Everything You Need to Know for a Botswana Family Safari

Botswana offers families a chance to experience nature at its most untouched. Known for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife, this southern African country is a top destination for families seeking safaris — from gliding through the waters of the Okavango Delta to watching elephants roam freely in Chobe National Park to standing in awe beneath a star-filled sky in the Makgadikgadi Pans.

While Botswana’s remote beauty means a bit of extra planning (and certainly the help of a CB! Travel Advisor well-versed in safaris), the rewards are unparalleled. Families will find welcoming guides who know how to engage young adventurers and accommodations that blend comfort with the excitement of the wild. Whether your kids are eager to spot animals, learn about ancient traditions or explore the great outdoors, Botswana delivers indelible moments that create lifelong memories.

Here’s a look at the destinations and activities that will make your Botswana family safari truly unforgettable.

Botswana Family Safari 101: Where to Go, What to Know and More

Chobe National Park

One of the largest elephant populations in Africa can be found in Chobe National Park. Spanning 4,500 square miles with an estimated 120,000 elephants, it’s a dream destination for families eager to see these larger-than-life animals up close. But you’ll have more than elephants to spot here. The park is filled with giraffes, lions, zebras and antelope, and with luck, you’ll get to glimpse them all on game drives.

Family-friendly lodges like Chobe Game Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge provide interconnecting rooms, child-focused safari programs and swimming pools for cooling off after a day of exploring. These lodges also offer boat cruises along the Chobe River, where kids can keep their eyes peeled for hippos, crocodiles and elephants gathering on the riverbanks.

Chobe Game Lodge is the oldest 5-star safari lodge in the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s dated. Maintaining all the perks of a luxe property, the lodge is made up of 40 rooms (each with air conditioning) as well as four suites perfect for families and including private plunge pools. Meanwhile, Chobe Safari Lodge, which has been in operation for more than 60 years, also has 16 suites specifically for families.

The small town of Kasane is a key entryway into the national park. From here, you can cross into Zambia or Zimbabwe to visit nearby attractions like Victoria Falls, and many safari lodges will help arrange trips to the falls for an added bit of adventure.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Instead of the usual game drives, here you’ll explore the wetlands by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe guided by experienced polers much like gondoliers in Venice. This quiet journey allows kids to spot elephants bathing, hippos wallowing and colorful birds like kingfishers and African fish eagles, which dive dramatically into the water and emerge with wriggling fish.

Many lodges in this area cater to families with larger tents and activities designed for children, including nature walks and educational but fun lessons about the local ecosystem. Kids can learn how to identify animal tracks, discover the importance of water conservation and hear stories about the delta and its wildlife from local guides. For older ones, fishing excursions and guided bush walks offer a way to connect hands-on with the wilderness.

Two notable options include Camp Okavango, situated on a remote island in the heart of the delta, and Gunn’s Camp, overlooking Chief’s Island and bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Camp Okavango offers a dedicated children’s area with games and books, while Gunn’s Camp provides a more authentic tented experience.

The town of Maun is considered the gateway to the delta and is often a starting point for safaris and mokoro trips. While in town, explore the vibrant markets where locals sell crafts, jewelry and fresh produce, and stop into the Nhabe Museum. Although small, it highlights the region’s history, culture and wildlife and gives you context for what you’ll see in the delta.

Kalahari Desert

Yes, the chain of African-themed indoor water parks sprouting up across the U.S. was named for the Kalahari, but this authentic experience will fascinate the kids way more than kitschy slides or wave pools. One highlight is walking with the San Bushmen, one of the oldest cultures in the world. These expert trackers share stories of their heritage while teaching families how they find water in the desert, identify edible and medicinal plants and track animals using barely visible signs like footprints or disturbed grass.

The Kalahari is also home to unique wildlife, including black-maned lions, adorable meerkats and gemsbok, which are majestic antelope with long, straight horns. These can be spotted on game drives during a visit to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, while night safaris under the vast desert sky come alive with constellations that will wow everyone in the family.

