Botswana Family Safaris

4.8/5 – 301 Botswana Reviews

A family safari in Botswana, a true wilderness destination, ticks all the right boxes. Nothing you can give your family has more value than life experiences. And what an experience a safari in Botswana is! This is where memories are made. Once home, your children may think back to what they witnessed on safari: from a pride of lion hunting, or an amazing sunset in the middle of nowhere; to a San Bushman teaching them to find water in the desert, or a dung beetle rolling a ball of poo. Your children will love it, but there are a few things to consider when planning a holiday to Botswana with kids. Below, you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions that may help you with your holiday planning.

1-20 of 77 family safaris to Botswana

6 Questions About Botswana Family Safaris

Expert

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and photographer. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides. She also contributes to travel and environmental magazines and tourism brochures. She has visited Botswana several times and she hopes to go back sometime soon.

› More about Ariadne

Is Botswana recommended for a family safari?

“Botswana can be an excellent choice for a family safari when planned carefully. Taking your children on safari is endlessly rewarding. Children have a unique way of looking at the world, and a safari is bound to be inspiring and educational at the same time. Botswana offers a very pristine wilderness experience – the perfect environment for a family adventure. The rustic camps and campsites are ideal for immersing the family in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of life back home. This is the kind of experience that brings families closer together.”

How old should my children be to go on safari in Botswana?

“Botswana is perhaps best suited to children above eight years of age. This is the minimum age requirement at many lodges. You can take younger kids, but this might require more planning and your options will be fewer. Botswana is a relatively expensive safari destination and the high cost might be wasted on children too young to appreciate the experience. With the right preparation, many kids above eight years old will be fascinated and eager to learn on a safari. Note, however, that walking safaris are not permitted for children under 12.”

What is the recommended length of time for a family safari in Botswana?

“Depending on your children’s ages, I would recommend a safari in Botswana of about six to eight days. When going on safari, it takes a few days to get in the rhythm. There are the early morning wake-up calls, driving around most of the day, looking out for animals, etc. As your kids learn more, their interest will grow. The same is true for adults of course. Therefore, I would recommend a minimum time in the bush of six days. Longer is better, but you don’t want it to become stale either. Children often have a short attention span and can easily get bored. Ideally, you’ll leave while they are still loving it. It will make the memory a positive one and they’ll be keen to do something similar again.”

How much does it cost to take the family on safari in Botswana?

“There are many variables that determine the price of Botswana family safari packages. A 7-day budget camping safari for a family of four starts at around US$6000. A 7-day mid-range lodge tour for a family of four costs around US$10,000, but luxury tours are priced higher. Some group safaris allow older children, but in most cases it is recommended to book a private safari for your family. To keep down costs, a camping safari could be a great option. Camping adds to the sense of adventure and most kids love it. If you and your kids prefer more luxury, you can also opt for a lodge safari. Make sure to check the minimum age restrictions though. Ask your operator about child-friendly camps and family specials. Some lodges will let children sharing a room with the parents stay at a reduced rate or even for free. For the best value, I suggest getting more than one quote from tour operators before booking your family safari. ”

What should we pack for our children for a family safari in Botswana?

“Unless you have a lot of experience, you should put some extra thought into what to pack for your safari. Even more so for your children. They might want to take lots of stuff, but you obviously need to limit your luggage. Aside from luggage restrictions on your international flight, you should check the restrictions on domestic flights or bush flights if that is part of your itinerary. Even if you don’t have any local flights, the space in the vehicle for a road trip is also limited. You might be doing some wildlife viewing en route, so you don’t want suitcases on the back seats. Having said that, packing wisely for your kids will help to make the trip a success. Keep in mind that there will be a lot of time to kill on a safari: in the airports, in the lodges, and even on game drives. Make sure you have something to keep the little ones entertained. Maybe an Africa-themed book or coloring book, a favorite game or anything else that will keep them occupied when things go a bit slow. Although most lodges will go out of their way to cook child-friendly dishes, it might help to take some snacks along, especially if your kids are picky eaters. There is no reason to kit your kids out with an ‘Out of Africa’ outfit, but choose some easy-wear cotton clothing with muted colors. Also make sure you bring some basic medicines, especially antihistamines for insect bites and mosquito repellent.”

