Kid Friendly Parks for Wildlife Safari in Tanzania
Adults can drive for so long without seeing animals—and it’s just fine. But when it comes to kids, things go differently: they need instant gratification, like frequent wildlife encounters. That said, it’s important to consider the wildlife density of your favorite destination. Those with higher density are always the best for kids.
From our experience of guiding different kinds of families in the wilderness of Tanzania, we’ve learned that some parks offer incredible safari experiences while others may be boring for the kids, especially the youngest ones. Here are our best wildlife places to take your kids for a wildlife safari.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is that standalone park in Tanzania where wildlife continues to thrive undisturbed. It’s in this sanctuary where over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras embark on an endless annual migration driven by their natural capability to detect rain miles away.
The Serengeti is the right spot for kids of all ages—from toddlers to teens—due to its rich, diverse wildlife. Even when you, adults, are concentrating on a rare wildlife moment, kids can have something amazing for them to look at. For instance, you might be waiting for a river crossing on the Mara River as your kids stare at a graceful giraffe walking with its gentle stride.
The highest wildlife concentration in the Seronera keeps your youngest guests entertained with numerous sightings of lion prides and elephant and buffalo herds, as well as countless birds. If you drive in the Namiri Plains, a cheetah may show up near your vehicle. Just tell your kids to be humble—cheetahs do not attack little ones.
Another thing we love about Serengeti is the best camps for all pockets. Families are treated differently, with private mealtimes and kid-friendly architecture. And most camps are small or medium-sized, allowing privacy. Our favorite kid-friendly camps include Siringit Serengeti Camp, Dunia Camp, Sayari Camp, &Beyond Grumeti River Lodge, Mwiba Lodge, and Singita Sasakwa Lodge.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha adds something to the Serengeti. This large protected area in southern Tanzania remains quiet and unexplored. We recommend it because of its giant elephant herds that roam the plains and woodlands. About 15,000 elephants are enough to keep your kids entertained even when you’re searching for a rare sighting like the African hunting dog.
Another thing we love about Ruaha is that you can switch from one activity to another seamlessly. Are they (kids) tired of driving? Then take a boat ride on the Ruaha River, where they will see large pods of hippos more frequently. The giant Nile crocodiles and a myriad of river birds are also common sightings.
Despite being remote, Ruaha boasts some of the most kid-friendly lodges and camps. Thinking of adults-only game drives? Some camps offer professional nanny services. But before you book, confirm the age limit of the camp you’re interested in.
Here are our favorite camps with their child age limit in brackets. The Jabali Ridge (5 years), Jongomero Camp (6 years), Kichaka Camp (16 years), Usangu Expedition Camp (12 years), Ikuka Safari Camp (7 years), and Kigelia Ruaha (8 years).
Ngorongoro Crater.
Featuring one of the highest wildlife concentrations, this large, enormous crater is a wonder in itself. It is just about 264 square kilometers in size, but the wildlife encounters are numerous. Since walking isn’t allowed on the crater floor, your kids will have to spend a long time driving. But every drive is epic because there are over 25,000 large animals in the crater.
The crater is home to the Big Five. So, give your kids a book to tick the boxes of every animal they see. Between game drives, you can enjoy a memorable family lunch on a picnic site near a hippo pool.
No lodges or camps inside the crater. But there are good, family-friendly camps on the crater rim or in the highlands. Some of our favorite camps on the crater rim include Entamanu Camp (5 years), Kirurumu Ngorongoro Camp (all ages), Lemala Ngorongoro Camp (6 years) and Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge (all ages).
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere (previously Selous) is another wildlife spot perfect for taking your kids there. Apart from being Africa’s largest park, this park boasts some of the highest wildlife concentrations. Families can enjoy private drives in the pristine forests or guided family walks with juniors to discover the magic on foot.
In the evenings, you can swap a game drive for a boat cruise along the giant Rufiji River. This wide, ever-flowing river teems with pods of hippos and crocodiles, but kids will love the comfortable glide. If your kids are 16 years or older, you can take them on a balloon flight.
Nyerere has interesting family-friendly camps, each with a unique appeal and services. The best ones include Beho Beho Camp (12 years), Roho ya Selous (5 years), Siwandu Camp (6 years), and Lake Manze Tented Camp.
Let’s plan your family safari!
So, which of these destinations interests you? Let us know! And let the planning begin. Our expert safari planners are here to help you with the planning of your safari. Contact us for a free quote.
