Safari with My Mom: Everything We Learned on Our Tanzania Adventure (Serengeti, The Great Migration & Zanzibar)

When my mom and I started talking about taking a Tanzania safari together, I’ll admit I had concerns. Not about the wildlife or the logistics – I’ve traveled to 45+ countries, I could handle that. But spending two weeks with my mom in close quarters, far from home, on the tail end of COVID, with no escape route? That was the real adventure. But sometimes opportunities come along that are just too hard to pass up. When the universe delivers, you say yes. So we went, for two full weeks. What follows is our complete Tanzania travel itinerary, from the Serengeti and the Great Migration to a Zanzibar beach finish, including everything we’d do again and the few things we’d change.

That’s how we found ourselves planning a mother-daughter Tanzania safari, hoping for a glimpse of the Big 5 and the Great Migration, followed by downtime in Zanzibar. Can I jump to the punchline? This was a trip of a lifetime – easily in my top five trips ever. Keep reading for our specific itinerary, honest safari planning insights (no, animals won’t stick to your schedule), and multi-generational travel tips that work for any adventure.

Safari is adventure without the training plan. Find more trips like it in my adventure travel guide.

There’s something extra special about seeing animals bond with their young, while simultaneously being a human bonding with your mother or child that shows the connectivity of nature, and brings things into perspective. Being isolated in a vast land with constant danger around you also brings you closer together in a way that would be hard to replicate elsewhere. For that reason and more, I highly recommend a multi-generational safari trip. And if you can’t swing the multi-gen aspect, go for the safari anyway. You won’t regret it. Keep reading to learn why.

This was a bucket list trip. For girls trips of every size and how to pull them off, here’s my full girls trips guide →

Why We Chose Tanzania for Our Safari (and Why August) 

I would love to say that our plan started with identifying the best place to take a safari and working our way in from there. In this case, though, it started with an amazing deal. 50% off a luxe glamping safari trip in Tanzania, through different parts of the Serengeti.

My mom found the deal, and that’s when my research kicked in. Not only did I research the company to ensure they were reputable, but I went well beyond that. I looked at different countries that offer safaris, optimal times of year to go, and what countries were best for seeing different types of animals.

The Big Five Factor (Plus the Great Migration) 

Luckily I learned that this company and their lodges had stellar reviews. I also saw Tanzania was home of the Serengeti, and great for seeing big cats and getting a chance to see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, and rhino). On top of that, if we went in August, we could see the great migration take place. This is when thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River from Kenya into Tanzania, battling each other, the elements, and crocodiles to make their way to the other side. With peace of mind about the company, and excitement for all we would see, we booked our trip.

Zanzibar: The Perfect Safari Decompression 

If you’ve read my posts, you know I love to blend travel styles in one vacation. Given the adventurous nature of this trip and how far we were traveling, I thought why not add on a relaxing element at the end and make this a safari and beach combo vacation? Zanzibar, or ‘the Spice Island,’ is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, known for its stunning beaches, rich history and spice trade. It had me at stunning beaches, so we added on almost a week there to luxuriate by the sea.

Adding in down time like this works well for anyone, but it works especially well when traveling with different generations who may want a slower pace. It was a wonderful ending for us, and gave us a chance to see a completely different side of and appreciation for the country that so kindly hosted us.

Our Complete Tanzania Travel Itinerary (What Worked & What We’d Change) 

Here’s our complete Tanzania travel itinerary, day by day, with real costs and honest notes. Our travel partner, Roane Travel Design, took care of every detail and partnered with us to craft a wonderful itinerary. And even though I booked our Zanzibar stay separately, they helped coordinate transportation and tours on the ground to ensure we were cared for every step of the way. I often have no problem traveling solo, but doing a safari is one trip that I highly recommend expert guides and pre-planned transportation.

Days 1-3: The Doha Layover Strategy 

Another travel tip I’ll write more about someday is leveraging a free extended layover to create a 2-in-1 country vacation. We were able to do that on this trip as we were flying Qatar Airways from LA to Kilimanjaro, with a layover in Doha, Qatar. Because they want to increase tourism, they offer free extended layovers and discounted hotel rates and tours within their country. We decided to take advantage of this and spend 2 nights there. Given the length of the flight, it’s also a great way to break up the travel, manage jet lag before we jumped into the safari, and for multi-gen groups, to take a more leisurely pace.

