If you have kids, you have surely looked at some picture books with African animals at some point. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see these animals in their natural habitat? Not only your little ones are dreaming about that, but probably also you, right? 😉 However, going to Tanzania on a safari with your kids might cause you some worries, and let us tell you: you are not alone! After all, you’ll be in a country far far away with wild animals roaming around close by, wherever you are.
So it’s no surprise that we often get asked: “Is it even possible to go on a safari in Tanzania with kids?” We can tell you: yes, it is! And it’s much easier than you might think. In this article,we share some insights, tips, and tricks for your family vacation in Tanzania. Spoiler alert: seeing the Big Five with your own eyes will leave you, your kids and even your teens in awe – and we all know how hard it can be to impress them.
How old should kids be for a safari?
There is no minimum age to enter Tanzanian national parks. And it gets better: as long as your kids are under the age of 15, you even pay a lower entry fee for them. Is it a sign? We think so! But let’s hear what Julia recommends.
“You as parents know your kids the best. When it comes to accommodation, we work with partners who are accustomed to kids. You need an extra bed for kids of any age? Simply book it on top. You want to enjoy one or two hours by yourself? Some lodges in Tanzania even offer childcare services with great programmes for the older kids!”
But just to give you an idea: most families who book a family-friendly safari with us have kids who are at least six years old. If you think that your kid is still a little too young for a safari, have a look at a holiday on Zanzibar, a paradisaical island just off the Tanzanian coast. Or you simply wait one, two, or three more years – Tanzania will be waiting for you.
5 tips for the perfect child-friendly safari
No matter if the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara or Arusha National Park – it only takes a few little things to make your family safari unforgettable.
On top of that, here’s five more tips for a hassle-free safari for the whole family:
1. Bring some toys or order Wi-Fi in the car in case your kids get a little bored.
2. Bring snacks and drinks, or order special snacks and drinks with us, so that no one of you gets hungry during the adventure.
3. Always have some baby wipes at hand.
4. Diaper bags are handy if you have to change nappies but don’t have a bin somewhere close.
5. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent – that’s always important, no matter if you travel with or without kids 😉