This 8-day Tanzania family safari is crafted for families who want to experience the best of Northern Tanzania ā from exciting game drives to unique cultural tours and even optional hot springs or balloon safaris. With family-friendly lodges, moderate driving times, and fun-filled activities like walking safaris and meeting the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers, this adventure is both educational and unforgettable for all ages.
Itinerary | Day to day
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania ā Transfer to Arusha & Optional Town Tour
Distance: ~55 km
Drive Time: 1ā1.5 hours
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your safari guide will meet you and transfer you to your lodge in Arusha. If you arrive early, weāll take you on a short town tour to visit a local market or cultural sites before heading back to your lodge for dinner and a good nightās rest.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge ā Great for families with gardens and a pool
Meal Plan: Dinner
Dinner: 7:00 PM ā 9:00 PM
Day 2: Arusha National Park ā Game Drive & Walking Safari
Distance: ~45 km
Drive Time: 1ā1.5 hours
Today youāll visit Arusha National Park, a gem near the city known for its lakes, waterfalls, and Mount Meru. Start with a guided walking safari ā a great way for kids to safely stretch their legs and spot animals on foot. Then continue with a game drive to see giraffes, monkeys, flamingos, and more.
Enjoy a bush picnic lunch in the park before heading back to your lodge.
Accommodation: Pazuri Inn ā Simple and family-friendly
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 7:00 AM
Lunch: 12:30 PM (Bush picnic)
Dinner: 7:00 PM ā 9:00 PM
Day 3: Tarangire National Park ā Game Drive & Elephant Spotting
Distance: ~120 km
Drive Time: ~2.5ā3 hours
After breakfast, drive to Tarangire National Park, famous for its huge elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Youāll enjoy a game drive with a picnic lunch inside the park, then continue game viewing as you exit and drive to Karatu for the evening.
Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge ā Family-friendly with a beautiful garden and pool
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 7:00 AM
Lunch: 12:30 PM (Picnic in park)
Dinner: 7:00 PM ā 9:00 PM
Day 4: Karatu to Serengeti National Park (via Ngorongoro)
Distance: ~250 km
Drive Time: 6ā7 hours with game stops
After an early breakfast, depart for Serengeti National Park. You’ll pass through Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enjoy views from the crater rim, and continue into the endless plains of Serengeti. Game viewing starts as you enter the park.
Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and sunset views.
Accommodation: Lahia Tented Lodge ā Luxury lodge with family tents and spectacular views
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:30 AM
Lunch: 12:30 PM (Picnic en route)
Dinner: 7:00 PM ā 9:00 PM
Day 5: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drive + Optional Balloon Safari & Sundowner
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive or opt for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari (extra cost), followed by a champagne bush breakfast. Return to the lodge for a hot lunch and some rest.
In the evening, enjoy a sundowner experience ā with drinks and snacks as the sun sets over the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Lahia Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 5:30 AM (early drive/balloon), 8:00 AM (late start)
Lunch: 1:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM ā 9:00 PM
Day 6: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater ā Game Drive & Overnight in Karatu
Distance: ~190 km
Drive Time: ~7ā8 hours (with crater game drive)
After breakfast, drive to the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, descend into the caldera for a 3ā4 hour game drive. This is the best place to see the Big Five in one location. Have your picnic lunch inside the crater, then drive to Karatu for overnight.
Accommodation: Eileenās Tree Inn ā Comfortable and welcoming for families
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:30 AM
Lunch: 12:30 PM (Crater picnic)
Dinner: 7:00 PM ā 9:00 PM
Day 7: Hadzabe Tribe Cultural Tour ā Return to Arusha
Distance: ~200 km
Drive Time: 5ā6 hours (including visit and return drive)
Today, drive to Lake Eyasi to meet the Hadzabe tribe, one of Africaās last hunter-gatherer communities. Learn their way of life and join them on a traditional hunting experience ā a favorite with older kids and teens.
After the tour, return to Arusha and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: 6:30 AM
Lunch: 12:30 PM (Local or picnic)
Dinner: 7:00 PM ā 9:00 PM
Day 8: Departure ā Optional Visit to Chemka Hot Springs
Distance: ~55 km to airport (or ~70 km if visiting Chemka)
Drive Time: 1ā2 hours
Depending on your flight time, you may choose to relax at the hotel or enjoy a half-day trip to Chemka Hot Springs, a natural geothermal pool perfect for swimming and relaxing. Later, your guide will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Breakfast: 8:00 AM
Included in the Safari
Not Included in the Safari
š Transport in a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing
šØāāļø Professional English-speaking driver/guide
šļø Accommodation as per itineraryĀ
š½ļø Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as indicated in the itinerary
š° Bottled drinking water in the vehicle during safari
š« All park entrance fees and government taxes
š¦ Game drives as per itinerary
š§ Transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
šļø Entry fees to Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area Authority
āļø International flights to/from Tanzania
š§³ Travel insurance and medical insurance
š§¾ Tips for guide, driver, and hotel staff (recommended $10ā$20 per day)
š· Alcoholic and Sprit drinks at lodges and camps
šļø Optional activities (e.g., Maasai village visit, hot air balloon safari, cultural tours)
š§¼ Personal items: laundry, souvenirs, phone charges, etc.
šļø Accommodation in Arusha after the safari (can be arranged upon request)
š§¾ Visa fees for entry into Tanzania