Best Family Friendly Safari Lodges in Botswana

Botswana is a superb destination for a family safari - our Botswana expert shares some of his favourite family friendly lodges and camps

Richard
Richard
African Specalist
Published on
01 Feb 2021
Updated on
24 Jun 2025
Botswana Family Safari

I first started visiting Botswana when I was 11 and have been back every year since as well as living there for 3 years. It is this exposure to its wilderness, culture and incredible wildlife which shaped my career working in Africa and helping people put together the best trips possible so they can share my experiences and love for this fascinating country.

The beauty of a Botswana safari is its exclusivity and remoteness. When it comes to family holidays this has previously acted as a drawn back for families but over the past 5 years as camps are being refurbished and rebuilt, we are seeing camps becoming a lot more family-focused and a large number of camps adding family units. Botswana’s concessions have strict bed numbers so as more value is seen in family holidays it is fast becoming a very popular option.

One thing to note when booking your family safari is that availability can be tight in Botswana at the best of times with many people booking up to a year before their trip. Most camps will only have one family unit and for safety reasons, these are required for families with children under 16/18 so it's essential to start thinking about your trip early to make sure you are able to stay in your desired camps or lodges.

Here are my top five family lodges for a Botswana family safari holiday.

1. Camp Kalahari, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

8Camp Kalahari  Famly Tent Arial
Camp Kalahari

The numerous activities available at Camp Kalahari make it an integral part of any family safari.

Rooms: The Camp has 10 Meru-style tents of which six are twins and a family unit, the camp is also very flexible when it comes to adding beds for children.

Highlights: Without doubt on of the biggest draws here is being able to spend time with one of the families of fully wild, habituated meerkats which can be followed and observed feeding and going about their natural ways.

Other activities: This semi-arid desert hold a large diversity of wildlife which can be seen on morning and evening game drives, bush walks with the Zu/Hoasi Bushmen or on quadbikes whilst exploring the salt pans.

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are an area like no other and combined with camps further North in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National park and surrounding areas it works well at the end or beginning of your trip.

Find our more about Camp Kalahari

Game Drives  In The Grass
Camp Kalahari Game Drive
Meerkat Experience 3
Meerkat experience - camp kalahari
Family Fun On The Salt Pans 1
Family fun on the salt pans - camp kalahari

Trip idea: Young Botswana Explorers

Campfire Time At Young Explorers In Botswana
campfire time at young explorers, Botswana

An epic family adventure through Botswana

Highlights

  • 14 day safari through iconic areas of Botswana
  • Family-friendly lodges and camps throughout
  • Visit the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park
  • Child-friendly activities, including learning fun bush skills
  • Experience the wondrous Victoria Falls

From: £7,733pp for a family of 4 includes all internal flights, all accommodation and activities

Find out more about this family adventure

2. Linyanti Ebony Camp, Kwando Linyanti

Linyanti Ebony Swimming Plunge Pool
Linyanti Ebony Camp

Situated on the shoulder of the Chobe National Park in the remote Linyanti region, Linyanti Ebony perfect for families.

Rooms: The camp comprises of 4 luxury en-suite tents of which there are three standard tents and 1 family tents. Sleeping only 10 people its exclusivity is perfect for larger or smaller family groups looking to spend quality time together whilst having undivided attention in camp and your private guide/vehicle.

Highlights: Built on raised platforms overlooking the Linyanti River and Marsh there is plenty to keep any family occupied. The game viewing up in this region never fails to disappoint and is as good as it gets. With huge mega-herds of elephant as well as a high density of large carnivores every game drive will be a thrill.

Learn more about Linyanti Ebony Camp

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Sunset at Linyanti ebony
Linyanti Ebony
linyanti ebony camp
Mokoro Safari 11
Mokoro canoe safari - linyanti ebony camp

3. Shinde Enclave, Okavango Delta

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Shinde Enclave Camp

Shinde enclave is nestled next to one of the major tributaries of the Okavango Delta, flowing throughout the year this offers water activities and incredible game viewing all year round. Next to the newly refurbish Shinde Camp, Shinde Enclave is a completely private camp within the larger camp.

