Planning a safari with children can feel daunting. Parents often wonder: Is it safe? Will the kids enjoy it? Will it be too long in the car? In Botswana, the answer is reassuring, this is one of Africa’s best safari destinations for families, combining spectacular wildlife with safe, family-friendly camps and activities designed for younger travelers.
Botswana is consistently ranked as one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. The country has a stable government, high conservation standards, and some of the best-trained guides on the continent.
Families love Botswana for the same reasons seasoned safari-goers do: it’s safe, well-run, and full of life. Unlike busier safari destinations, many of Botswana’s reserves are private concessions. That means fewer vehicles, more flexibility, and guides who can adapt the pace of the day to your children. If the little ones get restless on a game drive, you can head back early, or if everyone is buzzing with excitement, your guide might take a detour to track fresh lion prints.
The beauty of Botswana is also its variety. One day you might be watching hundreds of elephants crossing the Chobe River, the next you’re gliding silently through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, and by the end of the week your kids might be laughing as meerkats climb onto their shoulders in the Makgadikgadi Pans. It’s educational, adventurous, and most importantly, fun.
The best time for families is usually the dry season, from June to October, when animals gather around waterholes and rivers, making them easy to spot. The days are warm and sunny, and the nights cool but comfortable. It’s also the time when elephants crowd Chobe National Park, a sight that fascinates children and adults alike.
That said, the green season (November to March) has its own magic. This is when the zebra migration sweeps across the salt pans, the landscape is lush, and birdlife is at its peak. For families traveling over Christmas or Easter holidays, it can be a great-value time to go, though you’ll want to be prepared for afternoon rain and muddier terrain.
If you’re tied to school holidays, December and August safaris are particularly popular for families.
The right camp makes all the difference on a family safari. In Botswana, several lodges go out of their way to welcome children, with family-sized tents or chalets, swimming pools for midday breaks, and guides who love sharing their bush knowledge with kids.
At Chobe Game Lodge, you can relax in spacious family suites and spend afternoons by the pool between river cruises. In the Okavango, Khwai Leadwood and Machaba Camp are fantastic options, offering connected tents and a relaxed atmosphere. For something truly memorable, Leroo La Tau looks out over the Boteti River, where zebras gather in the dry season.
These camps don’t just make space for kids, they include them. Your children might learn how to recognize animal tracks, try out junior ranger activities, or gather around the fire in the evening to listen to stories about the bush.
Botswana has a way of turning safaris into adventures. Game drives are exciting, of course, but it’s often the unusual activities that children love the most.
A gentle mokoro ride through the Okavango is a chance to see the bush from their height, close to the water, with lilies brushing past and tiny frogs clinging to the reeds. Out on the salt pans, quad biking feels like a thrilling desert adventure, with nothing but endless white horizons in every direction. The meerkat encounters are always a hit too, as kids crouch in the sand watching these curious little creatures pop up all around them.
At night, stargazing is a magical family activity. With skies so clear, the Milky Way stretches above you, and guides point out constellations as children lie back wrapped in blankets. Some camps even offer sleepouts, where adventurous families can spend the night on a raised deck under the stars.
Most camps in Botswana welcome children aged six and older, though some activities like walking safaris or mokoro rides may have a higher minimum age. The country is in a malaria zone, so it’s important to speak with your doctor about prophylaxis before you travel. Light aircraft transfers are part of the adventure, kids often love them, but parents may want to prepare little ones for the excitement of flying in a small plane.
When packing, think layers: mornings and evenings can be chilly, while midday is hot. Wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and binoculars sized for kids can make a big difference.
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Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They're just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular spaces.
