
Get Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime! Uncover the Wonders of Botswana on Your Spectacular Family Safari!
Imagine an unforgettable adventure where your family is immersed in the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Botswana. From witnessing herds of majestic elephants to exploring vast salt pans and navigating the waterways of the Okavango Delta, a Botswana family safari offers memories to cherish for a lifetime. Are you ready to embark on this incredible journey? Let's dive in and discover the magic of Botswana family safaris together!
Key Takeaways
- Experience an unforgettable family safari in Botswana with thrilling activities and tailored experiences for all ages!
- Pack light and be prepared to explore the wild kingdom of the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve or Makgadikgadi Pans.
- Plan your adventure safely by consulting healthcare professionals and selecting accommodations with safety measures.
Choosing the Right Safari for Your Family

You must carefully consider your family’s interests, budget, and preferred accommodation style when You must carefully consider your family's interests, budget, and preferred accommodation style when choosing the perfect family safari. With many camps and lodges across Botswana, there's something for everyone - from the luxury-seeking traveller to the adventurous explorer.
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When planning a family trip, safety should be your top priority, so be sure to consider factors such as malaria risk, age restrictions, and unfenced camps when choosing your family safari in Botswana. Whether you're staying at the stunning Camp Kalahari, Xakanaxa Camp or any other safari camp, your family will be enchanted by the extraordinary wildlife encounters, captivating cultural interactions, and awe-inspiring landscapes that await in Botswana.
Top Destinations for Family Safaris in Botswana

Botswana boasts an incredible array of family safari destinations, each offering unique landscapes, wildlife, and activities. Discover the thrilling Kalahari Desert, the amazing Okavango Delta, and the spectacular Chobe National Park, among other awe-inspiring locations. At each destination, families can enjoy a diverse range of activities, such as:
- Canoeing/Mokoro trips (Okavango and Moremi)
- Walking safaris
- Game Drives
- Quad biking (Makgadikgadi Pans)
- Fishing trips (Okavango Panhandle)
Prepare yourself to delve into Botswana's best and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world, is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. This unique ecosystem offers an intimate camp experience, with water-based activities such as mokoro rides and boat safaris taking centre stage. Families can choose from a range of accommodations, including the luxurious Sanctuary Chief's Camp, Shinde Enclave, and Kanana Camp.
Witness giraffes, hyenas, lions, warthogs, elephants, and wild dogs during thrilling game drives, engage in walking safaris with nature walks and participate in activities like making pizzas, learning photography skills, painting artwork, and catch-and-release fishing.
Endless opportunities for adventure and discovery await in the Okavango Delta, making it a must-visit destination for your Botswana family safari.
Chobe National Park
Another fantastic family safari destination is Chobe National Park, home to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Explore this incredible wildlife sanctuary on game drives, boat safaris, and river cruises, creating memories that will last a lifetime as you witness elephants, birds, hippos, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Chobe Game Lodge offers an amazing range of accommodations, including two-bedroom family suites with private plunge pools, interleading rooms, and triple rooms, catering to all family sizes and preferences. With exciting activities like birding walks, boat safaris on the Chobe River, and game drives on offer, your family is guaranteed an unforgettable experience in Chobe National Park.
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, boasting a stunning landscape that includes Chiefs Island, Xakanaxa and the Khwai area. This reserve covers a large area of the Okavango Delta and is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for your Botswana family safari. In addition to Moremi, the Okavango Delta also features private reserves, offering exclusive game-viewing experiences.
A visit to Moremi Game Reserve provides the opportunity to participate in exhilarating motorboat rides that explore the waterways near Okuti, offering amazing opportunities to spot herons, storks, malachite kingfishers, and other wildlife. With family-friendly accommodations like Okuti's family masasas, which cater to children aged seven and over, your family is sure to have a thrilling and memorable experience in Moremi Game Reserve.
Makgadikgadi Pans
The vast salt pans of Makgadikgadi offer a truly unique and otherworldly experience. Here are some activities you can enjoy in this incredible landscape:
- Explore the salt pans on quad bikes
- Stargaze under the endless night sky
- Learn about the fascinating history and culture of this remote corner of Botswana
Camp Kalahari offers a range of exciting activities for families, including quad biking, unforgettable experiences with habituated meerkats, and fascinating cultural visits to nearby communities. Located in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, this camp focuses on adventure over luxury, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an authentic and exhilarating safari experience.
Age-Specific Safari Experiences

