Discover Tanzania together on a five-day private family safari through Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. Starting and ending in Arusha, this holiday combines wildlife encounters with flexible game drives and comfortable stays at Mount Meru Hotel and Eileen’s Trees Inn. Enjoy an exclusive safari vehicle and three nights in Karatu, giving your family a settled base between adventures.
From USD 1,490 per adult sharing, based on two adults travelling together.
Safari Overview
Enjoy time together on this 5 Days Tanzania Family Safari, combining three northern Tanzania wildlife destinations with a manageable pace. Designed as a private holiday, the itinerary gives your family its own safari vehicle and driver-guide, allowing activities and rest stops to be arranged around your children’s needs.
Your journey begins in Arusha with an overnight stay at Mount Meru Hotel, providing time to settle in after your flight. The following morning, travel to Tarangire National Park, where elephant herds, baobab trees and varied wildlife introduce you to Tanzania’s safari landscapes. Continue to Eileen’s Trees Inn in Karatu, your base for the next three nights.
Explore Lake Manyara National Park, discovering its woodland, lakeshore scenery and birdlife. Another day takes you into Ngorongoro Crater for wildlife viewing across grasslands and wetlands, with opportunities to encounter animals such as lions, buffaloes, zebras and hippos. Wildlife sightings vary, making every outing different.
Staying at the same Karatu accommodation reduces packing and hotel changes, while the private format supports a flexible daily rhythm. The itinerary includes an arrival day, three park safari days and a return transfer to Arusha on Day 5. It is a practical choice for families seeking a Tanzania safari with children without adding the longer road journey to Serengeti.
Tanzania Family Safari Quick Facts
| Detail | Package Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Tour type | Private Tanzania family safari |
| Start and end | Arusha, Tanzania |
| Destinations | Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater |
| Safari days | Three days visiting wildlife destinations |
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof |
| Guide | Dedicated safari driver-guide |
| Arusha accommodation | Mount Meru Hotel — 1 night, bed and breakfast |
| Karatu accommodation | Eileen’s Trees Inn — 3 nights, full board |
| Meals | Breakfast in Arusha; breakfast, lunch and dinner during the safari stay; breakfast and lunch on Day 5 |
| Room arrangements | Adults sharing accommodation, with children sharing their parents’ room |
| Adult starting price | From USD 1,490 per person sharing, based on two adults travelling together |
| Children below 3 years | Free, sharing their parents’ room |
| Children aged 3–11.99 years | USD 550 per child, sharing their parents’ room |
| Children aged 12–16.99 years | USD 730 per child, sharing their parents’ room |
| Travellers aged 17 years and above | Adult rate applies |
| Child-rate basis | Child rates apply when sharing a room with two adults. Room configuration is subject to the accommodation’s capacity and availability. |
Tour Highlights
- Discover three wildlife destinations: Explore Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Look for Tarangire’s elephants: Enjoy wildlife viewing among baobab trees, river valleys and open savannah.
- Explore Lake Manyara’s contrasting habitats: Discover groundwater forest, woodland and lakeshore scenery, with opportunities to spot monkeys, giraffes and birds.
- Descend into Ngorongoro Crater: Search for lions, buffaloes, zebras, hippos and other wildlife within its dramatic volcanic landscape.
- Enjoy a private family safari: Travel in an exclusive 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and a dedicated driver-guide.
- Follow a flexible daily rhythm: Arrange appropriate comfort stops and game-viewing breaks around your family’s needs, within park visiting hours.
- Settle into one Karatu base: Spend three nights at Eileen’s Trees Inn, reducing packing and accommodation changes.
- Relax before your safari begins: Start with a comfortable night at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, with breakfast included.
Why Choose This 5-Day Tanzania Family Safari?
Three Nights at One Comfortable Base
Stay at Eileen’s Trees Inn in Karatu for three consecutive nights. Your family can unpack, settle into familiar surroundings and return to the same accommodation after each day’s activities. Children share their parents’ room, with the room arrangement confirmed according to family size and availability.
