Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels to choose from both before and during the safari. We make sure to choose accommodation that suits the whole family. Many hotels have family rooms, but some prefer to stay in separate rooms next to each other and we will arrange this. We usually choose accommodations with a pool to cool off on hot days.
We have camping options on the savannah, but we don't usually recommend this for small children as they can feel a little uncomfortable camping. However, if you have slightly older children, this works fine. You can stay 2 or 3 in a tent. Some hotels do not allow children, but since you have given us information about the ages, we will of course adapt the accommodation accordingly.

Security

Safety is our top priority. However, the risk of accidents is very low. We have experienced and skilled guides who are also trained by us in safety and you can always rely on them. We will transport you everywhere so you will be well taken care of. During the safari you cannot leave the jeep, but you can go to the toilet at marked areas. Our safari jeeps are in very good condition and are serviced after every safari. Should you need high chairs, we will provide them. Otherwise, common sense applies.

Weather

Some people think the heat in Africa is unbearable. That's not usually the case. Around the safari parks the climate is pleasant as it is dry and rarely gets oppressively hot. Children can be particularly sensitive to the heat, but on safari you are under cover so you have sun protection. However, it might be a good idea to rub your arms as you sometimes have them outside the jeep.
Zanzibar has high humidity so be prepared for that. However, there are often nice winds.

Choice of safari trip

We organise private safaris and can therefore easily design any trip. We always recommend that if you have younger children with you, you reduce your transport as much as possible as some parks can be long distances away.
It's usually a good idea not to squeeze in too many parks but to choose a few. A good arrangement is to skip Serengeti and go on safari to the parks that are closer to the starting point, Arusha. If you want to go to the Serengeti, a good option is to take a jeep to the Serengeti and then fly from there to Zanzibar. Then it's just one way transport. The road to Serengeti is bumpy, but we have good jeeps that can handle the bumps relatively well. As our safari is private, the guide will tailor the tour to you and you don't have to be out all day if you don't feel like it. You can choose to make many stops along the way and you can start the safari at any time you like in the morning.

Age limit

It is difficult to say from what age it is appropriate to go on safari. It all depends on the type of child and your previous experience. However, many people think that it is advisable to wait until the children are of school age so that they can get more out of the trip and to make it easier for them to travel, but it is of course up to each individual. Many people travel with children who are much younger. There are no age limits for the national parks in Tanzania. Some of the activities during the safari have an age limit. On a walking safari, children must be older than 12 and on aNgorongoro crater walk they must be older than 10.

Combine with Zanzibar

A great combination for many families with children is a safari and sun holiday in Zanzibar. It's perfect for soaking up the savannah on a sandy beach by the Indian Ocean. Safari means limited free time, so it's nice to be able to decide for yourself what you want to do. Then there's the great combo of adventure and sun. Zanzibar is very child-friendly and the locals like children and are often very nice. The food is mild and there is a great variety of dishes and a large selection of fruit. Many children invite you to play games or football on the beach. It takes only one hour from Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar.

Food

At the lodges, there are rarely problems with food restrictions as they have a wide range. If you are camping, the lodge has its own chef and he is always informed of your possible allergies and prepares a menu to suit you. It's a good idea to bring snacks with you on safari. Tell the guide and he will stop at a shop where you can buy fruit, nuts, cakes etc. When ordering food at a restaurant in Tanzania be prepared that it often takes a very long time to get the food so don't wait until you are too hungry. It is also important to make sure that children drink plenty of fluids. One tip is to bring a travel bag with you on your trip.

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Tips during the safari

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Let the children take pictures

During a safari you will take lots of pictures. If you can, buy a disposable camera for the children to take their own pictures with or let them borrow the camera so they can take pictures of their experience.

Bring an extra pair of binoculars

We have binoculars in the jeep that you can borrow. But please bring an extra pair of binoculars so that the children can keep track of what's going on at all times and better take part in the experience.

Make a list of what you see

Bring a notebook for the children to draw or write down their experiences. For example, it might be fun to write down and tick off all the animals you have seen on the savannah. If there are longer periods without anything happening, this can be a good thing to pass the time with and it will also be a memory to take home.

Dress wisely

It works well to wear shorts and a t-shirt in the safari jeep. But please bring proper shoes and long trousers and sweaters for protection from the sun and insects when you are outside the jeep. It's also a good idea to bring sunglasses and a sun hat or cap.

Go to the toilet before the safari

Remember to go to the toilet before going on a safari. There are different places in each park where you can stop to go to the toilet, but in order to be completely flexible with where in the park you go, it's good not to have to go to those places straight away.

Visit a vaccination clinic

Go to a vaccination clinic to see what advice they give you. Usually Hepatitis A and B and malaria tablets during the safari are recommended.

Be patient

You will see lots of animals during your safari. But it can sometimes take a little time, so prepare your children for the fact that the safari will involve some waiting and transport. Often they find waiting for animals to appear exciting and you could, for example, make it a competition to see who sees which animals first.
We have sockets in the jeep so it works well to use your mobile phone or I-pad during the journey.

Prepare yourself

Prepare your children for what they will experience in terms of animals, nature, culture, language, etc.
A good idea is to watch nature films to learn about Africa's different animals and get to know a bit about them before you go. It usually enhances the experience once you are there.