
Tanzania
Where the Wild Things Are: Tanzania With Your Family
Program No. 22428RJ
Learn why Tanzania is the best place for animal lovers as you and your family search for big cats on safaris, while also meeting local children to get an inside look into this country.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
13 days
12 nights
30 meals
10B 10L 10D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Shanga Beads Project, Maasai Village
Tarangire National Park
5
Game Drives in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
7
Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater, Transfer to Serengeti
Central Serengeti
8
Game Drives in Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti
9
Game Drives in Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti
13
Arrivals to North America
In Flight
At a Glance
Journey to a land where elephants roam free and lions snooze in the afternoon sun. On expert-led game drives through humongous national parks and reserves, search for leopards, rhinos, elephants and cheetahs with the locals that know their favorite hangouts. When you’re not searching for wildlife with your family, get to know the villagers at a local school to learn what a typical day is like – minus the homework! – and make some new friends. When the day is done, huddle in close with your family at the campfire to hear wild animal tales as you create lifelong memories in Tanzania together.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicles, with pop-tops, on unpaved roads. Outside game parks, travel on paved roads.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Keep your eyes peeled for lions as you explore Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks during game drives with expert naturalists.
- Play soccer with local children and follow along as they show you inside their daily lives at school and at home.
- Let the locals teach you a thing or two as you try your hand at Tinga Tinga painting and making tasty chapattis – a special bread.
General Notes
For three generations (grandchildren ages 9 & up). Children ages 15 and under get a discount at national parks and other sites in Tanzania. This discount is already reflected in the shown program price. A copy of the child participant's passport identification page must be faxed or emailed to the Program Coordinator upon enrollment so that it can be used as proof of age.
Featured Expert
All trip experts

Edward Shirima
Edward “Eddy” Shirima is a Tanzanian expedition leader and former national park ranger. He studied wildlife and natural resource management at the College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM) and, upon graduating, was hired by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). For seven years, Eddy worked as a park ranger, honing his interpretive skills in the field. Wishing for change, he began looking into educational travel. Eddy’s time as ranger and years in the bush bring a unique perspective to his work as an expedition leader.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Edward Shirima
View biography
Edward “Eddy” Shirima is a Tanzanian expedition leader and former national park ranger. He studied wildlife and natural resource management at the College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM) and, upon graduating, was hired by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). For seven years, Eddy worked as a park ranger, honing his interpretive skills in the field. Wishing for change, he began looking into educational travel. Eddy’s time as ranger and years in the bush bring a unique perspective to his work as an expedition leader.

Allen Alex Martin
View biography
Allen Alex Martin is a people person and a talented storyteller, traits that have served him well in his work as a Tanzanian expedition leader. He attended the College of African Wildlife Management in Mweka, Tanzania and began leading educational groups in 2014. Although much of his job entails educating visitors about the flora and wild animals found in many of his country's parks and reserves, he also enjoys taking the time to expose his clients to the rich history and culture of his people.
Suggested Reading List
(26 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Where the Wild Things Are: Tanzania With Your Family
Program Number: 22428
The Tree Where Man Was Born
This classic portrait of East Africa, enthralling in its detail on nature and daily life, takes in the Maasai, Ngorongoro, the Kenyan highlands and Mathies-sen's field trips, safaris and adventures in the Serengeti.
Going Solo
With its large print and album-like photographs, both young and old will delight in Dahl's recollections of his adventures as a WWII-era Royal Air Force pilot in Tanzania and Greece.
Out of Africa
The perennially best-selling tale of a naive young woman who leaves Denmark for East Africa, Dinesen's (AKA Karen Blixen) autobiography draws us into life on a struggling coffee plantation. It's a moving story inspired by a love for Kenya and its people. Includes the novella Shadows on the Grass.
Swahili, A Language Map
This durable, foldout card gives easy phonetic pronunciation for several hundred of the most commonly-needed words and phrases.