Days 4-5: Arusha/Moshi Area (Siringit Villa) 

After arriving in Kilimanjaro, we were greeted at the airport and escorted to our private vehicle to head to our next destination. Driving through the fog, with Kili on our left and locals living their life all around us, was a stark cultural entrance to Tanzania. 

When we arrived at Siringit Villa, about 30 minutes outside of Arusha, it was like we arrived at a sanctuary. A truly calm villa, overlooking a golf course with birds, monkeys and gazelles roaming the course, and a warm, helpful staff to help us acclimate. Logistically it was also helpful as it accommodated for any potential flight delays, as we were going to have to catch a small plane to the Serengeti the next morning. So, we relaxed, walked the grounds, ate, and got ready for the main event the next day.

Days 6-9: Central Serengeti (Siringit Serengeti Camp) 

Traveling to the Serengeti

The day finally arrived – we’re headed to the Serengeti on a safari! After stressing time and again about the weight of our luggage (small planes have tight weight restrictions), we were driven to the airport and boarded a small plane. Dirt runways, sitting shoulder to shoulder with about 8 people (mom was up with the pilot), getting a very clear view out the front window of takeoff, landing, and everything in between. This was a fun adventure for me, but I can understand how it makes some people a bit nervous (not gonna lie, I felt a few of those butterflies!).

The planes act as taxis, stopping in a couple of locations to let people off and pick up new passengers. After a couple of stops and about 30 minutes or so, we arrived in the Serengeti. As we were coming in, you could see all the safari trucks lined up like little ants, awaiting our arrival. Our private guide picked us up from the airport, and we immediately went out on our first game drive.

The Safari Begins!

Even if you weren’t planning on going on a game drive, it becomes one! Gazelles, ostrich, and the like were on the roads. On our drive, we saw a lion enjoying her meal right beside our truck, elephants, giraffes, hippos, and more. We were awestruck and swallowed so much dust from our jaws constantly gaping open.

Because we had a private guide, each day he asked us how long we’d like to be out, what we’d like to see, etc. We did early morning drives and stayed out as long as we could – in the national park, that’s sunset. Because we had four days, he was able to take us to different parts of the park each day. One day was central Serengeti, another day was out to Moru Kopjes, home of the black rhino, gong rock, and Maasai rock paintings. 

We ended each day with a sundowner, traditional dancing by the fire, a wonderful meal and a nice relaxing evening in our ‘glamping tent’ – a luxurious room complete with full bath and shower, comfy beds with water bottles to keep us warm, and views of the Serengeti. Extra points for those nights hyenas came through to raid the kitchen (every night), and for the elephants who greeted us in camp in the morning – they love the water there!

Days 10-12: Northern Serengeti (TAASA Lodge) 

Making Our Way North

Our guide drove us north, just outside of the national park borders to TAASA Lodge. The landscape shifted and even the animals we saw changed a bit. It was greener, more lush, with our lodge tucked on a side of a hill. It sounds crazy but we appreciated our guide so much and were so sad to part with him, we had tears in our eyes when we said goodbye. Our caretaker, our safari guru, was delivering us safely to our next stop and headed on a well-deserved break.

The lodge was another beautiful respite, each one tucked under the treetops with monkeys climbing overhead, even sneaking their way into the dining room on occasion. As with the last lodge, there was always a security guard on duty 24/7, and if you wanted to leave your tent at night, you called for an escort. They were armed for our protection from the animals, and we all had emergency whistles and phones in our tents. 

One night I came very close to using it as I heard a lion roaring right near our tent. I heard animals grazing, a lot of rustling and commotion. I lay still in bed wondering if they were going to fly through the soft sides of our tent. After several roars, it was quiet again. The next morning, the guard told me a lion chased and caught a zebra that was grazing outside of our tent. He said he was watching closely to make sure none of us were impacted. It brings home the reality of where you are – we are visitors in their land, and you really do see every aspect of the circle of life.