If you stay during the rainy season, November to April, you’ll get to see the desert transform into a lush landscape, attracting herds of zebra and wildebeest.

For families seeking an immersive experience in the Kalahari region, Tau Pan Camp features thatched-roof accommodations designed for families, along with special activities offered for kids and private safaris just for your crew.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans form an otherworldly landscape that will have your family feel as if they are stepping onto another planet. One of the largest salt flats on earth, they were formed after an ancient superlake dried up thousands of years ago and now are a sea of shimmering white that stretches endlessly to the horizon.

But that’s just in the winter. When the rain arrives between late fall and early spring, the transformation is astounding as the pans become a lush wetland that attracts thousands of migratory birds, including pink and white flamingos. During the dry season, families can take quad bikes across the vast, empty terrain and sleep under a blanket of stars. Here, too, the Zu’/hoasi Bushmen share their own stories of survival and skills, adding another layer of wonder.

Located at the edge of the salt pans, the 12-tent Camp Kalahari provides an authentic, family-friendly African experience. Each tent is equipped with an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold running water and the camp boasts a swimming pool, quad biking, horseback riding and other activities kids will love.

Tsodilo Hills

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tsodilo Hills are nicknamed the “Louvre of the Desert.” Rising dramatically from the flat Kalahari landscape, these ancient rock formations feature more than 4,500 prehistoric rock paintings created by the San people and other early inhabitants. Dating back thousands of years, they depict scenes of daily life, hunting and spiritual rituals.

Guided tours take you along walking trails that wind through the hills, stopping at key sites where rock art comes alive through the narratives. The hills themselves are believed to be sacred and sometimes referred to as the Mountains of the Gods, with each hill symbolizing man, woman, child and the spiritual world.

When seeking accommodations in this area, consider basing along the banks of the Okavango River, such as Xaro Lodge. While intimate, the lodge does offer a spacious family room with two bedrooms and stunning views. The lodge will keep kids engaged with boat cruises, fishing and bird watching, and there’s no better place for a sundowner than the deck overlooking the river.

Gaborone

As the capital and largest city of Botswana, Gaborone offers a glimpse into the country’s urban life. While it may not match the beauty of Botswana’s natural landscapes, it has its own charm and a few attractions that make it a worthy stop, such as the National Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases the nation’s traditional crafts, arts and artifacts.

Just outside town is the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, which has an array of family-friendly hiking trails, guided tours and even cheetah interactions. The Gaborone Game Reserve is within city limits. Despite being one of the country’s smallest reserves, it offers families a chance to see antelope, warthogs and monkeys within steps of urban life.

For accommodations, Gaborone offers several family-friendly options, such as the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, with a swimming pool, onsite dining and spacious rooms, and the Peermont Mondior Hotel, which features family suites.

Travel Tips for a Botswana Family Safari

Getting There

Reaching Botswana typically involves flying into one of its main international airports, which are in Gaborone, Maun and Kasane. Kasane provides easy access to Chobe National Park and Maun is the primary gateway to the Okavango Delta. Most international flights connect through major African hubs like Johannesburg in South Africa.

From these airports, light aircraft or chartered flights are often used to access remote lodges and camps. You’ll need to plan well in advance, and using a Travel Advisor who understands the intricacies of small plane travel is important.

Weather 

Botswana has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, from May to October, features sunny days and cooler nights. Meanwhile, the wet season, from November to April, can make some roads impassable, but it’s still a magical time as areas transform from desert into lush landscapes.

Vaccinations 

Routine vaccines such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are typically required, and vaccines for typhoid and hepatitis A are often recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is essential, especially if visiting areas like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park during the wet season. Consult your doctor about which vaccines and medical precautions you’ll require. Be sure to pack insect repellent as well.

Relevant Links:

Browse all accommodations and destination ideas in Africa on Ciao Bambino

See our favorite ideas for nature and wildlife trips

Essential tips for taking an African safari with kids

Choosing the right luxury safari for your family

3 Belmond properties for a kid-friendly luxury vacation in Africa 

Pick your passion: Family vacation ideas for every interest

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.