Planning a family trip to Tanzania with children? We've crafted an itinerary to satisfy your entire tribe! Wildlife safaris that will immerse children (and adults) in The Lion King landscapes, unforgettable encounters with members of the Maasai ethnic group, and relaxation on the paradisiacal island of Zanzibar… Here's what awaits you on your family vacation to Tanzania!

Wildlife safari in the northern parks

It's impossible to imagine a family trip to Tanzania without experiencing a wildlife safari! Venturing into the country's wild lands and encountering animals living in freedom is, without a doubt, an experience that will mark both young and old!

If you're planning a safari in Tanzania with children, we can only recommend prioritizing the northern parks. Since they are relatively close to one another, you can easily combine several parks over a few days while minimizing travel time and distances. Among them, you'll find:

• Arusha National Park: it makes an excellent introduction for a one-day safari. Here you'll discover a mysterious rainforest that's home to numerous species of primates and birds. Near the park's water sources, you can observe hippopotamuses, buffalo, warthogs, as well as giraffes, zebras, leopards and antelopes…
• The Ngorongoro Crater: located in the Arusha region, the Ngorongoro crater reaches an altitude of 2,200 meters and is the world's largest caldera. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which spreads all around it, is home to an incredible variety of wildlife to discover during a safari on foot or by jeep. You can see, among others, elephants, black rhinoceros, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, wildebeest, gazelles, hyenas, jackals…
• Tarangire National Park: located 120 km southwest of Arusha, Tarangire National Park is renowned for its magnificent baobabs and for harboring one of Africa's largest elephant populations. You'll find a large number of migratory animals such as wildebeest, zebras, elands, gazelles, buffalo and over 500 species of migratory birds, as well as the African lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal…

• Serengeti National Park: although it's located farther than the previous parks (it's in the north-central part of the country), Serengeti National Park is renowned as one of the world's most famous wildlife reserves. It's an absolute must-see in Tanzania and well worth the detour. You'll find the famous "Big Five" (elephants, rhinoceros, buffalo, leopards and lions) and many lesser-known species such as topis, kongonis, impalas, Nile crocodiles, leopard tortoises, black mambas, black-necked spitting cobras…

Meeting Tanzanian ethnic groups

While Tanzania is renowned for its landscapes and numerous wildlife, it's equally famous for its culture. Across its entire territory, there are nearly 120 ethnic groups, each having preserved their own customs and traditions. And what better way to meet them and stay with local families to truly immerse yourself in their way of life?

After experiencing wildlife safaris, take advantage of your stay in northern Tanzania to discover one of these ethnic groups inhabiting the region: the Maasai. Semi-nomadic herders and warriors of East Africa, the Maasai live in villages within small huts made of wood and cow dung. Some villages are open to visitors, so you can spend some time there discovering their customs, participating in cooking classes or traditional craft-making workshops… A wonderful opportunity for shared moments!

Among the Maasai villages to discover in the north of the country, we recommend the village of Naberera located on the road to Tarangire National Park, or the villages of Nainokanoka and Naiyobi in the Ngorongoro district.

Relaxation on the paradisiacal beaches of Zanzibar

After wildlife safaris and meeting the Maasai people—experiences rich in emotion—we suggest you wind down your stay gently on the island of Zanzibar. The fine sandy beaches with crystalline waters will be perfect for relaxing as a family. Beyond lounging, you can enjoy snorkeling and discover the island's magnificent coral reefs. The more adventurous members of your group can also try their hand at kitesurfing! For a family outing at sea, consider booking an excursion on a dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel resembling a small sailboat.

If you're looking for some cultural visits, don't miss the old quarter of Stone Town. You can wander through its charming winding streets and discover sublime mosques, cathedrals and traditional houses with Indian, Arab or Persian architecture. Be sure to take the famous "Spice Tour" by walking through the spice farms that have made the island renowned.

Florine Dergelet