Arusha National Park is a great first stop on your family-friendly Tanzania itinerary. The park boasts diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes, including Mount Meru, Momella Lakes, and Ngurdoto Crater. Spend the day on a game drive or walking tour to see the park’s rich flora and fauna up close.
A Tanzanian safari wouldn't be complete without a visit to Serengeti National Park. The park is home to the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest and zebras move across the savannah plains. Take a game drive or hot air balloon ride during the day and enjoy stargazing at night from your luxury camp.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers breathtaking views of the world's largest inactive, unbroken and unfilled volcanic caldera- the Ngorongoro Crater. Visit the Maasai village and learn about their culture and lifestyle.
Lake Manyara National Park is a hidden gem in Tanzania. Although it's one of the smallest parks, it's home to a wide range of exotic wildlife, including tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. Take a bike or canoe tour around the lake, or go for a leisurely walk or game drive.
Zanzibar is a picturesque island off the coast of Tanzania, known for its white sandy beaches, vibrant history and culture. Spend a day at the beach and engage in snorkeling or spot the Red colobus monkey species. You can also take a spice tour and try some Swahili seafood at the historic Stone Town.
Pemba Island is a beautiful, untouched island located off the coast of Tanzania. You can snorkel through a beautiful coral garden with colorful fish, swim with Humpback whales, and explore ancient ruins and spice plantations.
Mafia Island has one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world, making it the perfect place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Explore the marine life, swim with whale sharks and lay down on the beach to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
As your Tanzania travels come to an end, spend the last day in Moshi. At the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi is a cultural hub for Tanzania. Visit the vibrant markets, participate in the Maasai market and take a cup of coffee from the coffee plantations.
Getting around Tanzania with family requires some advance planning. Consider flight schedules and book with airlines such as CRJ that offer flights from different locations to save time. Hiring a private vehicle with a driver-guide will give you the flexibility to travel at your own pace, and this can cost anywhere from $150-$500 per day. Be sure to weigh your options and choose the one that suits your itinerary and budget best.
For those with less time, skip Mafia island and take an extra day at Ngorongoro or Manyara. For those with more time, add a climb of Kilimanjaro or explore Dar es Salaam. Whichever the case, pack light with comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes and a hat. Also bring a good camera and plenty of sunscreen.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the major airport in Tanzania, located about 30 miles from Arusha, the gateway city for most tourist destinations in Tanzania. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is the largest international airport in Tanzania, located in Dar es Salaam, and serves as an alternative to Kilimanjaro International Airport.