20-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Tanzania
Tanzania offers a magical world of wonder for families, blending the thrill of the African bush with the serene beauty of the Indian Ocean. This 20-day itinerary is specifically designed for families who want to experience the country's highlights—from spotting the Big Five to exploring ancient spice islands—at a manageable, relaxed pace that keeps children engaged and parents stress-free.
Traveling through Tanzania with children is remarkably rewarding. We focus on comfortable transport, stroller-friendly city hubs like Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, and safari lodges that cater to younger explorers. With a balance of adventure and downtime, your family will discover why Tanzania is Africa's premier destination for an epic multi-generational journey.
Day 1: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Arrival & Coastal Breezes
Arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport
Complete your visa formalities and meet your driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the Msasani Peninsula area. This part of the city is quieter and more family-oriented.
Lunch at The Slipway
Enjoy a relaxed meal overlooking the ocean. The Slipway is a family-friendly complex with a small playground and safe walking areas for strollers.
Coco Beach Walk
Take a gentle stroll along the sandy shores of Coco Beach. It's a popular spot for local families and offers a great introduction to the Swahili coast atmosphere.
Sunset Dinner at Cape Town Fish Market
A spacious restaurant with a diverse menu that includes plenty of kid-friendly options and fresh seafood for the adults.
Day 2: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Cultural Discovery
National Museum of Tanzania
Explore the history and culture of Tanzania. The museum features interesting exhibits on human evolution and fossils from Olduvai Gorge that fascinate older children.
Village Museum (Kijitonyama)
Visit this open-air museum showcasing traditional Tanzanian huts. It's very interactive, and children can run around safely between the different dwellings.
Kivukoni Fish Market (Observation)
Watch the colorful dhows come in from a distance. While the market itself is hectic, watching the boats from the nearby ferry terminal is a great visual for kids.
Relaxation at Hotel Pool
A quiet evening by the pool to help the kids adjust to the local time zone and prepare for the travel tomorrow.
Day 3: Arusha, Tanzania - Gateway to Safaris
Domestic Flight to Arusha
Take a short, scenic flight to Arusha Airport. This saves several hours of driving, which is crucial when traveling with younger children.
Check-in at Arusha Coffee Lodge
Located on a beautiful plantation, this lodge offers plenty of green space for children to play and a very relaxed atmosphere.
Cultural Heritage Centre
A massive complex with African art and history. It's stroller-accessible and has a wonderful gift shop and outdoor sculptures.
Poolside Relaxation
Enjoy the cooler climate of Arusha and let the kids burn off energy in the lodge gardens.
Day 4: Tarangire National Park, Tanzania - Elephant Encounters
Drive to Tarangire National Park
A comfortable 2-hour drive in a private safari vehicle. Tarangire is famous for its massive baobab trees and huge elephant herds.
Game Drive in Tarangire
Tarangire is excellent for kids because wildlife sightings are frequent and the landscape is very open, making it easy to spot animals.
Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a lunch at a designated picnic site with a view of the Tarangire River. Watch for cheeky monkeys nearby!
Check-in at Tarangire Safari Lodge
A lodge located inside the park with a fantastic terrace overlooking the valley—perfect for spotting animals without leaving your seat.
Day 5: Tarangire, Tanzania - Morning Bush Life
Sunrise Game Drive
Early morning is the best time to see predators. The cool air makes the kids more comfortable during the drive.
Baobab Discovery Walk
A short, guided walk near the lodge area to learn about the flora and fauna. Safe and educational for all ages.
Lazy Afternoon
Use the lodge pool or read books about African wildlife. Safari can be tiring for kids, so mid-day rest is vital.
Evening Sundowner Game Drive
A shorter drive to see giraffes and zebras as they head toward water sources for the evening.
Day 6: Lake Manyara, Tanzania - The Tree-Climbing Lions
Transfer to Lake Manyara
A short drive through local villages to reach Lake Manyara National Park, known for its diverse eco-systems.
Game Drive in Lake Manyara
Spot the famous tree-climbing lions and the thousands of flamingos at the lake's edge.
Mto wa Mbu Village Visit
A cultural tour through a bustling village. This is stroller-friendly in many parts and allows kids to see how local families live and farm.
Overnight at Karatu
Check into a farmhouse lodge in Karatu, the gateway to Ngorongoro. These lodges often have vegetable gardens kids can explore.
Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania - The Natural Wonder
Crater Floor Game Drive
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's like a natural zoo where animals are easily spotted in a compact area.
Hippo Pool Picnic
Lunch by the hippo pool. It's a safe area to stretch your legs while keeping an eye on the submerged hippos.
Drive to Karatu Farmstead
Return to the cooler highlands of Karatu for a relaxed evening and a warm fire.
Family Farm Dinner
Enjoy fresh, organic food and let the children learn about where their food comes from on the lodge grounds.
Day 8: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - Journey to the Plains
Drive to Central Serengeti
This is a longer drive with plenty of scenery. We stop at various viewpoints including the Ngorongoro Crater Rim.
Olduvai Gorge Museum
A quick educational stop to see where the earliest human remains were found. Very impactful for school-aged children.
Entry into Serengeti
Begin your first game drive in the world's most famous national park. The sheer volume of animals is breath-taking.
Check-in at Seronera Tented Camp
Stay in a luxury tented camp where you can hear the sounds of the bush at night—an unforgettable family experience.
Day 9: Serengeti, Tanzania - Endless Savanna
Full Day Game Drive
Explore the Seronera Valley. With a private vehicle, you can choose when to head back if the kids get tired.
Lunch Under an Acacia Tree
Your guide will find a safe spot for a classic bush lunch in the middle of the wilderness.
Retiti Rock (Kopjes) Visit
Explore the massive rock formations where lions often lounge. It's like a scene from The Lion King.
Campfire Stories
Evening at the camp gathered around the 'bush television' (the campfire), sharing stories of the day's sightings.
Day 10: Serengeti, Tanzania - Northward Bound
Serengeti Morning Drive
Search for the elusive leopard or watch a cheetah hunt. The morning light is perfect for family photos.
Visit a Maasai Boma
Visit a traditional Maasai village on the outskirts of the park. Kids can participate in traditional dances and see the village school.
Rest & Board Games
Spend a quiet afternoon at the camp. Most lodges have board games or books about African tracks and signs.
Sunset Sundowners
Enjoy non-alcoholic juices for the kids and a cocktail for the parents while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Day 11: Zanzibar, Tanzania - From Bush to Beach
Flight to Zanzibar
Fly directly from the Seronera airstrip to Zanzibar. This 2-hour flight saves an entire day of travel by road and sea.
Check-in at Stone Town Hotel
Stay in a converted palace in the heart of the historic district. It’s atmospheric and exciting for children to explore.
Stone Town Walking Tour
Navigate the narrow alleys. While mostly stroller-accessible, a baby carrier is easier for the most winding streets.
Forodhani Gardens Food Market
A must-visit! Try the Zanzibar Pizza and fresh sugarcane juice. It’s a lively, family-friendly outdoor dining scene.
Day 12: Stone Town, Tanzania - Spices and History
Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour
An interactive tour where kids can smell, touch, and taste fresh cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Very sensory and fun.
Swahili Lunch at the Farm
Enjoy a traditional meal cooked with the spices you just learned about. It's usually mild enough for children.
The Old Fort
Visit the 17th-century fort. There is plenty of space for kids to walk around, and often local artisans are at work inside.
Dinner at Lukmaan Restaurant
A local favorite with a wide variety of pre-prepared dishes, making it easy to choose things that kids will like quickly.
Day 13: Prison Island, Tanzania - Giant Tortoises
Boat Trip to Changuu Island
A 20-minute boat ride on a traditional wooden boat. The water is usually calm and clear.
Feeding the Giant Tortoises
Kids can feed and pet the Aldabra giant tortoises, some of which are over 150 years old. It's always a highlight for families.
Snorkeling and Beach Time
The shallow waters around the island are perfect for young snorkelers to see colorful fish.
Return to Stone Town
A relaxing boat ride back as the sun begins to soften.
Day 14: Nungwi, Tanzania - Northern Beach Paradise
Drive to Nungwi
A 1.5-hour private transfer to the northern tip of the island, which has the best beaches for swimming as they are less tidal.
Check-in at Beach Resort
Choose a resort with a kids' club and direct beach access to make the final week as relaxing as possible.
Beach Sandcastle Building
The white sand in Nungwi is perfect for building epic sandcastles while parents relax under a palm tree.