Private camp: Sleeping 6 with its own private dining room, bar and outside fie deck this is perfect for family groups. Rebuilt in 2020 it has the style of a classic safari camp and is surrounded by some of the best game viewing in the Okavango Delta.

Activities: Games drives with some fantastic wildlife, fishing and floating down the Delta in a Mokoro (depending on the water level).

To find out more about visiting the Okavango Delta, take a look at our complete guide.

Learn more about Shinde Enclave Camp

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sunset at shinde enclave camp
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family tent - shinde enclave camp
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game drives at shinde enclave camp

Trip idea: Kids adventure - Botswana

Meerkat Experience 3
Meetkat meeting experience

Family fun-packed adventure through Botswana

Highlights

  • 13 nights in brilliant Botswana
  • Family-friendly lodges and camps throughout
  • Meet cheeky meerkats
  • Child-friendly activities, including learning fun bush skills
  • Amazing safari gamer drives with an abundance of wildlife
  • Canoe safaris in the Okavango Delta

From: £3,304pp - includes: International flights (price based on London), all internal flights and all accommodation, meals, drinks and activities as indicated.

Find out more about this brilliant family adventure

4. Machaba Camp, Khwai

Machaba Camp 3
Machaba Camp Game Drive

Machaba Camp is a personal favorite of mine. As soon as you arrive at Machaba it feel like home. I have been traveling to this area for 20 years and the game viewing just seems to be getting better and better.

Highlights: Situated on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve you will struggle to find better game viewing anywhere in Africa. As you walk out your luxury tented suite you look right across the Khwai river into Moremi and watch the elephants come down to drink. The staff are exceptionally friendly, and the guides are very good at keeping children of all ages occupied and interested in the wildlife around them.

Rooms: The camp comprises of 10 spacious tents of which 2 are family units with a lounge area, 2 bedroom and a bathroom with and the customary outdoor shower added onto the rear.

One of the great things about Machaba and the Khwai area is because you are on the edge of and not inside Moremi Game Reserve you have the ability to go on night drives in the evening. With extremely healthy populations of leopards, hyena and lion I would say this is one of the top destinations to view Africa’s large carnivores.

More about Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp
Machaba Safari Camp
Machaba Camp 1
Safari tent - machaba safari camp
Machaba Camp 2
night drives at machaba safari camp

5. Kwando Lagoon Camp, Kwando Linyanti

Kwando  Lagoon  Camp
Kwando Lagoon Camp

Located on the banks of the Kwando River this classic camp is remote, exclusive and comfortable.

Highlights: The views over the lagoon opposite are unrivalled, especially in the afternoon when huge herds sometimes 300+ will come down to drink all together.

Rooms: With 8 twin-bedded safari style tents there is plenty of room for families and with children welcome this is a great spot to get away from the crowds and enjoy some family time.

Activities: With activities such as game drives, walking safaris (age dependent), fishing and boat cruises there is plenty to keep the family busy.

On a recent trip to Kwando lagoon for 2 nights I was lucky enough to see wild dog, brown hyena, spotted hyena, leopard and lion during my stay which is testament to the guides and the wildlife in the area.

More about Kwando Lagoon Camp

Kwando Lagoon Camp 1
Sunset at Kwano Lagoon Camp
Kwando Lagoon Camp 2
Lions at Kwando Lagoon Camp
Kwando Lagoon Camp 3
elephant visitor - kwando lagoon camp

In conclusion there are several options for family safaris in Botswana, I find that some of the biggest restrictions are availability and budget, however with a good first-hand knowledge of all the camps in Botswana we will be able to put a trip together which is perfect for your family. If you are working to a tight budget I would recommend travelling in the green or shoulder season to make the most of any offers and special rates. A number of camps will also have reduced rates for children which we can utilize.

Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Botswana.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

Now that we’ve given you some inspiration for brilliant family safari holidays in Botswana, get in touch with one of our experts and we’ll put together the perfect family holiday. Call us on 01768 603 715 or send us a message using the button below.

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Richard

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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