The Perfect 7-Day Family Safari
An Unforgettable Week of Wildlife, Adventure, and Family Memories
A safari was never something I imagined would become one of our favorite trips, but it quickly turned into one of the most unforgettable family adventures we’ve ever had. Even over the course of eight days, my kids never once complained, they were completely captivated from start to finish. Because of how incredible this experience was for all of us, I’m excited to share our itinerary and insights to help you create those same lasting memories with your own family.
our Recommendations
- Book early – Start planning your safari at least a year in advance. Just like hotels, camps fill up quickly, and the best ones go first.
- Do your research – There are many great safari companies, but also some not-so-great ones. Read reviews and ask questions, your safari experience can truly make or break your trip. We absolutely loved working with Safari Soles (See review below).
- Be mindful of seasons – Depending on the time of year, it may be more difficult to see certain animals.
- Give yourself an extra day – If you’re traveling with kids especially, allow a day to adjust before starting your safari. Drives can be long, so you’ll want to be well rested after your flight.
- Research your accommodations – A good safari company will help match you with the right camps. Since we were traveling with young kids, having a pool was essential after long drives. I personally selected each camp based on what would work best for our family, and I would highly recommend all of them for both quality and safety (Arusha – Korona Villa Lodge; Tarangire – Suricata Boma Lodge; Central Serengeti – Serengeti Safari Lodge; Western Serengeti – Lahia Tented Camp (our favorite); Ngorongoro Crater – Serena Safari Lodge
- Get additional travel insurance – Medical services at camps are limited. While your safari company may include some coverage, having extra insurance provides peace of mind in case of emergencies.
- Consult a travel doctor – Depending on where you’re traveling from, certain vaccinations may be required or recommended. Visit a travel clinic in advance to prepare.
- Pack only what you need – Space is limited, especially with a group. Pack one bag with essentials for the safari and another with items needed during drives.
- Bring snacks and activities for kids – Game drives can include long stretches of downtime, so having entertainment on hand is helpful.
- Be prepared for changing temperatures – The Serengeti can be cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon. Bring layers that are easy to add and remove.
- Plan for laundry – Laundry service may be available if you’re staying multiple nights at a camp. However, it’s charged per item (not per load), which can add up, especially with kids. Pack enough socks and undergarments for the entire trip and wash only what’s necessary.
- Bring charging cords and stations – Safari vehicles typically have USB charging ports. Be prepared to use them, as batteries can drain quickly during long days.
- Understand tipping – Watch my video below for guidance on appropriate tipping.
- Pack essential medications – Always come prepared in case someone gets sick. Bring malaria medication if recommended by your doctor (we all took it with no side effects), as well as motion sickness medicine; the roads in the Serengeti are very bumpy. Also pack anti-diarrheal medication and consider bringing an antibiotic for emergencies, as restrooms can be few and far between.
- Enjoy every moment – For many families, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It ended up being one of our children’s favorite trips.
Safari Soles - Serengeti, Tanzania
I spent a lot of time researching companies and Safari Soles was hands-down the best around. Our guide, Estomih instantly became like family, making for a truly magical experience.
Planning a Safari? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
