Best family safari holidays in Botswana
Botswana’s unique private concessions and low-impact tourism model ensure a more intimate and exclusive safari, perfect for families who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a personalised experience. However, it’s important to note that not all camps and lodges are suited for families - some have a more formal atmosphere, safety concerns such as unfenced pools and elevated walkways, or restrictions on younger children joining game drives. The key is selecting the right accommodation and planning a safari that matches your family’s needs.
For a child-friendly safari experience, certain smaller lodges and mobile safari camps offer more flexibility, and can provide customised meal times and cater for special dietary needs. Some camps feature family suites, providing a slightly separated yet connected space for parents and children, while others can be booked on an exclusive-use basis, ensuring total privacy and a tailored safari adventure.
One of the best ways to enhance a family safari in Botswana is by booking a private guide and safari vehicle. This allows families to move at their own pace, take breaks when needed, and adapt each game drive to the interests and energy levels of their children. While a private vehicle may seem like an extra expense, it ultimately creates a more relaxed and rewarding experience, allowing for flexible schedules, special wildlife encounters, and deeper learning opportunities for young explorers.
Whether your family dreams of gliding through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, watching elephants gather along the Chobe River, or tracking big cats in the Kalahari, Botswana provides an unmatched wilderness experience. With careful planning and the right setup, a family safari in Botswana can be a once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with discovery, adventure, and incredible wildlife encounters.
Explore our collection of Botswana family safaris and family-friendly camps and lodges, and find answers to frequently asked questions about family safaris in Botswana.
Our most recent reviews of family holidays in Botswana
Detailed, un-edited reviews from our Botswana travellers whose trips we tailored towards family holidays. Click below to read the traveller's full review, and see all the reviews of our Botswana safari holidays here.
Best camps & lodges for family safari holidays in Botswana
Botswana offers a selection of camps and lodges that cater exceptionally well to families, ensuring both comfort and memorable wildlife experiences.
A few great options for families include Shinde Camp, nestled in the Okavango Delta, which features a family chalet and a specialised guiding program designed for younger guests; or Kanana, which offers a spacious family tent and child-friendly meal options, ensuring a comfortable stay without the need for private vehicle bookings for children under 12. Muchenje Safari Lodge stands out with guides specialised in children's activities and a family room featuring a loft area with two single beds. Additionally, Chitabe Lediba offers family chalets comprising two fully functional standard chalets connected by a short corridor, coupled with an informal atmosphere.
If you’re after a private and flexible experience, Botswana Private Mobile Safari in Moremi offers tailor-made itineraries suitable for families with children aged six and above, with the owners' personal experience enhancing their family-oriented approach.
There are many more great accommodation options for Botswana family safaris. Speak to one of our specialists for recommendations and advice on where to stay that perfectly suits your family’s needs.
Kanana
Kanana is ideal for a family safari in Botswana with a large family tent, child-friendly meals, and no need to book a private vehicle for kids under 12. A private vehicle adds flexibility, and the Young Explorers programme offers a guided, family-focused safari.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Children are welcome at Nxabega, whose staff are flexible and go out of their way to make your family safari in Botswana enjoyable. Children of six and over are accommodated on game drives at the lodge manager's discretion without the need for a private vehicle.
Nxai Pan Camp
Nxai Pan Camp has a family unit and is a good option for a family safari in Botswana for those with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife. It is also possible to book a private 'family safari', guided by a child-friendly guide and tracker.
Seba Camp
In a great location for water-based activities and excellent birding, Seba Camp is a welcoming option for family holidays in Botswana. It has two family tents with a private pool, toys and a sandpit. Guided nature walks for children can be arranged.
Jao Camp
For those who want a luxury family holiday Jao can be a wonderful option with a range of flexible activities and a habituated mongoose clan is always a source of entertainment. Families with children aged 6–12 usually need to book a private vehicle.
Kings Pool
King's Pool has a family suite consisting of two en-suite interleading rooms and a private plunge pool. It would best suit families on safari in Botswana with children aged over 12; those with younger children have to book a private vehicle.
Chitabe Lediba
The family chalets at Chitabe Lediba are two fully functioning standard chalets with their own ensuite bathrooms joined by a short corridor. This coupled with an informal atmosphere make the camp a fantastic option for a family safari in Botswana.
Camp Kalahari
Quadbiking across Botwana's Kalahari saltpans and a fascinating Bushman experience make for memorable family safari holidays at Camp Kalahari. Visiting the habituated families of meerkats here is another highlight for children and adults alike.
