Known as the ‘Jewel of Africa’ for its varied, unspoilt wilderness
No other holiday will beat a safari among the abundant wildlife of Botswana
Discover the wild heart of Africa on a family holiday to Botswana, where thrilling safaris, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and untouched wilderness come together. Whether you’re gliding through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro or tracking elephants across the Chobe floodplains, Botswana is a safe, exciting, and educational destination for adventurous families.
Botswana is ideal for children aged 6 and up, with some family-friendly lodges welcoming younger children too. Many safari camps offer specialised family tents, flexible mealtimes, and child-focused activities like junior ranger programmes and bushcraft skills. For teens, walking safaris and traditional canoe trips add a dose of adrenaline to the adventure.
What sets Botswana apart is its focus on low-impact, high-quality tourism. Private concessions allow for off-road game drives and night safaris, giving families a more exclusive and immersive experience. The country’s strong conservation ethos also means wildlife is abundant – think herds of elephants, lion prides, and packs of wild dogs.
The Okavango Delta is a magical place for families with older children and teens. Here, you can glide through narrow waterways in a traditional mokoro canoe, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and even leopards along the way. Chobe National Park is another standout, known for its huge elephant herds and family-friendly lodges. It’s also one of the easiest places to reach, with excellent road access from Victoria Falls. For a complete change of scenery, the Makgadikgadi Pans offer otherworldly landscapes and unique experiences like quad biking across vast salt flats, meeting habituated meerkats, and walking with San Bushmen. Meanwhile, the Moremi Game Reserve offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Botswana, with diverse habitats supporting everything from lions and leopards to wild dogs and giraffes – best enjoyed by families with slightly older children who can appreciate longer game drives.
I've lived in Botswana — I’d love to help you plan your trip.
Classic Botswana Family Adventure: Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi and Vic Falls
- Victoria Falls
- Chobe River Front
- Okavango Delta
- Makgadikgadi Pan
Enjoy a true family adventure in the wilds of Botswana, as well as spending some time at Victoria Falls. A wonderful combination, perfect for landmark family adventures.
Botswana Trip Inspiration
Ruth, Senior Africa Specialist, says:
"Family safaris in Botswana are incredibly rewarding – the private concessions and small camps mean you can tailor every moment to suit your children’s interests and energy levels. Whether it’s tracking animals on foot, quad biking across the salt pans, or simply watching elephants from the pool, there’s real magic in seeing kids connect with the wild in such a personal way."
Speak to a Botswana expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
Ruth
Best places to stay in Botswana
Types of Botswana vacations
FAQs About Your Botswana Family Safaris Holiday
Planning a holiday to Botswana Family Safaris? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
Is Botswana a good destination for a family holiday?
Yes, Botswana is a brilliant destination for a family safari, especially for older children and teens. With private camps, flexible activities, and a strong focus on conservation, it offers a safe and enriching way for families to explore Africa together. For those who want a more structured style of accommodation as opposed to a tented experience, there are some lovely guest house-style options available.
What age is best for children on safari in Botswana?
Children aged 8 and above tend to get the most out of a Botswana safari, especially in camps that offer walking or mokoro excursions. Some lodges have age minimums, so we’ll help tailor your trip to suit your family’s needs.
Is a safari in Botswana safe for children?
Yes, Botswana has a strong reputation for safe, well-run safaris. Camps and guides are highly experienced, and private vehicles or guides can be arranged to give your family more flexibility and peace of mind.
Are there family-friendly safari camps or lodges in Botswana?
Absolutely. Many camps cater specifically to families, with family suites, child-friendly meals, and guides who are great with kids. Some even offer junior ranger programmes or nature-focused activities tailored for children.
Can we do shorter game drives with young kids?
Yes, many camps will happily tailor the pace of your safari. Shorter drives, private vehicles, or even a split schedule between parents and children can help keep younger ones engaged.
Can we have a private guide or vehicle for our family?
We recommend it. A private guide or vehicle gives you the flexibility to adjust timings, focus on your children’s interests, and create a more relaxed safari experience for everyone.
Which camps in Botswana are best for families?
Several camps in Botswana are family-friendly, offering larger rooms or private villas. Chobe and the Khwai region have great options with activities suited to younger travellers. Some camps provide child-specific guides and tailored activities. For families with older children, private mobile safaris are excellent, giving flexibility and a real sense of adventure.
What kind of activities can children enjoy on safari?
Family-focused camps design experiences that go beyond game drives. Kids might learn to track animals, identify bird calls, or cook over a fire with guides. Shorter drives, fishing, nature walks, and cultural visits keep things varied. For older children, mokoro rides or boat safaris can be thrilling. Camps are skilled at making safari fun and educational.
Are there malaria-free areas suitable for families in Botswana?
Most of Botswana falls within a malaria zone, especially the Okavango Delta and Chobe. Anti-malarial medication is recommended for visitors. However, the risk is lower during the dry winter months (May–October), when mosquitoes are less prevalent. For families who prefer a malaria-free safari, we might recommend South Africa instead, which offers excellent alternatives.
What should we pack for a family safari in Botswana?
Bring light, neutral-coloured clothing, sun hats, sunscreen, and a fleece for cool evenings. Binoculars, books, and small games or drawing kits are great for downtime between activities.
Are there educational or interactive safari experiences for kids?
Yes – some lodges offer guided bushcraft sessions, animal tracking, or child-focused talks about wildlife and conservation. It’s a great way to make learning fun and hands-on.
Can we combine a safari in Botswana with some downtime at a lodge or pool?
Definitely. Many camps have small pools or shaded lounge areas where kids can relax between activities. We’ll recommend options with a good balance of adventure and comfort. Ending your trip on the Zambezi River is also a really good way to incorporate a more affordable ‘downtime’ into an amazing experience.
How do we keep children entertained between game drives?
Bush treasure hunts, sketching animals, storytelling around the campfire, and stargazing are just a few ideas. Some camps provide child-specific activity packs or guides trained to engage younger guests.
Is Botswana suitable for multi-generational family trips?
Yes. Private safari houses or larger family camps are perfect for grandparents, parents, and kids travelling together. We’ll help design a trip with the right pace and comfort for everyone.
Can teenagers go on walking safaris in Botswana?
Some camps allow teens aged 12+ on walking safaris, depending on fitness and safety. It’s a fantastic way to see the bush from a different perspective, guided by experienced trackers.
Do lodges in Botswana offer child-minding or early meal options for kids?
Some do. We can recommend properties that provide flexible mealtimes and babysitting or child-minding services so parents can enjoy a quiet sundowner or dinner while the kids rest.
