“Just imagine encountering an elephant right by your tent… now that’s outdoor fun.”

Are you looking for a special family vacation? One that your children will remember for years to come? Then I wholeheartedly say: a safari in Botswana with your family! A safari through this beautiful country is adventurous, educational, and perfect for children aged 7 and up. Botswana is not your typical ‘just another’ destination. There are no fences around your lodge or warning signs at the playground. Here, elephants truly walk past your tent. The wildlife here is truly wild. And that’s what makes it so special. So, a safari in Botswana with kids?? Yes, that’s truly possible!

Imagine this: you’re sitting just outside your luxurious safari tent with a book, when suddenly a large gray giant appears! An elephant calmly walks by the campsite. Or: you’re driving your rental car and have to stop for a group of crossing elephants. Welcome to Botswana, the holy grail of Africa. I promise you: your kids will be amazed. And honestly, you will be too. How do you make the most of your family vacation in Botswana? Below, I share a few must-dos during your safari with kids in Botswana. These are our favorite destinations with kids.

The Okavango Delta
A delta as large as Switzerland, packed with wildlife and adventures. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and absolutely should not be missed on your trip. And the best part? Children are truly welcome here. So what would you like to do together as a family?

• Game drives: searching for lions, elephants, and buffalo.
• Walking safaris with a guide: exciting and educational.
• Boat trips or even a multi-day mokoro expedition (from age 12).
• Helicopter flight over the Delta: goosebumps guaranteed.

National parks vs. private concessions
In Botswana, you can choose between national parks and private concessions. Both are fantastic, but they offer slightly different experiences. In national parks (such as Moremi, Chobe, or Savuti), you can only drive during the day and must return to your lodge or campsite in time. In private concessions, however:

• You can drive off-road if you wish.
• You are allowed to go on game drives in the evening or even at night.
• You see almost no other tourists, just you and the wildlife.

Makgadikgadi salt pans: sleeping under the stars
Botswana with kids? Then you have to go to the Makgadikgadi salt pans: an endless white plain with cheeky meerkats and infinite views. If this becomes one of your destinations for a safari with kids, I’m sure it will be unforgettable for you. Here’s what you can do on the salt pans:

• Hop on a quad bike, cross over the pans.
• Take the most bizarre photos (perspective photos guaranteed success!)
• Enjoy a sundowner and campfire.
• And then… sleep under a sky full of stars. In the middle of nowhere.

Walking among the giraffes (or riding a horse!)
On the outskirts of safari town Maun lies Thamo Telele, an intimate wildlife reserve where you can walk or ride horses among giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. Your kids will meet wildlife researchers who tell all about the animals in Botswana. And can your kids ride? Then there’s a horseback safari waiting where you ride among the animals as if you were in a documentary.

Victoria Falls as the extra cherry on top
Okay, to be honest: Victoria Falls is not located in Botswana. But… from Kasane (where many safaris begin or end), you can get there easily. And believe me, this spectacle, this wonder of nature, this adventurous destination for your Botswana safari with kids… is something you definitely don’t want to miss! Here’s what you can do there:

• Bungee jumping from the bridge.
• Rafting on the wild Zambezi.
• Enjoy the fun restaurants.
• Or simply: enjoy the thundering power of the water.

This is your once in a lifetime family trip through Botswana
Botswana with kids is not only possible, it’s one of the most beautiful experiences you can give your family. You step out of your comfort zone, together. You experience Africa in its purest, most untouched form. Want your children to learn to see the world with different eyes? Then choose a safari in Botswana. But… make sure to book in time. For the best lodges, campsites, and rental cars, you often need to book a year in advance.

Want to know more about Botswana with children?
Let’s meet without obligation. Then I’ll tell you all about the best spots, family-friendly routes, and how to make your safari a dream trip.