On safari with children
Going on safari with children? Yes! And it’s safer than you think.
Can you go on safari with young children? Many parents have their doubts. That’s understandable. Is it safe? Not too hot? Not too tiring? We get these exact questions every day.
The honest answer: a safari with children is not only possible, it is often one of the most unforgettable trips you can take with your children. With quiet travel days, private game drives and child-friendly lodges, a safari is surprisingly comfortable and safe. In this guide, we answer all frequently asked questions about safaris with children and provide useful tips!
At what age can you go on safari with children?
The official minimum age for a safari in Tanzania is 2 years. However, this is not a fixed limit, as it mainly depends on the child itself. During a safari, you will spend several hours a day in the jeep. Although we organise the programme to be as comfortable as possible, longer game drives are sometimes part of the experience.
That is why it is important to consider your child’s attention span, patience and character. Some children love spotting animals and can be fascinated for hours, while for others it can be more intense.
We always give honest and personal advice on this. Based on your situation, we help you plan the route, the pace of travel and the schedule for each day. This way, we ensure that a safari with children in Tanzania is safe, comfortable and, above all, a special experience for everyone.
What do we recommend based on experience?
- 2–3 years → possible, but can be intensive if parents
- 4–6 years → fine with slightly shorter game drives
- 7+ years → ideal age (greater understanding and appreciation)
Our experience: children aged 5 and above enjoy it the most. They recognise animals, ask questions and remember everything. An added bonus: many parks offer reduced rates for children.
Is safari safe for young children?
We completely understand this question. As a parent, you want 100% certainty. Fortunately, safaris are much safer than people think.
Why safaris with children are surprisingly safe:
- We work exclusively with our own jeeps, our own accommodation and permanent staff. This allows us to maintain control over safety, planning and quality, so you don’t have to rely on external parties.
- During game drives, you always remain in the vehicle. Animals see the jeep as a single entity and do not ‘attack’ it, while our guides continuously assess the distance and situation.
- Our lodges are located on secure, well-organised grounds. Children can run around and play safely, while parents relax with peace of mind.
- Our rangers are professional and trained in first aid. They know exactly how to respond to minor accidents or unexpected situations and have daily experience with children.
- We work with a flexible daily schedule. No long, exhausting drives, but short safaris with breaks, rest periods and time at the pool or lodge.
- Local support is available 24/7. From guides to the office, there is always someone available who can provide immediate assistance if needed.
What happens in the event of illness or an accident? Is medical assistance nearby?
We work with lodges and routes where medical support is available. In addition, our guides are trained in first aid and are available 24/7. For emergencies, we recommend flying doctors insurance, so that medical evacuation is possible quickly if necessary. Fortunately, this rarely happens, but it gives peace of mind to know that everything is taken care of.
What does a safari day with children look like?
A typical day often looks like this:
- early morning: game drive when animals are most active
- lunch and free time at the lodge or the swimming pool
- afternoon rest or playtime
- a short safari at the end of the day
This keeps things relaxed and it never feels like a long, tiring day.
Discover what a family safari is like
How do you keep children enthusiastic during a safari?
Game drives can sometimes be quiet. No animals in sight? Then boredom can sometimes set in. What works well:
- binoculars or children’s camera
- safari bingo / animal list
- book or iPad for in-between moments
- snacks & drinks
- shorter journeys with breaks
Many children spontaneously turn into little explorers as soon as they see their first giraffe or elephant. After that, you usually don’t have to entertain them anymore. Children experience Africa differently. They peer endlessly through their binoculars, counting zebras. They make up names for lions and ask a thousand questions. And suddenly they learn more about nature, animals and other cultures than they would in months at school. We often hear: “Years later, our children still talk about how unique the trip was.” That says it all.
Child-friendly accommodation in Tanzania
Our lodges are selected for their comfort and suitability for travellers with children. We operate sustainably and are Travelife certified, with a focus on nature conservation and local communities.
Consider:
- family rooms or extra beds
- cots
- swimming pools
- safe, well-organised areas
- flexible eating time
- rest between activities
After a morning safari, swimming or relaxing makes the day much more enjoyable for children. You will stay in comfortable lodges with family rooms and swimming pools.
Practical preparation:
What should you pay attention to?
A safari with children requires a little more preparation than a standard tour. With the right preparation, you can avoid unnecessary stress along the way and enjoy the experience together to the fullest!
Health
Seek advice from your GP or local health authority about vaccinations and medication beforehand. Bring standard first aid supplies, ORS and sun protection with you.
Insurance
Ensure that your travel insurance provides worldwide coverage. Supplementary medical evacuation insurance from Flying Doctors provides additional security. Flying Doctors does not replace your travel or medical insurance. You will always need to take out these separately.
Clothing
Layers work best. Mornings are cooler, afternoons are warmer.
A hat or cap and sunscreen are essential.