Beachfront Dinner
Dine with your toes in the sand at one of the many relaxed beach restaurants.
Day 15: Nungwi, Tanzania - Turtles and Tides
Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond
A community-led project where you can see and learn about rescued sea turtles. Kids can help feed them sea lettuce.
Nungwi Village Walk
See where traditional dhow boats are made by hand. It's a fascinating look at local craftsmanship.
Lunch at Badolina Secret Garden
A beautiful, shaded spot with great healthy food options and a relaxed vibe that's very welcoming to families.
Swimming in the Turquoise Sea
The water here is exceptionally blue and warm—ideal for kids to play in all afternoon.
Day 16: Mnemba Atoll, Tanzania - Snorkeling Adventure
Dhow Trip to Mnemba Atoll
A private boat trip for the family to the best snorkeling spot in Zanzibar. Dolphins are frequently spotted on the way!
Snorkeling in the Reef
The reef is shallow and full of life, making it a safe and exciting experience for children with life jackets.
Beach BBQ Lunch
Most boat tours include a fresh fish or chicken BBQ on a nearby beach.
Relax at Resort
Return for a shower and some quiet time in the hotel’s garden or pool.
Day 17: Nungwi, Tanzania - Free Day for Fun
Resort Activities
Take advantage of the hotel's amenities—kayaking, paddleboarding, or a morning kids' club session.
Lunch at Kendwa Rocks
Walk or take a short taxi to Kendwa, the neighboring beach, for lunch and a change of scenery.
Souvenir Shopping
Browse the local stalls for colorful Maasai blankets, wooden carvings, and beaded jewelry.
Traditional Music Night
Many resorts host live Taarab music or acrobatic shows in the evening which kids usually find captivating.
Day 18: Jozani Forest, Tanzania - Red Colobus Monkeys
Excursion to Jozani Chwaka Bay
Drive to the center of the island to visit the last indigenous forest in Zanzibar.
Monkey Spotting
Walk the easy, flat trails to see the rare Red Colobus monkeys. They are very active and easy to see in the trees.
Mangrove Boardwalk
Walk through the impressive mangrove swamps on a safe wooden boardwalk—great for exploring the swamp ecosystem.
Return to Nungwi
A final afternoon to enjoy the beach and the Indian Ocean sunsets.
Day 19: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Return to the Mainland
Ferry or Flight to Dar es Salaam
Take the Azam Marine ferry for a fun sea journey or a quick 20-minute flight back to the mainland.
Lunch in Dar City Centre
Enjoy a final Swahili meal at a local restaurant. The city is a great place to pick up last-minute coffee and tea gifts.
Slipway Market
A safe, enclosed area to do some final shopping while the kids enjoy an ice cream overlooking the bay.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate the end of an incredible journey with a nice dinner at your hotel.
Day 20: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Departure
Relaxed Breakfast
Enjoy a slow morning at the hotel. Most international flights depart in the afternoon or evening.
Last Minute Beach Walk
One last dip or walk on the sand to say goodbye to the Tanzanian coast.
Transfer to Airport
Head to Julius Nyerere International Airport for your flight home, filled with memories of an epic family adventure.
Departure
Safe travels home!
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania for a family trip is during the long dry season from June to October. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals congregate around water holes, and the weather is pleasant—not too hot or humid—which is much better for children. If you want to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti, June and July are peak months. For Zanzibar, the weather is beautiful year-round, but avoiding the 'long rains' in April and May is highly recommended to ensure you get plenty of beach time.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). While US Dollars (printed after 2006) are widely accepted in tourist hotels, national parks, and for safaris, you will need Shillings for local markets, small shops, and tipping. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and upscale restaurants, but often carry a 3-5% surcharge. ATMs are available in cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Stone Town, but can be rare in rural areas. Tipping is a standard part of the culture; it is customary to tip your safari guide and lodge staff at the end of your stay.
Getting Around Tanzania
For a 20-day journey, a mix of transport methods is best. For safaris, a private 4x4 vehicle with a driver-guide is the safest and most flexible option for families. For long distances, such as moving from the Northern Circuit to Zanzibar, domestic flights (via Precision Air or Coastal Aviation) are highly recommended to save time and avoid long, bumpy road transfers. Within Zanzibar, private taxis are the most comfortable way to get around, while the high-speed Azam Marine ferry is a reliable and scenic way to travel between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town.