Night Drives + Masasi Village Visits

At TAASA, we went out on group drives with other guests at the lodge. Because it was outside the national park, we also went out on night drives, which are a whole different experience. Each day, we went on morning and night drives, taking some time in the afternoon to relax with wine, a massage and downtime by our pool. 

We also were able to visit a traditional Maasai Village, seeing how they lived, hearing about their traditions and how they navigate maintaining traditional culture with modern life. It really provided another level of understanding and appreciation for the country and the land.

The Great Migration

Our final day was all about the great migration. We woke early and made our way to the Mara River, where we saw thousands of wildebeest and zebras on the Kenyan side of the river. Seeing the great migration in the Serengeti takes patience, and isn’t a guarantee. Some days they decide not to cross.

We had long waits, driving to different ‘gates’ – natural crossing points – to improve our odds. We bided our time with a delicious lunch on the yellow grasses of the savanna. Eventually, the first animal went, and they all started to cross. The huge herd was charging, struggling against the hills, the river currents, running into each other, and trying to avoid the crocodiles. It was such an amazing sight, we had to keep pinching ourselves that this was real, right in front of us – no Discovery Channel needed. After making it back to camp (and fixing a flat tire) on that rewarding day, we had one final sundowner and traditional Maasai dance by the fire, before preparing to say farewell to the Serengeti.

Days 13-17: Beach Break (The Residence Zanzibar) 

With the safari portion of the trip coming to an end, we boarded another little plane and made our way back to Arusha, where we caught a slightly larger plane to Zanzibar. We were greeted at the airport by our driver, and driven to the Residence Zanzibar, on the southwest sude of the island.

The resort is beautiful, relaxing and right on the water. Our beachfront villa had a private pool right on the sand, and sunsets to die for. We spent our days lounging, getting massages, and having drinks at sunset.

In the mood for a little adventure, we headed out on a private boat ride to swim with the dolphins – just my mom, me, and our driver in a small boat on the big choppy sea. We kept our life vests on the whole time for that one! We also went out on a spice farm tour, learning about different spices and seeing them being grown.  

All in all it was a nice mix of down time and a little activity, and was a great way to relax after all the excitement of spotting wildlife on the safari in the Serengeti.

Days 18-19: The Return (Airport Hotel & Travel Logistics) 

Because of our flight time, we thought it better to stay near the airport on our final night, and it was a perfect base to do a tour of Stone Town, the old part of Zanzibar City. Learning about the history, seeing their markets in action, and visiting the location of their awful past as a slave trade hub, made for an interesting and sobering day. 

After our final night, we flew back through Doha, where we overnighted in the Oryx Hotel within the airport because we had a very long layover. If you have to check into a hotel for an overnight layover, this is a great one to do it in – you don’t even have to leave the terminal! And if you have lounge access, Qatar Airways lounges are amazing.

Unforgettable Wildlife Moments

There were too many to count, but some standouts include:

The Jaw-Dropping

Strolling down the road and seeing a huge pride of lions coming toward us, slowly surround our jeep, stare at us, and some just lay down next to us.

Being surrounded by a group of elephants as they made their way across the desert, with the final one turning and giving a nod of thanks.

Being startled as I sat outside while a monkey walked up less than 10 feet from me, opened our sliding glass door, and strolled into our villa. I yelled, I tried to get his attention and ask him to leave, to no avail. Luckily, my mom heard and came running out of the bedroom, which startled him and caused him to exit – with our grapes in hand. He then sat down casually and ate the grapes in front of us, showing us who really was boss there.

Finding a leopard feasting on a wildebeest in a tree. We all stayed below watching, hoping it would finish the meal and continue on. Instead, it stayed getting every morsel. Given the leopard’s penchant for killing for fun, this was one of the few times our guides all stayed in the vehicle with their weapons nearby and ready.

The Heart-Stopping

Meeting a male lion on a night drive, who came so close to our jeep it was eerie. He roared continuously, marking his territory and calling for his mate. 

Watching a harrowing struggle between a wildebeest and a crocodile during the Mara River crossing. We cheered as the wildebeest surprisingly got away, but the cheers subsided as we saw him emerge from the water with wounds that would likely see him not last through the night.

Said chase through our camp mentioned above – my heart hasn’t raced that fast in a long time before or since!

