Discover the Magic of a 9 Day Tanzania Safari

Discover the Magic of a 9 Day Tanzania Safari

What happens when your children are too old for beach castles, your partner craves something more exciting than a spa, and you’re all yearning for real connection—not just Wi-Fi? You plan something extraordinary. The 9-Day Tanzania Fly-In Family Safari isn’t just a getaway. It’s a rediscovery. Of nature. Of wonder. Of each other. This day Tanzania safari offers a unique and tailored experience for every day of your adventure.

This is not your average holiday. This is you, floating over golden plains in a hot-air balloon. This is the kids whispering in awe as an elephant walks by your tent. This is dinner under a sky full of stars, with nothing but the call of the wild in the background.

Let us walk you through this unforgettable African adventure—designed for families, delivered in luxury, and experienced in the raw, unfiltered beauty of Tanzania.

Why Visit Tanzania for a Family Safari?

Tanzania is an ideal destination for a family safari, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all ages. Imagine your family witnessing the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the endless plains. Or picture yourselves exploring the lush landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and vibrant birdlife.

A family safari in Tanzania is not just about spotting the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—but also about immersing yourselves in the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the national parks. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique opportunity to see a dense concentration of wildlife in a stunning volcanic caldera.

For families with children, many lodges and camps provide kid-friendly activities and educational programs. These experiences can teach children about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting our planet’s natural resources. A safari in Tanzania is more than a vacation; it’s a journey of discovery and connection with nature.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Family Safari

Timing your visit to Tanzania can make all the difference in your safari experience. The dry season, from June to October, is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During these months, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The weather is also cooler and more comfortable for game drives and other outdoor activities.

If your family is interested in birdwatching or hiking, the wet season from November to May offers lush, green landscapes and an abundance of birdlife. This period is also less crowded, providing a more intimate experience with nature.

The peak tourist season in Tanzania is from June to August, coinciding with the dry season. While this is the best time for wildlife viewing, it’s also the busiest and most expensive. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder months of May or November, when the weather is still favorable, but the crowds are thinner.

Tarangire National Park: The Quiet Giant of Tanzania

Why Tarangire Deserves Your Attention

Northern Tanzania is world-famous for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but have you heard of Tarangire? No? Perfect. Because this lesser-known gem is where the magic happens—minus the crowds.

Tarangire National Park is the place where elephants rule and silence sings. Imagine vast savannahs dotted with ancient baobab trees, muddy swamps teeming with life, and herds of wildlife moving in timeless rhythm. You’ll encounter the Big Five here, yes—but also something harder to find elsewhere: peace.

In today’s fast-paced world, that peace is priceless.

A Warm Welcome at Oliver’s Camp

Your safari begins the right way—off the beaten track, but in absolute comfort. Oliver’s Camp, your home for the first two nights, blends seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness. It’s not flashy. It’s not over-the-top. But it’s beautifully authentic.

Spacious canvas tents (with all the modern comforts you crave) open onto sweeping views of the Tarangire River’s floodplains. Picture this: You’re sipping your morning coffee on your private deck, and a herd of elephants lumbers across the horizon. It’s surreal, and it’s real.

A private safari at Oliver’s Camp offers a personalized experience with the flexibility to travel at your own pace and customize your itinerary, ensuring a relaxed journey through Tanzania’s iconic wildlife areas.

What makes Oliver’s special is its warmth. Not just the hot outdoor showers or the glowing firepit at night—but the people. The guides here are encyclopedias in khaki, and they love what they do. Your kids will be captivated—not just entertained.

Adventures for Every Age

During your stay, you’ll enjoy morning and evening game drives, where the golden light paints everything in soft, dreamlike tones. For the brave and curious, there are guided walking safaris—perfect for spotting smaller creatures, learning about plants, and understanding how to track animals the traditional way. A walking safari offers a unique experience, allowing for closer encounters with wildlife and enriching your adventure in the park.

