It wasn’t a group tour except for our four member family. We were shuttled between locations by local drivers and some of our activities were with larger groups (like a whale watching trip and a mangrove tour), but two stops ended up being just our group of four.
I will be going on a Tauck family safari in Tanzania this holiday period with my parents, wife, and kids ages 8, 11c and 14. I’m super excited and if anyone has any recommendations about what to bring and what to leave at home as well as clothing recommendations and any other tips, it would be greatly appreciated!
Luckily our Tauck tour only had 12 people on it but that’s not the norm. The A&K and Micato smaller tours are reflected in the price they charge. During game drives you’ll be in your own vehicle of no more than six others so group size is irrelevant, but I can also see where a smaller group would be preferred.
I mentioned earlier blow up seat cushions were invaluable for the bumpy roads. Any cameras or iPhones should have a strap so no chance of losing them while moving. I wore long pants and sleeves mostly to protect sun and insects but also bring sunscreen and repellent. You don’t need hiking shoes, sneakers are fine, some people like to stand on the seats to take photos and you shouldn’t in shoes so maybe something easily to slip on and off. Your family will have an incredible time, how wonderful you can share this experience with all the generations! We were so pleased with our experience that we booked a tour to Peru and Galapagos with them and also looking to book a trip to Antarctic with our Africa tour director.
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This is a terrible thread, because it’s making me want to go back!! I should start saving my pennies now that Dad is not financing trips. 
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The ones I am looking at (admittedly we want to do it up right) are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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wonder if I could use my inflatable neck pillow and only inflate it a bit?
Compared to the cost of this trip, an inflatable seat cushion should be manageable🙄
A lot depends on the type of vehicle you will be riding in. We were in a Toyota Land Cruiser that was mighty comfortable. An open Jeep type like we saw a lot of…might not be so comfy.
If the inflatable neck pillow works, it will take care of two issues at once. There is a very limited amount we will be permitted to bring with us (size and weight) so every bit matters.
eta: trying the pillow out now. If I inflate is ever so slightly, it should be fine, if needed.
One of my favorite photos. Our friend, an experienced guide, got a little nervous so we didn’t stick around.
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We have used many different travels companies when planning our Safaris. Micato and Abercrombie and Kent are good but are overpriced, along with Bushtracks. I am very familiar with both of these. My favorite safaris are private and planned by Expert Africa out of the UK and Timbuktu Travel. Both have extremely knowledgeable agents who really listen and come up with great trips tailored to you. They take care of everything after listening to what you want. Some people enjoy group trips ( our 1st Safari was one with A&K), but we quickly figured out we could get a custom trip for similar cost. It also affords you the opportunity to travel to smaller intimate tented properties, and arrange special experiences unique to your interests. You do get to meet other travelers at each of these camps instead of being with the same people for 2 weeks, following a set program. Private travel is a great way to experience Africa - in my opinion.
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