Tanzania with your family
One of the greatest things you can do as a family is to scoop everyone up and take them on safari. Its a fact. We've brought up our own kids in Africa, we've guided numerous family safaris over the years and there is just no doubt that its a brilliant way of having fun together and in some cases rediscovering those kids that you may feel have been 'lost' to facebook, nintendo or if they're older perhaps the pub!
(Take a look at a searchable list of the best family camps and lodges in Africa)
Most countries in Africa are great for family safaris and Tanzania is certainly right up there. Huge quantities of big wild animals (always a winner), lots of different things to do (if you pick the right parks and camps), very diverse areas within relatively easy reach and good options for small private camps.
Much will depend on the age of your children, but if they're on the young side (less than 10 yrs), then we'd advise that you don't try to do too much with them and plan your safari in bite size chunks so there is always a new excitement around the corner. Better to leave wanting more than wish you'd left earlier.....
Northern Tanzania is a great place to start, its so diverse and relatively easy to plug together all your favourite elements. It can be visited in a safari of around 5 nights (minimum) and with a good guide and a private vehicle in this time you can be fairly certain of seeing most of the major species of mammal. Probably THE most important element if you're with children is that you have a good, patient guide and this is something we will always place a major emphasis on.
Most of the best camps encourage all but the youngest children but some do place age restrictions and if not within the camp itself, these restrictions can apply to participation in some of the key activities. Our job is to plan the best possible options according to specific ages which is key from the very outset.
If you are a family that prefers being out there on your own, or perhaps are planning to travel with another family, then the best possible safari you can have is a private wilderness mobile camp. This is a small highly authentic safari camp, a perfect mix of comfort and excitement - the sort of thing Hemingway would have used - and you can arrange pretty much every aspect of the safari entirely to suit yourselves, whether that be different activities every day, particular meal schedules, the occasional picnic or sundowner, football matches with the camp crew or whatever takes your fancy.
Alternatively if you want to limit the amount of comfort you bestow on your kids, we operate very popular light mobile camping safaris. Small tents, bedrolls or sleeping bags, shared bush facilities and relatively simple food - these camps will move every night or two, being quickly collapsed and packed into the back of the land rover or trailer. There will be a cook along to help with most camp chores but you may be asked to muck in at times, perhaps helping establish camp in the evening or keeping the hot water on tap for 'bucket shower' duty!.
Southern Tanzania is also well worth visiting with children, and the increased flexibility in areas of the Selous can make it a positively electrifying experience for children. Combining gamedrives with some boating, fishing and walking safaris, along with the chance to sleep out under the stars in simple flycamps surrounded by the sounds, sights and smells of the African night makes for memories that will not fade quickly.
More articles that you might find helpful
Tanzania visa requirements
The best game areas in Tanzania
Which are the best game areas of Tanzania?
When's the best time to visit Tanzania?
Tanzania's highlights
For videos, articles, ideas and news from Africa:
Have a look at our blog at safarigeek.com
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At Natural High, we've all lived and worked in Africa, so our knowledge is born of
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