Want something out-of-this-world? Rise early and soar over the park in a hot-air balloon. There’s nothing quite like drifting silently over giraffes and gazelles as the sun rises. Or take a night drive, where the safari world flips into a different gear and you might spot elusive predators like leopards or civets.

This is safari storytelling at its best. And you’re living it.

Into the Clouds: The Highlands of Ngorongoro

Where Luxury Meets the Volcanoes

After two days in Tarangire, it’s time to head higher—both in altitude and experience. The journey continues to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home of The Highlands: a striking lodge perched on the slopes of Olmoti Volcano, over 8,000 feet above sea level.

Now, imagine this: futuristic domed suites made of canvas and glass, surrounded by dense green forest. Each suite is private, peaceful, and oh-so-stylish. Curl up next to a wood-burning stove, gaze out through your panoramic window, and let the world fall away.

It’s like living in a sci-fi jungle lodge, with hot showers, fluffy bedding, and even Wi-Fi to keep you (somewhat) connected.

Ngorongoro Crater: A Crater Full of Wonders

Your third day begins early. Why? Because you’re headed down into the Ngorongoro Crater—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in Africa.

It’s essentially a 260-square-kilometre wildlife bowl, packed with animals. We’re talking lions, rhinos, hippos, zebras, hyenas, flamingos, and more—all in one place. It’s often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” and for good reason. The wildebeest migration is one of the key wildlife spectacles in the area, especially during the dry season from June to October.

You’ll explore it in a luxury 4×4 vehicle, with pop-up roofs, charging ports, and your very own guide. Stop for a picnic in the crater, watch a lion yawn in the grass, and listen to your guide explain the delicate balance of this enclosed ecosystem. It’s educational, inspirational, and absolutely unforgettable.

Flamingos, Forests, and the Maasai

But wait—there’s more. Take a guided hike into Empakaai Crater, a volcanic basin with a shimmering soda lake at its heart, often covered in a blush of flamingos. It’s a peaceful, otherworldly place that feels like stepping onto another planet.

And then there’s culture. A short visit to a local Maasai village reveals a different side of Tanzania. Watch as children herd goats, learn how homes are built with mud and branches, and hear traditional songs that echo across generations. It’s not just about taking photos—it’s about understanding life from another lens.

At The Highlands, you’ll also eat well. Meals are prepared from locally sourced ingredients, blending international flavors with African flair. Dine in the cosy main lodge, on the deck, or under the stars—with a blanket around your shoulders and a fire at your feet.


The Grand Finale: Sayari and the Serengeti’s Secrets

The Call of the Wild

Just when you think it can’t get any better, it does. After a bush breakfast and a short flight, you’ll land in the northern Serengeti and be welcomed into Sayari Camp—arguably the crown jewel of luxury safari camps.

Northern Serengeti is where the real action happens. This region is famous for the dramatic Mara River crossings, where wildebeest brave crocodile-infested waters as part of their great migration. If you’re here at the right time, it’s like watching a live-action nature movie—only this one has no reruns.

And when the migration moves on, Sayari becomes a serene, wildlife-rich haven for those in the know. No crowds. Just raw wilderness, elite guiding, and endless photo ops. Guided tours in a safari jeep offer exclusive access to remote areas, allowing you to visit indigenous tribes like the Hadzabe and Datoga, and experience the adventure of off-road travel while exploring local cultures.

Retreat in Style

Sayari Camp is not your typical safari lodge. Think stylish suites with outdoor bathtubs, sweeping decks, personal butlers, and private guides. It’s five-star comfort in the middle of nowhere—and somehow, it all feels perfectly natural. Located in North Tanzania, near the rural setting of Mwanza and Southern Lake Victoria, it offers a unique blend of luxury and cultural immersion.

You’ll have your own safari vehicle, so each family can set their own pace. Early risers can head out at dawn. Sleepyheads can linger over breakfast while warthogs snuffle nearby. The choice is yours.

