Family Safari Activities in the Serengeti
Family Safari in the Serengeti
A safari in the Serengeti can be a great family adventure. Many lodges and tours have special packages for families, making sure everyone is safe and comfortable. Family tents are big and have things for kids and teens.
Guided game drives are made for families, with guides who make it fun and educational. They share cool facts about animals and nature, helping kids learn and enjoy the wild.
The Magic of the Serengeti
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible biodiversity and the annual Great Migration. This awe-inspiring phenomenon sees over a million wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing, followed closely by predators. It’s a living testament to nature’s raw beauty and power, and witnessing it is a life-changing experience for children and adults alike.
Highlights
- Game Drives
- Balloon Safaris
- Nature Walks
- Cultural Visits
- Junior Ranger Programmes
- Forest walks.
Planning Your Family Safari in the Serengeti
When planning a family safari to the Serengeti, consider these tips:
- Choose Family-Friendly Lodges: Look for lodges that cater to families, with good accommodations and activities for kids.
- Travel at the Right Time: The dry season (June to October) is best for seeing wildlife, but the Serengeti is beautiful all year.
- Pack Wisely: Bring sunblock, hats, comfortable clothes, and binoculars. Don’t forget a good camera to capture unforgettable moments.
- Consult with Experts: Contact Seko Tours to help you create and plan a safari that fits your family’s needs and preferences
Top 5 Activities in Serengeti for All Ages
Game Drives
The perfect safari experience, game drives let families see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) up close. Early morning and late afternoon drives are best because animals are more active during these cooler times.
In addition to the Big Five, families can also spot giraffes, zebras, and many colorful birds. Guides often share interesting facts about the animals and their behaviors, making the drives both fun and educational for kids. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these amazing moments!
Balloon Safaris
Families can take to the skies in a hot air balloon for an extra touch of magic. Floating gently over the plains at sunrise gives a breathtaking view of the Serengeti, with panoramic scenes that will leave everyone in awe.
In addition to the stunning views, a hot air balloon ride offers a peaceful and unique way to observe wildlife from above. The experience often includes a celebratory breakfast upon landing, making it a memorable adventure for the whole family.
Nature Walks
Short, guided nature walks are perfect for families with older children. These walks offer a chance to learn about the smaller inhabitants of the Serengeti, from insects and plants to birds and reptiles, making for a richly educational experience.
In addition to spotting wildlife up close, these walks allow families to connect with nature in a more intimate way. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts about the ecosystem, making the experience both fun and informative. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water!
Cultural Visits
Meeting the local Maasai communities offers families an enriching cultural exchange. Children and parents can learn about Maasai traditions, music, dance, and daily life, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s human heritage.
Visiting Maasai villages often includes interactive experiences like traditional dances and crafts demonstrations. Families can participate in these activities, creating memorable moments while learning about the Maasai way of life firsthand. It’s a chance to appreciate their rich culture and the importance of community in the Serengeti region.
Junior Ranger Programmes
Some lodges offer junior ranger programs where children can join activities like animal tracking, learning about conservation, and bushcraft skills. These programs are educational and enjoyable, giving young explorers a sense of accomplishment and connection to the wild.
Participating in these programs helps children understand the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. They can make new friends and share their experiences with other young nature enthusiasts. It’s a hands-on way for kids to engage with the environment and learn valuable skills while having fun on safari in the Serengeti.
Planning Your Family Safari in the Serengeti
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Serengeti
By Safari Vehicle
Most safaris in Northern Tanzania start in Arusha, the nearest big city from Kilimanjaro International Airport. After arriving in Arusha, travelers rest and start their safari the next day.
Before getting to the Serengeti, visitors usually go through smaller parks like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro, which are on the way. Going straight to the Serengeti from Arusha can be tiring and takes about 8-9 hours. If you drive directly, you might not see many animals and would arrive at the Serengeti around 4-5 PM. You need to be at your hotel by 6 PM because staying out in the park after that is not allowed.
It's better to combine your Serengeti visit with other parks in Tanzania. This way, you can see the main safari spots of Northern Tanzania and end your trip in the Serengeti.
By Plane
If you only want to visit the Serengeti, flying is the best way. There are regular flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports directly to the Serengeti. You can also book a charter flight that departs when you want and is only for you. The flight takes about 1-2 hours. When you arrive, a safari guide will meet you and start your adventure in the famous park.
The Serengeti has several airstrips. If you’re going to the central part of the park, you'll land at the Seronera airstrip. For the western part, use the Grumeti airstrip. The northern part has the Kogatende and Lobo airstrips.
Traveling from Lake Victoria
Most travelers go from Lake Manyara to Tarangire, then Ngorongoro, and finally the Serengeti. However, some start from Lake Victoria in the west and visit the Serengeti first. If you’re coming from Mwanza near Lake Victoria, it takes about 2-3 hours by off-road vehicle to get to the Ndabaka gate, the western entrance to the Serengeti.
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s third-largest national park. It’s usually split into four areas: Seronera (the central part), the Western Corridor, the southern part, and the northern part. To explore the park comfortably, it’s best to plan for four to six days. Spend two to three days in Seronera and the rest in areas where the Great Migration happens, depending on the season.
This time allows you to visit all the important spots and enjoy the most interesting places. You might want to add an extra day for relaxing at the hotel, especially if you have kids, as safaris and game viewing can be exciting but tiring.
If you just want to see Tanzania’s wildlife, you don’t need to go to the far-off parts of the Serengeti where the Great Migration isn’t happening. Most animals can be seen around the Migration areas, so a safari in these parts will give you a great experience without traveling too much across the park.
A safari can cost from $1,500 to $5,000. The price depends on how many days you go, where you stay, and what you do. Some safaris are cheaper and some are more expensive.
You can visit the Serengeti any time of the year, but it’s good to know how the seasons affect your trip:
Rainy Seasons
Tanzania has two rainy seasons. The "short rains" are from early November to early January, and the "long rains" are from late March to the end of May. Rain usually starts in the late afternoon when people are heading back to their hotels. Some days might be dry, while others can be rainy all day. During these times, the savanna becomes lush and green with new waterholes, and animals spread out across the park. However, thick vegetation can make it harder to spot smaller animals like servals, caracals, and dik-diks.
Safari lodges often offer discounts during the rainy season, making trips cheaper and less crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, this might be a good time to visit.
Christmas Holiday Season
The holiday season starts on December 20th in Tanzania. Even though it might rain, hotel prices are highest during this time, and it’s best to book your stay six months in advance.
Dry Seasons
From mid-January to the end of February and from mid-June to early October, Tanzania has dry seasons. Animals usually gather around water sources during these times. The Great Migration peaks in July and August, with many wildebeests and zebras crossing the Grumeti and Mara rivers.
Dry seasons are popular with visitors, so expect to see many other safari vehicles alongside yours.
Interseason
In March and June, the weather is relatively dry and clear, with fewer visitors compared to the dry seasons. This period offers a mix of both wet and dry season benefits and can be a great option if your travel dates are flexible.
Yes, it is safe if you go with a good guide and a trusted safari company. They know the area and the animals. Always follow the guide's instructions.
A good safari lasts 5 to 10 days. This gives you enough time to see different animals and visit different places without feeling rushed.
The Serengeti National Park is very famous. It has many animals and the Great Migration happens there. The Ngorongoro Crater is also amazing. It is a big volcanic crater with lots of animals inside. Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park are also good places to visit.
Yes, you can see the Great Migration in the Serengeti. It is a huge movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. They move to find fresh grass and water. The best time to see the migration is from June to July and from October to November.
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