Family Holidays: Tanzania family adventure holidays

Take the Family holiday rating 4½ stars out of 5

Why

Big game, comfortable lodges and the true African bush – an escorted adventure trip to Tanzania gives you the best of all worlds. A light aircraft takes you straight into the African wilderness of the coastal Saadani Wildlife Reserve. Here the peace and tranquillity are breathtaking. A short walk one way brings you to the beach, head the other way and you are in the wilds. As well as the animals there is also the chance to visit a local village and experience everyday life. Heading inland brings you to the contrasting Mikumi National Park with fantastic opportunities for spotting elephants, buffalo and large herds of antelope. Together these two nature sanctuaries offer a unique opportunity to see a wide range of African game.

If you want to stay a bit longer then the exotic spice island of Zanzibar is not to be missed. Stone Town is a colourful mix of Africa and Islam and the white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs provide the perfect way to relax and unwind.

We think families can have a fantastic adventure in Tanzania as long as they prepare well. It's a long flight, but there's virtually no jet lag. You will, however, need to contend with jabs and note that you won't be spending each night at the Savoy.

Top left: Zanzibar Island
Top right: Elephants in Tanzania

Bottom left: Leopards in Tanzania
Bottom right: Rhino family

When

The long dry season (Jun-Oct) is followed by the short rains (Nov-Dec). During the short dry season (Jan-Mar) it can be very hot (Dar es Salaam, 30-32°C) and humid. The ‘long rains’ fall Apr-May. This seasonal pattern and the amount of rainfall has been less regular in recent years. On the coast, the heat is tempered by sea breezes. In the mountains it can be considerably cooler – especially in the evening. Zanzibar is only six degrees south of the equator so the climate is essentially tropical – hot and humid (average daytime temperatures in the low 30’s °C).

How

take the plane

British Airways offers non-stop flights from London to Dar es Salaam. If you're happy to stop enroute then there are numerous other options – you'll need to balance convenience with budget. Flying time is about 10 hours direct and Dar es Salaam is three hours ahead.

Stay

Assuming that you are travelling on one of our recommended escorted adventure trips you'll spend three nights in a hotel, one in a safari lodge and three in a fixed camp with en-suite facilities. If you choose the Zanzibar extension you'll spend two nights in a hotel in Zanzibar town and four nights in a hotel with swimming pool at the beach. You can expect clean and comfortable accommodation, but not luxury.

Do

An adventure trip to Tanzania would provide the following experience:

Saadani Game Reserve
Your adventure gets off to a flying start as you head north from Dar es Salaam and land on an airstrip in the African wilderness of Saadani Game Reserve. From your beach camp base (thatched bandas/bungalows) you’ll enjoy game drives and walks to see eland, waterbuck, zebra, giraffe, oryx and perhaps the rare Roosevelt sable. A boat trip up-river should allow a glimpse of hippo, crocodile and plenty of bird life. You’ll also have the chance to visit a local village school.

Big Game Spotting
Driving south the journey is broken in the dense rainforest at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains, home to Colobus monkeys, before heading to your comfortable lodge in the Mikumi National Park. The area is rich in wildlife – elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, impala and other antelope abound – the search is on to spot as many as you can and with all this food on offer keep your eyes peeled for predators.

Your family can also opt for a Zanzibar Island trip extension for a well deserved rest.

Eat

Local fare generally consists of poultry, corn, beef, fish, lamb, eggs, tropical fruit and vegetables. On safari meals are relatively simple, yet tasty, while on Zanzibar your family will find more exotic seafood dishes.