A Manageable Northern Tanzania Route
This itinerary combines Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro without adding the longer road journey to Serengeti. Travel remains part of the experience, but the route allows you to explore three distinctive wildlife areas within a five-day holiday.
Private Guiding and Flexible Game Drives
Your family has its own safari vehicle and driver-guide throughout the safari. Discuss your children’s interests, preferred pace and comfort needs with your guide, who can adjust stops and time spent at wildlife sightings within the day’s route and park regulations.
Varied Wildlife and Landscapes
Each destination offers a different setting: Tarangire’s baobabs and elephant country, Lake Manyara’s forests and lakeshore, and Ngorongoro’s crater floor. This variety keeps the journey engaging without requiring a new overnight stop every day.
Time to Arrive and Depart Comfortably
An overnight stay in Arusha provides a gentle beginning after your journey. On the final day, enjoy breakfast and lunch before completing your return transfer, with departure arrangements coordinated around your flight time.
Detailed 5-Day Tanzania Family Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania – Transfer to Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, meet your representative and transfer to Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours from Kilimanjaro Airport or 30–45 minutes from Arusha Airport, depending on traffic. After checking in, spend the remainder of the day settling into your room and relaxing after your journey. There are no scheduled safari activities today, giving children time to rest before the adventure begins. Depending on your arrival time, receive a briefing covering the route, departure arrangements and your family’s requirements. Lunch and dinner are available at your own expense. An earlier arrival offers more time to unwind before tomorrow’s drive to Tarangire.
Overnight: Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha
Meal plan: Bed and breakfast; lunch and dinner at your own expense.
Day 2: Arusha – Tarangire National Park – Karatu
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide and leave Arusha for Tarangire National Park. The journey to the park entrance usually takes approximately 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Once inside, begin your family’s first game drive through landscapes dotted with baobab trees and acacia woodland. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes, while your guide introduces children to animal behaviour and the surrounding habitats. Stop for a picnic lunch at a designated area, with time for a comfortable break. Continue wildlife viewing before leaving the park for Karatu. Allow roughly 2–3 hours for this onward journey, depending on your exit point. Arrive at Eileen’s Trees Inn, settle into your room and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Eileen’s Trees Inn, Karatu
Meal plan: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park – Return to Karatu
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Lake Manyara National Park, approximately 45–60 minutes from Karatu. Today’s safari introduces your family to a different environment, with groundwater forest, woodland and views towards the lake. Watch for baboons and monkeys among the trees, along with giraffes, elephants and other wildlife as you explore suitable park tracks. Birdlife varies with season and water conditions, and flamingo sightings cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will pace the outing around your family’s interests, allowing time to observe smaller animals and discuss the landscape. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated stop before further exploration or an earlier return, depending on the day’s arrangements. Return to Eileen’s Trees Inn for relaxation and dinner.
Overnight: Eileen’s Trees Inn, Karatu
Meal plan: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Return to Karatu
Depart early with a packed breakfast, or eat at the lodge before departure, according to the agreed schedule. Drive towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and continue through the highlands to the crater descent road. Allow approximately 1.5–2.5 hours from Karatu to the crater floor, including entry formalities and road conditions. Once below the rim, explore grasslands, wetlands and other habitats while searching for lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest and hippos. Black rhinos are present but sightings are never assured. Your guide will organise wildlife viewing and designated comfort stops around the permitted crater visit. Enjoy a picnic lunch before ascending and returning to Karatu. Bring warm layers for the cool morning journey through the highlands.
Overnight: Eileen’s Trees Inn, Karatu
Meal plan: Breakfast or packed breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner.
Day 5: Karatu – Arusha – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at Eileen’s Trees Inn before checking out for your return journey to Arusha. With no park visit scheduled, today provides a straightforward conclusion to your Tanzania family safari. The drive to Arusha generally takes approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions and comfort stops. Lunch is included, with its timing and location arranged around your onward travel plans. On arrival, transfer to your Arusha accommodation or continue to the appropriate airport as agreed when booking. Kilimanjaro International Airport requires additional driving time beyond Arusha, so an evening flight generally allows a more comfortable schedule. Your pickup time from Karatu will be coordinated with your confirmed flight and required airport check-in time.
