Top 10 Family Activities in Tanzania
What To Do For Families In Tanzania?
If your concern on safari is being stuck in a convoy of minibuses, never fear! At Journeysmiths we take you out into the wilds to enjoy all kinds of activities. With expert, personable guides who will keep you safe and open up an amazing world of natural wonder. Walking, boats, canoes, balloons, horses, even bikes can feature on your luxury family safari adventure. And vehicles, of course.
We highlight the top ten Tanzania family safari adventures.
We highlight the top ten Tanzania family safari adventures.
- Experience the Great Migration in privacy
- Take a hot air balloon over the Great Rift Valley
- Meet the Wahadzabe people of Lake Eyasi
- Fly camp in the Selous
- See the Big Five in Ngorongoro
- Take a private safari in Ruaha
- Track chimpanzees in Mahale
- Take a cheetah safari at Namiri Plains
- Swim with dolphins off Zanzibar
- Hike up a volcano
1. Experience the Great Migration in Privacy
Gaze in awe as nearly two million animals move across the Serengeti. We make sure the experience is as private as possible. We can even arrange for your family to have your own mobile camp and support team to shadow the great herds.
We also use semi-mobile camps and private and luxurious safari villas like Mkombe’s House in the remote north of the park.
We also use semi-mobile camps and private and luxurious safari villas like Mkombe’s House in the remote north of the park.
2. Take a Hot Air Balloon Over the Great Rift Valley
From beautiful Chem Chem Lodge, your family can take off at dawn and soar above spectacular scenery. This is the best way to appreciate the incredible sunken Rift Valley.
Drift over beautiful Lake Manyara, seeing elephant among the sausage trees. To the west is the towering mass of Ngorongoro.
Drift over beautiful Lake Manyara, seeing elephant among the sausage trees. To the west is the towering mass of Ngorongoro.
3. Meet the Wahadzabe People of Lake Eyasi
The Wahadzabe bushmen are hunter-gatherers living a traditional lifestyle beside Lake Eyasi. We can arrange for your family to spend a day with them, learning how to make a poisoned arrow and hunting with the tribesmen.
See how the women make jewellery from porcupine quills. There’s also plenty of wildlife to spot near the lake.
See how the women make jewellery from porcupine quills. There’s also plenty of wildlife to spot near the lake.
4. Fly Camp in the Selous
Imagine sleeping out in the middle of the vast Selous. During your stay at Sand Rivers Lodge, we can arrange for your family to set off on foot with a guide and support team. They will set up a simple fly camp as you watch for elephant and giraffe.
Chat around the campfire, enjoy a delicious meal and sleep in the wild heart of Africa.
Chat around the campfire, enjoy a delicious meal and sleep in the wild heart of Africa.
5. See the Big Five in Ngorongoro
Set your guide the challenge of tracking down the Big Five in a single day! The most amazing setting is inside the 2,000 foot walls of the Ngorongoro Crater. It will take an early start and you’ll spend a whole day covering the 90-square mile crater floor.
Record it all on camera as you encounter lion, rhinoceros, buffalo, leopard and elephant.
Record it all on camera as you encounter lion, rhinoceros, buffalo, leopard and elephant.
6. Take a Private Safari in Ruaha
Amazing Kichaka Camp deep in Ruaha only takes eight guests. We can book the whole camp just for your family for an unforgettable multi-day safari. Hosts Moli and Noelle will take you exploring, fly-camping, walking, swimming and fishing in the river.
Ruaha is remote, spectacular and full of amazing wildlife.
Ruaha is remote, spectacular and full of amazing wildlife.
7. Track Chimpanzees in Mahale
The forested Mahale Mountains are one of a handful of places where you can spend time with chimpanzees. Chimp families have been habituated over many years. The mountains run down to Lake Tanganyika and on the beach is Greystoke Mahale.
It’s one of the most remote places in Africa and in the most glorious of settings.
It’s one of the most remote places in Africa and in the most glorious of settings.
8. Take a cheetah Safari at Namiri Plains
Cheetah are extremely elusive big cats. They are vulnerable to larger predators and use their incredible speed to survive and hunt. They do 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds! Luxurious Namiri Plains Camp is on a private reserve in the remote eastern Serengeti.
The reserve has long been the centre of a cheetah conservation project, so it’s the ideal place to encounter them.
The reserve has long been the centre of a cheetah conservation project, so it’s the ideal place to encounter them.
9. Swim with Dolphins off Zanzibar
With all this talk of safaris, remember that historic Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. We can arrange for you to round off your safari at a beach hideaway where you can snorkel, dive and swim with dolphins.
Set aside a day to see ancient architecture of the Old Stone Town.
Set aside a day to see ancient architecture of the Old Stone Town.
10. Hike Up a volcano
If you have the time and the stamina, we can arrange a private six to ten day hike up Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll take a quiet, spectacular route with your own guide and support team who’ll set up camp beside glaciers.
