Tips for Family Safaris in Botswana

Embarking on a family safari in Botswana is a magical adventure that promises to create unforgettable memories. Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife, and luxurious safari lodges, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a safari experience that combines both excitement and comfort.

At Niarra Travel, we specialise in curating bespoke Botswana family safari experiences that cater to the unique needs and interests of every family member. Here are some essential tips we think will help you plan the perfect family safari in Botswana.

Botswana offers a variety of stunning safari destinations, each with its unique charm and attractions. When planning a Botswana family safari, consider these top locations:

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous safari destinations in the world. Its lush wetlands and intricate waterways provide a unique backdrop for spectacular wildlife viewing.

Families can enjoy guided boat trips, mokoro rides, and fascinating walking safaris. The delta is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos, ensuring that every game drive is filled with adventure.

Located within the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve is another incredible safari destination that combines verdant landscapes with intriguing wildlife. The reserve is perfect for families looking for intimate and exclusive safari experiences. With its mix of wetlands, forests, and savannahs, Moremi offers excellent game viewing opportunities, including surprise sightings of a leopard and packs of African wild dogs.

Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant populations and incredible wildlife sightings. The Chobe River offers unique boat safaris where families can watch elephants bathing and playing in the water. In the dry season, the river sees thousands of elephants and buffalo lining the banks and crossing the water.

Chobe's proximity to Victoria Falls also allows for an easy add-on excursion to one of the world's most incredible natural wonders, The falls are just a short trip from Chobe National Park, offers a spectacular display of cascading water and opportunities for activities like helicopter rides, white-water rafting, and bungee jumping.

Timing your Botswana family safari correctly can significantly enhance your experience. You may be limited to school vacation times, outside of this, choosing either Botswana’s dry season or wet season will give you distinctly different experiences.

The dry season is cool and pleasant, and animals congregate around water sources, making wildlife sightings more predictable and frequent. This period is ideal for game drives and walking safaris, as the vegetation is less dense, providing clearer views of the African wildlife that surrounds you.

The wet season, also known as the green season, brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists. This season is also great for photography enthusiasts due to the vibrant colours and dramatic lighting.

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable Botswana family safari. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially during the peak season, to secure your preferred lodges and safari guides. Select family-friendly accommodations and activities tailored to your interests and the ages of your children for the most enjoyable time.

Take time to consult your healthcare provider about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis well before your trip. Botswana is a low-risk malaria area, but it’s still advisable to take precautions, especially when travelling with children. Packing a first-aid kit may be useful for any small issues that occur during a safari venture.

When packing for a family safari, focus on lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours to blend in with the environment. Necessary items to pack include insect repellent, supportive walking shoes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun. Binoculars and cameras are also essential for getting the very best out of your safari.

A Botswana family safari offers a plethora of activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Game drives are the cornerstone of any safari, with experienced guides at the helm, families can enjoy morning and evening drives, spotting an array of wildlife from the safety and comfort of 4x4 vehicles.

Guides often tailor their narratives and activities to engage younger explorers, making each drive educational and fun. Night drives offer the excitement of discovering nocturnal wildlife. Equipped with spotlights, you’ll venture into the bush after dark to see creatures that are rarely active during the day, to increase your chances of catching a glimpse of a leopard, owl, or porcupine.

Alternatively, exploring the waterways of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River on a boat safari is a thrilling experience. It offers a different perspective on wildlife viewing, allowing family members of all ages to see animals like hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds up close.

For families with older children, walking safaris provide an intimate and informative way to explore the bush. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’ll learn about the smaller creatures, plants, and tracks that are often overlooked on game drives.

Incorporating cultural experiences into your safari can be incredibly enriching. Visits to local villages and interactions with indigenous communities like the San people offer insights into traditional lifestyles and customs, adding a cultural dimension to your adventures.

Choosing family-friendly accommodation that aligns with your dream safari holiday is an integral part of planning your trip. Here are a few of our favourite lodges in Botswana that are best suited for family holidays.

Little Vumbura

Located on an island in the north of the Delta, Little Vumbura is a luxury, eco-friendly getaway like no other. Just six tented suites are located on this stilted safari lodge, positioned perfectly to give your group a view over the immense floodplains from the comfort of your private veranda.

Fitted with wooden walkways over rushes to the star deck, boma area and communal dining area, the lodge is a gorgeous picture of a luxury family safari and children aged six years and older are welcome.

The area around Little Vumbura attracts an incredible variety and density of wildlife, from big cats to elephant herds. You can explore this rich biodiversity through an exciting blend of land and water-based safari activities.

Jao Camp

Venture into the heart of the Okavango Delta, where the luxurious Jao Camp awaits, nestled amidst riverine forests and beautiful expansive floodplains. This contemporary retreat features five unique suites and two villas, each with an open-plan design and vintage-style fittings making them perfect for families of all sizes. Again, children from the ages from six years and upwards are welcome.

Relax in the sala for leisurely afternoon siestas or enjoy a seasonal romantic star bed when water levels permit. In the main area of camp, you’ll find a plunge pool, gym, library and a boma where you can dine under the stars.

A Botswana family safari with Niarra Travel promises an adventure filled with awe-inspiring wildlife, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences tailored to every family’s needs.

Whether you’re navigating the serene waters of the Okavango Delta or watching herds roam in Chobe, get in touch with our team on +44 (0) 20 3821 5994 (UK), +1 (833) 215 9353 (US) or at explore@niarratravel.com to start planning your extraordinary journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness.