The Best Family-Friendly Safari Lodges in Tanzania

Top Family-Friendly Safari Lodges in Tanzania

Planning a family safari holiday in Tanzania? Here’s a curated list of the best lodges and camps that cater to families, offering spacious accommodations, engaging activities for children, and unforgettable safari experiences. Whether you’re exploring the Serengeti, Selous (Nyerere), or relaxing on Zanzibar’s stunning beaches, these properties provide the perfect mix of adventure and comfort for all ages.

Lemala Ndutu Camp – Serengeti

Lemala’s safari camps in Ndutu, Ewanjan, and Mara feature interconnecting family tents, offering plenty of space for parents and children. The Lemala Cubs kids’ club ensures younger guests stay entertained with activities like tracking wildlife footprints, shooting bows and arrows, and cultural experiences. Families can also take advantage of special child-friendly rates.

Activities at Lemala Ndutu Camp

Lemala Ndutu Camp offers an exceptional safari experience, with activities designed to bring guests up close to the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Serengeti’s incredible wildlife. Here’s what families can look forward to during their stay:

• Expertly Guided Game Drives: Guests can enjoy morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives, with opportunities to witness the dramatic predator-prey interactions that define the Serengeti. Full-day safaris include picnic breakfasts and lunches, allowing visitors to explore deeper into the wilderness.
• The Great Wildebeest Migration: The camp’s prime location provides front-row seats to one of nature’s most spectacular events—the Wildebeest Migration. Families can witness massive herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles as they make their perilous journey across the Mara River, where crocodiles and big cats await.
• Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: Set near a permanent marsh, Lemala Ndutu attracts an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Game viewing is spectacular year-round, making this an excellent location for families eager to see Africa’s iconic animals in their natural habitat.
• Walking Safaris: For a more immersive experience, guests can join walking safaris, led by expert guides and accompanied by an armed ranger. These walks offer a chance to learn about tracking wildlife, identifying plants, and understanding the smaller details of the Serengeti ecosystem.
• Hot Air Balloon Safaris (Additional Cost): For a truly unforgettable experience, families can take to the skies in a hot air balloon safari. Lifting off at sunrise, the balloon floats for around an hour, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti’s endless plains and wildlife.

Lemala Ndutu Camp delivers an authentic, adventure-filled safari with exclusive access to migration hotspots, top-tier wildlife encounters, and thrilling activities—making it a fantastic choice for a family-friendly safari in Tanzania.

Kaskaz Mara Camp – Northern Serengeti

Located in the prime wildlife area of the Northern Serengeti, Kaskaz Mara Camp boasts large tented suites, ideal for families of four. The camp provides excellent kids’ discounts, and families can enjoy immersive game drives, witnessing the Great Migration up close.

Activities at Kaskaz Mara Camp

Kaskaz Mara Camp delivers an authentic Serengeti safari experience, focusing on exceptional wildlife encounters and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Whether you’re exploring the plains on a game drive, soaring over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, or enjoying a family-friendly adventure, this camp offers a perfect blend of excitement and comfort.

• Expertly Guided Game Drives: Guests can embark on twice-daily game drives through the central and northern Serengeti, home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Highlights include sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, baboons, and rare species like caracal, serval, pangolin, and porcupine.
• The Great Wildebeest Migration (July – October): From July to October, Kaskaz Mara offers a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most dramatic spectacles—the Great Wildebeest Migration. Guests can witness thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Mara River, braving strong currents and lurking crocodiles in their quest for fresh grazing.
• Hot Air Balloon Safaris (Additional Cost): For a breathtaking perspective of the Serengeti’s vast landscapes, guests can book a hot air balloon safari. These early morning flights start at 6:00 AM and provide an hour of panoramic views, followed by a champagne breakfast in the wilderness—an unforgettable experience for families and couples alike.
• Family-Friendly Safari Experience: Kaskaz Mara Camp welcomes children aged 6 and above, making it an excellent choice for families. The highly skilled guides engage children with fun, educational insights about wildlife and conservation. During the low season, families of four or more are guaranteed a private safari vehicle, allowing for a personalized and flexible experience.

Kaskaz Mara Camp combines world-class game viewing, intimate safari experiences, and exceptional hospitality, making it one of the best family-friendly safari lodges in Tanzania.

Serian’s Serengeti Camps – Short-Grass Plains

Owned by Alex Walker, these authentic safari camps offer interconnecting family tents and a welcoming, child-friendly atmosphere. Nestled under majestic acacia trees, they provide spectacular views of the Serengeti’s plains. Personalized guides ensure families enjoy a tailored safari experience.

Activities at Serian’s Serengeti South

Serian’s Serengeti South offers an exclusive and highly flexible safari experience, ensuring guests enjoy personalized wildlife encounters in one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. With private vehicles, expert guides, and stunning locations, this mobile camp provides an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.

• Private, Expertly Guided Game Drives: At Serian’s Serengeti South, every group has its own private safari vehicle, guide, and spotter—offering complete freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s a morning, afternoon, or full-day safari with a picnic lunch, guests can tailor their game drives to focus on specific wildlife interests. Expect world-class guiding and sightings of the Big Cats, elephants, giraffes, and diverse plains game.
• The Great Wildebeest Migration – Calving Season (December – March): During the calving season, the short-grass plains around Serengeti South become a nursery for thousands of newborn wildebeest and zebra. This attracts a high concentration of predators, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals, leading to intense predator-prey interactions. It’s one of the best times for wildlife photography and an unforgettable experience for safari-goers.
• Walking Safaris – Up-Close Encounters: Guests can take part in guided walking safaris, a thrilling way to experience the Serengeti’s ecosystem on foot. Expect to see cheetahs prowling the plains, jackals on the hunt, and an array of birdlife, including the striking secretary bird, Fischer’s lovebird, and grey-crested helmet-shrike. With an armed guide, guests can safely explore the landscape while learning about animal tracks, behaviors, and the smaller details often missed on game drives.
• Game Drives to Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Beyond the Serengeti, guests have the option to explore Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, both teeming with wildlife. Ndutu is a migration hotspot, while the Ngorongoro Crater offers a diverse range of species, including black rhinos, hippos, and vast herds of antelope.

Why Choose Serian’s Serengeti South?

Serian’s Serengeti South delivers a private, immersive, and flexible safari, perfect for families, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts. With exclusive vehicles, top-tier guides, and diverse activities, it’s one of the best places in Tanzania for a personalized safari experience—especially during the Great Migration calving season.

Kiba Point Selous – Nyerere National Park

For a private safari experience, Kiba Point is the ultimate choice. Situated in the heart of Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), this exclusive-use safari house lets families set their own schedule, with private guides, game drives, and boat safaris on the Rufiji River.

Activities at Kiba Point Selous

• Private, Customizable Safari Experience: Since Kiba Point operates on an exclusive-use basis, guests have full control over their safari schedule. Whether you prefer an early morning game drive, a lazy afternoon boat safari, or a full-day adventure, the itinerary is tailored entirely to your group’s interests.
• Game Drives – Big Five and Beyond: Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, home to a staggering diversity of animals.

Game drives at Kiba Point provide opportunities to spot:

• The Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo
• Smaller predators – cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and the highly endangered African wild dog
• Herbivores – giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and a variety of antelopes
• Incredible birdlife – Over 440 bird species, including vibrant bee-eaters, fish eagles, and the rare Pel’s fishing owl

• Walking Safaris – Explore on Foot For a deeper connection to the wilderness, guests can take part in walking safaris led by expert guides.

These walks allow you to:

• Track wildlife using footprints and scat
• Learn about the ecosystem, from towering baobab trees to medicinal plants
• Experience close encounters with smaller creatures often missed on game drives

Boat Safaris – A Unique Perspective Kiba Point’s location along the Rufiji River offers exceptional boat safaris, where you can drift silently past:

• Hippos wallowing in the shallows
• Crocodiles basking on the riverbanks
• Waterbirds such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, and great white pelicans. Because boats make minimal noise, you can get incredibly close to the wildlife, making for a truly immersive experience.

• Fishing & Swimming in Nyerere’s Lakes. For a more relaxing adventure, guests can try catch-and-release fishing, targeting species like tigerfish and catfish. Certain areas of Nyerere’s lakes are even safe for swimming, providing a refreshing way to cool off in the wild!

Why Choose Kiba Point Selous?

Breezes Beach Club & Spa – Zanzibar

For families seeking a budget-friendly beach retreat, Breezes Beach Club offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. The resort provides family-friendly accommodation and a variety of activities, including snorkeling, cultural tours, and excursions around Zanzibar.

Activities at Breezes Beach Club & Spa

1. Low-Tide Activities – Beachside Fun & Exploration When the tide is low, guests can take full advantage of the wide sandy beach and the rich marine ecosystem:

• Beach sports & family fun – Play Frisbee, volleyball, football, or even sandcastle building with the kids.
• Reef walks – Rent reef shoes and explore the vibrant tide pools, home to small fish, sea urchins, and other fascinating marine creatures.
• Guided snorkeling excursions – Join the Breezes watersports team for a snorkeling trip, with equipment and transport to the best snorkeling spots included.
• •iking along the coast – Ride through Bwejuu and Paje, two traditional Zanzibari villages where you can witness local culture, interact with the community, and enjoy scenic ocean views.

2. High-Tide Activities – Thrill & Adventure

• Kitesurfing & windsurfing – The consistent trade winds make this area one of East Africa’s top kitesurfing spots. Beginners and experts alike can enjoy the warm, shallow waters perfect for the sport.
• Kayaking & paddleboarding – Explore the coastline at your own pace while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

• All experience levels are welcome, from first-time divers to advanced divers looking for specialty courses.
• Small dive groups – With a maximum of six divers per guide, guests get a personalized and immersive experience.
• Incredible dive sites – Discover coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins in the waters surrounding Zanzibar.

• Zanzibar history lessons – Learn about the island’s fascinating past, from its Swahili and Arab influences to its role in the spice trade.
• Swahili cooking classes – Join expert chefs in preparing traditional Zanzibari dishes, using fresh spices and ingredients sourced from local markets.
• Customized tours & excursions – Breezes staff can arrange spice farm visits, Stone Town tours, Jozani Forest trips, and more, allowing you to explore Zanzibar’s history, nature, and culture.

Why Choose Breezes Beach Club & Spa?

Zuri Zanzibar – Luxury Beach Escape

Zuri Zanzibar is the perfect luxury family resort, featuring spacious bungalows with interconnecting rooms. Located on one of Zanzibar’s best non-tidal beaches, it’s ideal for swimming and water activities, making it a top choice for families looking to combine safari with beach relaxation.

Activities at Zuri Zanzibar

• Snorkeling & Diving – Explore Zanzibar’s famous coral reefs, home to vibrant marine life, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins. The crystal-clear waters make for an unforgettable underwater experience.
• Surfing & Paddleboarding – Ride the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, with both beginner-friendly and advanced spots available.
• Dhow Sunset Cruises – Set sail on a traditional Swahili dhow and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the ocean while sipping a cocktail.
• Swimming with Dolphins – Take a guided excursion to Kizimkazi, where you can swim alongside wild dolphins in their natural habitat.

• Spice Farms – Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island, and a visit to its spice farms offers a chance to see, smell, and taste freshly grown cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
• Stone Town Excursions – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is a living museum of history with attractions like:
• Old Town Market – A vibrant mix of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
• Slave Market & Slave Chambers – A somber yet educational experience about Zanzibar’s role in the East African slave trade.
• The House of Wonders & Sultan’s Palace – A glimpse into Zanzibar’s royal and colonial past.
• Livingstone’s House – The former home of explorer Dr. David Livingstone, now a historical monument.
• The Old Fort – One of Stone Town’s most iconic buildings, originally built by the Omanis in the 17th century.
• Prison Island (Changuu Island) – Once a quarantine station for yellow fever patients, this island is now a tourist resort and home to over 100 giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 150 years old!

• Jozani Forest Reserve – The only national park in Zanzibar, Jozani Forest is famous for its rare red colobus monkeys, which are only found in Zanzibar! The forest is also home to:
• Sykes’ monkeys & bush babies
• Over 60 species of butterflies
• Around 40 species of birds
• Mangrove Boardwalk Tours – A great way to learn about Zanzibar’s mangrove ecosystem, which protects the coastline and serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife.

Why Choose Zuri Zanzibar?

With these top family-friendly safari lodges in Tanzania, you can ensure an unforgettable adventure for both kids and adults. Whether you choose a classic Serengeti safari, an exclusive Selous retreat, or a relaxing Zanzibar getaway, these lodges promise a memorable, hassle-free experience for the whole family.