If you can’t fit it in, try a couple of days on Mount Meru, or a one day hike up the beautifully conical Ol Donyo Lengai volcano.
If you can’t fit it in, try a couple of days on Mount Meru, or a one day hike up the beautifully conical Ol Donyo Lengai volcano.
Private Journeys Unique to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
Who Are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Our Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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Family Trip Idea
Tanzania Family Safari
Create memories of a lifetime together on an epic family safari in Tanzania. Witness the endless, game-filled plains of the Serengeti, explore the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater and experience the magnificent wildlife in Tarangire.
Article
Tanzania Family Safaris
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.
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Looking out across a vast blanket of trees to the beautiful Manyara Lake from, all from the luxury of the refreshing lodge pool. This is just one of the memories Escarpment Luxury Lodge firmly imprinted on our hearts. Escape from the world amongst the beauty of the valley, enjoy every comfort you desire and experience adventures that will stay with you forever.
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Chem Chem
What is evident at Chem Chem is the dedication and passion that went into creating this wild sanctuary. The camp’s founders had a vision to conserve and protect Tanzania’s natural surroundings and the creatures that call it home. They invite you to join them in making this vision a reality. Simply by staying here you are making a difference, since tourism levies go directly to the local communities.
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Chada Katavi
Chada Katavi wants you to experience total absorption into the natural world. Expect to see wildlife strolling past your tent and peeking in your windows.
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Greystoke Mahale
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Kigelia
Understated luxury awaits in this beautiful little bush-camp. The gentle simplicity of the design blends seamlessly into the bush, allowing a more intimate connection with the wildlife living alongside
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Jongomero
In a remote section of Ruaha National Park, the Jongomero Camp is an idyllic safari retreat waiting to greet you. The staff here are superb and will endeavour to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.
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Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge is a truly luxurious retreat in Tanzania’s stunning Ruaha National Park. Here you will be treated to an exceptional safari experience.
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Zawadi Hotel
Zawadi Hotel offers the most intimate beach getaway, with a fine attention to detail. Elegant, relaxed luxury awaits.
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Fanjove Private Island
Now, this is what dreams are made of, a private island experience! Get ready to enter an unadulterated paradise.
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Baraza Resort and Spa
Baraza Resort and Spa is a stunning beachside property on the island of Zanzibar. The eclectic mix of Arabic, Indian, and Swahili influences gives this resort a truly luxurious feel.
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Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a luxury safari lodge, set in the heart of northern Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge comprises a number of romantic treehouse suites, each built on wooden stilts and with fabulous views of the mahogany forest.
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Beho Beho
Beho Beho is probably the finest safari lodge in the reserve, set in beautiful hill country overlooking riverine forests, miombo woodlands and plains. It was the first lodge sited in the reserve so has arguably the most privileged position, the most comfortable temperatures all year round, and the most superb views.
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Sand Rivers
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The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.
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Top 10 Tanzania Activities
We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.
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Top 10 Family Activities in Tanzania
We highlight the top ten Tanzania family safari adventures.
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Mkombe's House
Mkombe’s House is the first and only private house in the Serengeti. This is one of our favourite choices for families who want a classic Tanzania safari in exclusivity with expertly personal and attentive service.
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Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Cresting the rim of its namesake, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a favourite of ours for parents and children alike. The vistas of the crater are visible from everywhere in your suite, surrounding you with the sunlit beauty of one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Children of all ages are welcome here and will love picnics on the crater floor as well as the WILDChild programme.
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Kilindi
Kilindi Zanzibar is Tanzania’s very own beach paradise. Set in 50 acres of lush tropical gardens, this is a luxury boutique hotel which connects you to nature. This gorgeous hotel was originally designed for ABBA’s Benny Andersson. It achieves a perfect blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Middle Eastern architecture.
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Kiba Point
A secluded hideaway in one of the most remote game reserves in Tanzania, Kiba Point is a rustic retreat from modern life. Here your days pass at your own pace, whether you choose to explore by open-sided jeep with a private guide, or intrepidly explore the bush on foot. Since you won’t see any other people while you’re here, it’s the perfect African escape to enjoy with your family.
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Lamai Serengeti
This is where sustainability and luxury met, and fell deeply in love. Nomad Tanzania brings you Lamai Serengeti, an intimate permanent camp with conservation at its heart. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, each of the lodge’s cosy rooms preserve the peace and rustic charm of this incredible region.
Timeless landscapes teeming with iconic wildlife
Serengeti
Acacia-dotted savannahs, winding waterways and spectacular sunsets – this is quintessential Serengeti. Spot prides of lions laying in the shade as elephants lumber past, or feel the energy of thousands of migrating wildebeest as they lope across the plains.
The scenic gateway to northern Tanzania
Arusha
Arusha is more than just a thriving city for passing through – it’s an excellent stopover for cultural experiences and hiking trails in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru.
