Kid-Friendly Lodges in Tanzania
Choosing the right accommodation is key to a successful family safari. Kid-friendly lodges and camps go beyond just offering family rooms; they provide amenities and activities tailored to engage children and give parents peace of mind.
Key Features of Kid-Friendly Lodges:
- Family Suites/Interconnected Rooms: These offer space and privacy, allowing parents to be close to their children while maintaining some personal space. Some even have multiple bedrooms.
- Child-Friendly Amenities:
- Swimming Pools: A major hit with kids, especially for cooling off after dusty game drives.
- Play Areas: Some lodges might have designated play zones or even simple outdoor areas for kids to burn off energy.
- Kid-Friendly Menus: Offering simpler, more familiar meal options for picky eaters, or allowing for earlier meal times.
- Babysitting Services: Available upon request, allowing parents to enjoy a private dinner or evening activity.
- Engaging Activities (see 201 for more detail): Many lodges run “Junior Ranger” programs or offer specific activities like guided walks around camp, storytelling, craft sessions, or tracking lessons.
- Dedicated Guides: Some lodges offer private vehicles and guides for families, allowing for more flexible schedules, shorter game drives if needed, and a guide who specializes in engaging children.
- Safety Features: While most camps are unfenced, kid-friendly lodges often have staff on hand to escort families to and from their tents/rooms, especially after dark. Some might have more enclosed or secure family units.
Examples of Reputable Kid-Friendly Lodges (always check current policies as they can change):
- Gibb’s Farm (Karatu/Ngorongoro): A working coffee plantation lodge with family houses, farm activities, painting, and a pool.
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: Offers a range of activities for all ages, spacious rooms, and often has dedicated kids’ programs.
- &Beyond Properties (e.g., &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, &Beyond Klein’s Camp, &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge): Many of their lodges are excellent for families, offering tailored activities and policies.
- Singita Properties (e.g., Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Singita Faru Faru Lodge): Known for luxury and exceptional family offerings, including babysitting and tailor-made activities.
- Lemala Camps (e.g., Lemala Ndutu Camp, Lemala Mara Camp): Many Lemala camps offer ‘Lemala Cubs’ programs for younger guests, with educational and fun activities.
- The Manor at Ngorongoro: Offers spacious family accommodation and a variety of activities for kids and teens.
- Wayo Africa Green Camps (e.g., Wayo Manyara Green, Wayo Serengeti Green Camp): Known for their “family adventure camps” with unique activities like canoeing and biking (age restrictions apply).
When booking, specify the ages of your children and ask about the specific family amenities and activities available at each lodge.