Should I go on safari with kids?
Create lifelong memories with your loved ones in the majestic wilderness of Tanzania.
East Africa is an excellent and underappreciated destination for families with grandparents and children. East Africans are known for their generosity and kindness to children and are always welcoming and friendly with young visitors, making travel with children a wonderful and supported experience for parents as well.
Moreover, roads are in decent condition in both Tanzania and Kenya, and the myriad of national parks are easily accessible so you won’t spend too much time driving and waiting to see game. Also, the availability of other cultural attractions around each park means that you can add some variety to your safari so you aren’t boring the young ones with long, extended game drives. Adding Zanzibar or other beach destination at the end of your safari is a welcome addition for children; this provides another view into the diverse ecosystem and culture while allowing everyone to enjoy a tropical beach vacation.
Some safari operators and private game reserves will not accommodate children under 8, and in some locations, under 12. Duma is a unique outfitter with deep experience planning multi-generational family trips; we can ensure that you’ll be in a private vehicle so you can bring your children of any age with you. Children also enjoy significant discounts at lodges and on park fees and safaris cost roughly 65% of what an adult would pay for the same trip.
How to prepare for your safari experience with children:
Make an appointment with your travel doctor prior to visiting East Africa. Malaria is sometimes present in safari parks and children need a pediatric prophylactic.
Animals often come close to vehicles or tented lodges; warn your family in advance so they don’t end up startling the animals.
We advise taking a bush flight from your final safari destination back to the airport. This saves a lot of time and eliminates several hours of driving over dirt roads. It is also an excellent way to see the ecosystem from above as the planes fly low.
Our safari guides also have these tips for parents going on safari with children:
Bring them when they are young and bring them often. Safari is a magical experience for children. The wonder of a safari sparks children’s curiosity in the natural world and they never forget the experience.
Pack a wildlife guidebook for each child so they can track the animals and birds that they see.
Bring games that they are able to play in the vehicle during some of the longer drives.
Pack decent hiking shoes so guides can take you explore spectacular views.
Regardless of your children’s ages, we will work with your preferences as a family to meet any special requirements, and design an itinerary to give everyone in your group a customized and excellent safari experience! Most of our guides are parents, and have infinite patience for the curiosity of young ones. Safaris are an extraordinary and intimate experience, and sharing it with your closest loved ones will make for an unforgettable trip.
