A safari can be one of the most memorable family vacations – seeing wildlife through the eyes of children is a special joy, as their excitement and sense of wonder are infectious. At Daga Tented Camp, we often host families and have kids of our own, so we know a thing or two about making safari safe, fun, and engaging for little (and not-so-little) ones. Traveling with kids does require a bit of extra planning, but with the right approach, your family-friendly safari will be smooth sailing. Here are our top tips for bringing the kids along on a Tanzanian safari adventure:
Choose the Right Safari Schedule
Kids (and honestly, many adults) may not have the stamina or patience for very long game drives each day. We recommend planning shorter excursions or breaking the day into two smaller game drives (morning and late afternoon) rather than one super long drive. For example, head out early when wildlife is active and temperatures are cool, safari for a few hours, then return to camp by mid-morning for a relaxed lunch and some downtime. In the afternoon, when the sun isn’t as intense, head out again for a couple of hours before sunset. This rhythm allows kids to rest during the hottest part of the day (maybe take a nap or enjoy a board game in the shade) so they stay fresh and happy for the wildlife viewing times. We also make sure to incorporate plenty of breaks during game drives. We can stop at a safe spot (like a designated picnic site) to let everyone stretch their legs for a few minutes, have a snack, and answer that inevitable “I need to go to the bathroom” plea (yes, we carry a shovel just in case we need to make a quick bush toilet – it’s an adventure!). Keeping the safari schedule flexible and responsive to your kids’ moods and needs will make the experience better for everyone.
Pack Snacks and Drinks
Hungry kids = cranky kids. We always stock our safari vehicles with kid-friendly snacks and drinks. But it’s also a good idea for parents to pack some of their children’s favorite non-perishable snacks from home, especially if you have a picky eater. Granola bars, crackers, dried fruit, or cookies can be a savior when a meltdown is near. We’ve noticed a mid-morning biscuit or piece of chocolate can do wonders to keep the energy positive. Additionally, ensure each child has their own water bottle within reach during drives – staying hydrated is important in the warm climate (and it also gives them something to do, sipping water and feeling like a grown-up with their bottle). At our camp, meal times can be adjusted for kids too – if your little ones need dinner earlier than the usual schedule, just let us know and we’ll happily accommodate. We can also prepare simpler kid-friendly meals (like pasta, fries, chicken, etc.) if the standard safari cuisine doesn’t appeal to them. A happy tummy goes a long way in keeping spirits high!
Engage and Educate
One of the best ways to keep kids interested on safari is to make it engaging and interactive. Turn the experience into a learning adventure in a fun way. For instance, we like to play little games like Safari Bingo or “I Spy” with animals. You can prepare a simple checklist or bingo card of animals and birds you might see – every time your child spots one, they check it off. It becomes a mission to “find all the Big Four” (in Mikumi’s case, Big Four since rhinos aren’t present) or to spot various colors of birds. Our guides are fantastic with children; they’ll share cool facts (“Did you know a giraffe’s tongue is blue and so long it can lick its own ear?” – that one always gets giggles) and they’ll answer the myriad of questions kids have. Encouraging children to use binoculars or a camera (even a kid-safe digital camera) makes them feel like real explorers. You’d be amazed at how a child with a camera suddenly becomes very focused on the environment, trying to snap a photo of a zebra or an elephant. Later, back at camp, ask them about their favorite sighting of the day and maybe help them start a small safari journal where they can draw the animals they saw or write a few notes (“Today I saw a baby elephant with its mama!”). These activities not only keep them engaged but also create wonderful keepsakes.
Safety First, Always
On a family safari, the parents’ number one concern is usually safety – and it’s ours too. We brief all our guests, including kids, on safety rules. Some key points: Children must always listen to the guide’s instructions. No loud shouting or sudden movements especially when animals are near (we explain to them that quiet voices mean we can get closer without scaring the animals away – that makes them feel like part of the “team”). Little ones shouldn’t wander off at camp or viewpoint stops; we ask parents to keep a close eye and hold hands, as camps are unfenced and wildlife can occasionally stroll through (impalas or monkeys at camp are exciting but still wild!). In the vehicle, they should remain seated – we have open-sided 4x4s but they are perfectly safe as long as everyone stays inside. We’ve got special car seats or booster seats available if needed for younger kids; just let us know the ages in advance and we’ll set that up so they’re buckled in securely during drives (and at a proper height to see out well!). Also, our vehicles have a canopy for shade which helps avoid too much sun on delicate skin, but we still make sure kids have hats on and sunscreen applied. Around the campfire or at dinner, we keep things child-safe too: for example, making sure they’re not sitting too close to the fire, and that at night they’re always with an adult when moving between tent and dining area. We want parents to feel at ease, knowing that their whole family is in good hands.
