Safety when going for a Safari with children.

For a long time years, Tanzania has always been one of the world’s wonderful safari destinations. Its beautiful landscapes, plains of Serengeti, to Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the old, self controlled ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater, all of these attracts millions of tourists from all over the world each year to come to Tanzania, including children. We are going to explain how to have a safe safaris with children and what precautions are necessary to be taken.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania with children?

Tanzania is one of the safest countries in the world, which is posing no threat to families, children and also those who wants to travel alone (solo travellers). So, children who are accompanied by their parents will have to worry about nothing when they are in Tanzania. The country of Tanzania has strong social and political stability, and it has very few incidents of theft or violence. This safety is due to the peaceful and welcoming nature of the local residents and the government’s strong commitment to protecting tourists.

Tourist destination areas, especially the protected national parks, are under very strict observation by both different administrations and tour operators.

Road safety on safari

When it comes to safari to the wild, 4x4 Jeep SUV cars are used and here road safety is so important. Most of the routes which are leading to the protected areas are in good condition, and there are strict driving rules which should be followed once inside national parks.

Here are some of them:

• The speed is limited to 80 km/h (50 mph) on roads and 50 km/h (31 mph) once you have entered in the park.
• Most of the safari tours are led by professional drivers with extensive experience and knowledge. They know the land and wildlife behavior inside out, that ensure your complete safety throughout the entire journey.

Safety in safari parks

A safari park is not a zoo with fences, but the natural habitat of predators and large wild animals. Therefore, there are rules which are different form the laws on the zoo. And, if you follow these basic rules, the adventure will go smoothly with nothing to worry about.

Here are the most basic key rules when you are going to the safari with children:

• Listen to your guide. Before and during each trip, your guide will give the briefing and safety instructions, covering how to behave when encountering animals and the specific rules of each national park.

• Stick together. Children should always be under parental supervision. This applies when they are both in the savannah and in lodges, especially during the night time. This is a basic rule for any trip, whether going to a city center, forest, country house, or going to the beach. For lodges with pools, parents are advised to have the Safety Turtle system. This is a bracelet which is worn by your child that will sends a loud alert to your receiver if the child enters the water without you noticing or without your permission.

• Be prepared for life in the savannah. Some animals are more active at night and may come close to hotels and make loud noises. You will be completely safe as long as you remain inside your room or lodge. And also let your child know in advance, and as a parent do not panic, as these animals always leave soon.

• Close doors and windows at night. African parks are home to not only large mammals but also reptiles and insects. So, it is better to have the doors and windows closed at night.

General tips for a safari with children

Many safari tours in Tanzania are family tours which include children on the trip. To ensure the trip is as comfortable as possible for all family members, We recommend the following:

• We recommend bringing children on safari from the age of two. This is not a strict rule or a necessary one, but rather an observation based on the experience: at this age, children tend to be more engaged in exploring the savanna and watching wildlife.

• When choosing a safari program, it is important to consider not just the national park and accommodation, but also the route itself. There are national parks which takes long hours in a vehicle and this can be so tiring for young travelers. It is best to plan for short breaks along the way and avoid frequent lodge changes, allowing children time to rest and recharge.

• Keep Tanzania’s climate in mind when you are packing your clothing. While it can be hot during the day, nights may be very cool. Be sure to pack both sun protection (hats and sunscreen) and warmer clothing for windy or rainy conditions.

• Consult your doctor before getting any vaccinations for yourself or your child. There are no mandatory vaccines required for entry into Tanzania for US or EU citizens. However, the final decision rests with travelers and their healthcare providers. You should consult with your doctor before taking any vaccine.

• Prepare a medical kit for your children. Most of the safari guides always carry essential medical kit supplies for common ailments, but these standard medical kits may not include specific children’s medications. These can be difficult to find in Tanzania, especially considering age-specific or individual medical needs. Therefore bringing your own kit with trusted medicines (for allergies, food poisoning, fever, etc.) will make the trip more comfortable and safe for you and your family.

• Take care of insurance. This applies to any international trip, but is especially important when traveling in the wild, far from civilization. Some of the tour operators cover the evacuation insurance for travelers. Note: the evacuation insurance does not cover treatment costs, it ensures you have been taken to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible, and only your insurance policy must cover the tratments.

When you look quickly on these lists of tips and precautions, it might make a safari seem like a risky adventure, but that is totally not true. The aim of these rules is to provide clear guidance for travelers who prefer to be well-prepared, especially when they are vacationing with children. In reality, all you need to do is pack your suitcase, a basic first-aid kit, and travel insurance, just as you would for any other trip, and Welcome to Africa.

See you in Africa!