them. From spotting elephants to watching lions nap in the sun, every game drive becomes a real-life wildlife documentary.

But traveling with children also comes with unique needs. With the right planning and mindset, your family safari can be safe, exciting, and fun for everyone — toddlers to teens.

1. Choose Family-Friendly Parks and Lodges

Not all parks and lodges are equally suited for kids. Look for areas that have shorter drives, plenty of wildlife, and child-friendly facilities.

Top parks for families:

  • Lake Manyara National Park – short drives, tree-climbing lions, flamingos
  • Tarangire National Park – elephants, baobabs, and picnic sites
  • Ngorongoro Crater – a natural zoo with a chance to spot all Big Five in one day
  • Northern Serengeti (for older kids) – Great Migration and adventure

Look for lodges that offer:

  • Family tents or connected rooms
  • Swimming pools or play areas
  • Flexible meal times and kid-friendly menus
  • Short, engaging activities (like nature walks or cultural visits)

2. Pack Smart for the Whole Family

When traveling with kids, comfort and preparation are key.

Must-haves include:

  • Sun hats and sunglasses
  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Snacks (especially for picky eaters)
  • Favorite toys or books for downtime
  • Motion sickness tablets if your child gets carsick

Pro tip: Keep a small day bag in the safari vehicle with essentials like wipes, tissues, and a camera.

3. Keep Game Drives Short and Engaging

Long hours in a vehicle can test any child’s patience. Instead of trying to see everything in one day, plan for shorter game drives with breaks.

Tips to keep kids engaged:

  • Make wildlife checklists or bingo cards
  • Let them use binoculars or a simple camera
  • Ask your guide to share animal facts or local stories
  • Involve them in spotting tracks, dung, and birds
A six year old boy with binoculars in a safari vehicle

4. Add Cultural and Educational Experiences

Tanzania isn’t just about animals — it’s rich in culture and history too. Kids love hands-on experiences that teach them about different ways of life.

Great family-friendly add-ons:

  • Visit a Maasai village to learn traditional dances and crafts
  • Explore the colorful market in Mto wa Mbu
  • Try a Swahili cooking class or drum lesson
  • Stop at a local school or conservation center for a child-led exchange

These moments can be fun, eye-opening, and meaningful for the entire family.

5. Travel During Family-Friendly Seasons

The dry season (June–October) is ideal for families:

  • Wildlife is easier to spot
  • Fewer mosquitoes
  • Comfortable temperatures and clear skies

The green season (January–March) is great for:

  • Calving in the Serengeti
  • Fewer crowds and better rates
  • Excellent birdwatching

Avoid long game drives in extreme heat — talk to your operator about the best routes for your children’s age.

Benson Safaris | Impala ewes and young rams drinking water

6. Prioritize Safety and Health

Tanzania is a safe safari destination, but you should take basic precautions for a smooth family trip.

Family safety checklist:

  • Check vaccine and malaria medication requirements with your doctor
  • Use hand sanitizer regularly
  • Keep kids close during camp walks and briefings
  • Never leave food out in tented camps (it attracts wildlife!)
  • Book with operators experienced in hosting families

Lodges usually have mosquito nets, child-friendly food, and staff trained in first aid.

7. Keep the Pace Relaxed

Don’t try to pack too much in — safaris can be stimulating and tiring. Leave time for:

  • Afternoon naps or pool time
  • Evenings by the campfire
  • Quiet moments to reflect and bond as a family

A well-paced itinerary leads to better moods, better photos, and better memories!

Final Thoughts: Safari Through a Child’s Eyes

Watching your child’s eyes light up at their first lion sighting or hearing their laughter on a bumpy game drive is pure magic. A family safari in Tanzania isn’t just a holiday — it’s a shared adventure full of learning, wonder, and unforgettable moments.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ready to plan a kid-friendly safari? We’ll help you choose the best lodges, activities, and routes to create a seamless and safe journey for your whole family.

Send Us A Message