Safari Overview

The 9 Day Family Tanzania Safari is designed for families with children and multi-generational groups seeking a safe, comfortable, and enriching wildlife experience across Tanzania’s most iconic national parks.

This itinerary balances exciting game drives with manageable travel distances, family-friendly lodges, and educational wildlife experiences. Guests explore Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater, offering a wide variety of ecosystems and wildlife encounters.

The safari is paced to ensure children and adults alike can enjoy wildlife viewing without fatigue, while still maximizing Big Five opportunities and unforgettable safari moments.

Route

Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park → Tarangire National Park → Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Serengeti National Park → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha

Safari Highlights

• Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
• Educational wildlife experiences for children
• Maasai cultural visits (optional)
• Lake Manyara scenic wildlife and birdlife
• Serengeti predator sightings
• Ngorongoro Crater wildlife density
• Tarangire elephant herds and baobab landscapes
• Family-friendly safari lodges and camps

Why Choose This Safari?

Designed for Families

This safari prioritizes:

• Safe and comfortable travel routes
• Shorter driving distances where possible
• Flexible game drive schedules
• Child-friendly lodge environments

Educational Wildlife Experience

Children and families benefit from:

• Learning about animal behavior
• Guided interpretation from safari experts
• Cultural interactions with Maasai communities (optional)
• Hands-on nature experiences

Balanced Safari Pace

Unlike fast-paced itineraries, this safari ensures:

• Relaxed mornings and afternoons
• Rest time between game drives
• Comfortable lodge stays
• Flexible meal schedules

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your lodge in Arusha.

Relax and prepare for your safari adventure.

Overnight in Arusha.

Day 2: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Drive to Lake Manyara National Park.

Afternoon game drive featuring forest and lakeside wildlife.

Overnight near Karatu.

Day 3: Lake Manyara Exploration

Full-day exploration of Lake Manyara.

Possible sightings:

• Flamingos (seasonal)
• Baboons
• Hippos
• Tree-climbing lions

Overnight near Karatu.

Day 4: Lake Manyara to Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire National Park.

Afternoon game drive among elephants and baobab trees.

Overnight near Tarangire.

Day 5: Full Day Tarangire Safari

Full-day safari experience.

Wildlife includes:

• Elephants
• Lions
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Buffalo

Overnight near Tarangire.

Day 6: Tarangire to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Drive to Ngorongoro Highlands with scenic stops along the way.

Overnight near crater rim.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a full-day wildlife safari.

Highlights:

• Black rhino
• Lions
• Hippos
• Buffalo
• Elephants

Overnight in Karatu.

Day 8: Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park

Drive to Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Afternoon game drive upon arrival.

Overnight in Serengeti.

Day 9: Serengeti Morning Safari & Return to Arusha

Morning game drive in Serengeti.

Wildlife viewing includes:

• Lions
• Cheetahs
• Wildebeest
• Zebras

Return to Arusha in the afternoon.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Big Five

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Black Rhino

Predators

• Cheetah
• Hyena
• Jackal
• Serval cat (rare)

Plains Wildlife

• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Giraffe
• Gazelle
• Impala

Birdlife

• Flamingos
• Hornbills
• Kingfishers
• Eagles
• Ostriches

Best Time to Visit

June to October

• Best wildlife visibility
• Dry season game viewing
• Comfortable travel conditions

January to March

• Calving season in Serengeti
• Green landscapes
• Excellent predator activity

November to December

• Fewer crowds
• Good birdwatching
• Scenic views

Safari Inclusions

• Park entry fees
• Professional safari guide
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation for 8 nights
• All meals during safari
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes and levies
• Arusha transfers

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional balloon safari
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this safari suitable for young children?

Yes. The itinerary is designed to be safe, flexible, and comfortable for families with children.

How long are the driving distances?

Driving times are managed to avoid long, tiring journeys and include scenic stops.

Are the lodges family-friendly?

Yes. Most accommodations offer family rooms, child-friendly meals, and safe environments.

Can children participate in game drives?

Yes, children are welcome on game drives, with flexible scheduling based on family needs.

Is Serengeti safe for families?

Yes. Serengeti is a well-managed national park with professional guides and safe safari operations.

Can we include cultural visits?

Yes. Maasai village visits can be arranged as an optional experience.

Is this safari suitable for multi-generational travel?

Yes. It is ideal for grandparents, parents, and children traveling together.