Linyanti Ebony
Linyanti Ebony’s spacious family room is a good accommodation for Botswana family safari holidays, particularly with slightly older children. Combine this with the ‘Young Explorers’ programme to have a specialist family guide travel with you.
DumaTau
Duma Tau has two family units; each consisting of two en-suite rooms separated by an open deck. It would best suit families on safari in Botswana with children aged over 12; those with younger children have to book a private vehicle.
Okavango Explorers
Children aged 10 and over are welcome on safari with special activities organised through the ‘Young Explorers’ club, and the camp is small enough to be taken over in its entirety by a family of 10-12 for a completely private family safari.
Kalahari Plains Camp
Kalahari Plains Camp has an interconnecting family chalet with a single sleep-out deck, so this is a good option for a family safari in Botswana. Furthermore, the complimentary ‘Bush Buddy’ programme aims to entertain and educate children.
Duke’s Camp
Duke's Camp and Duke's East are good family safari options, each surrounded by a low fence to restrict large animals. Each camp has a large family suite with two ensuite bedrooms and a lounge, all set on a raised deck with a plunge pool.
Tau Pan Camp
Tau Pan is a good option for families with older children who have a keen interest in nature. Short walks are a great way of learning about the fauna and flora. The camp also offers a ‘family safari’, led by a private guide and tracker.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
For a family safari in Botswana, Muchenje is a fantastic option with guides who specialised in guiding children for years. The lodge has a family room with two single beds in a 'loft' area (albeit up a fairly steep stepladder).
Okuti
Okuti is part of the Young Explorers programme, offering families a specialist guide who has experience guiding children in the bush. It is also fenced and takes children aged 7+ making it a great family-friendly safari camp.
Lagoon Camp
For those with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife, Lagoon Camp is a good option for a family holiday in Botswana. As well as having a family chalet, the camp offers a privately guided “family safari”.
Shinde Footsteps
Shinde Footsteps runs exclusive family safaris in Botswana (“Young Explorers”). Youngsters from seven years up can learn bush skills, from identifying animals and their tracks to cooking on a fire and fishing.
Private Mobile
The team behind the Botswana Private Mobile Safari has a lot of experience in family safaris. The owners have a young child of their own and with a minimum age of 6 this is a great option for family safaris.
Shinde Camp
A family chalet, specialist family friendly guiding programme and a more relaxed child policy than most of Botswana's safari camps make Shinde a wonderful camp for your family safari to Botswana.
Pom Pom Camp
With a family chalet, consisting of two interlinked bedrooms with a shared bathroom, Pom Pom Camp is a good option on a family safari to Botswana – ideally with children aged 12 or over.
Splash Camp
The exclusive use Splash Enclave has its own private main area including a pool and no age restrictions making it a fantastic option for a family visiting Botswana.
Machaba Camp
Machaba has two very spacious family tents and is a good option for a family safari in Botswana with older children who are enthusiastic about wildlife.
North Island Okavango
North Island Okavango is ideal for exclusive use, especially for multi-generational travel with older children, on a Botswana family safari.
Savute Safari Lodge
With a swimming pool and a large family chalet with 2 ensuite bedrooms Savute Safari Lodge is a great stop on a family safari in Botswana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana Family Safari FAQs
Planning a family safari in Botswana is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with many questions! Our Botswana family safari FAQs are designed to provide all the essential information, ensuring you feel fully prepared for your journey into the wild.
Whether you’re curious about safety, activities for children, malaria precautions, age restrictions, or the best time to visit, our FAQs have you covered.
Explore our expert tips on planning a safe, enjoyable, and memorable family safari in Botswana, and feel free to get in touch for personalised advice and recommendations!
Is Botswana a family-friendly safari destination?
However, due to the country’s remote and rugged nature, Botswana is generally best suited for families with children over six years old. Some camps even have a minimum age requirement of eight or older. While young children can still enjoy game drives in fenced reserves like Chobe, many walking safaris and mokoro (canoe) excursions have strict age limits for safety reasons.
That said, for families seeking a more intimate, immersive, and educational safari experience, Botswana is hard to beat. With expert guides, well-equipped lodges, and unique wildlife experiences, children can learn about nature firsthand. Many camps also offer kid-friendly programs where children can track animals, learn bush survival skills, and interact with local communities. If planned well, a Botswana safari can be a magical and educational journey for the entire family.
What is the best time to go on a family safari in Botswana?
From June to August, the temperatures are at their most pleasant, but it can be quite cold in the mornings and evenings, especially in the Kalahari. Families should pack warm clothing for early morning game drives. September and October bring rising temperatures, making it hotter but excellent for game viewing, as animals become more concentrated around rivers and waterholes.