Adjusting travel speed to suit children
It is preferable to plan:
- fewer parks
- shorter the distance
- more moments of rest
Peace and quiet = happy children = relaxed parents.
“She wanted to sit next to me in the passenger seat so she could ask all the questions.”
David, our experienced Ranger, has been our colleague for many years and has conducted numerous game drives with our guests. He is very proud of his country, its nature and culture, and is truly devoted to spotting wild animals. David is happy to share his experiences of safaris with children:
“I have been on safari with many different families with children. Of all the wonderful memories, there is one that has stayed with me and that I look back on with great pleasure. It was a young family with a little daughter. They had booked a 9-day safari and I was their private driver. We clicked right away, especially the little girl and I.
During the game drives, she always wanted to sit next to me so she could ask all her questions along the way. She thoroughly enjoyed everything she saw and couldn’t wait to share her stories with her friends at school later. We laughed a lot, shared our lunch, and her parents clearly enjoyed her enthusiasm. It was a special experience, for me too. I was invited to join them for dinner and we ended the days with pleasant conversations.
On the last day, a colleague was going to take them to Kilimanjaro Airport. When she heard that I wasn’t going with them, she became quiet and didn’t really want to eat anymore. Her parents felt very sorry for her and asked the manager if there was really no way I could take them to the airport the next day. Despite my schedule, I managed to take them to the airport. The girl was overjoyed and her holiday couldn’t have ended any better. At the airport, she gave me a big hug and almost didn’t want to let go. We said goodbye with tears and fond memories. I drove back home and was very grateful for this wonderful experience.
Would you like to experience a safari with the entire family? View our routes and plan your dream trip.
Travellers with children rate our unique trips with an average score of 4.8 on TripAdvisor and Google.
Many parents particularly mention the personal guidance and the feeling of safety during the trip. Read the experiences of other travellers with children who have gone before you.
Combine a safari with children with relaxation in Zanzibar!
Would you like to take some time to let all the impressions of the safari sink in with the children? Then add a few days in Zanzibar to your dream trip. On this beautiful island, you and your children can completely relax and enjoy the pearly white beaches. It is the perfect place to revisit the stories of your safari and unwind before heading back home.
Frequently asked questions about safaris with children
A game drive usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. That is long enough to see lots of animals, but short enough to keep it fun and relaxed for children. Are you travelling with young children? Then we will simply adjust the duration and plan extra breaks when necessary.
This rarely happens. With good preparation, sun protection, sufficient water and mosquito repellent, a safari usually goes smoothly. Our guides are also trained in first aid and we always advise you in advance about vaccinations and practical health measures, so that you can travel with peace of mind.
Yes, absolutely. With a private safari, you set the pace yourself. You can return to the lodge earlier, stay longer with an animal or take a spontaneous break. That makes it much more relaxed with children than travelling in a shared jeep with fixed times.
Yes. You will have your own driver and guide in a private jeep, so you set the pace. Are the children getting tired or have they had enough? Then we will simply drive back to the lodge or take a break. Flexibility is always paramount.
Certainly. We deliberately plan safaris with free afternoons or quiet moments at the lodge. Think swimming, playing or just relaxing together. This way, the trip never feels like a long, tiring day, but like a pleasant alternation of adventure and rest.
Yes, we can arrange high chairs or booster seats on request. Please indicate this in advance when booking, and we will ensure that everything is ready in the jeep. This way, even the youngest children can travel safely and comfortably.
The best time to visit Tanzania is all year round. The country does not have a fixed holiday season during which travel is or is not possible. Each season has its own advantages, depending on what is important to you.
- Dry season (June – October and January – March)
The dry season is often considered the most predictable time for a safari. Temperatures are pleasant, humidity is lower and animals tend to gather around waterholes. This makes them easier to spot and means you usually don’t have to search for them for as long during a game drive. - Green season (mid-March to mid-May)
The green season coincides with the rainy season, when there is more rainfall on average. However, this does not mean that it rains continuously. Showers are often short and alternate with sunny spells.
When going on safari with children, school holidays are often the most practical time to travel. The summer holidays and Christmas holidays are popular choices due to the stable weather and good opportunities for wildlife viewing. As demand is high during these periods, we recommend planning your safari 8 to 10 months in advance to ensure the best availability of lodges and guides.
The spring and autumn holidays are excellent alternatives. The parks are quieter then, while the chances of seeing animals are still high. This makes for a relaxed safari experience with plenty of space and attention.
The May holiday usually falls during the green season. Although there is a greater chance of rain, the showers are often short and interspersed with sunshine. Nature is at its greenest and many animals are active. This makes it a special and atmospheric time to discover Tanzania with children.
For a safari with children, we usually recommend a 7 to 10-day safari. Long enough to see a lot, but short enough to keep it relaxed. Many families combine this with a few days on the beach in Zanzibar for extra relaxation.