TANZANIA SAFARIS WITH KIDS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE.

Tanzania Safari with kids guide by Nature responsible Safari. Tanzania’s fame has been growing on a daily in all parts of the world. Apart from the fact that it also is one of the few African countries that have been led by a Woman president, it holds one of the most beautiful wildlife sceneries and beaches. As the population grows all around the world, people keep looking for places that they could travel with ease and still have some sort of customized experience with fewer people around them. Tanzania, being a very big country with an area of 945,087 sq.km, offers all of these plus secure environments for foreigners as well. Whether it is a solo trip, a honeymoon experience or a family get together, Tanzania has it all for you. But the biggest question that comes up is, ‘What if I want to travel with my family with young kids?’, or rather, ‘Am I able to enjoy a safari with my kids around me?’ Kids are bundles of joys but we all know that you’d want to relax as well as spending time with family; and lucky for you, we have the best guideline that could help you achieve that!

FLYING TO TANZANIA.

Tanzania is located on the Eastern side of Africa and it must be noted that this is an extremely long flight including transits. Usually, flights from around the world to the country take a minimum of 8 hours and it could be a great toll for toddlers or kids due to the long hours of inactivity. Of course, there are so many sources that show the best ways to keep children busy during long flights, but this is not what the article is about. ‘What happens when you finally land in Tanzania’ is the question we have to worry about because, let’s face it, you and them will be exhausted. Usually, we look for accommodations next to the airport to give you a night or two of good rest and sufficient sleep. The hotels that are close to the airport are usually just like any other hotels around the world with a bit of a twist of design. However, you will not have to worry about safety or animals hovering around because they are around an industrialized and busy part of a city. We suggest that you take time to re-energize and rest before you officially start the safari and movement. 

GAME DRIVE.

A game drive is usually the main reason someone would visit the country or at least one of the reasons. As mentioned earlier, Tanzania is a very big country and the distance between park to park could take a couple of hours. Although they might be okay for adults, traveling with kids would be a bit different. Nevertheless, it does not necessarily mean that you will have a hard time enjoying the game drive. It is important to note that we have experienced and trained guides who will be with you all the way and safety is not an issue to worry about both for you or your children. You will use a safari vehicle throughout your exploration journey in the parks while the guide gives helps you view the different animals. With this in mind, we can divide easily identify this into 2 segments.

CHILDREN AGED 5 AND BELOW

Before any entrance to a National Park or Conservation Area, a required amount is paid at the gate to offer you permits to allow entrance to the zone. The permits are grouped into different ages and usually children under 5 are not charged. The safari vehicle usually has a minimum of four seats and a maximum of 8 seats for a long vehicle. The sits are usually comfortable but of course a booster would be highly recommended for the safety of children who can set on their own. If they are too young, then it is required that they be held and watched closely by an adult at all times due to the bumpy roads. The guide will make stops when necessary and will be at a speed that is favorable for you and your child. You are also able to carry snacks and goodies in the car to keep them entertained and fed during the game drive. 

CHILDREN AGED 5 – 15

Children under age 5 to 15 are usually a bit more settled and could handle long safaris better. The charge at the parks is also a bit different and lower than the price adults pay. At this age, children are ale to appreciate nature and even take note on the difference in culture. 

Most of the times, ages above 16 are considered adults but it of course depends on different accommodation policies. 

Deciding to go for safari could also include you having activities like walking, canoeing and balloon safaris. With activities like these, children are not allowed to join in. Nothing to worry about, because you could always leave them under the care of someone; which we shall elaborate in a minute.

DURING GAME DRIVE:

It is usually recommended to travel and head towards safari during the dry seasons. This is because the animals are easy to find in areas that are a water source. This makes it easy for both you and your child in terms of the time taken during the game drive. 

You can carry snacks and drinks aside from the packed lunches from the accommodations you will be staying at to keep them busy and entertained. The safari drives should also be shorter to allow the children time to recharge. Usually, we create and plan the best safari itinerary that will work best for you. If you have sensitive skin, don’t forget to carry sunscreen!

ACCOMMODATION.

POLICIES.

Based on different accommodations, different policies are applied. There could be discounts or extra charges that revolve around the special services you might need. The staff in this area are well trained and will do everything they can to get you what you need during your stay.

SLEEPING ARANGEMENTS.

Going for a safari usually requires you to spend your nights in camps and tented lodges. Depending on how they are designed or structured, you will be required to sleep in a certain way. For instance, parents are required to sleep with a child in each tent or rather an adult should be in a tent with children and never them alone. This is to prevent the children to walk out or even open doors without supervisions and risk encounter with a wild animal. Usually, the hotel management has people stationed around every spot for safety, but this is to keep them extra safe.

MEAL PLANS.

Accommodations country-wide will be glad to assist with specific meal plans that will be required for the children given that it was addressed in advance, If there is a specific meal time or diet requirement, they will be happy to help and this should not be a big problem.

Traveling with children should not be a hassle and neither should it be stressful. It is a beautiful thing to get experience and make beautiful memories with your family keeping in mind that you get relaxed as well. Nature Responsible safari is willing to create an unforgettable experience under the beautiful Tanzanian sky.