Overnight: Not included
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Family Accommodation & Room Arrangements
Enjoy four nights of hotel and lodge accommodation on your Tanzania family safari, beginning in Arusha before settling into one Karatu base for three nights.
Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha — 1 Night
Your first night is at Mount Meru Hotel, providing a comfortable place to rest after arrival and prepare for your safari. The hotel offers restaurants, gardens and an outdoor swimming pool, with space to unwind before travelling to Tarangire the following morning. Children must be supervised around the pool. mountmeruhotel.co.tz
Meal plan: Bed and breakfast. Arrival-day lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Eileen’s Trees Inn, Karatu — 3 Nights
Stay at Eileen’s Trees Inn for three consecutive nights while exploring Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. Its garden setting, swimming pool, dining area and lounge provide welcoming spaces to relax between safari outings. Staying at the same property reduces packing and gives your family a familiar base each evening. Eileens Trees Inn
Meal plan: Full board, with picnic lunches during park visits. Breakfast and lunch are included on the final day.
Family Rooms & Occupancy
The advertised adult price is based on two adults sharing a room. Child prices apply when children share their parents’ room with two adults.
The appropriate room type, number of beds, private bathroom arrangements and maximum occupancy will be confirmed in your quotation. Family rooms, extra beds and connecting rooms must be specifically confirmed before booking; their availability is not guaranteed by the starting price. Families requiring separate rooms will receive a quotation reflecting their preferred arrangement.
Tanzania Family Safari Prices 2027–2028
Prices for this 5 Days Tanzania Family Safari start from USD 1,490 per adult sharing, based on two adults travelling together. Children receive the rates below when sharing their parents’ room with two adults.
| Traveller category | Price per person | Occupancy basis |
|---|---|---|
| Adult — 17 years and above | From USD 1,490 | Two adults sharing a room |
| Child — 12–16.99 years | USD 730 | Sharing a room with two adults |
| Child — 3–11.99 years | USD 550 | Sharing a room with two adults |
| Child — below 3 years | Free | Sharing a room with two adults |
Example Family Prices
| Family composition | Starting total |
|---|---|
| Two adults | USD 2,980 |
| Two adults and one child aged 3–11.99 | USD 3,530 |
| Two adults and one child aged 12–16.99 | USD 3,710 |
| Two adults and two children aged 3–11.99 | USD 4,080 |
| Two adults, one child aged 3–11.99 and one aged 12–16.99 | USD 4,260 |
Family totals assume the stated room-sharing arrangement can accommodate everyone. A family requiring additional rooms will receive a revised quotation.
Seasonal Rates
The figures above are the advertised starting rates. Your exact 2027 or 2028 travel dates must be quoted individually, as accommodation availability and any applicable seasonal or festive supplements may affect the final price. Separate seasonal rates have not been published.
Provide each child’s age at the time of travel so the correct rate can be applied.
What’s Included & Excluded
What’s Included
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof during the safari.
- Services of a dedicated safari driver-guide.
- Game drives in Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.
- A Ngorongoro Crater game drive.
- Park entry fees and Ngorongoro Crater service fees for the scheduled visits.
- One night at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
- Three nights at Eileen’s Trees Inn in Karatu on a full-board basis.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Days 2, 3 and 4.
- Breakfast and lunch on Day 5.
- Picnic lunches during the scheduled park visits.
- Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.
- Departure transfer to Arusha, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, as agreed in your booking.
- Children’s accommodation sharing their parents’ room, according to the confirmed room arrangement.
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunch and dinner on the arrival day.
- Dinner on the final day.
- Drinks and beverages unless expressly included in your quotation.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Optional activities and excursions outside the itinerary.
- Laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs and other personal expenses.
- Additional accommodation before or after the five-day itinerary.
- Additional rooms, room upgrades or other arrangements outside the confirmed quotation.
Wildlife & Destinations on Your Family Safari
Tarangire National Park — Elephants & Baobab Landscapes
Tarangire introduces your family to open savannah, baobab trees and river habitats. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelopes while your guide explains their behaviour. During the dry season, wildlife often gathers around the Tarangire River and remaining water sources. Lions and other predators may be encountered, but sightings depend on animal movements and conditions on the day. www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz
Lake Manyara National Park — Forest Wildlife & Rift Valley Scenery
Lake Manyara offers a contrasting safari experience, combining groundwater forest, woodland and lakeshore habitats. Watch for monkeys, baboons and waterbirds, with opportunities to encounter larger mammals along the route. Flamingo numbers vary with water levels and feeding conditions. Although the park is known for tree-climbing lions, seeing this behaviour is an occasional bonus rather than an expected part of every visit.
Ngorongoro Crater — Wildlife Within a Volcanic Landscape
A descent into Ngorongoro Crater brings your family into a striking landscape of grasslands, wetlands and steep surrounding walls. Look for zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, hippos and lions. The conservation area also protects endangered black rhinos, although a sighting cannot be promised. Your guide follows permitted tracks and adjusts the game drive according to wildlife activity. No particular species or complete Big Five sighting is guaranteed. UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Best Time for This Tanzania Family Safari
June to October is our recommended period for families prioritising generally dry conditions, while January and February offer another favourable window. This Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro route can operate throughout the year, with the daily programme adjusted to weather and road conditions.
| Travel period | What to expect | Family planning advice |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Generally drier conditions between the rainy seasons, although showers remain possible | A useful option for families travelling during early-year school breaks |
| March–May | Increasing rain, particularly during the main wet-season months; some park tracks may become muddy or less accessible | Allow flexibility in game-drive routes and avoid planning around a guaranteed afternoon return time |
| June–October | Generally dry conditions, with Tarangire wildlife increasingly drawn towards permanent water | A strong choice for school summer holidays; reserve suitable family accommodation early |
| November–December | Short rains may bring greener scenery and changes to road conditions | Keep daily arrangements flexible and confirm Christmas or New Year availability well in advance |
Northern Tanzania’s long rains generally occur from March to May, with shorter rains around October to December. Their timing and intensity vary each year.
Planning Around School Holidays
For July–August and Christmas–New Year travel, book early enough to secure a room arrangement suitable for your children’s ages. Provide your exact dates before confirming flights so accommodation availability and any seasonal supplements can be checked.
Easter dates may fall within the wetter period. The itinerary remains an option, but families should be comfortable with possible showers and changes to accessible park tracks. This package focuses on resident wildlife; it does not visit the Serengeti migration or Ndutu calving areas.
Travelling With Children: Comfort & Practical Information
Child Seats & Vehicle Arrangements
Request a child seat or booster when enquiring, providing each child’s age, height and approximate weight. Availability and suitability must be confirmed before booking. Children should remain seated while the vehicle is moving and follow the driver-guide’s instructions when viewing wildlife through the pop-up roof.
Meals & Dietary Requirements
Tell us about allergies, dietary restrictions and preferred meal times before travel. We will communicate these requirements to the accommodation and arrange suitable picnic meals where possible. Families with infants should bring their usual formula, feeding equipment and essential snacks, as specific brands may be difficult to obtain along the route.
Rest Breaks & Game-Drive Length
Private transport allows your guide to arrange practical comfort stops and adapt time spent at sightings. Discuss your children’s routine during the safari briefing. Some journeys and park visits still require extended periods in the vehicle, particularly on the Ngorongoro day, so bring familiar activities for quieter stretches.
Toilets During Safari Days
Toilet stops are made at park entrances, designated picnic areas and other available facilities. Toilets are not continuously available along game-drive tracks, so let your guide know about your children’s needs before leaving a designated stop. Carry tissues, wipes and hand sanitiser for convenience.
