Classic Safari Family Adventure
Imagine the thrill your family will experience when viewing lions stalking a heard of impala, giraffe galloping across the plains of the Serengeti, a cheetah springing into action, or a baby elephant suckling its mother. In nine very full days we explore Tanzania's premier wildlife parks of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. We visit a traditional Maasai village where families have the opportunity to interact with children in the local primary school and share about traditions and lives. Throughout the safari, enjoy unique lodging (some with swimming pools) and wonderful meals (kid-friendly options too). So, pack up the binoculars, khaki safari vests, cameras with lots of memory- and, of course, the kids- and head out for a dream- come-true African safari in classic style.

Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary).
Learn more about REI Family Adventures.
Not traveling with kids under age 18? Check out our Tanzania Classic Safari trip or inquire about a private departure of this itinerary.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Classic Safari Family Adventure Itinerary:
Day 1 Welcome to Africa where our family adventure begins in Arusha, Tanzania as we travel to the foot of Mt. Meru to begin our safari.
Day 2 Encounter amazing reptiles at the Meserani Snake Park, then set out in search of elephants, lions, and baobab trees in Tarangire Park.
Day 3 Today, Tarangire offers lots of opportunity to see elephants, wildebeests, buffalo, zebra, gazelle, impala, baboons and much more!
Day 4 At Lake Manyara, we camp high on the edge of the Great Rift Valley - home to amazing rare birds, zebra, antelope and giraffes.
Day 5 Visit a remarkable craft market en route to Ngorongoro Crater, where we’ll stay on a unique farm and learn more about life in Africa.
Day 6 A true highlight of our safari – today we explore Ngorongoro Crater! Watch for lions, cheetah, giraffe, elephant, hippos and more.
Day 7 Discover the legendary Serengeti. The vast numbers of animals here make this park an ideal wildlife viewing destination.
Day 8 Another day in the Serengeti brings hundreds of amazing animals, from zebra to hyena, warthogs, giraffe, and even leopards.
Day 9 We say goodbye to the wild Serengeti today and return to Arusha for a farewell lunch as our family safari adventure ends today.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available.
All accommodations and meals as noted on the daily itinerary; internal airfare between Serengeti and Arusha; park fees; special activities as listed in the itinerary; bi-lingual guides; private safari vehicles with guaranteed window seat; airport transfers when arriving and departing with group.
Airfare to Arusha, Tanzania; optional gratuities to your guides / drivers; entry visa fee; departure tax; expenses for any optional tours; insurance of any kind; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature.
This safari trip is rated Relaxed [1]. Safaris are not physically demanding but they are in remote locations over rough terrain. This trip is perfect for active people in good health and with the spirit of adventure.
Our departure dates coincide with the dry seasons of East Africa. Temperatures are typically in the 70s - 80s during the day, cooling off to the 50s - 60s in the evening. Departures from December through February can expect daytime temperatures to be about 10 degrees higher on average. The Ngorongoro Crater is over 7,000' high, so you can count on cool mornings and evenings regardless of the season.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Classic Safari Family Adventure
The key to staying comfortable on safari is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation. This gear list is provided to help you in choosing your equipment and clothing for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this helps you and the field staff.
Gear Checklist
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- International health card with immunizations
- Medium size duffel bag (~4000 cu in.)
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Daypack, ~1500 cu in.
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable casual items for travel and city/lodge wear
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Sweater/jacket – synthetic fleece or wool (especially for cool morning game runs and evenings at the Ngorongoro Crater)
- Walking shoes with good ankle support (for side hikes/walks and lodge wear)
- Sport sandals
- T-shirts, mix of synthetic and cotton
- Synthetic, long-sleeve shirt(s) for sun protection
- Synthetic, quick-drying shorts (mid-thigh or longer)
- Lightweight, quick-drying pants (zip-off legs are great)
- Socks
- Underwear, quick-drying
- Sleepwear
- Swimsuit (some lodges have a pool)
- Sun hat with brim
- Bandanna(s)
- Sunglasses and leash
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel / towelettes
- Sunblock and lip balm w/high SPF
- Toiletry kit with soap/shampoo and hand lotion (biodegradable soaps recommended)
- Small washcloth
- Headlamp or flashlight & extra batteries
- Camera, lenses, memory cards, charger
- Electrical converter and adapter
- Binoculars (highly recommended)
- Motion sickness remedies
- Earplugs
- Travel pillow
- Travel clock or watch with alarm
- Individual laundry detergent packets for hand-washing clothing
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Ziploc bags, to protect camera, binoculars from dust
- Favorite snacks (especially for kids)
Things to Consider
- Always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing and medications in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed.
- Copies of birth certificates – It's not unusual for a family to have more than one surname (for example, keeping a maiden name or children from different unions). You'll want to be able to prove you are the children's parent(s). Even if you are the nuclear family, birth certificates are helpful your passports are lost or stolen.
- Parental permission – If you're traveling with your child(ren) only and not your spouse, you may need proof that the absent parent has given permission for the child(ren) to travel with you. Consider writing a letter that is witnessed and notarized.
- Casual attire is acceptable for Africa. Neutral, light-colored clothing (khaki is a good choice) is best for the safari, to blend into the landscape and not alarm the wildlife.
- If you wish to hand wash your clothes, bringing quick drying materials are best. Laundry services are available at some lodges for an additional cost.
- If you normally wear contacts, you may want to bring a pair of glasses in case of irritation from dust in your eyes.
- Many of the roads in Africa are deeply rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment and binoculars in plastic bags to protect them from the dust. This is in addition to their normal cases. Also bring lens cleaning materials.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
Reviewed by 2 customers
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Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Classic Safari Family Adventure:
our guide was the best. it was a great trip, and would do it again for sure.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- seeing rare animal's not normaly seen on safari
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Classic Safari Family Adventure:
Everything was wonderful, the food, the accomidations, the people, the Guide (Donald was very helpful, knowledgable and just the BEST guide ever)
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- seeing rare animal's
Displaying reviews 1-2
