The green season (November to April) is also an option for families looking for a more budget-friendly and less crowded experience. This time of year brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and fantastic birdwatching opportunities. However, rain showers are more frequent, and some areas may become inaccessible due to flooding. The humidity and increased mosquito activity mean families must take extra precautions against malaria.
For families with young children or first-time safari-goers, the dry season remains the best choice for a seamless experience. However, if you don’t mind occasional rain and want to take advantage of lower rates, the green season can also provide an unforgettable adventure.
What activities can children do on a safari in Botswana?
One of the best activities for kids is guided nature walks, where expert guides teach them how to track animals, identify footprints, and understand the local ecosystem. Some lodges offer junior ranger programs, where children learn about conservation, bush survival skills, and even how to identify different animal calls.
In the Okavango Delta, older children can enjoy mokoro (canoe) safaris, where they quietly glide through water channels, spotting birds, frogs, and even elephants. In Chobe National Park, kids will love boat safaris, which provide up-close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of elephants drinking by the river.
For a cultural experience, we can arrange village visits, where families can meet local communities, learn about traditional lifestyles, and even participate in storytelling or dance performances. Some lodges also offer interactive wildlife education sessions, where children can learn about animal conservation efforts in a fun and engaging way.
Are there malaria risks in Botswana, and how can families stay safe?
To keep your family safe, it’s essential to take preventative measures. Before travelling, consult a doctor about antimalarial medication, which is recommended for visitors to Botswana. Other key precautions include:
- Using insect repellent containing DEET, especially in the evenings and early mornings.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants at night to minimise skin exposure.
- Choosing accommodation with mosquito nets and well-screened rooms. Many lodges provide nets and insect-proof tents for added protection.
- Avoiding stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, and staying indoors during peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn).
Are there age restrictions for children on a Botswana safari?
For game drives, many lodges accept children as young as six, while some allow younger children if private vehicles are booked. Private safaris give families more flexibility, allowing stops and breaks as needed.
For walking safaris, which involve tracking animals on foot, the minimum age is often 12 to 16 years due to safety concerns. Similarly, mokoro (canoe) safaris in the Okavango Delta usually have a minimum age requirement of 12 years.
Lodges that do cater to younger children often provide family-friendly game drives, which are shorter and more engaging for little ones, along with activities such as tracking animal footprints, bush craft lessons, and cultural visits.
Families with toddlers should look for safari lodges with fenced camps, kid-friendly amenities, and babysitting services. Planning ahead and choosing the right lodge can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for families with children.
Is Botswana safe for families?
That said, families should take common-sense precautions, including:
- Following safety guidelines provided by safari guides, especially regarding wildlife encounters.
- Keeping children supervised at all times, particularly near water or in unfenced lodges.
- Using reputable safari operators to ensure professional guiding and well-maintained vehicles.
How much does a family safari in Botswana cost?
A mid-range family safari (staying in comfortable lodges or tented camps) typically costs over £5,000 / $6000 per person for a week. A luxury safari at high-end lodges can cost over £10,000 / $12,000 per person for a week.
Budget-conscious families can opt for mobile camping safaris or self-drive options, which cost significantly less, but can be more challenging to do with children. Travelling in the green season (November to April) can also reduce costs, as many lodges offer discounts.
To get the best value, booking a package that includes accommodation, meals, game drives, and park fees is recommended. While Botswana safaris are costly, the quality of the experience - personalised service, expert guides, and pristine wildlife viewing - makes it worth the investment for families looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Family safaris and holidays elsewhere in Africa
Discover Africa’s top family safari and holiday destinations!
From gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s lush forests to exploring Namibia’s Sossusvlei sand dunes or tracking cheetahs in Kenya’s Laikipia, there’s an adventure for every family.
Where to see wildlife species in Botswana
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,622 sightings from 4,467 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,343 sightings from 4,962 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
34% SUCCESS
1,271 sightings from 3,786 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,034 sightings from 3,268 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,597 sightings from 4,722 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
289 sightings from 1,834 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
20% SUCCESS
101 sightings from 493 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,365 sightings from 4,793 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
3,065 sightings from 3,685 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,223 sightings from 4,913 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,182 sightings from 3,568 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
31% SUCCESS
750 sightings from 2,454 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
44% SUCCESS
605 sightings from 1,388 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,595 sightings from 2,290 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
50% SUCCESS
1,749 sightings from 3,524 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
591 sightings from 2,393 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
570 sightings from 2,408 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
73 sightings from 393 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,951 sightings from 4,373 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,584 sightings from 5,448 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
67 sightings from 3,962 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,919 observations
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