Luggage & Everyday Essentials
Pack manageable bags that fit comfortably within the vehicle’s luggage space. Keep a small day bag accessible with warm layers, sun hats, spare children’s clothing and essential personal items. Advise us beforehand if you plan to bring a pushchair or other bulky equipment so suitable storage can be confirmed.
Lodge & Swimming-Pool Supervision
Parents or guardians remain responsible for supervising children at both properties, particularly around swimming pools, paths and outdoor areas. Do not assume that lifeguards, babysitting or supervised children’s activities are provided. Any additional childcare service must be requested and confirmed separately.
Wildlife Viewing & Picnic Stops
Children must stay with an adult and follow the guide’s instructions at all stops. Never approach or feed wildlife, and keep food secure around monkeys and baboons. Leave the vehicle only where your guide confirms it is permitted. Lake Manyara’s park guidance specifically advises visitors never to feed wildlife, including animals near picnic sites.
Optional Activities & Age Restrictions
Optional walks, canopy activities and other excursions may have minimum age, height or fitness requirements set by their operators. These activities are outside the standard itinerary unless specifically included in your quotation. Provide your children’s ages before requesting an activity so eligibility, supervision requirements and additional costs can be checked.
Getting to Arusha & Airport Transfers
Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is a convenient arrival point for this Tanzania family safari. Your arrival transfer takes you to Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, where you spend the first night on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Send your flight number, arrival time and travelling party’s details before departure so your pickup can be arranged. Request any child seats when booking, allowing time to confirm availability.
Arriving at Arusha Airport
If you arrive on a domestic flight through Arusha Airport (ARK), your transfer to Mount Meru Hotel is also included. Please check the airport shown on your ticket carefully: Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport are separate airports.
Your confirmed arrival instructions will explain where to meet your representative and provide a contact number for assistance.
Your First Night in Arusha
Day 1 is reserved for arrival and relaxation, with no scheduled park visit. Settle into Mount Meru Hotel and prepare for the following morning’s departure to Tarangire. Breakfast is included; arrival-day lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Hotel check-in follows the property’s normal policy. If your flight arrives early, let us know so any early check-in arrangements and applicable charges can be checked.
Departure Arrangements on Day 5
After breakfast at Eileen’s Trees Inn, return towards Arusha, with lunch included. Your final transfer can end at an Arusha hotel, Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, according to your confirmed booking.
An evening flight generally provides a more comfortable departure schedule. Before purchasing onward flights, share the proposed departure time so we can check the driving allowance and airport check-in requirements. An early flight may require an additional overnight stay or an itinerary adjustment.
Why Book With African Paradise Safaris?
- Private family safari vehicle: Enjoy exclusive use of a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and dedicated driver-guide, with flexibility for comfort stops and wildlife viewing.
- Planning around your children: Receive a quotation based on your children’s ages and room requirements, with dietary needs and child-seat requests discussed before booking.
- Fewer accommodation changes: Spend three consecutive nights at Eileen’s Trees Inn, giving your family a comfortable Karatu base without daily packing.
- Coordinated local support: Have your airport transfers, accommodation and safari activities organised together, with clear meeting instructions and assistance contacts.
- Transparent pricing and booking terms: Review adult and child prices, room arrangements, meals, inclusions, supplements, payment schedules and cancellation conditions before paying.
- Verifiable operating credentials: Request company registration, Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority licensing documents and details of the licensed Tanzania operator delivering your safari.
Traveller Reviews of African Paradise Safaris
The following seven reviews relate to family travel, private safaris or Kenya–Tanzania journeys. These are summaries of genuine Tripadvisor feedback, rather than quotations or reviews of this exact five-day itinerary. Individual ratings and countries are omitted where they could not be verified.