Serengeti Spy
A hoof-level view of the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Photographer Anup Shah lets the wildlife reveal itself by placing small remote cameras at watering holes, outcrops and other strategic spots. The ground-level perspective is as surprising as it is clever, putting you face-to-face with lion and cheetah and wildebeest and all the creatures in action across the plains.
Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals
An artist and biologist, Kingdon provides both delightful full-color illustra-tions and informative text for this great guide.
African Safari Journal
A wildlife guide, trip organizer, maps, safari directory, phrase book, safari diary, and wildlife checklist -- all-in-one. With 168 pages in color
Culture Smart! Tanzania
This pocket guide introduces local customs, etiquette and culture.
Folktales from Africa
A beautifully illustrated collection of African tales that not only provide insight into their native countries, but also into the human condition. The insightful retellings by award-winning South African writer Dianne Stewart are accompanied by illustrations by Marjorie van Heerden. Written for ages 8-12.
Tanzania Map
A clear, double-sided map of Tanzania, with neighboring Rwanda and Burundi, at a scale of 1:1,500,000.
The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior
Bridging several worlds with tremendous grace, Saitoti looks back on his life among the Maasai Mara, both as spokesperson for his tribe and as one of the first Maasai safari guides.
African Wildlife Trivia
Full of facts and fun, this primer on the insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds of Africa contains eye-catching illustrations and information on African geography--a great introduction for kids and their parents.
Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales
A team of folklorists, poets and authors present these wide-ranging, beautifully illustrated tales from all over the continent, including many traditional stories from Nelson Mandela's youth.
Wildlife Photography, On Safari With Your DSLR
Skrzypczak includes chapters on equipment, technique, composition and wildlife in this practical, beautifully illustrated guide, loaded with striking images of the wildlife of Ngorongoro, the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.
The Safari Companion
An invaluable encyclopedic guide to Africa's mammals by a noted scientist, this perennial bestseller includes black-and-white drawings, an overview of each animal group and in-depth information. Written with the typical safari-goer in mind.
Bradt Safari Guide Northern Tanzania
A compact, practical overview of the history, wildlife and attractions of the Serengeti and surrounding parks, including Zanzibar.
The Fortunes of Africa, A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed and Endeavor
Covering the epic story of colonialism in Africa, Meredith’s magisterial history depicts empire-hungry kings, missionaries, tribal warlords, mining barons -- even modern multinational corporations. An expansive but entertaining read.
Serengeti, The Eternal Beginning
Featuring 250 exquisite color photographs alongside Norton's firsthand accounts of travels in Serengeti National Park, Kenya's Masai Mara and Ngorongoro over a decades-long career.
The Place of Lions
Stranded on the Serengeti after a plane crash, 14-year old Chris goes for help -- and befriends an aging lion along the way -- in this young adult thriller. With a glossary of Kiswahaili words and a strong sense of both the culture and landscapes of East Africa.
East Africa Wildlife
A folding wildlife guide designed for quick reference in the field. With full-color images and text, it features the creatures often seen in the legendary Serengeti and Maasai Mara reserves and beyond.
Arusha National Park Map
A full color handsome topographic map and souvenir of Mt. Meru and Arusha National Park
Animals of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area
This guide compiled by safari guides Adam and Vicki Kennedy and local experts, features 89 species of mammal and reptile the traveler is likely to find. With 146 stunning color photos, insights into behavioral habits and tips on how to locate specific animals.
Listening For Lions
Plucked from her life among the Maasai and Kikuyu people in East Africa after the Great War, young Rachel fights for her family and the life she had in rural Africa in this absorbing novel for middle-schoolers.
Lonely Planet Swahili Phrasebook
A pocket phrasebook, dictionary and language guide for the traveler to East Africa.
East Africa Birds
A folding wildlife guide designed for quick reference in the field. With full-color images and text, it features more than 120 birds often seen in East Africa’s forests, wetlands, marshes, deserts and coastlines.
Wildlife of East Africa
This take-along guide to 475 common species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, trees and flowers of East Africa features full-color photographs with detailed descriptions on facing pages.