Does the idea of taking a trip to Africa with kids seem daunting and out of reach? Think again! It just takes some well-worth planning to create a memory-filled adventure of a lifetime you all will truly enjoy.
East Africa has a special place in my heart. I’ve even been able to call it home for a few years. Before having kids, my husband, who originates from Tanzania, introduced me to his beautiful country and we were able to experience the magic of Tanzania safaris at game reserves such as Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Once we had kids, it was our dream to be able to share their heritage with them and take a Tanzania trip of a lifetime. We decided to take them on their first visit when they were 5 and 8 years old. They fell in love with the country, just as I did years before, and to them Tanzania was pure magic!
We experienced the reality of The Lion King during our visits to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. There is something so special about seeing the animal kingdom in all its glory on a Tanzania safari, being welcomed by the warmth of the people, immersing yourself in the culture, and being mesmerized by the beauty of the African savannah and pristine beaches of Zanzibar.
After experiencing this trip as a family, it was on our hearts to explore the possibility of moving to Tanzania. This became a reality when I was able to get a job teaching at an international school in the town of Arusha.
While living there for 2 years, we were very fortunate to welcome friends and family from the United States and experience Tanzania safaris to Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. While our kids became quite accustomed to seeing zebras, giraffes, and lions in their natural habitats, going on safari, especially with friends, never got old.
After moving back to the US in 2018, we deeply missed the family, friends, and beautiful country we left behind and couldn’t wait to go back. Meeting family friends who also shared a love of travel, inspired us to plan our next Tanzania trip in June 2021 to show them all the places we fell in love with! So their family of 6, our family of 4, and another family of 4 were able to experience the country’s magic together.
We wouldn’t have been able to make this experience as magical without the help of Northland Tanzania Safaris. Their attention to detail while handling our large group, ability to engage our kids, and compassionate service was top notch! They truly went above and beyond. We have been on many Tanzania safaris and this by far was our most favorite because of Northland Tanzania Safari’s exceptional service.
For those of you thinking of planning a Tanzania safari with kids, I’m sharing our details to hopefully help you plan your next family adventure.
When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?
The best time for a Tanzania safari is from late June to October, which are the best wildlife viewing months. It is during this time frame that you can witness the Great Migration. This is also the dry season so you’ll be able to see many animals near the watering holes.
We typically take a Tanzania safari during June, July, or August because of our summer vacation. During this time of year, you’ll also experience milder weather. The early morning and evening game rides can be a bit chilly.
Really the only times to avoid traveling on a Tanzania safari are during the rainy season months of March, April, and May. However, we did go once in April and we did not experience disruption to our trip because of the rain. Also, prices were lower because it is the off season.
How long should you plan for a Tanzania trip?
There is a lot to see and do in Tanzania! I recommend setting aside at least 2 weeks so you can explore the national parks at a comfortable pace and end your trip relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar. You also have to consider the travel time to get there. If you are coming from the US, plan for a day of travel on each end of your trip.
When traveling with kids, you also want to be able to enjoy the lodges and spread out the game drives so they don’t lose their magic. I recommend spending a few nights in each spot so you can truly appreciate your time there. You also will not regret ending your Tanzania trip with a beach vacation to the island of Zanzibar.
Packing for a Tanzania Safari with Kids
You will be spending quite a bit of time in the safari vehicles while you are exploring the parks and watching wildlife. Our kids enjoyed checking off the animals we found on safari in a Tanzania safari guide book. Binoculars are also great to have so the kids are able to stay engaged and be on the lookout for animals.
Additionally, when our kids were younger we gave them each an old iphone so they could use it to take their own pictures. A kids digital camera would also work. Our now teen kids enjoyed using their phones with an extra lens we purchased and a GoPro camera to get some cool action photos and underwater shots in Zanzibar.
Make sure you dress in layers and plan to pack a jacket and a few sweatshirts for the early morning and evening drives when the temperatures cool off. The Ngorongoro crater area is particularly cool and windy, so you’ll want to make sure to pack a light jacket and a sweatshirt to stay warm.
Sweatshirts are also not common items for sale in the shops, so packing one is recommended. Most lodges there have fireplaces to help you stay warm and lots of extra blankets.
A hat to protect your face from the sun is also good to have along with sunscreen and insect repellant with DEET. Avoid wearing blue and black on safari because it is known to attract the tsetse flies. It is best to wear neutral colors. It can be quite dusty so fabrics that clean easily are also recommended.
It is also a good idea to pack a first aid kit that includes basic medications such as ibuprofen, tylenol, allergy medications, antidiarrheal medicine, and rehydration pills. Additionally, we always each carry a travel roll of toilet paper and sanitizer just in case!
Tips on Traveling in Tanzania with Kids
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US citizens (kids included) are required to purchase a visa for $100 to enter Tanzania. This can be applied for and purchased online at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/.
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Yellow fever vaccinations are required to enter Tanzania. The Yellow Fever vaccine is good for a lifetime! You will need to present your vaccination card when entering Tanzania.
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It is important to stay hydrated on your trip, but you are not able to drink the tap water in Tanzania. Northland Tanzania Safaris provided us with personalized water bottles and they kept them filled with bottled water throughout our trip!
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You will experience “entrepreneurs” trying to sell you items when making stops on your trip or walking along the streets. Just be polite and say no thank you. Bargaining is expected when shopping at the markets or on the streets.
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It is a very humbling, enlightening experience to visit a Maasai Boma. Your safari guide will be able to take you to visit a Maasai tribe for a donation. They will warmly welcome you with their traditional songs and dances and will give you a tour of their homes while explaining some aspects of their culture. At the end of the tour, they will have items available for purchase. You are not obligated to buy anything, but make sure you negotiate with them if you are going to purchase something. They usually start their prices very high!
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Tanzania is a developing country. Adjust your expectations and prepare your kids too. You will be staying in the wild so you may see insects and geckos in your rooms. Also, you may end up having to use a hole in the ground toilet. The toilet paper you pack will come in handy in these situations!
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You will eat well at the lodges! Make sure to try some of the traditional foods such as chapati, ugali, and pilau. Tanzanian food has a strong Indian influence so you will find delicious curry dishes on the menus too. There will be options for kids too with pasta, rice, and chicken. You can even order pizza at many of the tourist restaurants. You should also definitely try the fresh seafood in Zanzibar. The night market in Stonetown is a fun experience to try local street food. As long as the food is hot, it should be safe to eat.
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The kids will enjoy hanging out on the beach in Zanzibar while watching the kitesurfers, jumping in the waves of the turquoise blue Indian ocean, spotting sea creatures during low tide, and just relaxing by the pool.
Pack your adventourous spirit and extra patience when traveling in Tanzania as things tend to move at a slower pace. Relax and adopt the “Hakuna Matata” attitude and all will be well!
If you would like our help in planning your unforgettable adventure, click below to provide us a bit of information and out team will reach you right away!