When Tauck employee Kelly Coughlan packed up her family and set off on a safari, she knew she was diving into the kind of big, bold adventure that can feel intimidating with young kids. Now, after an unforgettable journey, she’s answering a few key questions to inspire other families to check this experience off their bucket lists.
I traveled with my two sons, William (12) and Thomas (10), as well as my husband, Brian.
The entire hot air balloon experience was one of those “pinch-me” moments my family will never forget. The whole thing is an adventure from start to finish. You leave super early in the morning before sunrise, and along the way you might even spot wildlife in the dark. Getting into the basket is not what you would expect – you climb into it while it’s on its side and then lie on your back to buckle in. Then the burners roar, fire blazes, the pilot working, and you start bumping along the ground until suddenly you’re upright and floating above the Serengeti Plains. The sun rises while you’re peeking over the edge at a herd of buffalo or a dazzle of zebra – it truly feels like a movie scene. It was one of those moments I never knew my family needed – until we had it.
You feel a little sad when the pilot starts the descent, until you get back to the ground and there’s champagne waiting for you! Apparently, it’s a long-standing tradition that dates back to the very first balloon flights. And the experience isn’t over yet – you hop back on your vehicle and head to a fully catered breakfast set up in the middle of the plains. And honestly, it was the best meal of the trip, cooked right there in the open bush. Unreal!
Click play to see the hot air balloon experience
I’ll never forget the look of shock and excitement on William and Thomas’ faces when our vehicle spotted our first lioness. In that moment, the magic of this journey truly came alive.
Before the trip, I worried that the daily game drives might feel repetitive – that perhaps seeing a lion might somehow lose its magic. But it never did…
Chris Mancini, our Tauck Director, was with us morning, noon, and night – making sure we had everything we needed including handling all accommodation check-ins, and arranging visits from local artisans. While he took care of every detail, we were able to kick back and relax.
The knowledge of the local guides was incredible. Their patience with the kids and all their many questions was unmatched. Not to mention their incredible driving skills. Getting to know them – learning about their culture, traditions, and families – was probably the most special. They were so playful, and we all adored them.
The most moving moment came when our kids met the children at a local primary school. We knew it was part of the itinerary, but nothing could have prepared us for how special it would feel. Watching the children laugh, play, and trade stories about their daily lives was pure magic. It was a beautiful reminder that connection doesn’t require a common culture or language – an important lesson for the kids, but also the parents.
The animals, of course – but more importantly, meeting new friends, connecting quickly on common interests, music, games, sports… Having stick sword fights on the lawn of the Farm House Valley hotel, swimming in the infinity pools, eating food that was out of their comfort zone, seeing how kids in other countries live and go to school and subsequently being grateful for what they have back home… and all of the things you can’t capture in a Tauck brochure, all the intangibles are what they’ll remember most.
I cried when we got home, I was really sad to leave this part of the word, its people, and the simplicity of our days made it hard to come back home to reality.
Do it! Don’t hesitate… no one is getting any younger, and the kids are only getting older, so just go for it!
This is not a trip I would even think to do on my own and it’s not worth the headache to try. With Tauck every detail is handled, you’re well cared for from the moment you step off the airplane, it’s priceless peace of mind. If you’re going for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, make it as easy on yourself and your family as possible!
Consider this your official invitation to discover Tauck’s Tanzania: A Grand Family Safari. Your family’s next great story begins in Africa.
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