Is it safe to bring my children on a family safari in Botswana?

“Botswana is a safe and stable country. From the moment that you are picked up from the airport, your guide will look out for your safety at all times. Some activities, such as walking safaris, are not allowed for children under a certain age. These restrictions are put in place to keep your children safe. It’s a good idea to monitor your kids and keep an eye on them at all times while on safari. Choosing your accommodation carefully is a great way to reduce any risks associated with the locations. Many camps in Botswana are unfenced. Choosing a fenced lodge without river access might be a better choice when traveling with children.”

Botswana Safari Reviews

4.8/5 301 Reviews

Expert

Stuart Butler –

Stuart is a travel writer and author of numerous Lonely Planet guidebooks, including Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Africa at its Best

5/5

First a confession. I love Kenya. It’s by far and away my favourite African country and I refuse to accept that there might be an even better African safari destination. But then I went to Botswana and nothing could wipe the smile off my...

Full Review

Expert

Mark Eveleigh –

Mark is a travel writer who grew up in Africa and has written over 700 titles for CNN Traveller, Travel Africa, BBC Wildlife and others.

Desert and Delta diversity...and leopards galore!

5/5

If – as many will feel – leopard sightings are your last great Big 5 aim, then Botswana is leopard country par excellence! I have made 5 visits to Botswana and, by some bizarre coincidence, have seen 6 leopards every time I have been...

Full Review

Sean Howard –

Reviewed: Feb 28, 2020

Amazing boat cruise down the Chobe River through Botswana!

5/5

We went on safaris through Kruger National Park, South Africa prior to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Both safaris offer amazing game spotting but Botswana is unique as it included a boat ride on the Chobe River. The animals are abundant...

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Jane Moran –

Reviewed: Feb 27, 2020

Amazing

5/5

We saw all the big 5 and more!. We had excellent accommodations, food, guides, it was a trip of a lifetime!. We would like to return when there is a bit more water in the delta and see the differences the delta has to offer. We really...

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Arne –

Reviewed: Feb 14, 2020

Amazing price for value!

5/5

Probably the most amazing week of my life! About safari in Botswana: it is a bit more expensive than e.g. Kenya but therefor you are not one of a billion vehicles surrounding the animals. I really appreciated the sustainable way they are...

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Karmen Reid –

Reviewed: Jan 12, 2020

Once-in-a-lifetime experience!

5/5

Safari Bookings helped me contect with Zambezi Tours which developed a superb trip for my husband and me. Wonderful, well-equipped tents, excellent food and drinks, and exciting wildlife viewings. All transport, including small planes...

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All 301 Botswana Safari Reviews

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4-Day Elephant Valley Lodge - Forest Tents Botswana

11-Day Classic Zimbabwe and Botswana

14-Day Namibia, Chobe, and Victoria Falls Safari

5-Day Victoria Falls and Chobe Middle Budget Tour

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9-Day Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari

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6 Questions About Botswana Family Safaris

Answered by

Ariadne van Zandbergen

6 Questions About Botswana Family Safaris

Is Botswana recommended for a family safari?

How old should my children be to go on safari in Botswana?

What is the recommended length of time for a family safari in Botswana?

How much does it cost to take the family on safari in Botswana?

What should we pack for our children for a family safari in Botswana?

Is it safe to bring my children on a family safari in Botswana?

Botswana Safari Reviews

Africa at its Best

Desert and Delta diversity...and leopards galore!

Amazing boat cruise down the Chobe River through Botswana!

Amazing

Amazing price for value!

Once-in-a-lifetime experience!