1. Suheda E — Three-Generation Family Safari
Travel month: February 2026 | Group: Family of 10 | Destination: Kenya
Suheda praised John Peter’s responsive planning, flexibility for three generations, comfortable camps and patient guides, John and Ken. tripadvisor.com
2. Annabel E — Private Family Safari
Location: Missouri, United States | Travel month: August 2024 | Group: Family of four | Destination: Kenya
Annabel highlighted personalised planning, support during an unexpected passport problem and guide Lawrence’s wildlife knowledge throughout their private family holiday. tripadvisor.co.uk
3. Mohammed — Family Holiday
Travel month: July 2024 | Group: Family
Mohammed reported an enjoyable family trip and expressed appreciation for the facilities and arrangements provided by African Paradise Safaris. tripadvisor.co.uk
4. Hong J — Kenya & Tanzania Safari
Travel month: August 2024 | Group: Eight friends | Destinations: Kenya and Tanzania
Hong praised patient communication, accommodation of requests and guide Ken’s wildlife spotting, including migration encounters in Maasai Mara and Serengeti. tripadvisor.com
5. Kamil Z — Tailored Private Safari
Travel month: November 2023 | Group: Couple | Destinations: Kenya and Tanzania
Kamil commended flexible itinerary planning, helpful guides, lodge recommendations and assistance recovering delayed luggage during a nine-day private safari. tripadvisor.co.uk
6. Dreamer50095299790 — Personalised Cross-Border Journey
Location: Texas, United States | Travel month: August 2023 | Group: Friends | Destinations: Tanzania and Kenya
This traveller highlighted tailored arrangements, responsive communication, patient guides and assistance with the border crossing between Tanzania and Kenya. tripadvisor.co.uk
7. Lisa — Group Safari & Arrival Support
Location: Lincoln, United Kingdom | Travel month: January 2025 | Group: Friends, 11 travellers | Destination: Kenya
Lisa appreciated the safari arrangements and help collecting delayed luggage, noting that John Peter resolved the glitches encountered during their trip. tripadvisor.com
Read the original traveller reviews on Tripadvisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this Tanzania family safari suitable for young children?
This private safari can be planned around families with young children, with suitable room arrangements and practical breaks discussed before booking. However, game drives and transfers involve time on uneven roads. Tell us your children’s ages, usual routines and any particular requirements so we can help you assess whether the itinerary suits your family.
2. Is the safari private or shared with other travellers?
This is a private family safari. Your family has exclusive use of a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and a dedicated driver-guide. You will not share the safari vehicle with unrelated travellers. Departure times, comfort stops and wildlife viewing can be adjusted within the itinerary, park regulations and available driving time.
3. How much does the five-day family safari cost?
Prices start from USD 1,490 per adult sharing, based on two adults travelling together. Children aged 3–11.99 years pay USD 550, while those aged 12–16.99 years pay USD 730, sharing their parents’ room with two adults. Children below three travel free under this arrangement. Travellers aged 17 and above pay the adult rate.
4. Can children share a room with their parents?
Yes. The advertised child rates apply when children share a room with two adults. The appropriate room category and bedding arrangement depend on your family size, children’s ages and the property’s occupancy limits. We confirm these details before booking. Families needing separate or additional rooms receive a quotation reflecting that arrangement.
5. Does this itinerary include Serengeti National Park?
No. This itinerary visits Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Keeping the route around these destinations avoids the longer road journey to Serengeti and allows three nights at one Karatu base. If Serengeti is a priority, request a longer itinerary with sufficient time for transfers and wildlife viewing.
6. How much driving should our family expect?
Driving varies each day. Allow approximately 2–3 hours from Arusha to Tarangire’s entrance, followed by an onward transfer to Karatu after wildlife viewing. Lake Manyara is closer to your Karatu base, while Ngorongoro requires an early start and a longer outing. These estimates exclude some stops and vary with traffic, weather and road conditions.
7. Can we shorten a game drive if the children become tired?
Your private guide can discuss a shorter outing or an earlier return where the route allows. Lake Manyara offers more flexibility because you return to the same Karatu accommodation. Tarangire includes an onward transfer, while the Ngorongoro visit involves descent and ascent arrangements. Discuss your preferred pace before each day’s departure.
