8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary with Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd
An 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary offers the ultimate way to connect with loved ones while exploring Africa’s most celebrated wilderness. Crafted by Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd, this itinerary blend wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and family-friendly experiences in a way that suits both adults and children. From the vibrant cultural hub of Mto Wa Mbu to the endless wildlife spectacles of the Serengeti and the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater, every day reveals something new.
Families can expect seamless arrangements, knowledgeable guides, and safe yet adventurous experiences. Carefully selected accommodations ensure comfort, while engaging activities keep youngsters inspired. Whether watching elephants roam the plains, exploring colorful village markets, or spotting the Big Five, this safari strikes a balance between relaxation and adventure, making it one of the finest 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary packages available.
8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha Beginning the Family Adventure
- Day 2: Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Immersion for the Family
- Day 3: Journey to Serengeti the Land of Endless Plains
- Day 4 & 5: Exploring the Serengeti Two Days of Family Adventure
- Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater A Natural Wonder for Families
- Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha Scenic Return Journey
- Day 8: Departure Farewell Tanzania
Detailed 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha Beginning the Family Adventure
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your family will be warmly greeted by a professional representative from Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd. From the moment you set foot in Tanzania, everything is arranged for comfort, safety, and an effortless beginning to your adventure. You will be transferred to your booked hotel in Arusha, a vibrant town nestled at the base of Mount Meru and often called the gateway to Tanzania’s northern circuit.
Once you’ve checked into your hotel, the remainder of the day is left free for rest and adjustment after your journey. Parents can take a relaxing stroll around the hotel gardens or enjoy the serenity of the swimming pool, while children can unwind in a safe, family-friendly environment. Your 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary guide will provide an informative briefing about the days ahead, explaining both the wildlife encounters and cultural experiences your family will enjoy.
Dinner is served at the lodge, offering delicious Tanzanian and international dishes suited for all ages. Families often use this first evening to bond over dinner conversations, sharing expectations of the adventure ahead. With the backdrop of Arusha’s pleasant climate and warm hospitality, you will find yourselves fully immersed in the excitement of beginning this memorable 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary.
- Accommodation Options: Gran Meliá Arusha
- Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Mto Wa Mbu Cultural Immersion for the Family
After a hearty breakfast, set off for Mto Wa Mbu, a bustling village renowned for its cultural diversity and vibrancy. Located near Lake Manyara, this community is home to more than 120 groups of people from across Tanzania, making it one of the most fascinating cultural stops on your 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary. Families find this day especially enriching, as both children and adults enjoy activities that blend fun with learning.
On arrival, a guided walking tour takes you through local streets and farms. Children marvel at the colorful fresh markets, filled with tropical fruits and vegetables, while parents appreciate the warm hospitality of local artisans. You will sample traditional dishes prepared by different tribes, offering your family a unique culinary adventure. Local guides share engaging stories about cultural traditions, ensuring that learning is both fun and memorable.
The visit also includes a stop at art workshops, where you can see talented artists crafting wood carvings, paintings, and handmade souvenirs. This interactive session often delights children, who may even try their hand at simple techniques. Families leave Mto Wa Mbu with a deeper understanding of Tanzanian culture and a sense of connection with the communities that call this country home. After a fulfilling day, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.
- Accommodation Options: Rift Valley Photographic Lodge
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Journey to Serengeti The Land of Endless Plains
Today marks the start of your 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary into Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. After breakfast, depart Mto Wa Mbu and enjoy a scenic drive across the Great Rift Valley. Along the way, you will stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum, where fascinating exhibits introduce you to the origins of humankind. This stop is particularly engaging for children, offering them a chance to learn about history in a fun, interactive way.
Afterward, continue your 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary journey into Serengeti’s vast plains, where anticipation grows as herds of animals appear on the horizon. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive. The Serengeti immediately reveals its grandeur, with prides of lions lounging under acacias, elephants roaming gracefully, and zebras scattered across the sweeping plains. Families are often astonished by the sheer scale of wildlife, which feels like stepping into a living nature documentary.