For the perfect family safari experience, tailor the trip to suit the interests and abilities of young kids, teens, and adults. Many safari camps in Botswana have minimum age restrictions and offer age-appropriate activities and accommodations. Whether it's watching wildlife from a safe distance, engaging in guided tours, or visiting child-friendly camps with amenities like pools, there is something for every age group to enjoy on a Botswana family safari.
For Young Kids
When choosing lodges and camps for your family safari, consider options that cater to young children with family suites, flexible game drives, and kid-friendly activities. Footsteps and RAW Motswiri Camp are excellent examples of family-friendly lodges in Botswana that cater to younger children.
At these lodges, younger kids can enjoy:
- Watching wildlife from a safe distance
- Visiting child-friendly camps with exciting amenities like pools
- Engaging in thrilling guided tours or self-drive safaris
These accommodations guarantee an unforgettable and enjoyable private safari experience, even for the youngest members of your family.
For Teens
Teens can be engaged and challenged with more adventurous activities on your family safari, while younger children can also enjoy age-appropriate experiences. Horseback riding, quad biking, and immersive cultural experiences, such as visiting local communities or learning about traditional crafts, are perfect for keeping older kids entertained and inspired.
In the Okavango Delta, for example, Selinda Explorers Camp offers thrilling walking and canoe safaris guided by expert local guides, ensuring an unforgettable experience for your teens. With a range of activities tailored to their interests and abilities, teens are sure to have an amazing time on your Botswana family safari.
For Adults

By choosing accommodations that offer luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and a range of exciting activities, adults can relish a mix of relaxation and adventure on their family safari. Game drives, bush walks, and hot air ballooning are just a few examples of the thrilling experiences that await adults in Botswana.
Learn about the diverse species of animals and plants in the area and participate in conservation and sustainability initiatives. Capture beautiful photos of the stunning landscapes and wildlife, and immerse yourself in the unique culture and history of Botswana. With an array of activities and experiences tailored to their interests, adults are sure to have a memorable and fulfilling family safari in Botswana.
Accommodations: Lodges and Camps for Families

Botswana offers a wide range of family-friendly lodges and camps, with accommodations that cater to families of all sizes and preferences. Many lodges offer family suites, interconnecting rooms, and tailored activities for all ages.
Some fantastic options for a family safari include the sanctuary chief's camp in the Okavango Delta, Chobe Game Lodge in Chobe National Park, and Camp Kalahari in the Makgadikgadi Pans. With so many amazing lodges and camps across Botswana, you are sure to find the perfect accommodation for your family safari.
Activities and Excursions for All Ages

Every family member's interests and abilities are catered to with a variety of activities offered by a family safari in Botswana. Some of these activities include:
- Game drives
- Mokoro rides
- Cultural excursions
- Fishing trips
- Wildlife walks
These activities provide fun and learning for all ages.
Ensure a well-rounded experience by selecting a mix of activities that incorporate wildlife encounters, cultural interactions, and outdoor adventures. Whether it's observing elephants at Chobe National Park, navigating the waterways of the Okavango Delta, or exploring the vast salt pans of Makgadikgadi, your family will be captivated by the diverse experiences that await on your Botswana family safari.
Health and Safety Tips for a Family Safari

When planning a family safari in Botswana, safety is of utmost importance. Before embarking on your adventure, consult with a healthcare practitioner about malaria prevention and ensure that all family members have received the necessary vaccinations.
When selecting accommodations, consider factors such as age restrictions and safety measures, including the presence of fences, locks, and security guards. By prioritizing safety and considering these factors, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for your family on their Botswana safari adventure.
Packing Essentials for a Family Safari

Thoughtful consideration of what to pack is necessary when preparing for your family safari. Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that can be layered, such as t-shirts, shorts, and a light jacket. Additionally, don't forget hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect from the sun.
Bring the following items for your safari trip:
- Basic medicines, such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, and anti-allergy medications
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Books, colouring books, and small toys to keep children entertained
Lastly, be mindful of luggage restrictions, which typically range from 15-20 kg per person, and pack accordingly.
Best Time to Visit Botswana for a Family Safari

Plan your trip during the best game viewing months (June to October) or the green season (November to April) for bird watching and budget-friendly options to ensure the best experience for your family safari.
During the dry season, wildlife is more easily spotted as animals congregate around water sources, while the green season offers lush landscapes, abundant birdlife, and lower prices. Whichever season you choose, your family is sure to have an unforgettable adventure in Botswana.
Planning Your Botswana Family Safari with Expert Help

Consult with our expert safari planners, who can create a customized family safari itinerary tailored to your family's needs and interests. At Uyaphi.com, we specialize in planning family safaris (and have done so since 1999), providing services such as creating tailored itineraries, booking accommodations and transport, and arranging family-friendly activities with local guides.
By working with our expert travel planners, you can focus on enjoying your family safari, knowing that every detail has been carefully considered and organized to create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Botswana.
Planning a safari in Botswana? Get in touch with one of our Safari Experts right now.
Summary
A family safari in Botswana offers an unparalleled adventure with diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable experiences tailored to all ages. From the Okavango Delta to Chobe National Park and beyond, your family will be captivated by the magic of Botswana. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Botswana a good family holiday?
Botswana is an excellent safari destination for families with children aged six and over. It offers a range of exciting activities, such as wildlife safaris, bird-watching, and game drives. Your family will have a memorable time here!
Where is best for a family safari?
For a thrilling family safari, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti and the Chobe National Park for wildlife, the Makgadikgadi Pans for a Kalahari desert adventure and then, of course, pop across the border for a few nights near the famed Victoria Falls.
What age can you go on safari in Botswana?
You can go on safari in Botswana from the age of 8, with some lodges and operators setting a minimum age limit of 12. Families with younger children should check the individual lodges' age restrictions before planning their trip.
What is the best time of year to go on safari in Botswana?
Experience the best game viewing in Botswana by visiting during the dry winter months of May to October, when animals are concentrated in ever-increasing numbers at water sources.
Are there age restrictions for children participating in game drives?
Great news! Most safari operators allow children over the age of 8 to join game drives, so you can bring your little ones along for an adventure! Just bear in mind the younger the kids, the shorter the attention span and the quicker they get board; game drives with kids on board are usually shorter because of this.
Qorokwe Camp
Qorokwe Camp is a luxurious safari camp located in Botswana's southeastern Okavango Delta region, offering guests the perfect base from which to explore the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife.
Qorokwe is ideally located in the southeastern Okavango Delta region and offers guests the perfect base from which to explore the diverse habitats and abundant wildlife of this incredible area. An amazing safari experience in Botswana awaits at Qorokwe.
Chobe Chilwero Lodge
Chobe Chilwero Lodge offers 15 luxury stone & thatched bungalows all offering awe-inspiring scenery as a backdrop; the lodge is bordered by Botswana's famous National Park which is elephant country.
A wide range of safari activities awaits, including game drives through the Chobe National Park to spot elephants, lions, and other wildlife, as well as tranquil boat safaris on the Chobe River, offering a unique perspective of the park's rich ecosystems.
Shinde Footsteps Camp
The ultimate destination for those who dream of an authentic, old-school safari experience, Shinde Footsteps Camp offers unparalleled privacy and intimacy, accommodating no more than seven guests at a time. It’s truly a hidden gem, delivering a safari unlike any other.
Nestled in the heart of the Okavango, Shinde Footsteps Camp is the perfect escape from the demands of modern civilization. One of the most magical and serene safari camps for those seeking luxury and adventure in equal measure.
Little Vumbura Camp
The Vumbura private concession in the Okavango Delta is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable safari destinations in Botswana. Offering incredible wildlife sightings and an unparalleled variety of activities, it guarantees an experience that is both thrilling and unforgettable.
Little Vumbura is a luxurious retreat in the heart of the stunning Okavango Delta, offering the perfect mix of exclusivity and comfort. This intimate lodge is ideal for both adventure and relaxation.
Chobe Bush Lodge
Chobe Bush Lodge next to the northern Botswana town of Kasane is the perfect gateway to explore all that this region has to offer; including the safari destinations of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Chobe National Park, Chobe River, and Victoria Falls to mention but a few.
The lodge is ideally situated for adventures along the Chobe River, where you can enjoy unforgettable wildlife viewing by boat, as well as trips to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Xigera Safari Lodge, with twelve luxury safari suites in this wildlife reserve like no other, offers activities including walking safaris, Moremi mokoro trips, game drives and powerboat outings in total and utter privacy.
Xigera in the Moremi Game Reserve offers visitors the absolute in luxury, service and game viewing activities, one of the best in Botswana's Okavango Delta.
Xakanaxa Camp
Xakanaxa Camp offers up 12 Safari Tents on raised platforms on the Khwai River overlooking that famous Xakanaxa Lagoon that provides year-round boating safari and game drives within the Moremi Game Reserve.
Xakanaxa in the Moremi, is one of the most popular safari camps and game viewing and reserve destinations within Botswana and the Okavango Delta.
Mashatu Tent Camp
Mashatu Tent Camp is a luxurious safari destination situated in the heart of Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve.
This picturesque tented camp offers an African experience, combining home comforts and nature's sounds.
Tent Camp consists of 8 Meru-style tented suites, each fully furnished with modern amenities and creature comforts, while the surrounding wilderness offers a range of activities, including night game drives, guided nature walks and bird watching.
A stay of 3-5 nights is recommended for a truly unique African bushveld experience.