Best Spots for a Family Wildlife Holiday to Tanzania
Imagine waking up to the sound of a pride of lions roaring in the distance just as the first rays of the sun spill across the plains of the Serengeti-a perfect start to an unforgettable Tanzanian family holiday.
For families, especially, such experiences weave together an adventure with ease, thereby giving both parents and children an opportunity to share the untamed wonders of this incredible African safari destination.
Having said that, a Tanzanian family safari is an experience of a lifetime, so it is extremely important to get everything right. Moreover, with easy flights connecting Zanzibar and Pemba, set aside time to explore these idyllic spots and unwind after your wild mainland adventure.
Before you set out for your safari, it is crucial to take support of an excellent local tour operator to provide you with a private brilliant driver guide who will take your safari to the next level.
Not only will a good guide spot wildlife you will never notice, they will share interesting facts about the local towns you pass through on the long and bumpy road journeys.
Each park of Tanzania offers a unique wildlife experience and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the parks to consider for the perfect family wildlife holidays.
Serengeti National Park
The most famous of all the parks in Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park is known to be the starting point of the Great Migration, considered to be the most spectacular event in nature.
During this period, millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse the vast plains of the Serengeti in quest for greener pastures to the Masai Mara National Park in neighbouring Kenya.
Witnessing this annual natural wonder is an extremely humbling once-in-a-lifetime experience that not only captures the essence of the wild heart of Kenya, but the many dangers the animals have to overcome in their endeavour to survive.
A Tanzanian family safari during the migration season provides an unmatched opportunity to witness this incredible natural phenomenon together with the kids.
Ngorongoro Crater
Safari goers to Africa are always in awe of seeing the Big 5 and the Ngorongoro amphitheater and its unique ecosystem allows families to spot the teeming wildlife it supports.
On any single day you can spot lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants and leopards all within the compact area of the crater floor. This makes it perfect for families to see wildlife from up close easily and in comfort.
The allure of the Ngorongoro crater are also the guided game drives around the conservation area where expert guides will readily share fascinating insights on the lives of the animals found here.
The verdant floor of the crater literally has a garden of Eden like setting where everyone can observe wild animals, and is possibly the best family safari destination in Tanzania due to the concentrated wildlife viewing opportunities on offer.
Tarangire National Park
Beyond the savannah, families will encounter a different kind of landscape in Tarangire National Park, a park which is dominated by giant baobab trees and massive herds of elephants, sometimes in their hundreds.
This lesser-known gem of Tanzania provides an intimate safari experience without the teeming crowds seen in other game reserves of the country. This allows families to have a more intimate connection with nature.
The seasonal swamps and riverbanks are a mecca for birdwatchers and enthusiasts can hope to spot over 400 different bird species here in a tranquil setting. On the other hand, young ones can safely observe elephants in a peaceful environment and also learn about conservation efforts to safeguard these gentle giants.
Families visiting Tanzania, must include Tarangire National Park for its star-studded landscapes and top class elephant viewing and photography opportunities.
Photography on a family wildlife holiday in Tanzania is an unforgettable experience, as the country offers diverse landscapes, dramatic lighting, and abundant wildlife that appeal to photographers of all levels. From capturing golden-hour shots of elephants beneath Tarangire’s ancient baobab trees to photographing the sweeping plains of the Serengeti during the Great Migration, every moment presents a unique visual story. Many safari lodges and guided tours are designed with photography in mind, offering open vehicles, knowledgeable guides, and flexible game drive schedules to help families capture stunning images while still enjoying a relaxed and comfortable safari experience.
Nyerere National Park
Spread over an area of roughly 30,893 square kilometres, the Nyerere National Park in Tanzania is not only the largest of its kind in the world, but also the biggest stand alone park anywhere.
Carved out from the famous Selous Game Reserve, the park is located around 230 km by road from Dar es Salaam and is a popular family safari destination of Southern Tanzania.
Home to a large concentration of wildlife, the animals here are less exposed to visitors as it is less frequented by the tourists.
Some of the most popular activities for families in Nyerere can include game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching and boat safaris in the many natural waterways that are in the park.
This 2-3 hour boat ride on the mighty Rufji River is perfect for both birdwatching and big game viewing. Families can also experience a traditional village visit to get an insight on the unique way of life of the local nomadic tribes of East Africa.
Ruaha National Park
Despite the massive size of 20000 square kilometres, the Ruaha National Park has limited accommodation options which has given it the reputation of Tanzania’s best kept game viewing secret.
What sets Ruaha apart from its more popular counterparts is the wild and untamed wilderness which has made it a choice for East Africa family safari goers.
Ruaha also provides a unique crossover habitat, which is home to both East African and Southern African species, creating a unique game viewing destination. The park is also home over 570 bird species, making it a paradise for birders.
Night drive safaris are also very popular in Ruaha, and as the sun sets the whole family can witness the emergence of the nocturnal animals like leopard, serval, genet and others when they come out to hunt.
The Usangu wetland has an intricate system of waterways that swell during the rainy season and are perfect for boat safaris to spot birds and elephants who frequent these bodies of water.
End the safari on a high
Zanzibar and Pemba islands are two wonderful destinations to end your Tanzanian family safari. The turquoise waters and soft sand beaches that stretch from the east coast to the lively north of Zanzibar are ideal for families to relax after the demanding safari outings.
Depending on the time you can spare, it is recommended to stay in two different areas to add a bit of variety to the trip.
Consider taking a boat to snorkel around the stunning Mnemba Island, a place the whole family will simply love. It is the best place to end the Tanzanian family safari.
A family Tanzania safari offers the ideal blend of excitement and comfort for all ages and creates shared experiences that are bound to last forever.
Whether following the Great Migration or tracking the Big Five, this family safari will captivate your imagination and strengthen family bonds in a big way.