Tips for a Tanzania Safari with Kids.
Traveling with kids is one of the safari experiences, yet it is a very daunting task. We all know how tough it is to keep the kids interested in one activity or safe from danger, especially in the predator-rich African savannah. But we are here to help. In this article, we’ll reveal unique tips for your Tanzania safari. Let’s dive in.
Why Tanzania?
With so many countries in Africa, why should you bring your kids to Tanzania? Yeah, Tanzania has a lot to offer—from thrilling wildlife adventures to vibrant cultures. As a result, your kids will enjoy watching big game like elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and wildebeest. Since kids’ attention spans last for a few minutes, some lodges and camps offer kid-friendly adventures.
Consult your doctor.
Before you board the flight, we advise you to check with your doctor. Africa is quite different from most parts of the world (particularly Europe) in terms of weather and endemic diseases. For instance, malaria is endemic in Tanzania due to the presence of the Anopheles mosquito. In addition to that, there’s a risk (though it is very low) of contracting yellow fever.
Make sure your kids are immunized against diseases like hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and polio. A yellow fever vaccine may be required depending on your itinerary or travel route. It’s compulsory if you have a layover in a yellow fever risk country.
A pro tip: See the doctor two weeks before the trip.
Plan your budget.
It’s important to estimate the cost of your safari. Estimate the cost for one person. This may depend on many aspects, including the size of the group and the duration of your trip. Longer trips seem to be costly, so prepare an extra pocket to cover the trip. Also, set aside funds for extra costs like souvenirs. Here are some hints:
- Some destinations are more expensive in the dry season.
- Bring some cash for your kids to buy ornaments.
A pro tip: To save money, avoid peak months like July and August. You can also visit little-known gems like Nyerere and Ruaha.
Pack the right thing.
We’ve seen guests bring loads of packs, full of clothes and other things, which are, of course, not needed. It’s not about packing everything; it’s about having the right thing with you. Bring the best safari clothing for your kids: pants, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and boots.
Packing may depend on the time of your travel. The dry months are known for warm, sunny days, clear skies, and cold mornings and evenings. So, light clothing is a good idea for sunny days and light jackets for morning and evening chills. Also, bring a wide-brimmed sun hat, child-sized binoculars, and wildlife guidebooks.
A pro tip: We will send a personalized safari packing list when you contact us. If you find it hard to gather your things, we are here to help.
Get travel insurance and other documentation.
Sometimes things go south. Although not expected, having travel insurance brings comfort during your family trip. You can get one from international companies or local companies in Tanzania.
If you plan to visit Zanzibar, inbound travel insurance, which is compulsory, might be of little help. It costs $44 and lasts for 92 days. However, this policy covers emergencies (medication and evacuation), baggage delay (and theft), legal expenses, and personal liability.
Make sure you have passports for your families. We also recommend applying for visas very early to avoid delays. If you need a yellow fever vaccination certification, please get it early.
A pro tip: Make sure your insurer is available 24/7 in case of any emergency.
Choose a kid-friendly lodge.
Staying in large hotels with plenty of guest rooms with your younger guests can be challenging. These little explorers never settle. The moment you are soaking in a plunge pool, you may be bothering other guests. So, we recommend a private villa for space and convenience. It also makes your kids feel at home.
Alternatively, some lodges and camps have a private family tent or room. You can try Asilia’s Dunia Camp and Sayari Camp, or &Beyond’s Grumeti River Lodge and Klein’s Camp in the Serengeti. Other kid-friendly lodges include Singita Sasakwa Lodge and Mwiba Lodge.,
Be careful with some lodges’ marketing campaigns. They claim to be kid-friendly, while they are not. Do a little digging to find out what they have for kids.
A pro tip: We can help you pick the right accommodation based on your interests.
Include a lot of activities.
As we mentioned earlier, kids’ attention lasts for just a few minutes. Therefore, long game drives won’t work. A short drive will. Kids love going from one adventure to another. It keeps them entertained. Take them on bush walks or birding trips. Include some rest, especially at midday.
A pro tip: Tell the guide to stop more frequently; ask your kids to get out (if it’s safe).
Hire a private safari van.
Everyone doesn’t like bothering other guests on their trips. Instead of sharing a vehicle with other guests, a private safari van would be of help. A private vehicle enables you and the kids to explore nature at your pace. You tell the driver to take you anywhere in the wilderness.
A pro tip: Most luxury lodges offer private game drives exclusive to families. Try Singita’s Sasakwa, Sabora, and Faru Faru camps or Siwandu Camp in Ruaha.
The bottom line.
Ready to explore Tanzania with your family? Call our expert safari planners to start planning your next adventure.