The main camp also features Africa’s first solar-powered microbrewery. Yes, you heard that right. Cold craft beer in the Serengeti? Cheers to that!

Wild Moments, Personal Memories

Game drives in the Serengeti are like treasure hunts. One minute you’re watching a pride of lions nap under a tree, the next you’re tracking cheetahs on the move. The diversity here is staggering—from elephants to bat-eared foxes to vibrant bee-eaters fluttering above.

If you want to stretch your legs, guided bush walks offer a deeper connection to the land. Or take a scenic balloon safari for an eagle’s view of this endless wilderness.

Cultural experiences also await, like meeting the Kuria tribe, learning about traditional medicine, and understanding how these communities live in harmony with nature.

Your last night is bittersweet—because you won’t want it to end.


Tanzania Safari Costs and Budgeting

Planning a Tanzania safari involves budgeting for various expenses, but the experience is worth every penny. The cost of a safari can vary widely based on the length of your trip, type of accommodation, and activities you choose.

For a budget-friendly option, you can expect to spend around $200 per person per day. This typically includes basic accommodations, meals, and game drives. For a more luxurious experience, costs can soar to $1,000 or more per person per day, offering upscale lodges, private guides, and exclusive activities.

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

  • Accommodation: $100-500 per person per night
  • Transportation: $50-200 per person per day
  • Food and drink: $20-50 per person per meal
  • Park fees: $20-50 per person per day
  • Activities: $50-100 per person per activity

Don’t forget to budget for flights, travel insurance, and any additional excursions. By planning ahead and understanding the costs, you can create a memorable safari experience that fits your family’s budget.

Tanzania Safari Safety and Precautions

Safety is a top priority when traveling to Tanzania, and with the right precautions, your family can enjoy a worry-free safari. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

  • Choose a reputable tour operator: Research and select a trusted company with experienced guides who prioritize safety.
  • Follow your guide’s instructions: Always adhere to the guidelines provided by your guide and stay within designated areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of wildlife and other potential hazards.
  • Avoid traveling at night: Use reputable transportation services and avoid nighttime travel to reduce risks.
  • Health precautions: Take necessary measures against malaria and other diseases, such as using insect repellent and taking prescribed medications.
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly and be respectful of local traditions and customs.

Staying informed about local conditions and any travel advisories before and during your trip will also help ensure a safe and enjoyable safari experience. With these precautions in mind, your family can focus on creating unforgettable memories in the wilds of Tanzania.

This safari isn’t just about wildlife. It’s about connection.

It’s the awe in your child’s eyes when they spot their first giraffe. It’s the shared laughter over a game of cards by lantern light. It’s the feeling of being totally unplugged—and finally plugged into what really matters.

Families love this experience because it offers balance: adventure and comfort, thrill and peace, structure and freedom. It’s safe, seamless, and soul-filling.

And the fly-in aspect? That’s the cherry on top. Instead of long, bumpy drives, you skip straight to the good stuff via small, scenic flights between destinations.

Your kids won’t be bored. You won’t be stressed. Everyone wins.


Let Desert Tracks Guide You to the Safari of a Lifetime

At Desert Tracks, we understand what luxury-seeking families need: time, trust, and tailor-made experiences.

We don’t sell holidays. We craft journeys. Handpicked camps, trusted guides, seamless transfers, and white-glove service—from the moment you land to the moment you leave.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, rekindling family bonds, or just chasing adventure, the 9-Day Tanzania Fly-In Family Safari is your chance to make memories that go far beyond Instagram.


Ready to Start Planning Your Tanzania Safari?

We’d love to help you create your perfect safari story. Contact Desert Tracks today, and let’s start building a journey your family will talk about for years to come.

Let your next chapter begin with wild lions, whispering winds, and warm campfires. Let it begin in Tanzania.

Let it begin with Desert Tracks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GET IN TOUCH

TRAVEL TO YOUR DREAM DESTINATION

ENQUIRE NOW
QUICK ENQUIRY
close slider
Tour Enquiries (#5)