The Sentimental

Spotting a lion and her two cubs laying in the grass, the cubs playfully grabbing her tail, jumping on her, and just seeing kids being kids.

Seeing a pride of buffalo at a standstill, realizing that they were on high alert as another pride of lions had taken one of their own. We then found that pride of lions feasting on their catch – everyone from the babies to the lead male taking turns at the meal.

Seeing two brother cheetahs lounging under a tree, with a lone dik-dik standing nearby. Our guide told us they mate for life, and this one’s mate was likely just lunch for the cheetahs. Rather than running, the mate stands and mourns the loss for a while before eventually returning to the herd.

We also got an education in ostrich mating – nature doesn’t care about your comfort zone!

Honest Take – What We’d Do Again vs What We’d Change

What Worked Perfectly:

• Arriving early to manage jetlag (Doha or extra days at Siringit)
• Visiting two different safari locations for landscape variety
• August timing for northern Serengeti migration
• Having one stay outside the park for night drives
• Private guide for central Serengeti
• Zanzibar for post-safari recovery

Minor Tweaks for Next Time:

• Consider skipping Doha and spending those days at Siringit Villa instead
• Set more realistic expectations for dolphin tour (weather-dependent)
• Think about an extra day on safari – it would have been nice to have more downtime to enjoy the lodges

The Safari Experience: What We Actually Learned on Game Drives 

Safaris teach you more than just how to identify animals – though we did get pretty good at spotting them and their camouflage! We learned about the circle of life – there was no way to avoid that stark picture. We learned about the connection animals have to each other – seeing that in them caring for their young, mourning those they lost from their tribe, and realizing how similar we are to them in that regard.

With that you realize how important our tribe is – from being with each other, to the guide who cared for us and kept us safe, to the lodge staff who were so kind and welcoming. There’s a depth of kindness in the Serengeti that you don’t find in many other places. It’s something I wish I could bottle up and carry with me wherever I go.

Private Guide vs. Group Safari: Worth the Investment? 

We got to compare a private guide experience at Siringit with a group safari experience at TAASA. In both cases, we traveled independently vs being with a full group tour. We liked being on our own and being able to make our own schedules.

We saw and interacted with other guests at each lodge, but people were coming in on different days, so there wasn’t much time to get to know people well. If you’re looking for that level of connection, I’d consider a small group tour because you’d be with the same people throughout the trip. Both have their pros – the path you take really depends on what you’re looking for.

The Animals Don’t Read the Script 

It goes without saying, but make a plan and nature (and the animals) laugh. That rhino? We found the footprint, we went to the rhino stations, we followed every call that came in. But guess what? They didn’t want to be found when we were there, and that’s ok.

It gives us a reason to come back, and reminds us that this is the wild, and what we want to control, or what we plan for, is sometimes out of our control. It’s a good life lesson to keep on safari and back at home.

Night Drives Changed Everything 

Night drives really are distinct. The different types of animals and animal behavior you see, the pitch black night of it all, the amazing blanket of stars above you, all give a unique feel. It reminds you how much we rely on one of our senses, sight, and how much more vulnerable you feel without it. You remember to stay present, be in the moment as the moments happen, and appreciate where you are and who you are with.
 

Mother-Daughter Safari: The Honest Conversation 

For my mom and I, this was an amazing trip. We both had wanted to do a safari for ages, we both have a love for animals, and it provided time to bond – over things we experienced, sights we saw, and the appreciation we had for the place and the trip.

When Your Travel Styles Are Different 

Luckily my mom and I have similar travel styles and can adapt to different situations. She’s usually up for whatever plan I come up with, and we both love a sense of adventure.

If that’s not the case for you, that’s ok. A safari could still be a perfect trip. There’s a sense of adventure while actually being quite accessible for all mobility levels. You can go as rustic or as luxe as you want, so those afraid of ‘roughing it’ need not be worried – you can swank it up on a safari (and we loved every minute of it!). 

You can also build in time apart if needed – one person relaxes at camp with a massage while the other goes on an extra game drive; one person stays by the pool in Zanzibar while the other goes swimming with dolphins. It’s easy to take a vacation together and still have time apart if you need it.

