Botswana Family Holidays

Botswana Family Safari itinerary planning

Just as with any Botswana itinerary, we’d recommend getting out seeing and experiencing as much as possible. A popular itinerary starts off in one of the larger lodges in Chobe, which acts as a good introduction to Botswana as WiFi and phone signal is still available in most hotels. From here, move down to the wet, wild and wonderful Delta for unique mokoro adventures, staying at little luxury camps. For the seriously adventurous families with time on their hands, finish off in the remote and desolate Makgadikigadi Pans. In our opinion, this itinerary showcases the best of Botswana and form a completely unforgettable trip.
 
A Botswana family safari can be seamlessly combined with an action-packed trip to Victoria Falls (a simple drive over the border at Kasane takes you into Zambia), or indeed a city break at Cape Town. Flights go via Johannesburg from Maun so a luxury beach break in Mauritius or Mozambique is also a great combo.
 
The big question for a Botswana Family Safari is whether you want to stay in private reserves (exclusive, intimate, activity-central) or the National Parks (restricted activities). The private reserves cover parts of the Okavango Delta, along with the Linyanti, Selinda and Kwando reserves. The only (but pretty significant) con of the private reserves is their astronomical price tag. The National Park options still deliver a really great safari, but without the high cost of the private reserves. These areas include Chobe National Park, some areas of the Okavango, Moremi, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari.

Whichever option you go for, we recommend that you book a private vehicle and guide so that you can dictate the pace of your safari – this is especially important with younger children. Depending on how old your children are, the likelihood is that you will be required to do so in many places anyway. When planning itineraries please also be aware that some lodges will not take children under 8 years old, so it is better to give us a call and we can point you in the right direction.

How much does a Botswana Family Safari cost?

Safaris are not the most economical holiday you as a family will take; there is no question about it. Family tents are a norm in all of the camps, meaning you can all be under the same canvas - a relief to some..! It’s worth remembering that under 12’s are eligible for a reduction on their international air fares. On the ground in Botswana, prices start at around $950 per adult per night and about $600 per child per night. Although very expensive, if you have the funds then we really would recommend Botswana as the ultimate family holiday destination. To get an idea of different types of itineraries check out our itineraries page.

Top 5 Botswana Family Safari tips

• Book a safari camp with inter-connecting rooms or a family tent so you can all stay close together.
• Going just outside of the main June to October season will still give you great game viewing, but at a fraction of the cost. Definitely worth consideration when you have little darlings to pay for!
• Keep your safari varied. Children will become bored after their 10th vehicle game drive. Choose a mixture of camps that offer varied activities like walking and boating.
• Being in one of the private concessions will give you a really raw, intimate and quiet safari experience and you will be the best attended to family in the world.
• Don’t head off on safari straight away; take a few days to get over your long flight with a stop in Cape Town and Victoria Falls, both of which work very well with a Botswana safari.

Where to go with young children on your Botswana Family Safari?

Older children especially will be thrilled by the wildlife all over Botswana on safari, as it really is an incredible experience and a huge learning curve. If your children are into horses, there are also horse-riding safaris they can enjoy as well as the new option of hot air ballooning over the Okavango Delta. Whatever the ages of your children, your preferences as a family and your special requirements, we will carefully put together an itinerary to fit them all and to give you the very best possible safari experience.

It’s worth remembering that Botswana is in a malarial area so we recommend speaking with a doctor before booking your safari.

How do I combine the beach with a Botswana Family Safari?

Botswana is a landlocked country, so not as easily combinable with a beach break as other African countries like in East Africa. The closest destination would be Mozambique, famous for its spectacular white sandy beaches, which are probably some of the best in Africa. You have the Quirimbas and Bazaruto Archipelagos chains to choose from, both are well suited for families with loads of activities to keep children entertained.

Further afield you can also combine Seychelles or Mauritius with a safari in Botswana, although you have to take into consideration extra travel time. Due to non-connecting flights, the downside of combining Botswana with the beach is the annoying overnight in Johannesburg. Alternatively, both Victoria Falls and Cape Town work perfectly well with a Botswana safari pre and post safari.

Is it safe to take children on safari?

Safari of course has added potential danger as you are staying in close proximity to wild animals! However we only work with established, well organised and well-funded safari lodges and camps with a great safety track record. As long as you follow the instructions from the camp managers and guides then your safari will be very safe. Speak to us about which safari camps we believe are best suited for families. 

Botswana Family Safari Vs. South Africa Family Safari

Both Botswana and South Africa are great safari destinations for families. South Africa has been involved in safari and tourism for a lot longer than Botswana and as a result, South Africa’s domestic market has rocketed with a domino effect of big chain hotel builds in places such as the Kruger National Park. The feeling in certain parks of South Africa is that of mass-tourism, rather than secluded wilderness hideaways. Botswana is the opposite; private, luxurious yet hugely more expensive, it displays a more quality over quantity approach to tourism. Saying that, South Africa is still a really amazing first family safari destination and if your budget is limited it may be a better choice.

Botswana Family Safari further details:

Between us here in our office we have visited almost every lodge or camp in Botswana that is worth talking about so the best way to book a Botswana Family Safari is to get in touch and have a chat with us. Email us on [email protected] or call through on 1866 356 4691 or the UK on 020 8704 1216.