25,000 animals in a surreal volcanic crater
Ngorongoro Crater
Formed 2.5 million years ago after an ancient volcano erupted and then collapsed, the Ngorongoo crater is one of Tanzania’s most unique safari destinations. Thousands of birds and animals live here among the grasslands and Lake Magadi.
Riverine savannahs, giant baobabs and an abundance of elephant
Tarangire
Over 2,500 elephants meander through Tarangire, but this park is also great for spotting leopard and admiring gigantic baobab trees that are hundreds of years old.
A shimmering Rift Valley lake surrounded by ancient mahogany trees
Lake Manyara
Famously described by Hemingway as the loveliest lake in Africa, Lake Manyara is home to flamingos, hippos and, curiously, tree-climbing lions. Flanked by the Rift Valley escarpment, this is one of the most scenic spots in northern Tanzania.
Wonderfully remote and perfect for the dry season
Katavi
Katavi National Park sits in western Tanzania with a high density of wildlife and a rather low density of visitors. It’s an exclusive safari destination that is easily paired with the Mahle Mountains.
Chimpanzee tracking amid verdant rainforest and the world’s second-deepest lake
Mahale Mountains
Dense rainforest cascades down the slopes of the Mahle Mountains to the shores of record-holding Lake Tanganyika. At 1,436 metres deep, this lake is a haven for wildlife and watersports alike.
Remote and sprawling with large numbers of elephants and big cats
Ruaha
Ruaha National Park has Tanzania’s largest population of elephants with over 12,000 migrating through each year. Somehow, the park remains one of the country’s least-visited.
An island paradise just off the coast of mainland Tanzania
Zanzibar
There’s no better place to relax after a safari than on the island of Zanzibar. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and known for its vibrant spices, Zanzibar is bliss for body and mind.
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Tanzania Family Safari
Create memories of a lifetime together on an epic family safari in Tanzania. Witness the endless, game-filled plains of the Serengeti, explore the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater and experience the magnificent wildlife in Tarangire.
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Tarangire Tree Tops
Take to the Tarangire Treetops for the most magical stay. The views from the treetop rooms are as thrilling as the vast amounts of African elephants roaming around the nearby Tarangire National Park.
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Sayari Camp
A sumptuous champagne breakfast follows your morning hot air balloon ride. Sayari Camp is known for its intimacy, excellent food and unparalleled personal service. However, it is most famous for being right in the path of the wildebeest migration between the months of June and November.
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Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Inspired by a botanical theme, Singita’s riverside Faru Faru lodge welcomes you to barefoot elegance in a laid-back rustic setting. Here you will find every comfort you desire where nature takes centrestage. The nearby Grumeti River is famous for its large numbers of crocodiles and hippo, the lodge offers amazing contrasts through the seasons.
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Arusha Coffee Lodge
The chic and cosy Arusha Coffee Lodge is the perfect spot to acclimatise before your safari or unwind afterwards. Each cottage has been mindfully positioned across the lush coffee grove to provide privacy and tranquillity for those who value solitude.
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Rivertrees Country Inn
Rivertrees Country Inn is a small country inn only accommodating up to thirty guests, this guarantees privacy, personal attention and spectacular service. Rivertrees is a truly welcoming place to stay at the start or finish of an exciting safari or an exhilarating attempt on nearby Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Onsea House
The personal approach to Onsea House leaves a lasting impression. Every guest is treated with the utmost care. The daily fresh flowers in your room are a beautiful touch. This bed and breakfast truly lives up to its home-from-home ethos.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Perched on the rim of the crater with awe-inspiring views and surrounded by this tapestry of spectacular flora and fauna, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers you some of the most sumptuous accommodation in Africa. Everything at the lodge has been designed to invoke awe and delight the imagination.
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The Manor at Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Manor is reminiscent of an elegant up-country farm home in the Cape Dutch style of architecture. The Manor is one of the finest luxury safari properties in the region to fuse East African safari hospitality with old world Afro-European architecture and décor.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Entamanu Ngorongoro is a gorgeous tented lodge, perched high in the hills of Tanzania’s Crater Highlands. Set just back from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a plateau, surrounded by acacia forest, look forward to the most incredible panoramic views out over the crater.
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Oliver's Camp
Oliver’s Camp was established in 1992 by Paul Oliver. His vision was to recreate the old-world charm of a traditional African safari. We can confirm that he and his wonderful team have more than achieved this. Here you look forward to an intimate and exclusive safari experience, with direct access to nature.
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Swala Camp
We find the main dry season (between June and October) to be one of the most exciting times to be in Tanzania and stay in the luxury of Swala Camp. The waterhole within sight of the camp is one of the few permanent sources of water for many miles, attracting a regular procession of elephant, antelope, lion and giraffe.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Singita Milele
The name Singita is synonymous with ultra-luxury in the depths of the African wilderness and Singita Milele is no exception. This property comprises five luxurious suites, and grand, well-equipped shared areas in the heart of a private wildlife reserve in the Serengeti National Park. If you’re looking to see the Great Migration in privacy and comfort, Singita Milele is simply perfect.
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