With its deserts, pans and deltas being home to some of the last great, untouched pristine wildernesses on the planet, Botswana offers a real off the beaten path, lifechanging adventure for the whole family.

Safari

Botswana is one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations, offering families an immersive, untamed wilderness experience that’s hard to match. Known for its pioneering conservation efforts and low-impact tourism model, Botswana is all about quality over quantity. The result? Fewer visitors, which means a more exclusive safari experience that’s ideal for families looking to escape the crowds immerse themselves in nature and enjoy an exclusive safari experience.

Okavango Delta: The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas, teeming with wildlife and where you can experience mokoro safaris—traditional dugout canoes paddled by expert guides through the Delta’s channels. This water-based safari is peaceful and intimate, ideal for spotting smaller wildlife and incredible birdlife up close. Motorboat safaris are also popular, offering a faster pace and wider range to explore the Delta’s more remote areas. On land, walking safaris provide a thrilling way to see Botswana’s wilderness up close, with guides introducing you to the smaller details of the bush, like animal tracks, medicinal plants, and insects. For families with teens, this can be an incredibly engaging, hands-on experience.

Chobe National Park: Chobe National Park is known for its massive elephant population, as well as an abundance of wildlife drawn to the life-giving Chobe River. Here, traditional game drives take visitors through diverse habitats, from dense woodland to open floodplains. One of the most unique aspects of Chobe is the boat safari, a popular choice for viewing wildlife along the riverbanks.

Moremi Game Reserve: The Moremi Game Reserve, located within the Okavango Delta, is unique in offering both water-based and land-based safari options, providing a well-rounded experience in a concentrated area. Game drives in Moremi allow families to explore mopane woodlands and acacia forests, often with sightings of lions, cheetahs, and the elusive African wild dog.

Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Parks: During the dry season, these vast, white salt flats seem to stretch endlessly, and quad biking across the pans is an exhilarating, family-friendly activity unique to this region. In the rainy season, the pans come alive as zebra and wildebeest migrate to the area, attracting predators and creating a seasonal spectacle. Sleep-outs under the stars on the salt pans is an amazing experience.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Remote Wilderness Safaris

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is Botswana’s most remote safari destination, ideal for families seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. Known for its dramatic landscapes and seasonal wildlife, the Kalahari is home to black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, and a variety of desert-adapted species. Safaris here are often longer and less predictable, but the reward is a deeper, quieter experience with minimal crowds. This remote setting is perfect for adventurous families who appreciate solitude and a sense of exploration.

Conservation Experiences

Botswana is a leader in wildlife conservation, offering families the chance to participate in meaningful conservation experiences. At the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, you can learn about rhino conservation efforts and participate in activities like tracking rhinos with experienced guides. The country is also home to various community-led conservation projects that focus on protecting endangered species and preserving habitats. Families can engage with local conservationists and gain insights into the challenges and successes of protecting Botswana’s rich biodiversity. These experiences provide a valuable opportunity to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in children while contributing to important conservation efforts.

Cultural Experiences

One of our favourite cultural experiences in Botswana is walking with the san bushman in the Kalahari , where children can learn about their ancient traditions, clothes and hunting style.