Avoid the traditional lengthy vehicle-based Safaris
Tanzania Safaris are traditionally vehicle based – this is where Wayo is different. We encourage as much out-of-the-vehicle experiences as possible. Children will struggle with the usual lengthy days in the car so we will plan your trip to include lots of stops and activities. Our camp locations are well placed for wildlife that it is not even necessary to go on a Game Drive at all.
Is visiting the Serengeti worth it for children?
The short answer is it depends on the child. The Serengeti National Park is unfenced – as are all parks in Tanzania – which makes it more challenging if you have a very active child who likes to run around especially as you tend to stay in this park longer than others.
It is further away from Arusha and camps are set out in the open plains. Access to the Serengeti is via a long flight (2.5/3hrs from Arusha is a small bush plane) or a long drive from Ngorongoro (6hrs to the Southern Serengeti and over 9hrs up to the North). Some children are absolutely fine with these long transfers but others may struggle.
When you are inside the Serengeti, there are only Walking Safaris and Game Drives which are available to do. Walking Safaris are limited to 12yrs+ so there is little opportunity for children to get out of the vehicle and get active if they are under this age.
For families with younger children or very active children who will not enjoy long journeys, we suggest exploring Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation area then perhaps heading to Zanzibar for a beach extension. Through these parks, you still get an opportunity to see all the wildlife you will see in the Serengeti but the parks are closer together with less need for longer bush plane flights or long transfers.