family safari tanzania

Lions Kill Wildebeest in the Serengeti National Park

What a spectacular safari for Rishi Bagaria and family!

Two Lioness pulled down a Wildebeest right in front of them, in the middle of the Serengeti!

Lions kill in the Serengeti

Thirsty lions after a kill in Serengeti

Rishi and his family started at the Maasai Amini lodge between Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru, moving onto their first wildlife encounters in Lake Manyara National Park before heading up and around the Ngorongoro Crater to the lovely Karibu Lions paw camp.

They spent a day in the crater, returning to Lions paw again before dropping down into the Serengeti, where they spent two full days, overnighting at magnificently comfortable Ole Serai Turner Springs.

Cheetah and cubs sighted in the Serengeti

Big Cats in the Serengeti

This month our Shadows of Africa safari guests have encountered amazing big cats and cubs. They are delighted and the photos rolling in from our guides are incredible.

Here’s just a few to samples to share with you and give you a taster of what Shadows of Africa can offer.

Big cat Serengeti. Lion - Yen Yu Li safari with Edwin Diah - June 2019

Big cat Serengeti – leopard on rock - Michael Morris safari with Edwin Diah, June 2019

Big cat Serengeti – older lion cub – Robert Humphrey & friends with Moody Kabongo, June 2019

Big cat Serengeti – lions mating – Robert Humphrey & friends with Moody Kabongo, June 2019

Big cat Serengeti – cheetah - Robert Humphrey & friends with Moody Kabongo, June 2019

Big cat Serengeti – huge scarred male lion - Robert Humphrey & friends with Moody Kabongo, June 2019

Impressed yet?

Take a trip with Shadows of Africa and you will be.

Contact us now!

Mt Meru - Kilimanjaro’s Stunning Little Sister!

Shadowed by the size of Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru, despite being an impressive 4,562m, does not get the attention it deserves.

This scenic volcanic shell of a mountain, the surrounding Arusha National Park, the beautifully kept route and mountain huts are awesome!

Starting our climb we walked, like a dream, into a grassy meadow and ambled past giraffe and cape buffalo, peacefully watching us at close quarters, bemused by our enthusiasm and sprightly pace. The back drop was the spectacular (active but dormant) volcano we were aiming to summit, bust open at its centre, with only the ash cone left as evidence of its majestic past.

The walk to Miriakamba, through giant cedar trees and olives, is truly lovely. Paths are well maintained and the climb was surprisingly pleasant with sightings of bush buck and red duiker en route. Although out of breath, we managed just fine arriving, in the sunshine, at the inviting wooden chalets that would host us for the night.

Fuelled with steaming soup, hot porridge, pancakes and bananas we set off upwards and onwards, climbing high up out of the montane forests and into the Afroalpine heath zone. Stopping for lunch on the way, again we reached our next port of call, Saddle hut, feeling strong.

Well informed by our guide we ate lots and rested early and woke at midnight. Armed with torches we struck out, determined to summit. The climb is long, its challenging but my goodness its rewarding.

Reaching the top at dawn was stunning, and tripping back down the knife edge that we had climbed in the dark, with the views of the crags and caldera and its cone were breathtaking. Absolutely unbeatable

Shadows of Africa, you surpassed our expectations with Mt Meru. Kilimanjaro bring it on!

The Magnificently Located New ‘Mpingo Ridge - Tarangire’, By Lemala

A visit by our Shadows of Africa Safari Consultant Inge Olde Rikkert

The saying ‘beautiful things don’t ask for attention’ is true of Mpingo Ridge. It’s just there in itself, understated, turning the spotlight onto its surroundings and guests.

This new Lemala property has been placed with the views as its top priority. High up amongst the ebony of Tarangire it gives perspective to the vastness below and an insight into the significance of nature.

Set back from the main tourist tracks of Tarangire, Mpingo Ridge is a little more interesting and a lot more peaceful. Forget the lions, buffalo, elephant, zebra and masses of antelope we had just seen, this was impressive!

The 15 tents are modern in design, spacious and give the privacy desired to absorb the panorama around you, as well as to luxuriate in a bath or shower inside or out, under a canopy of stars. Just what I needed with the rains having started and after a muddy and adventurous game drive!

Aside from the décor and the surroundings Mpingo Ridge delivered service and food beyond expectation. The picnic lunch was especially worth a mention.

Thanks, Mpingo Ridge, for being so thoughtful and for making me feel beautiful too.

East African Destinations for a Family Safari

Planning a Family Safari

Planning a safari for your family can be a stressful affair. You've not only got to consider your own safari ambitions, but also the shorter attention spans of your younger travelers.

While we've written before about how to plan a family safari, we thought we'd highlight some must-see destinations when it comes to entertaining young and old alike.

