Planning a Family Escapade in Tanzania — A vast country, much like the vastness of its national parks.
Moreover, it is a top destination for incredible family safaris. Where families can enjoy the thrill of adventure and become one with nature & wildlife, the different regions will offer you as many surprises as each other.
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During your family trip to Tanzania, you have a golden chance to immerse in the beauty of the wild and forge lasting connections with the natural world. How exciting is that?
The Marvels of Tanzania’s National Parks:
Few places can offer such varied and intensely beautiful scenery as Tanzania’s National Parks. Tanzania has 22 national parks managed by TANAPA(Tanzania National Parks Authority), including renowned names like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, harboring species from African elephants to elusive leopards and giraffes.
These parks are wildlife sanctuaries that significantly conserve the country’s rich biodiversity, containing more than 20% of Africa’s large mammal population.
Also contributing to Tanzania’s economy through eco-tourism by attracting global visitors to an annual spectacle involving millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals migrating journeying across the plains, sustaining a delicate balance of predator-prey life chain and serving as a natural marvel.
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Navigating Family Safari Planning:
Ensuring everything goes smoothly for a successful family adventure where everyone has a fantastic time.
But how do you make it awesome?
First, consider when you want to go on your safari adventure. You’ll want to aim for the dry seasons, usually between June & October or from December to Feb. During these times, the weather is just right, and the animals are near water sources, making it easier to spot them.
Now, about the weather in the big parks up north, like Serengeti, Tarangire, and Manyara have a warm high-altitude climate about 1,500 meters above sea level. Hence, it’s pretty warm but not too hot. Jan, Feb, and March are the hottest months which could be perfect if you see animals in action during the warmer times. But watch out for April – it’s the rainiest month. On the flip side, August is the driest.
So we’ve got the timing down. Let’s move on to something more important: keeping everyone healthy and comfy. You’ll want to sort out your transportation and make sure you’ve got any needed health precautions covered. This might include vaccinations or medications to stay safe and sound during your adventure.
And speaking of adventure, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got the right tour operator and safari guide to make your experience top-notch. Companies like Far and Wild Holidays are experts at ensuring families like yours have a fantastic time. They know how to plan things just right so that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, has a blast and creates memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Tanzania’s Best National Parks For Family Safaris
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is recognizable because it is made up of forests of acacias and giant baobabs, with huge areas of marshland. During the dry season, you can admire beautiful landscapes. The land is red and dusty & the grass is parched and yellow, and the Tarangire River is very narrow.
On the contrary, the plains are green during the rainy season, with an imposing river and many animals regaining their strength.
This park’s no joke – it’s 2,600 square kilometers of animal-packed adventure, especially between August and January. And here’s the scoop: Tarangire is the place to be if you’re looking for critters that are a bit trickier to find in other northern parks.
Come June, this place will become the hangout spot for elks, oryxes, elephants, wildebeests, and zebras. They all gather around the river and the marshes to quench their thirst. And you won’t believe your eyes when you see elephants digging for water underground, using their hefty paws! It’s quite a sight to see!
Serengeti National Park
Let’s get one fact straight: Serengeti’s wet season means fewer animals, except in the south, where the real action happens.
Driving in from Ngorongoro, it’s like stepping into a grassy savannah sprinkled with kopjes – those fancy granite rock formations. Venture a bit, and you’ll hit greener acacia savannah. Head north, and it’s all about hills. On the flip side, the Western Corridor, crisscrossed by rivers, spreads out to Lake Victoria.
May to June is a show-stopping period. That’s when the jaw-dropping wildebeest migration hits the stage. Imagine over a million of these creatures embarking on a great migration over 800 km from Tanzania to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, perfectly in tune with the rain’s rhythm. A staggering 2 million wildebeests and 300,000 zebras gather for a parade, making herds that stretch as far as 40 km.
Serengeti isn’t just a park; it’s a world-class zoo sprawled over 14,763 km² and home to Big 5 “Lions, leopards, elephants, black rhinos, and buffaloes”.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro is known for its volcano, gigantic crater, and thriving wildlife scene. The Ngorongoro Crater Protected Area is over 2 million years old and around 20 km in diameter. Also, the historic Olduvai Gorge is just 40km from the crater, where traces of humanity’s earliest days are found.
In Ngorongoro, prepare for a rich and diverse range of creatures. The Big 5, antelopes, cheetahs, and endangered black rhino – we’re talking around 30,000 animals. And also have over 400 bird species, including the elegant pink flamingos. Keep your eyes open for jackals, hyenas, and cheetahs.
And if you plan a family safari around July-August, you’ll enjoy some cool temperatures on the caldera’s edges. But remember, Ngorongoro is not only just a crater; it’s part of the grand Ngorongoro Protected Area, And it’s quite the tourism hub, hosting around 400,000 visitors annually.
Ruaha National Park
The Ruaha River sustains the diverse animal community in Ruaha Park, which flows through its heart. This thriving community includes African elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and the world’s third-largest population of wild dogs.
Ruaha is a hidden gem, not famous like other parks, but its reputation is rising. It remains a safari secret. You won’t have to battle huge crowds here, even during the peak/high season. Plus, it’s budget-friendly compared to more popular parks like the Serengeti.
And here you can also go for the walking safaris. But remember minimum age required for a walking safari is 16.
Selous Game Reserve
Nyerere National Park, previously called Selous Game Reserve, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Africa’s largest national park.
You can witness the unusual annual elephant migration as thousands of these majestic elephants cross the river. Also, you can take part in walking safaris, spot African wild dogs, and go on Elephant Migration Boat Safaris for memorable adventures.
Plan your visit between late June and October for prime wildlife viewing or from November to March to enjoy bird watching. Wildlife in the park ranges from elephants, African wild dogs, sables, kudus, & waterbucks to hippos and crocodiles.
Nyerere National Park is a haven of nature and offers easy access to attractions like Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam. It’s an excellent destination for an incredible adventure.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park stands as a remarkable destination for an unforgettable family safari. Encompassing an expansive area of approximately 755 square miles, the park in Northeastern Tanzania shares a border with Kenya.
The park’s star attraction, Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Known as the rooftop of Africa, it is the highest mountain (freestanding) in the world. Families need not be seasoned climbers to experience its splendor. Guided walks along various trails allow all family members to soak in the breathtaking scenery and the stunning views of the surrounding plains.
Besides its majestic mountain, the national park boasts a diverse array of animal species. Families can catch glimpses of elusive leopards, playful colobus monkeys, as well as antelopes, gazelles, lions, rhinos, and elephants.
Bird enthusiasts will be captivated by the dazzling spectacle of migratory birds, their vibrant colors brightening the park. Non-migratory species, including soaring eagles and graceful flamingos, grace the skies around Kilimanjaro, creating a spectacle that is truly unique.
The park is also home to a variety of activities and attractions. While some trails are designed for more experienced hikers, others are tailored to casual walkers or wheelchair access. Families can explore an array of caves, visit traditional villages, enjoy cultural tours, or just relax in one of the many lodges located within the park.
FAQs About Tanzania and Its National Parks
Last Thoughts
As you plan your family’s visit to Tanzania, recognize the far-reaching impact of these national parks. By supporting responsible tourism and experiencing the parks firsthand, you create cherished memories and contribute to safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems for generations to come. Make sure you have a joyous and memorable family travel experience in Tanzania!
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