As the sun begins to set, your family enjoys breathtaking views of the Serengeti bathed in golden light. Returning to your camp, dinner is served under the star-filled African sky, accompanied by the distant sounds of the wilderness. It is an unforgettable first evening in one of Africa’s most iconic parks.
- Accommodation Options: Serengeti Tortilis Camp
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 & 5: Exploring the Serengeti – Two Days of Family Adventure
The next two days are dedicated to immersing your family in the spectacular wilderness of the Serengeti. Each day begins with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive, the best time to catch predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs on the move. Children are often thrilled to watch wildlife at its most active, making mornings particularly exciting.
During these days, your family will witness diverse wildlife encounters, from the Big Five to vast herds of wildebeest, giraffes, gazelles, and more. Depending on the season, you may even witness the Great Migration, one of the most extraordinary natural events on earth. The sight of millions of animals moving across the plains leaves lasting impressions on all ages.
After returning to your camp for lunch and some relaxation, afternoons bring another chance to explore new parts of the park. Serengeti’s landscapes change subtly across regions, from open savannas to rocky outcrops, ensuring every game drive feels unique. Families may also choose optional activities such as visiting the Serengeti Visitor Center, where educational exhibits captivate younger travelers.
Evenings are spent around the campfire, sharing stories of the day’s sightings. Children especially enjoy these moments, reliving the adventures while under Africa’s dazzling night sky. The Serengeti guarantees unforgettable experiences that bond families together through nature’s wonders.
- Accommodation Options: Serengeti Tortilis Camp
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater A Natural Wonder for Families
After breakfast, bid farewell to Serengeti and travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight awaits as you descend 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world. Families find this day particularly rewarding, as the crater offers a microcosm of African wildlife within its natural amphitheater.
On the crater floor, wildlife thrives in astonishing density. Children are thrilled to spot elephants strolling gracefully, lions prowling the grasslands, and endangered rhinos grazing quietly. With luck, your family may see all the Big Five in one day, an experience few places on earth can offer. The picnic lunch inside the crater adds a special touch, surrounded by hippos wallowing in pools and colorful birdlife overhead.
Beyond wildlife, the crater’s scenery is equally breathtaking. Its lush landscapes, shimmering lakes, and dramatic backdrop create a sense of wonder for all ages. Families often find themselves inspired by the balance of nature within this unique ecosystem. After a full day of adventure, return to your lodge perched on the crater rim, where panoramic views provide a perfect backdrop for dinner and relaxation.
- Accommodation Options: Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Ngorongoro to Arusha Scenic Return Journey
Your day begins with a relaxed breakfast at the lodge before checking out and starting the drive back to Arusha. The route is filled with scenic landscapes, rural villages, and occasional wildlife sightings along the way. Families appreciate this drive as a reflective moment, recalling favorite experiences from the past days.
Lunch will be taken en route, offering another opportunity to taste local flavors. Upon arrival in Arusha, check into your hotel for a restful evening. Children can enjoy the pool or simply relax while parents prepare for the journey home. Dinner at the lodge brings families together one last time in Tanzania, celebrating the adventures shared.
- Accommodation Options: Gran Meliá Arusha
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Departure Farewell Tanzania
On your final morning, enjoy breakfast at leisure depending on your outbound flight schedule. Your Deks Safaris and Tours Ltd driver will then transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. Though your 8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary ends here, the memories of Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture will remain etched in your family’s hearts forever.
Meals Included: Breakfast
8 Days Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- Meet and greet at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- All airport and hotel transfers
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Park entrance fees for all mentioned parks
- Full board accommodation during safari (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Guided cultural experience in Mto Wa Mbu
- All game drives as per itinerary
- Olduvai Gorge Museum visit
- Domestic flight not required (entire safari by road)
- Emergency evacuation insurance (Flying Doctors)
Safari Exclusions
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa fees for entry into Tanzania
- Travel and health insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not specified
- Tips for driver guides and lodge staff
- Optional hot air balloon safari in Serengeti
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary