11 Day Tanzania Family Safari + Zanzibar Relaxation
Overview
An unforgettable 11-day Tanzania family safari + Zanzibar, the perfect blend of wildlife and culture, relaxation and tropical paradise. This family-friendly itinerary is perfect for those looking for an out-of-the-ordinary African holiday, combining the spectacular wildlife of Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit with the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar. From thrilling game viewing in world-famous national parks to authentic cultural experiences and relaxing days on the Indian Ocean, every moment is carefully planned to create memories to last a lifetime for the family.
You’ll start your journey in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania, where you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome before embarking on an incredible adventure. Then travel to the spectacular Tarangire National Park, famous for its giant baobab trees, large herds of elephants and diverse wildlife. Drive to the beautiful highlands of Karatu, a charming town surrounded by coffee plantations and the gateway to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Eyasi.
A highlight of this itinerary is an amazing cultural experience with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Meet the Hadzabe people, one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa. Discover their traditional lifestyle, hunting techniques and close connection with nature. Then visit the Datoga tribe, renowned for their excellent blacksmithing and cultural heritage. Real-life encounters provide children and adults with a more profound understanding of Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage.
The adventure continues with a spectacular game drive inside the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, also known as Africa’s Garden of Eden. One of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers extraordinary opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, flamingos, hyenas and the endangered black rhino all in one day.
Then, journey to the legendary Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s greatest wildlife destinations. Enjoy three days of unforgettable safari action on the endless plains of the Serengeti, home to incredible wildlife, including the Big Five, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, leopards, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. Depending on the time of year, your family may see the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the greatest natural spectacles on earth.
After your safari, experience a totally different adventure on a scenic flight from the Serengeti to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Relax on beautiful white-sand beaches, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoy family-friendly water activities and learn about the island’s unique Swahili culture. Zanzibar is the ideal end to your holiday in Tanzania, whether you want to snorkel, take a sunset dhow cruise or simply relax on the beach.
On your trip, your family will be travelling in a private Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle, 4×4, with comfortable seating, large pop-up roof windows, charging ports, a refrigerator stocked with bottled water, and plenty of room for everyone. Your professional English-speaking safari guide will make every game drive exciting and educational, sharing fascinating insights into the wildlife, landscapes and cultures of Tanzania.
This 11-day Tanzania Family Safari + Zanzibar is the ultimate family holiday, combining exceptional wildlife viewing, authentic cultural experiences, comfortable accommodation and tropical island relaxation. Delivering unforgettable experiences for all ages of travellers.
Safari Itinerary
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will be met and greeted by your professional safari guide and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. Arusha is nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru and is the gateway to Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit. It is a tranquil place to begin your family adventure. On arrival settle in after your international journey, enjoy the lodge facilities or stroll through the beautiful gardens. In the evening your guide will give you a full safari briefing, explaining in detail all about the exciting itinerary ahead and answering any questions you may have. Before you settle in for your first overnight in Tanzania, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast depart Arusha to Tarangire National Park, a drive of approximately two hours through beautiful countryside and traditional villages. On arrival at the park start your first exciting game drive exploring the scenery of giant baobab trees and the life giving Tarangire River. The park is known for its large elephant herds that are often seen congregating near the river. Lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, warthogs and many bird species are often sighted during the daytime. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch, then continue your wildlife adventure. Then drive to your lodge near Tarangire for dinner and a relaxing overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
After breakfast, take a leisurely morning game drive through Tarangire, giving your family another chance to see the park’s remarkable wildlife and serene landscapes. Your guide will explore the park's different areas in search of predators, colourful birds and elephants moving through the ancient baobab forests. After your safari, leave Tarangire and travel through the fertile Great Rift Valley to the delightful town of Karatu. Surrounded by coffee plantations and rolling green hills, Karatu is a refreshing change of scenery and is the gateway to Ngorongoro and Lake Eyasi. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and relax before dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
Early breakfast and drive to the Lake Eyasi region for an unforgettable cultural experience. Experience the way of life of one of Africa’s last true hunter-gatherer tribes, the Hadzabe, through demonstrations of traditional hunting, fire making and bush survival skills. Learn about their unique click language and their close relationship with their environment. We move on to the neighbouring Datoga community who are expert blacksmiths working metal to create farming implements, jewellery and traditional weapons, using techniques that have been passed down through the centuries. Spend time interacting with local families before returning to Karatu in the afternoon for a relaxing dinner and another comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, leave Karatu and drive into the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area to descend into the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater for a memorable morning game drive. This natural wonder has one of the richest wildlife populations in Africa, and is an excellent place to spot black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, hyenas, flamingos and a host of antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous hippo pool, then climb the crater walls and continue through the scenic highlands to Serengeti National Park. Wildlife sightings start as soon as you enter the endless plains. Arrive at your safari lodge or luxury tented camp in time to enjoy your first night in the Serengeti with dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Wake up early to witness the Serengeti at its busiest time, when predators begin to hunt and animals flock to the open plains. After breakfast, take off on a full-day game drive through the different habitats with your safari guide. Look for lions sleeping under acacia trees, elephants in the savannah, graceful giraffes, cheetahs looking at the horizon, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and many species of birds. Depending on the season, you can witness the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration. Enjoy a picnic lunch in spectacular scenery before you continue with your afternoon safari. Return to the lodge before sunset for dinner and another night to remember in the African bush.