8. Which meals are included, and can you accommodate dietary needs?
Mount Meru Hotel includes breakfast. Your three-night stay at Eileen’s Trees Inn is on full board, with picnic lunches during park visits. Breakfast and lunch are included on Day 5. Share allergies and dietary requirements before booking so arrangements can be checked. Arrival-day lunch and dinner, and final-day dinner, are excluded.
9. Are airport transfers included, and when should we depart?
Arrival and departure transfers through Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport are included as agreed in your booking. Day 1 is reserved for arrival, while Day 5 includes the return journey from Karatu and lunch. An evening departure generally offers a more comfortable schedule. Share proposed flights before purchasing tickets so transfer timing can be checked.
10. Will we see the Big Five on this safari?
You may encounter several Big Five species, but seeing all five cannot be guaranteed. Wildlife moves freely, and sightings depend on animal behaviour, habitat and conditions during your visit. Your guide will also introduce your family to smaller mammals, birds and landscapes, making the experience rewarding beyond a checklist of particular animals.
11. Can we add Zanzibar after the safari?
Yes. A Zanzibar beach extension can be arranged after your return from Karatu, subject to suitable flight connections and accommodation availability. Domestic flights, beach accommodation and Zanzibar transfers are quoted separately from this five-day package. Share your preferred number of beach nights and children’s ages so the extension can be planned around your family.
12. How do we check availability and book?
Send your preferred travel dates, number of adults, each child’s age at travel and desired room arrangement. Include flight details if available, together with dietary or child-seat requests. We will check accommodation and provide a written quotation showing the arrangements, final price, payment schedule and cancellation terms before you confirm your booking.
Related Tanzania Family Safari Packages
Explore these alternatives if your family prefers a shorter safari, additional Serengeti time or a beach holiday. Exact dates, family rooms and child prices are confirmed individually.
- 3 Days Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater Luxury Safari
A shorter private safari combining two wildlife destinations with lodge accommodation. Consider this option when your family has limited time in northern Tanzania. - 7 Days Tanzania Safari — Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
A longer alternative for families who want to include Serengeti National Park. Request a personalised version with suitable accommodation and a pace matched to your children. - 7 Days Tanzania Wildlife Migration Safari
Explore Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro on a migration-focused journey. The Serengeti overnight locations should be matched to your travel month and expected herd movements. - 10 Days Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Tour
Combine Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro with time in Zanzibar. This is an alternative for families seeking wildlife viewing and beach relaxation within one holiday.
Check Availability & Plan Your Family Safari
Ready to explore Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro together? Contact African Paradise Safaris for a personalised quotation for your 5 Days Tanzania Family Safari.
Please provide:
- Preferred travel dates
- Number of adults
- Each child’s age at the time of travel
- Preferred room arrangement, including children sharing with parents
- Arrival and departure details, if available
- Dietary requirements or child-seat requests
Prices start from USD 1,490 per adult sharing, based on two adults travelling together. We will confirm accommodation availability, suitable bedding arrangements and the final family price before booking.
Payment Terms
- Standard bookings: A 30% deposit confirms your booking, followed by a further 30% payment 21 days before travel. The remaining 40% is payable before or on arrival, as specified in your confirmation.
- Bookings made within 21 days of travel: A 40% deposit applies, with the remaining payment arrangements stated in your quotation.
- Card payments: A 3.8% surcharge applies.
Cancellation Terms
For cancellations made 30 days or more before travel, the deposit is refundable, less applicable charges. For cancellations made fewer than 30 days before travel, the deposit is retained as a credit valid for 12 months. Your booking confirmation will explain applicable charges and the treatment of any payments beyond the deposit.
Contact us with your dates and children’s ages to check availability and receive your family quotation.
Author & Last Reviewed Date
Written and reviewed by John Peter — CEO, African Paradise Safaris
John Peter plans safari itineraries across Kenya and Tanzania, coordinating accommodation, transport and personalised travel arrangements. For this family safari, his planning focuses on manageable journeys, suitable room arrangements and a practical pace for parents travelling with children.
Last reviewed: 24 October 2026
