Bucket list family safari Tanzania

Arusha is the jump-off point for most safaris to Tanzania’s northern circuit. The town itself is home to numerous coffee plantations, in the shadow of nearby Mount Meru.

Serengeti is so steeped in safari lore that it’s hard to believe it could live up to the legend, but as the epicentre of wildlife in East Africa, it outstrips expectations time and again.

It stretches as far as Kenya‘s Masai Mara and hosts the magnificent Great Migration: over 3 million wildebeest and other ungulates traverse countless miles in an annual cycle seeking sustenance.

As Tanzania family safaris go, this merits its place on any bucket list, and, Ngorongoro, Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park make a perfect match for the ultimate northern circuit.

Zanzibar is a place of endless white-sand beaches and azure blue waters. This is the perfect location to unwind and relax after your bucket list family safari.

The islands’ coastlines are buffered by abundant reefs, and turtles nest on select beaches in the first half of the year. Dolphins play in Zanzibar’s waters, particularly around Mnemba Island, and Mafia is graced by whale sharks.

Inland, Jozani Forest is worth exploring to see the endemic red colobus monkey, and there’s plenty here to keep up the theme of a family safari holiday.

From rustic beach lodges to big resorts, Zanzibar family holidays proffer every conceivable type of accommodation, but Pemba and Mafia are home to a few lesser-known gems. In short, options abound that befit a Tanzania luxury family safari holiday.

Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, on the foothills of Mt Meru near Arusha, is a great place to soak in Tanzania at its best.

The atmosphere is relaxed, yet attentive, and the gardens are large. Lunch is served in these gardens every day, dinner is an a la carte dining experience, and if you’d like more flexibility, there is an all-day bistro and bar.

The lodge’s main area, built around the original landowner’s home that dates back to the 1900s, is an oasis of calm, however, should you want to make the most of it, there is plenty to do here. As well as the swimming pool, cafe and pizza area, there is a lovely collection of boutiques on the property, called Trader’s Walk a destination in itself.

Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp offers great value accommodation and is situated close to the descent road for early morning drives to the crater floor.

The tented camp is set in thick acacia forest, a stone’s throw from the crater rim itself, and one of the roads down to the crater floor – this is a huge plus, as it means beating the crowds each morning.

Your family will be one of the very first admiring the stunning wildlife and expansive views, all while still sipping your morning coffee. Lunch can be had hot on the Crater floor, or you can return to the camp and spend the afternoon relaxing in the dappled shade until sundowner time where you can gather round the lovely camp fire area, swap tales from the day, sip your drinks and toast marshmallows before dinner.

Lamai Serengeti is perched on top of a kopje (hill) in the renowned Lamai wedge area of Northern Serengeti, famed for its incredible wildlife density and front row seats for the Great Migration from July to September.

The lodge itself has wrap-around views of the surrounding area with each room sited for privacy and unforgettable vistas. The decor is stylish, light and airy, which adds to the ambiance and relaxed feel of a stay here.

Each room has its own unique design and two of the units are ideal for families, as they have a connected children’s room and shared bathroom. The main area of the camp is spacious, elegant and the swimming pool is perfect for cooling off in the afternoons.

Set high on the Mwagusi sand river escarpment, Ikuka Safari Camp is one of our family favourites in Ruaha National Park – Tess’s sister was married here.

The views from the camp itself cannot be beaten, nor can the combined knowledge and experience of the camp’s guides. In truth, the guiding here is not only some of the best in Ruaha, but in the whole of Tanzania.

Capped with the delicious cuisine and laid-back yet attentive atmosphere, you may find you’ll be leaving, wishing you’d stayed longer.

Baraza Resort & Spa is an exquisitely designed, award-winning boutique villa property that is a firm favourite amongst the many luxury hotel offerings in Zanzibar.

The resort is part of The Zanzibar Collection with three sister properties nearby, all located at the expansive Bweeju beach – voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Condé Nast Traveller – on Zanzibar’s south east coast.

Accommodation is provided in air-conditioned one or two bedroom villas, which are well positioned around the resort’s manicured grounds. All villas have their own private plunge pool, loungers and Sultan’s day bed to help you get into the relaxed way of life here at the coast.

Baraza operates on an all-inclusive basis and the cuisine is excellent with plenty of nods to the diverse cultural history of Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean. There are three dining areas, one for each meal of the day, and all offer up sumptuous delights. Dinner is a slightly more formal affair and gentlemen are required to wear long trousers.

In Arusha, families can immerse themselves in vibrant cultural experiences.

Visit the Maasai Market to explore traditional crafts, or take a guided tour to a local Maasai village for a glimpse into their unique way of life.

The Cultural Heritage Centre showcases Tanzanian art, jewelry, and sculptures, offering a deep dive into the region’s creativity. For an interactive experience, join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Tanzanian dishes, blending both local flavors and stories.

A Big Five safari in the Ngorongoro Crater offers families the chance to see Africa’s most iconic wildlife in one of the world’s most unique settings.

Home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo, the crater’s lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems make spotting these animals thrilling and accessible. With expert guides, families can enjoy close-up encounters with the Big Five while learning about their habitats and behaviors.

Another creature quirk sees hyena and lion reversing their traditional scavenger/predator roles; some fun facts to make for an educational family safari holiday.

The stunning scenery and abundant wildlife make this safari unforgettable for all ages.

Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most spectacular destinations to witness the Great Migration.

The Serengeti’s sheer volume of animals is unrivalled. The migration draws a plethora of predators, of which there are more than any other park.

The Serengeti is stunning year-round, with the migration calving in the south between January and March, and river crossings from July to September. Between April and June, the herds are moving up through the west, and filtering down through the east between October and December.

Ruaha National Park diverse ecosystems arguably require more extensive knowledge, more studying and more dedication to master than other areas of Tanzania, and therefore to guide confidently here, one must be the best of the best.

A walking safari with Mark, who owns and runs the camp, is much more than just a walk through the bush – he will bring every blade of grass, leaf and insect to life for you.

Snorkeling and diving in the Zanzibar Islands offer families a mesmerizing underwater adventure.

Crystal-clear waters reveal vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. Popular spots like Mnemba Atoll and Pemba Island are ideal for exploring the colorful marine life, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver.

For kids, shallow reef snorkeling provides a fun introduction to the ocean’s wonders, while deeper dives at Mafia Island uncover dramatic drop-offs and large populations of whale sharks, making it an unforgettable aquatic experience.