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Another full day to explore other parts of the Serengeti, with further opportunities for extraordinary wildlife encounters. Discover rocky kopjes that lions often lounge on, seasonal rivers where hippos and crocodiles are abundant, and vast plains teeming with grazing herbivores. Your professional guide will modify the route of the day according to recent wildlife movements, to give you the best possible game viewing opportunities. Both children and adults will love learning about animal behaviour, ecosystems and conservation, while taking incredible pictures throughout the day. After another scenic picnic lunch, continue your safari before heading back to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
After a leisurely breakfast and a final game drive in the morning, you will be transferred to the nearby Serengeti Airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Fly over the stunning scenery of Tanzania before arriving at your tropical island retreat surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. On arrival meet your Zanzibar representative and transfer to your beach resort. Enjoy the rest of the day lazing by the swimming pool, walking along the pristine, white sand beach or just enjoying the peaceful ocean breeze before dinner and your first overnight stay in Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
The next two days you can relax and enjoy the tropical beauty of Zanzibar Island where white sandy beaches and the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet. These leisure days are perfect for your family to relax and enjoy the fabulous facilities of your beach front resort after the excitement of your safari. Relax under swaying palms, swim in the balmy ocean or just soak up the peaceful island atmosphere. Families can also enjoy a wide range of optional activities including snorkelling over colourful coral reefs, kayaking, paddleboarding, traditional dhow sunset cruises, dolphin excursions, spice farm tours or exploring the historic streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in Swahili culture and history. Whether you explore the cultural treasures of Zanzibar, or just relax on its world-renowned beaches, these unforgettable days are the perfect way to end your Tanzania Family Safari before you fly home.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Depending on your flight schedule, use the rest of your free time to relax at your beach resort or take a final stroll along the beautiful coast of Zanzibar after breakfast. Your driver then transfers you to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) for your onwards flight home. You’ll depart with unforgettable memories of exhilarating wildlife encounters in Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, meaningful cultural experiences with the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes and the relaxing beauty of Zanzibar’s world-famous beaches. This amazing adventure provides the perfect blend of adventure, culture and relaxation for the whole family.
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Domestic Flight
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
- Domestic Flight
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
"Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa’s best family safari destinations, with incredible wildlife, family-friendly lodges, private safaris and unforgettable educational experiences. Both children and adults can see the Big Five, the Great Wildebeest Migration and breathtaking landscapes while making lifelong memories together.
Most family safaris are suitable for children aged 5 years and above, although some lodges welcome younger children. Families with toddlers or teenagers can enjoy customized itineraries designed around their pace, interests, and comfort.
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti Nation Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Arusha National Park are the most popular parks for family. Both offer excellent wildlife viewing, comfortable accommodations and exciting activities that are perfect for families.
Yeah. A private Tanzania family safari gives you the absolute flexibility to travel at your own pace, to stop wherever your family feels like it, to change game drive schedules and to have a dedicated professional safari guide who is totally focused on your family’s experience.
There are great opportunities for families to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros, as well as giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, wildebeests, monkeys, hyenas, antelopes and hundreds of colorful bird species.
Tanzania has amazing safaris throughout the year. Wildlife viewing is best in the dry season (June-October) and the Great Migration calving season is best from January to March. The green season is a popular time for many families who prefer less crowded travel.
Yeah. Tanzania offers a wide range of family-friendly lodges, luxury tented camps and safari resorts with family suites, interconnecting rooms, swimming pools, children’s menus and activities especially for younger guests.
Sure. Many families combine a Tanzania safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday where kids and parents can relax on white-sand beaches, swim in the Indian Ocean, snorkel, do some water sports and explore the rich culture of the island after the safari adventure.
Yeah. Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa for families. With an experienced professional guide, reputable lodges and standard safari safety guidelines you can be assured of a comfortable and safe family holiday.
Bring light, neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, reusable water bottles, cameras, binoculars, personal medications and warm layers for early morning game drives. Remember to bring entertainment items for younger children during transfers.
Yeah. Children can enjoy game drives, cultural village visits, nature walks, junior ranger programs, wildlife education activities, birdwatching, and family-friendly conservation experiences, depending on their age and lodge policies, so the safari will be fun and educational.
Tanzaniatrail Experience is a specialist in tailor-made Tanzania family safaris, tailored to your family’s interests, comfort and travel style. We offer private 4x4 safari vehicles, experienced professional guides, carefully chosen family friendly accommodation, flexible itinerary, child friendly activities and excellent service to ensure that your family has a safe, memorable and unforgettable African safari adventure.
Giving Back Through Every Journey
At Tanzaniatrail, we believe that travel should create lasting memories and make a positive difference. That’s why 1% of every safari package you book goes directly back to local communities in Tanzania. We regularly visit and support orphanages and community centers, and our dream is to establish a dedicated children’s home under Tanzaniatrail’s care. When you travel with us, you’re not only exploring Tanzania’s beauty — you’re also helping provide education, food, and brighter futures for vulnerable children. Your adventure changes lives. Travel with purpose.