From learning about Maasai culture in Tanzania to walking with giraffes in Kenya to beach escapes in Rwanda, there's a little something for everybody in East Africa.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

This former cattle ranch is today a beacon for conservation in East Africa. Not only is Ol Pejeta the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, it's also home to some of the world's last remaining white rhinos.

The conservancy is also home to a large variety of other animals, including plenty of Africa's iconic big cats and a chimpanzee sanctuary.

The opportunity to go on a game drive, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, and meet Najin, Fatu, and Sudan (three of the world's last white rhinoceros) are the highlights, but there's more!

Night game drives, lion tracking, bush walks, birding, and plenty to occupy young and old alike make Ol Pejeta a premier family safari destination.

Lake Naivasha, Kenya

While it's not a national park in its own right, Lake Naivasha is a regular inclusion on Kenyan safaris.

Located between Lake Nakuru National Park and the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha is often included as a stop due to its abundance of comfortable lodges, its beautiful scenery, and its proximity to a variety of Lake Naivasha attractions.

Key among these attractions are the opportunity to take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha to see hippos and a variety of birds.

You can also pay a visit to the Crescent Island Sanctuary, where kids can wander alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelope.

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi is a common starting point for safaris in both Kenya and Tanzania, but the Kenyan capital is also full of exciting activities for families.

Our half-day Nairobi tour and full-day Nairobi tour pack in a variety of activities including the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, the Giraffe Centre, Bomas of Kenya, and more.

Why not add a day in Nairobi to the start or finish of your safari?

Hell's Gate National Park, Kenya

Located a short drive from Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Nairobi - Hell's Gate National Park is often thought of as a playground for those who love extreme outdoor activities.

While rock-climbing and hiking might be a bit much for a young family, Hell's Gate's unique landscape and lack of predators make it a great place for a relaxed family excursion.

Renting a bike and traveling through Hell's Gate is a great way to see Africa up close. You can also visit the local hot springs and even camp!

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Africa's premier beach playground is tailor-made for families.

With a variety of resorts catering to all budgets and all walks of life, there's something for everybody on Tanzania's spice island.

Whether you're looking to relax in luxury, take excursions for snorkeling, or learn more about the island's history - there is plenty of things to do in Zanzibar.

Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, Tanzania

Authentic cultural experiences can be difficult to come by while traveling. With many locals realizing the value of tourism, there has been a rise in 'fake' attractions aimed at selling souvenirs.

Thankfully, Africa Amini Maasai Lodge near Arusha has filled this niche. A not for profit organisation aimed at bettering the lives of local Maasai, Africa Amini Lodge combines luxury with an authentic cultural experience.

At this beautiful lodge, adults and kids alike can participate in Maasai led activities such as guided nature walks, traditional craft lessons, local food, spear throwing, music, and dance.

Arusha National Park, Tanzania

Not as popular as the Serengeti or Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park is nonetheless worthy of inclusion on your safari.

Without any predators to worry about, visitors to Arusha National Park can trade the car for the open air - with both walking safaris and canoe safaris available.

There's plenty to do in Arusha National Park, and it's thoroughly worth including in your trip if time allows.

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

While Murchison Falls National Park is a little out of the way compared to Uganda's other popular parks, there are plenty of reasons why your family will love the park.

Not only is the park home to some of Africa's most iconic animals, but the waterfall from which it takes its name is worth a visit.

Murchison Falls is the world's most powerful waterfall, and the chance to witness its power up close and take a cruise on the Nile are this park's big selling points.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Located on the drive between Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's premier game drive destination.

Famed for its tree climbing lions, the park's open plains are also home to a variety of other animals and an equally huge variety of lodges and camps.

A highlight of any visit to the park is the chance to take a boat safari on Kazinga Channel to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a huge variety of birds.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Rwanda's main attractions - chimpanzees and gorillas - aren't available to kids under the age of twelve, but there are still reasons to visit The Land of 1,000 Hills.

Lake Kivu is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in all of East Africa - the perfect place for a beach escape without the ocean.

The shores of Lake Kivu are dotted with gorgeous accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to quaint B&Bs, and there are a variety of local cultural activities to participate in.

Iby Iwacu Cultural Village, Rwanda

Located in Musanze, the Iby Iwacu Cultural Village is a project by reformed poachers to raise awareness of traditional Rwandan culture.

Visitors to this cultural park can try traditional food, see displays of local dance and music, learn about traditional culture, and even try their hand at being King or Queen for a day!

A Family Safari in Pictures

Safari With Children - Family Safaris in East Africa

Going on a family safari in Africa will be one of the most rewarding and exciting vacations you'll ever take. We offer family friendly safari itineraries where even the youngest children will enjoy the safari experience. Read our tips what to consider and how to plan the right family safari with children.