General Points

• First off they must have some interest in animals before they go!
• Aged below 10 and above 14 can be difficult. For the older children, unless with friends in a group it is unlikely they will meet other children as time spent in lodges/camps is short. There are no night clubs, games arcades or discos.
• Many lodges and some National Parks do not accept children below a certain age. The general rule is 12, although all Tanzania Parks will accept children above 7 years. We recommend 10-12 years as the youngest age.
• Ensure you have a balanced and varied itinerary. Ideal in Tanzania is 2 nights Tarangire Tented Lodge, 2 nights Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater and 2 or 3 nights camping in Serengeti for a short safari.
• Choose some lodges with swimming pools. Tarangire and many Crater lodges have pools (the Crater can be cold though!).
• If you have special dietary requirements make sure these are pointed out well before booking. Don't expect this to be catered for once you are there. All meal menus tend to be somewhat standardized.
• There are no take away outlets!
• There are no games arcades, TVs, videos, games consols in the lodges or hotels. So take game boys, CD players with you.
• Many lodges have chocolate bars and chips available to buy. So snacking is largely covered. You can even buy Pringles at the Serengeti Entrance at Naabi Gate.
• Do try a few nights camping in the bush. This experience is wonderful for the kids.
• Most morning safaris can last a long time for the kids with early starts (without breakfast) until brunch - they get hungry, so get the guide to take sandwiches to keep them happy.
• Sunstroke and dehydration is a real danger, so insist they drink lots of water and are covered in sunscreen.
• Make sure they have their own camera and binoculars to add interest.
• They will take twice as many pictures as you so be tolerant! and take lots of film. 400ASA film is ideal as it is fast and tolerant of shaky hands.
• Most lodge/camp staff and the guides love children so they will get extra attention.
• There are animals around lodges and camps so don't let them wander off, especially when it is dark. Night watchmen can only do so much.
• Deter them from searching for creatures under stones as these generally hide a variety of nasties, from scorpions to snakes and large spiders! If they want to find these ask the guide.
• Give them animal checklists to record their spots. The Big Five are; Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant.
• Buy activity books at lodge gift shops. Those by David Bygott are recommended, or ask us to supply these before you go. Or, try Cricket Magazine and www.zoobooks.com