How Do We Keep Kids Entertained During Long Drives Between Parks?
Going on a Tanzania safari with kids is an amazing adventure! Seeing lions, elephants, and giraffes in the wild is something your children will never forget. But one challenge many parents face is keeping kids entertained during the long drives between national parks. At Seko Tours, we understand that these drives can be tiring for kids, so we have great tips to make the journey fun and enjoyable for the whole family.
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1. Plan for Frequent Stops
Tanzania is full of interesting places to stop along the way. At Seko Tours, we plan safaris in a way that allows families to take short breaks. Kids can stretch, run around, and explore before getting back into the safari vehicle. Some great places to stop include:
- Small villages where kids can meet local children
- Beautiful viewpoints for quick photo sessions
- Cultural sites like Mto wa Mbu, where kids can see local crafts and taste fresh fruit
2. Bring Safari-Themed Activity Packs
One great way to keep kids engaged is by giving them fun activity packs. These can include:
- Coloring books with pictures of the Big Five animals
- Sticker books featuring African wildlife
- Safari bingo cards – Kids can check off animals as they see them
- Storybooks about African animals to keep them interested in nature
At Seko Tours, we can provide parents with ideas for safari activity packs before the trip to make sure kids have something fun to do during the drive.
3. Play Fun Road Trip Games
Games are a great way to pass the time! Here are some fun safari-themed games:
- “I Spy” – Safari Edition: “I spy with my little eye, something brown with a long neck!” (Answer: Giraffe)
- Guess the Animal Sounds: Make sounds and let kids guess the animal
- Spot the Animal First: Whoever sees an elephant or zebra first wins a point
- Counting Game: Count the number of giraffes, zebras, or antelopes along the way
4. Listen to African Music and Stories
Listening to music and stories can make long drives fun. At Seko Tours, we recommend bringing:
- Traditional African music: Rhythmic drum beats and happy songs make the journey exciting
- Audio stories: Tales about the Maasai, the Serengeti, and African wildlife
- Podcasts for kids about nature and animals
Many of our safari guides love sharing African folk stories that keep kids entertained and teach them about Tanzania’s culture.
5. Pack Safari Snacks
Hunger can make kids cranky, so having snacks is important! Some great safari-friendly snacks include:
- Bananas and mangoes from local markets
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Crackers and biscuits
- Juice boxes and plenty of water
At Seko Tours, we make sure families have enough food and water on long drives. If you have special snack requests, we can arrange that too!
6. Let Kids Have a Camera
Giving kids a small camera or a phone to take pictures makes them feel involved. They can:
- Take pictures of animals
- Capture beautiful landscapes
- Record their own safari adventure
Later, they can make a safari scrapbook or slideshow to remember their amazing trip!
7. Encourage Kids to Keep a Safari Journal
A journal is a great way for kids to record their thoughts and drawings. Each day, they can write or draw:
- Animals they saw
- Fun experiences
- Interesting facts about Tanzania
At Seko Tours, we love seeing kids get creative and learn during their safari. If you need help with safari journals, we can give ideas on how to make them fun!
8. Give Kids Binoculars
Binoculars make the safari more exciting for kids. They can look for:
- Elephants in the distance
- Birds flying in the sky
- Lions hiding in the grass
Seko Tours always recommends bringing child-friendly binoculars so kids can enjoy spotting wildlife on their own.
9. Talk About Safari Animals and Nature
Talking about what kids see makes them more interested in the safari. Some fun topics to discuss:
- Why do zebras have stripes?
- How do elephants use their trunks?
- What is the difference between a cheetah and a leopard?
Seko Tours guides are experts in wildlife and love answering kids’ questions to make their safari more educational and fun!
10. Let Kids Pick Their Favorite Safari Outfit
Wearing fun safari clothes makes the trip exciting. Let kids dress like little explorers with:
- A safari hat
- A vest with pockets
- Comfortable walking shoes
This makes them feel like real adventurers exploring Tanzania’s wild parks!
11. Plan the Drive Around Nap Time
For younger children, long drives can be a good time for naps. Seko Tours ensures that our safari vehicles have comfortable seats so kids can rest when needed.
12. Choose a Kid-Friendly Safari Vehicle
At Seko Tours, we use spacious and comfortable safari vehicles with:
- Large windows for great views
- Cushioned seats for comfort
- A pop-up roof so kids can stand and see animals easily
13. Allow Kids to Have a Say
Letting kids be part of the safari planning keeps them excited. They can:
- Choose which animal they want to see the most
- Help decide which snacks to bring
- Pick their favorite road trip game
Seko Tours can help families create custom itineraries that match kids’ interests!
14. Teach Basic Swahili Words
Learning some Swahili makes the trip fun! Teach kids:
- Jambo! (Hello!)
- Asante! (Thank you!)
- Twende! (Let’s go!)
- Simba! (Lion!)
Our guides at Seko Tours love teaching kids new words, making the experience even more special!
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Conclusion
A Tanzania safari is a magical experience for families, but long drives can be challenging for kids. By playing games, bringing activities, listening to music, and making fun stops, we can turn the journey into an adventure. At Seko Tours, we specialize in family-friendly safaris and can help you plan a custom safari that keeps kids entertained and engaged throughout the trip.