Choose Family-Friendly Accommodation
Where you stay can make a big difference. At Daga Tented Camp, we designed our setup with families in mind. We offer family tents/rooms that can accommodate everyone together, so parents can keep an eye (and ear) on the kids, and kids feel secure having mom and dad close by at night. Our tents have en-suite bathrooms, which makes those nighttime bathroom trips much easier and less scary for little ones (no walking across camp in the dark). We also have amenities like electricity for a night light (if your child uses one) and we can provide an extra bed or cot as needed. Air-conditioning in our family rooms is a big plus too – it ensures the tent stays a comfortable temperature, which helps kids (and adults!) sleep soundly after a long day of excitement. Another thing to consider is the atmosphere: our camp is intimate and relaxed, so kids can be themselves. We have a bit of space where they can run around, a small selection of board games, playing cards and even some outdoor games (one of our staff can teach them a popular local game that’s played with stones and a wooden board – a bit like mancala). Some evenings we might put on a family movie night in our lounge area (often wildlife documentaries or fun animated films about animals – educational and entertaining). These touches help kids feel at home. When you’re looking at safari lodges elsewhere, it’s worth checking if they allow young children (some high-end camps have age restrictions) and if they have kid-friendly services.
Keep it Fun and Light
Safari days can be full and sometimes tiring, so ensure there’s downtime and variety. If your itinerary is several days of safari, consider mixing in different activities that kids might enjoy. For example, a swimming pool is always a hit – if the next lodge has one, factor in an afternoon for pool play. In our area, a trip to the snake park can fascinate budding herpetologists, or a village visit can be eye-opening for them (they often end up playing soccer with local kids – laughter transcends language barriers!). We can also do shorter guided nature walks around the camp outskirts during daylight, where our guide will point out animal tracks, interesting plants, maybe even small critters like beetles or lizards – kids become “detectives” trying to guess which animal made which footprint. Another fun idea: have a “safari diary” where each child collects something small each day (a pretty feather that fell near the tent, a drawing of their favorite animal, a new Swahili word they learned like “simba” for lion) and then share it at dinner. Celebrate small milestones – like if your child spots an animal on their own, we declare them “Ranger of the Day”! We might even have a little certificate or sticker for them, which absolutely makes their day and encourages their interest.
Plan for the Youngest Ones
If you have a toddler or baby, safaris are still doable with some adjustments. We recommend bringing a baby carrier (those chest or back carriers) for any situations where you might be out of the vehicle and need your hands free or to keep the little one close. A lightweight stroller could be useful around camp paths if your child naps in it, but keep in mind the terrain is unpaved – a folding umbrella stroller that you don’t mind getting dusty is fine. In the safari vehicle, under-3s will likely sit on a parent’s lap (seatbelts are there, but car seats can be secured too if you bring one or request one). It’s important to protect tiny ears from sun and wind – a floppy hat and maybe even baby sunglasses if they tolerate them. Also consider noise: sometimes wildlife, like a lion’s roar or the jeep engine, can startle infants. Bringing a pair of child-sized earmuffs or noise-cancelling headphones (the kind used for fireworks or loud events) can be helpful if your baby is sensitive to loud sounds. And don’t forget their favorite comfort toy or blanket – something familiar-smelling and soothing for naps on the go. We can prepare special simple foods for toddlers (plain rice, bananas, etc.) to keep their diet easy on safari. And we always ensure there’s hot water available if you need to warm a bottle or sterilize something.
Embrace the Experience as a Family
Finally, involve your kids in the safari experience and decision-making where appropriate. Let them help carry the daypack or choose which snacks to bring or pick the next activity from a couple of choices (“Should we go see the hippo pool first or check on the giraffes by the acacia trees?”). This gives them a sense of ownership and excitement. Encourage questions and be ready for some hilarious ones (“Do elephants brush their teeth?” – one child asked us that, which led to a delightful conversation about what elephants eat and how their tusks grow). If the kids are old enough, learning a few words of Swahili together can be fun – greetings like “Jambo” (hello) or counting 1 to 10 in Swahili. The local staff love when kids try to speak Swahili; it often results in big smiles and maybe even a spontaneous mini language lesson like teaching them animal names in Swahili (lion is “simba”, elephant “tembo”, etc. – yes like in The Lion King, which they probably know!). These interactions make the cultural aspect of the trip richer.
One of our greatest pleasures is seeing children go from perhaps being a bit apprehensive on day one – not sure what to expect – to becoming confident junior explorers by day three, telling us the difference between a hornbill and a guinea fowl or proudly using a Swahili word they picked up. Traveling with kids on safari may have its challenges (a skipped nap or a bit of dust-induced grumpiness), but the rewards are immense. You’ll create shared family memories that will be talked about at dinner tables and reunions for years to come (“Remember when the monkey stole your sandwich, Dad?!”). And importantly, by exposing your kids to wildlife and new cultures early on, you’re fostering a sense of curiosity and respect for nature that will hopefully stay with them for life. We’re here to support you every step of the way – from tailor-making activities to having that extra cookie ready when needed. So pack the kiddos and come on over – adventure awaits, and we can’t wait to welcome your family to Mikumi!