Tanzania is fantastic for family safaris! As the country is situated within Africa’s malaria belt, we don’t recommend traveling here with children under 6 years. However, it’s a great destination for wildlife-loving youngsters aged 6 years and over.

For sheer concentration of animals, Tanzania is hard to beat! Game drives are action packed out here, for example in the areas making up the country’s famous Northern Circuit. These areas are among the most affordable destinations in Africa for family safari holidays. And the larger your group is, the more economical the trip becomes, as the cost of using a vehicle is split among the family. The Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania’s south region is worth considering too, and there’s the exciting option of combining your safari with a beach break on Zanzibar!

Throughout the country’s north and south, a lot of properties are well set up for families. For example, they have family rooms or interconnecting rooms. Additionally, some have swimming pools and larger communal areas. And a few companies offer private activities for families, so you can take a flexible approach to your holiday.

Recommended family activities in Tanzania

Family game drives

Game drives in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are pretty special. If you stay at a property that supplies a private vehicle for your family, you’ll be able to explore well away from the crowds. These areas also offer cultural activities with appeal for all ages. Adults can enjoy interacting with work-age and elderly members of a community, while kids can meet the local children.

Family activities in the Serengeti

The Serengeti really excels when it comes to safari activities for youngsters – tracking, making bows-and-arrows, and going on walks around camp with staff, are just a few examples of what kids can get up to here. There’s always something to look at close to camp, from birds to smaller mammals, and the staff are great at entertaining children.

Family activities in the Selous

In the Selous, there’s fishing and canoeing, at least for older children. Walking has a minimum age requirement of 15 years, so this activity is available for mid- to late teenagers. Walks provide thrilling opportunities to experience the bush, offering a different perspective from game drives.

Family activities in Zanzibar

Zanzibar offers plenty of things to do too, such as playing on the beach, trying a few water sports, and taking trips to spice farms, Jozani Forest, and tortoise-tastic Prison Island!