11-Days luxury family safari through Tanzania’s iconic northern circuit

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info

Trip Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day luxury family safari through Tanzania’s iconic northern circuit. Begin in Arusha, relaxing beneath Mount Meru, before exploring Tarangire’s vast elephant herds and ancient baobabs. Journey to Ngorongoro Crater, where the whole family can spot the Big Five in a single day. Venture into the legendary Serengeti for thrilling game drives across Central and Northern regions, following the Great Migration and discovering big cats, giraffes, and river-crossing drama. Stay in handpicked, family-friendly luxury lodges and camps offering comfort, safety, and personalized service. Flexible schedules, child-focused activities, and expert guides ensure a rewarding adventure for all ages. With stunning wildlife, rich culture, and immersive landscapes, this safari promises lasting memories for the entire family.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your private family safari guide and transferred to the tranquil Mount Meru Hotel. The spacious family suite and welcoming gardens offer a gentle start to your adventure. Children can unwind by the pool, enjoy the open lawns, or try Swahili snacks from the kitchen. Adults may choose to relax with a spa treatment or enjoy coffee with Mount Meru views. A brief guided visit to a nearby local craft market or coffee plantation can be arranged depending on your arrival time. In the evening, the whole family gathers for a welcome dinner and safari orientation.

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

Meals: Full Board
Day 2
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, set off for Tarangire National Park—a paradise for elephant lovers. The family can enjoy a fun animal-spotting checklist for kids and a kid-friendly wildlife briefing. Upon arrival at the lodge, lunch is served overlooking the plains. In the afternoon, head out on a family-friendly game drive, tailored to suit all ages with shorter loops and wildlife-themed storytelling. Tarangire is famous for elephants, giraffes, and baobabs—perfect for early safari memories. End the day with mocktails or juice sundowners, and dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Tarangire Treetops Lodge – Family Suite or Maramboi Tented Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 3
Tarangire to Ngorongoro Crater
Depart Tarangire and drive towards the lush Ngorongoro Highlands. Stop at a Maasai village for a child-friendly cultural exchange—learn how to jump like a warrior or make bead jewelry. Upon arrival at the lodge perched on the crater rim, take in breathtaking views. In the afternoon, descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a half-day game drive. Spot zebras, rhinos, lions, and hippos in this wildlife-rich natural amphitheater. Picnic lunch is served by the lake—watch for hippos! Return for an early family-style dinner and cozy up by the fire with storytelling or stargazing.

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Melia Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 4
Ngorongoro to Central Serengeti
Drive into the legendary Serengeti, with picnic stops and a scenic break at Naabi Hill Gate (a great spot to stretch legs and climb for views). Start your game drive in the Seronera Valley—a hotspot for big cats. Your guide will tailor the pace of the safari to your children’s interest and energy. Look for lions on kopjes, herds of elephants, or even a leopard lounging in a tree. Arrive at camp by late afternoon for snacks and stories by the fire.

Accommodation: Sametu Luxury Camp

Meals: Full Board
Day 5-6
Central Serengeti Exploration
Two full days of game drives with built-in flexibility: mix early morning wildlife drives with relaxing afternoons at the lodge. Optional family bush breakfasts and shorter mini-safaris" are available. Consider a family hot air balloon safari for an unforgettable sunrise experience (children 7+ only). Kids can enjoy storytelling with Maasai guides, wildlife tracking games, or pool time while adults enjoy spa services or photography sessions.

Accommodation: Melia Serengeti Lodge

Meals: Full Board
Day 7-9
Central Serengeti to Northern Serengeti
Head north, following the migratory herds of wildebeest. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the Great Migration in a way that’s engaging for younger explorers. Spend your days spotting dramatic river crossings and predator-prey interactions—safe and thrilling from the vehicle. Break up game drives with picnic lunches, river view stops, or short nature walks for older kids with ranger supervision. The camp offers family-style meals, marshmallow roasting, and stargazing at night.

Accommodation: Nimali Mara Camp – Family Tent or Malaika Luxury Camp

Meals: Full Board
Day 10-11
Return to Central Serengeti – Departure
Return to the Central Serengeti for your final safari days. Choose between morning and afternoon game drives or relaxing time at the lodge with spa services and wildlife viewing from the deck. Your guide can help you compile a family safari journal or assist kids in preparing a “wildlife presentation” to share back home. On Day 11, enjoy one last morning drive before transferring to the Seronera airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. Dayroom access can be arranged before your international flight.

Accommodation: Kubukubu Tented Lodge

Meals: Full Board