12 Day Tanzania Tanzania Family Safari + Zanzibar Beach
Overview
Create unforgettable family memories on this exceptional 12 Day Tanzania Family Safari + Zanzibar, a perfectly balanced holiday that combines thrilling wildlife safaris, authentic cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes and relaxing days on the tropical island of Zanzibar. This itinerary is well thought out for families of all ages, taking you through Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations and then finishing your adventure on the white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Start your journey in the safari capital of Tanzania, Arusha, with a guided city tour and a tranquil visit to Lake Duluti, a beautiful volcanic crater lake surrounded by lush forest. Then continue to the wildlife-rich Tarangire National Park, known for its giant baobabs and some of Africa’s largest elephant herds. Drive to the spectacular Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the world famous Ngorongoro Crater, one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in one game drive.
At Lake Eyasi you will have a real cultural experience for your family, meeting the interesting Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and the skilled Datoga blacksmiths. This one-of-a-kind experience offers a glimpse into the diverse cultures of Tanzania and provides an educational experience that children and adults will treasure.
The adventure continues to the legendary Serengeti National Park, where endless golden plains are home to incredible wildlife such as lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and hundreds of species of birds. Depending on the season you may witness the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration, one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
After your safari, enjoy a scenic flight from the Serengeti to the idyllic island of Zanzibar for three relaxing days. Relax on the powdery white sandy beaches, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, take part in optional snorkelling and water sports, explore the rich Swahili culture of Stone Town or just relax at your beachfront resort.
Your family will enjoy a personalised service and comfortable accommodation, unlimited game drives and unforgettable experiences throughout the journey travelling in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle with an experienced English-speaking safari guide. This 12 Day Tanzania Family Safari + Zanzibar is the perfect family holiday in East Africa, wildlife, culture, adventure and tropical relaxation combined.
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 at the foot of the majestic slopes of Mount Meru and is the gateway to Tanzania's famous Northern Safari Circuit. Unwind after your international flight and enjoy the tranquillity of your lodge before checking in. If you arrive early, you can relax by the pool or take a stroll through the gardens before dinner. In the evening your guide will give you a detailed safari briefing introducing you to the exciting adventure that awaits you and answering any questions you may have. Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and your first overnight in Tanzania.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodge
After breakfast start your day with an introduction tour to Arusha City to get a feel of the bustling safari capital of Tanzania. Explore the city’s history and daily life through visits to busy local markets, cultural heritage sites, artisan workshops and traditional craft shops. Then continue to the peaceful Lake Duluti, a lovely crater lake surrounded by lush indigenous forest. Enjoy a peaceful guided walk along the lakeshore and you are likely to see kingfishers, fish eagles, monitor lizards and colourful butterflies. Families can also take optional canoeing on the peaceful waters before heading back to Arusha for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Masailand Safari Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Ngaresero Lodg
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, one of the most beautiful wildlife destinations in Tanzania. On entering the park you will embark on your first exciting game drive amidst giant baobab trees and the winding Tarangire River. The park is famous for its large herds of elephants and regularly sees lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, warthogs, ostriches and more than 500 species of birds all year round. Stop for a scenic picnic lunch before returning to the wild for the remainder of your afternoon adventure. You’ll look for the park’s incredible wildlife with your experienced guide, before transferring to your lodge for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Ang'ata Tarangire Camp
Premium Accommodation: Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp
After breakfast depart Tarangire and travel to the wonderful Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you will descend approx 600 metres into the amazing Ngorongoro Crater. Spend your day discovering one of the richest wildlife habitats in Africa, searching for Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Hippos, Hyenas, Flamingos and the rare Black Rhino. The crater contains permanent water sources and lush grasslands that support an incredible density of animals year-round. Have lunch on a picnic by the hippo pool and continue your game drive. In the afternoon, climb out of the crater and drive to the delightful town of Karatu, set among coffee plantations, for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After an early breakfast, drive to the Lake Eyasi area to spend the morning with the incredible Hadzabe hunter-gatherers, one of Africa’s last remaining indigenous communities living a traditional lifestyle. Discover their hunting techniques, survival skills, medicinal plants and unique click language and gain fascinating insight into their ancient way of life. Continue to visit the neighbouring Datoga tribe, famous for their traditional blacksmithing and hand crafted jewellery. See master craftsmen at work making farming implements and decorative objects with centuries-old techniques before visiting local families. Back to Karatu in time for lunch. The afternoon is free for relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of your lodge before dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
Premium Accommodation: Kitela Lodge
After breakfast, leave Karatu and drive through the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands to the world famous Serengeti National Park. The landscape opens up to endless golden plains and your safari adventure starts immediately with wildlife sightings along the way. Be prepared with your camera for elephants, giraffes, zebras, gazelles and predators that roam freely across this incredible ecosystem. Spend the afternoon on a game drive with your experienced guide searching for lions, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes and many more species. Arrive at your safari lodge or luxury tented camp before sunset and enjoy dinner and an unforgettable evening to the sounds of the African wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Get up before dawn and experience the Serengeti at its most active. After breakfast, embark on a full day game drive in different parts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in search of the Big Five and countless other wildlife species. Depending on the season, you may be lucky enough to see the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration as millions of animals move across the plains in search of fresh grazing. By day your expert guide will regale you with stories of intriguing animal behaviour, predator-prey relationships and conservation. Have a picnic lunch in the heart of the park before continuing your wildlife adventure. Return to your lodge before sunset for dinner and another unforgettable overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: Serenity Camps and Lodges
Premium Accommodation: Serengeti Luxury Retreat
Enjoy one last game drive through the Serengeti before heading out for a relaxed breakfast, giving your family an additional opportunity to see the incredible animals and scenery. After the game drive transfer to the nearby Serengeti Airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Zanzibar. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the wilderness of Tanzania during the flight before arriving on the tropical island. Arrive and meet your Zanzibar representative before transferring to your beach front resort. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the swimming pool, wander along the white sand beach or enjoy the cooling ocean breeze before dinner and your first overnight stay in paradise.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
Relax and enjoy the tropical beauty of Zanzibar Island over the next three days with its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters; the perfect family getaway. These days of leisure are the perfect chance to unwind after your exciting safari and enjoy the superb facilities of your beachfront resort. Swim in the warm Indian Ocean, laze under swaying palm trees or simply enjoy the tranquil island atmosphere. Families can also enjoy a variety of optional activities including snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, traditional dhow sunset cruises, dolphin tours, spice farm visits or exploring the narrow streets and historical sites of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Zanzibar is the perfect end to an unforgettable Tanzanian holiday, whether you want action or relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Comfort Accommodation: The Z Hotel Zanzibar
Premium Accommodation: Zuri Zanzibar
After breakfast, enjoy your last moments in Zanzibar before transfer to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) according to schedule. Depending on your flight time you can relax on the resort, take one last walk on the beach or enjoy the stunning ocean views before you leave. Your driver will comfortably transfer you to the airport for your onwards flight home. As your incredible family holiday draws to a close, depart with lasting memories of exhilarating wildlife encounters, meaningful cultural experiences, breathtaking scenery and the tropical beauty of Zanzibar. This amazing trip is a perfect blend of adventure, education, relaxation and family bonding that will be cherished for years to come.
Meals: Breakfast
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.