Shared Moments That Surprised Us 

We’ll never not laugh at mom saving us from the thieving monkey, or her sleeping soundly through the lion chase while I was scared stiff (when she asked me why I didn’t wake her, I said I knew she would think it’s cool and open up the tent flap – she laughed and agreed).

We connected with the people, and with the land, appreciating the quiet mornings, the stunning sunsets, and the moments we could reflect and appreciate where we were.

Would We Do It Again? 

Time and time again. The ability to combine a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your mom or any loved one on a multi-generational safari is something so special. And there’s something magical about the land, too. I’m already dreaming of where our next safari would be. Africa is a place that will call you back time and again.
 

Practical Planning: What You Need to Know Before You Book

A few logistics shaped our Tanzania travel itinerary more than anything else.

Timeline and Booking Considerations 

When we mapped our Tanzania travel itinerary, we booked roughly 10 months out. Book your Tanzania safari 9-12 months in advance, especially for August-October (Great Migration peak). We booked nine months out and had excellent lodge availability, but prime properties can sell out early.

Great Migration timing matters: June-July brings river crossings in the western corridor, August-October puts herds in the northern Serengeti (where we saw them), and November-December sends them back south. If migration viewing is your priority, timing trumps everything else.

Tanzania requires a visa ($100, available on arrival or online) and recommends yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from endemic countries. Most travelers also get typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines. Your doctor will advise on malaria prophylaxis – more on that below.

Budget Reality (Because Everyone Wants to Know) 

The biggest line items in our Tanzania travel itinerary were the camps and the private guide. Tanzania safari isn’t budget travel. Here’s what to expect:

Safari lodges/camps: $400-$800 per person per night for luxury properties like Siringit and TAASA (includes meals, game drives, and drinks). Mid-range options run $250-$400. Ultra-luxury can exceed $1,000.

Private guide costs: Built into most high-end camps, but if booking separately, budget $200-$300 daily. Worth it for mother-daughter trips where you want flexibility.

Flights: LA to Kilimanjaro ran about $1,200-$1,800 roundtrip, 2-3x if you do Business class. Regional flights (Serengeti, Zanzibar) add $300-$600 per person per leg.

Zanzibar: The Residence Zanzibar (luxury beachfront villa) runs $600-$900 nightly. Excellent mid-range properties exist at $200-$350.

Where to save: Fly into Arusha instead of Serengeti (then drive in), choose shoulder season (April-May, November), book mid-range lodges for part of your trip, or join scheduled group game drives instead of private.

Where not to skimp: Malaria-safe lodging, experienced guides, and lodges inside or very near parks. The extra hour each way to “budget” lodges outside park gates costs you prime wildlife viewing time.

Realistic total for 2 people, 10 days: $12,000-$18,000 including flights, lodges, guides, and activities. You can do it for less with careful choices, but expect $10,000 minimum for a quality experience.

What to Pack (The Safari Essentials) 

Neutral clothing: Khaki, olive, tan, brown. Bright colors and black attract tsetse flies. You need less than you think – plan to wear items multiple times. Three safari outfits are plenty, especially since lodges do laundry every 2-3 days.

Layers matter: August mornings start at 50°F, afternoons hit 75°F. Bring a fleece or light jacket for dawn drives and a sun hat for midday.

Photography: Your phone works fine if you’re not a serious photographer. I used my iPhone for 90% of shots. If you want zoom capability, bring a real camera with a telephoto lens – but it’s heavy. Consider whether you’ll actually use it. I brought one and used it for the farther shots only. With some iPhones going up to 8x zoom these days, it may not be worth it.

Binoculars are essential. Lodges often provide them, but having your own means you don’t miss moments. Mid-range quality ($100-$200) beats cheap ones.

Lodges provide: Laundry service (we sent out clothes every 2-3 days), toiletries, flashlights, mosquito nets, and safe drinking water. Don’t over-pack.

Zanzibar additions: Reef-safe sunscreen, sun protection clothing, modest cover-ups for spice tours (shoulders/knees covered), and good walking sandals.

What we over-packed: Nothing! With the strict weight limit, we only packed the essentials and reused everything multiple times.

Health and Safety Considerations 

Malaria: Northern Serengeti and Zanzibar are malaria zones. We took prophylaxis (doxycycline – cheap, minimal side effects). Some travelers choose Malarone. This is a personal decision with your doctor, but don’t skip the conversation. Lodges all have mosquito nets and screens.

