Tanzania is an excellent option in East Africa for a safari with kids. Much like Kenya, its safari parks are home to incredible wildlife and diverse landscapes. But Tanzania offers even more—its beautiful Spice Islands, including Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, are known for their idyllic beaches.
Whether you’re after a beach-bush combo or want to immerse yourself in the wilderness for a week, Tanzania guarantees an unforgettable trip. If you’re contemplating an African holiday and wondering how it will go over with your kids, don’t hesitate for a minute – it’s almost guaranteed that your children (and you) will love Tanzania. On either a safari or beach holiday, Tanzania’s tourism sectors are well set up for the experience with family rooms, menus, and activities, all geared towards making sure families on a safari holiday in Tanzania have the time of their lives.
Tanzania boasts world-class attractions that captivate all ages.
Its safari parks are home to some of the most amazing wildlife on the planet—after a visit here, your kids might never look at a zoo the same way again. The beaches are equally remarkable, with calm, accessible shores perfect for families. While certain activities may be tailored to specific age groups for safety, experiences like snorkeling among the vibrant marine life of Tanzania’s islands could spark a lifelong passion for the ocean in your child.
Tanzania also stands out for its highly skilled and professional tourism industry. Whether you’re embarking on a safari in the national parks or enjoying a beach holiday along the coast (we recommend combining both!), tour operators and accommodations are well-equipped to cater to families and have been doing so for many years.
But what truly sets Tanzania apart is the warmth of its people. You’ll see it in the way a guide’s face lights up when they meet your children for the first time.
While Tanzania may not offer the same child-focused amenities found in places like Europe—such as changing rooms for toddlers or stroller-friendly paths—the local people will go out of their way to help. If a family struggles with anything, you’ll quickly find a kind stranger offering assistance. This genuine hospitality is what makes Tanzania such a unique and special place to visit.
The best places to visit in Tanzania with kids can be broken down into two main regions. First, northern Tanzania is a fantastic choice, offering a range of national parks where you’ll find some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. The accommodations and tour operators here are particularly well-versed in catering to families, making the experience seamless and enjoyable for all ages.
The second region perfect for families is Zanzibar. While it leans more towards cultural exploration and beach tourism, its tourism industry is just as polished and family-friendly as the safari sector. Zanzibar offers a great balance of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal spot for a family getaway.
If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, a beach holiday is a much better option than a wildlife safari. Taking a young child into the bush can be far from relaxing—you’ll spend your time constantly on guard, ensuring your little one doesn’t wander off into the unfenced wilderness, unaware of the potential dangers from both large creatures like lions and elephants, as well as smaller threats like scorpions and fire ants.
Zanzibar, in particular, offers excellent beach resorts that cater to families with young kids. Many of these resorts feature child-friendly swimming pools, spacious lawns, play areas (some even have playgrounds), and family-oriented restaurants. In spots like Nungwi, on Zanzibar’s northern coast, the beaches gently slope into calm, almost wave-free lagoon waters, making it perfect for little ones to splash around safely.
There’s something truly unforgettable about seeing your first elephant or lion in the wild, and it’s an experience your kids will treasure forever.
Most wildlife safaris are done in open-sided 4WD vehicles with canvas roofs and tiered seating, giving you an up-close view of the animals with no barriers between you and them. While it’s completely safe, even the calmest child will feel a thrill when a lion gazes at them just a few meters away.
Serengeti National Park is renowned as one of the top safari destinations in the world, but don’t overlook the nearby Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks—each of these is just a short drive away and offers equally exciting wildlife experiences.Top of Form
Much of northern Tanzania is located within the traditional lands of the Maasai, offering several opportunities to experience their culture firsthand through guided visits to Maasai communities.
This is particularly true around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, where you can visit a small Maasai village. Children are often warmly welcomed as special guests, invited into family homes, and encouraged to join in traditional dances. When visiting with a Maasai guide, this cultural encounter can be a deeply memorable experience that your kids will cherish and talk about long after they’ve returned home.
If you’re looking to simply unwind at a resort, that’s certainly an option, but there’s plenty more to explore if you’re up for it. The waters surrounding Zanzibar, along with other coastal gems like Pemba and Mafia Island, are teeming with vibrant marine life and colorful coral, making snorkeling a fantastic choice. The most memorable excursions take you out on the water aboard a dhow, a traditional wooden sailing boat, where you can enjoy a leisurely day with a picnic lunch in the middle of this stunning natural beauty.
A lot of the activities that are perfect for younger kids—such as wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and snorkeling—are just as exciting for teens and tweens.
The region around Lake Eyasi is home to several Hadzabe communities that continue to live in their traditional way. Unlike other cultural visits, spending time with the Hadzabe means joining them on their morning hunt for food, an activity they would be doing regardless of visitors. It’s a captivating and immersive experience into a culture that has managed to withstand the pressures of the modern world.
A popular experience throughout Tanzania, from Arusha to Zanzibar, is joining a local chef for a market tour followed by a cooking class where you learn to prepare traditional Swahili dishes. It’s a fantastic way to break up the usual routine for a day or half-day, offering a unique glimpse into daily life and local culture.
Tanzania is home to many dive schools, and for teens looking for a bit more adventure than snorkeling, scuba diving offers the perfect challenge. It opens up an entirely new underwater world, and just imagine them returning home and proudly sharing with their friends that they learned to scuba dive while on holiday!
A hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti offers a breathtakingly magical way to take in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes. While it’s a splurge, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, whether you’re gazing down on a herd of elephants or watching the sun rise over the vast, endless savannahs of the Serengeti.
Taking a toddler on safari can be expensive, but a private safari is a good option. Some tour operators even require it to prevent baby cries from scaring the animals or disturbing other guests. You might also want to travel during the low season when prices are lower and there are fewer people around. No matter how old your kids are, make sure to explain safari rules and remind them to listen to the guides.
On safari, this is very important. Don’t try to visit too many places, especially with younger kids. It’s better to focus on a few spots and enjoy them. Many lodges now have Wi-Fi, even in remote areas, but it’s usually in public spaces. Check in advance where Wi-Fi will be available so your kids can plan when to contact friends back home.
Since 2016, Greenway Nature Tours Africa has been offering safari packages with accommodations, and guided tours for both individual and group travelers throughout East Africa, covering countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The best time to visit Zanzibar for a holiday is during the dry season, between June to September and December to February.
