Tanzania's best family holidays
Family safari holidays
Tanzania safari lodges seldom include kids’ clubs, but the amazing wildlife and environment, combined with safari activities designed for children, will make a handful of safari camps and beach lodges stand out for families. Any child that’s in nature is in for a fascinating and fulfilling holiday.The kind of safari depends on the age and temperament of your youngest child. Children who are older and can consistently be sensible and follow instructions when asked will have more options than younger children who take direction less well. And whatever type of safari you take, remember that great guiding is the key to your child’s enjoyment of the safari.
For families with children under about 8 years old…
a great ‘first safari’ would be a privately-guided trip around Northern Tanzania. Unlike many areas of Africa that we feature, the great spectacles of Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater have a number of substantial lodges in their vicinity. These have the space and facilities of modern hotels and we can weave these together into a seamless family holiday.You’ll be driven around by a wildlife expert in your own private 4WD. S/he’ll be experienced in taking children on safari and will bring nature to life. You’ll set your daily schedule to suit you and drive together through the towns and rural areas as well as the national parks – stopping where you wish and getting a feel for the country and its people as well as the wildlife.
Families with children over about 8 years old…
have more choice. Privately-guided trips around Northern Tanzania can also include some small, tented camps rather than being restricted to large, solid lodges. These will be more open, and so will often have big game wandering through them, but older, more sensible children who follow instructions well will be able to stay here, closely monitored by their parents and staff.An additional possibility for families with these older children is a camp-to-camp fly-in safari in Southern Tanzania. In Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park you’ll find a range of smaller, more personal camps. You’ll fly between these, hopping between different environments and camps. These are often luxury tented camps that give a more 'open-air' feel – closer to nature. They’re akin to ‘very smart camping’ where everything is done for you: think ‘glamping with activities’! Older children will love the open-topped vehicles, the boat trips, the interactions with the Tanzanians in camp and sitting around campfire in the evenings.
Even at these camps, do ask us about having a private vehicle for just your family. Many camps will make this compulsory if you’re travelling with younger children, but even where it’s not compulsory, it’s often worth the extra cost even if your children are older.
For families with toddlers or very young children…
We don't usually recommend a Tanzania safari, because of the childrens’ safety with so much wildlife around, and because they probably wouldn’t enjoy it!We’d suggest that families with very young children first consider a family holiday to the Cape of South Africa, which is a great option for families with young children and can include some really superb safaris.
Family beach holidays
Because Tanzania's coast is seldom very far from its game reserves, you can easily combine a Tanzania safari with a short family beach holiday without long internal flights!Beach holidays also tend to be less costly, per day, than safaris – as they don’t include the guided activities which are the key part of the safari experience.
There are a handful of great beach options for families on Tanzania’s coast and Mafia Island, as well as so many choices on Zanzibar that the island warrants its own section of this website: see our separate page of Zanzibar family beach holidays.
Below are examples of good family holidays; look through these then contact us to plan a great holiday to suit your family:
Best camps & lodges for Family holidays in Tanzania
Kiba Point
Kiba Point is an exclusive-use camp for up to eight guests on family safari holidays in Tanzania with children 8+. In a design of simple elegance, it provides excellent food and service - with its own drivers, vehicles and chefs. Note that it has steep drops and high game risks!
Hatari Lodge
Easily accessible and home to little dangerous game, Arusha is a good destination for family safari holidays in Tanzania with children of all ages. Walking and canoeing here add variation to a family safari. The 60s-themed Hatari happily arranges special meals for children.
Impala Camp
At night when you mustn’t walk unaccompanied on the ground, Impala’s family tents allow passing between two tents as they’re set on one platform. Come with up to three children (all ages) for boat trips and flexible durations of drives on your Tanzania family safari.
Lake Manze Camp
Lake Manze Camp makes for affordable Tanzania family safari holidays with sensible children, best aged 10+, in an informal atmosphere. With no electricity and a rustic design, it gives a strong sense of wilderness. Triple rooms and early dining can be arranged.