Travel insurance is non-negotiable. Medical evacuation from Serengeti costs $50,000+. We used comprehensive coverage including trip cancellation, medical, and evacuation. Expect $200-$400 for two weeks.

Physical fitness: If you can walk half a mile and climb into a Land Cruiser, you’re fine. Game drives involve sitting. Some lodges have stairs or uneven paths, but nothing strenuous. Mom’s biggest worry was mobility – she had zero issues.

Food and water safety: Lodges serve filtered water and Western-standard food. We never got sick. Avoid tap water in Zanzibar and skip street food unless your stomach is adventurous.

Our concerns vs. reality: We worried about dangerous animals near tents (they came through camp but never threatened us), getting sick (didn’t happen), and being too far from medical care (lodges have protocols and communication). Mom’s only real challenge was the long flights – bring compression socks and get up regularly.

The unknowns are scarier than the reality. Tanzania tourism is well-established, and if you’re staying at quality properties with experienced guides, you’re in good hands.

Conclusion

As I write about this trip, I still have to ask myself if these things really happened, and how was I so lucky to get to experience them? Going on a Tanzanian safari through the Serengeti is amazing in and of itself, but getting to share that with my mom made it even better. The animals we saw, the people we met, the country we got to know, and the time with each other made it priceless.

If you’ve been considering a safari trip, this is your call to just go! It seems daunting and intimidating, but trust me when I say I felt the safest I’ve ever felt. If you’re building your own Tanzania travel itinerary, steal what worked for us and skip what didn’t. If you’d rather leave that to someone else (me!), reach out and I’ll help plan your next safari – whether in Tanzania or somewhere else – and ensure that you get the attention and care we did from start to finish. If you’ve already been, I’d love to hear what your highlight moments were – share in the comments below!

This trip was one more reminder that the best travel isn’t about perfect itineraries – it’s about who you’re with, and the memories you make.

However you decide to travel, wherever you decide to go, I hope you have a trip to remember.

Happy travels (and safari), kindreds!

RELATED POSTS

• Safari is adventure without the training plan. Find more trips like it in my adventure travel guide.
• Planning a multi-generational trip? My Multi-Gen Travel Tips  cover everything from managing different travel styles to booking strategies that work for families.
• Wondering if traveling with your mom is right for you? Read about what I learned traveling with my mom, and why it’s worth it.
• Want another look at my travels with Mom? Dig into our Northern Italy Family Girls Trip.
• Already thinking about what to pack? My What to Pack for Japan article outlines a 431 system that will work on safari, and anywhere.
• This was a bucket list trip. For girls trips of every size and how to pull them off, here’s my full girls trips guide.
• Ready to plan? Take a look at my 2026 planning framework in How to Plan Your Best Travel Year.

HELPFUL LINKS

Ready to book? Here are my go-to resources for flights, packing, planning, and staying connected:

• Work With Me
  • Need help planning your 2026 travel? Contact me here for personalized itinerary assistance!
  • Want more information on the benefits of using a travel advisor? Learn more here
• Planning Resources
  • Tanzania Tourism Board – https://www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz/ (visa info, travel alerts)
  • CDC Tanzania Travel Health – https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania(malaria, vaccines)
• Lodges we Loved
  • Siringit Properties – Luxury lodges throughout the Serengeti 
  • TAASA Lodge– Luxury lodge in Northern Serengeti, night drives
  • The Residence Zanzibar – Beautiful beachfront villas
• Booking Tools
  • Qatar Airways Stopover Program – https://www.qatarairways.com/stopover(for readers interested in Doha strategy)
  • Event and car bookings: https://www.viator.com
  • Hotel and activity comparison: https://www.tripadvisor.com
  • Airalo eSim – was key for using my phone while not paying for crazy international charges. Made using google maps, making reservations, etc easy and cost-effective: https://www.airalo.com Promo code: ANDREA68732 for $3 off
• Looking for Travel Inspiration? Follow me and check out my boards on Pinterest
• Small Group travel:
  • Budget friendly: Intrepid Travel
  • Luxury groups:  Contact me for recommendations