Northern Tanzania and Zanzibar Family Holiday

Arusha is the jump-off point for most safaris to Tanzania’s northern circuit. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds.

The town itself is home to numerous coffee plantations, in the shadow of nearby Mount Meru. We prefer to stay in one of the properties built in and around the coffee plantations, or in the charming nearby town of Usa River.

You’ll have the rest of the day to acclimatise before your safari begins the following day.

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.

The Central Serengeti features the endless plains of the Seronera Valley, known for welcoming the great migration of zebra and wildebeest.

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.

Located on the eastern coast of Zanzibar, at the southern end of the beautiful Kiwengwa Beach, Pongwe Beach is consistently rated as one of the best beaches on the island and is one of our favourite spots for a family stay.

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.

Lemala Ewanjan Camp is a great choice for families seeking a luxurious safari experience in Tanzania.

Located in the serene Seronera Valley, the camp offers spacious two-bedroom tents, each boasting en-suite facilities, private decks, and stunning views of the surrounding plains. These well-appointed tents provide plenty of space and privacy, making them ideal for families travelling together.

The camp’s intimate and secluded setting at the end of a blind valley ensures a peaceful stay, allowing families to enjoy private moments and undisturbed views of the Serengeti. Whilst the nightly communal dinners in the camp’s dining tent allows everyone to catch up on the days’ activities while enjoying authentic home-cooked dishes.

Pongwe Beach Hotel offers a family paradise where the untouched beauty of Zanzibar meets the comfort of a luxurious beachfront retreat.

Located along one of the island’s most tranquil beaches, this resort provides an ideal escape for families. With spacious accommodations, including two-bedroom suites featuring private terraces and plunge pools, guests can enjoy panoramic ocean views in comfort and style.

Pongwe Beach Hotel is committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment for families. The on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu of fresh, local cuisine, catering to all tastes and ensuring every meal is a delightful experience.

After a day of adventure or relaxation, families can unwind by the infinity pool, where the view of the endless turquoise sea creates the perfect setting for unforgettable moments. Every detail at Pongwe Beach Hotel is designed to offer families an exceptional experience in one of Zanzibar’s most picturesque locations.

Arusha town is small and picturesque cultural hub, which for its size, boasts an unusual amount of activities, and places we would recommend visiting.

It is a major diplomatic hub, being host to the East African Community, and also historically a very important city to Tanzania. Its markets are varied and vibrant, the coffee estates are well worth a visit, and if museums, art shops and galleries are for you, Arusha family safari holidays will not disappoint.

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.

The exotic spice island of Zanzibar has an incredibly rich history and culture for families to explore.

Visit Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historical capital, and learn about its colonial role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.  A walking tour through the streets is like walking through a living museum, while a visit to the nearby Prison Island provides a great opportunity to see the Aldabra tortoises – one of the largest species in the world.

Take a tour of a spice farm to learn about Zanzibar’s early industry. A fascinating trip back in time; your guide will bring to life a treasure trove of different spices. A wonderful sensory experience.