Chole Mjini
The quirky originality of Chole Mjini feels quiet but social, and it's perfect for Tanzania family beach holidays with older children. Most kids love its six wooden tree-houses, the ruins to explore and activities like dhow trips and snorkelling in Chole Bay.
Four Seasons Serengeti
Next to a waterhole, the Four Seasons Serengeti is a large, international-style hotel that makes for safe, luxurious family safari holiday in Tanzania. This is one of the few lodges with special children’s activities, coordinated by an enthusiastic guide.
Thanda Island
Any large family looking to splash out on a private island experience for a family holiday in Tanzania should seriously consider booking a trip to Thanda Island. All of the rooms are inter-connecting and there is a huge array of activities available.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a wonderful option for families. There are no age restrictions. Guests have the opportunity to visit the children's home associated with the lodge. It's a great opportunity for children to become involved with the local community.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is the perfect solution to a family safari in Tanzania. There is superb wildlife in the area and, with its memorable views and two swimming pools, this fully serviced private house caters well for both adults and children.
Lupita Island Lodge
Lupita Island is an excellent choice for a family holiday, especially a multi-generational or large group. With an array of activities on the island and in the lake, and great family accommodation - is a brilliant alternative to Zanzibar.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
There are no age restrictions at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge which makes this larger international style property a good choice for families travelling with children. There is a swimming pool for children to enjoy in between game drives.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse is a good-value base without age restrictions for Tanzania family holidays - and as it’s a working farm its quite fun! There are extensive lawns, plenty of animals, a pool, highchairs and games like volleyball!
Mwagusi Safari Camp
Overlooking a seasonal river in Ruaha, Mwagusi is a quirky, owner-run camp. Come for 4WD drives and brilliant service on your family safari holidays in Tanzania! We recommend it for families with mature children aged 10+.
Forest Chem Chem
For larger families looking for a luxurious and exclusive safari camp then Forest Chem Chem could be a fantastic choice. All the activities are planned around you by the experienced guides, and they offer lots of flexibility.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala have a children's programme 'Lemala Cubs'. This is aimed at under 12's and includes fun activities around camp with a focus of entertaining and educating younger visitors about local wildlife and the African bush.
Gibbs Farm
At Gibb’s Farm, children of all ages can learn about farming, help with cows and pigs, go on guided walks, mountain biking or play in the garden during Tanzania family holidays. Cots and highchairs are provided.
Jabali Private House
With a prime location in Ruaha National Park, Jabali Private House would be a perfect choice for a family seeking a private and exclusive experience, in luxurious surroundings, for a family safari in Tanzania.
Ikuka Safari Camp
Children over 7 years are warmly welcomed at Ikuka. The camp has recently constructed a family banda which can sleep up to five, and there is a communal swimming pool to enjoy in between game drives.
Beho Beho Bailey's Banda
Beho Beho Bailey’s Banda is great for families with older children (12+) who want to have a first class safari experience exclusively to themselves.
Ngorongoro Serena
Ngorongoro Serena is a good-value base, and larger international style property for families travelling with children over the age of 5 years.
Family holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Family holidays in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Tanzania
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,130 sightings from 3,868 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,008 sightings from 4,295 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,075 sightings from 3,287 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
908 sightings from 2,868 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,236 sightings from 4,089 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
68% SUCCESS
2,566 sightings from 3,801 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,649 sightings from 3,200 observations
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
100% SUCCESS
28 sightings from 28 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,496 sightings from 3,071 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,760 sightings from 4,141 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,374 sightings from 1,976 observations
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
75% SUCCESS
89 sightings from 118 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,622 sightings from 4,218 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,749 sightings from 3,077 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
497 sightings from 2,114 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
479 sightings from 2,115 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
65 sightings from 347 observations
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
14% SUCCESS
126 sightings from 916 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
3,960 sightings from 4,713 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
73 sightings from 3,435 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
57 sightings from 3,448 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
637 sightings from 2,110 observations
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