Family Trip Idea

Family Safari in Botswana

From the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, to the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this family friendly safari will leave you all with lifelong memories. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this spectacular journey from Delta to Desert. From the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, to the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this family friendly safari will leave you all with lifelong memories. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this spectacular journey from Delta to Desert.

Best Time To Go

June to October

Though spectacular and wildlife rich all year round, travelling to Botswana in the dry season usually offers the most prolific game viewing opportunities.

Ideal Length

From 10-14 days

With such a diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife, a longer stay is recommended, so your family has plenty of time to enjoy all that beautiful Botswana has to offer.

From The Team

Paul Hawley

Master Journeysmith

"As a father of two, Botswana is one of my favourite destinations to recommend to my clients for their family travel. There are so many unique experiences and many camps have really cool, specialist activities for kids! From 9 to 90 year olds, all of my clients return bursting with lifelong memories."

Key Highlights

Children With Guide Splash Camp Okavango

Diverse Range of Activities

Choose from a huge variety of activities, with something to entertain every member of your family

Child Bushman Experience Natural Selection

Unique Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in some of the world’s most ancient cultures, learning from indigenous people about their unique way of life

Exclusive Use Camps

Have exclusive use of some of Africa’s most luxurious properties, each with their own unique style and ambience

Abundant Wildlife All Year Round

One of the most well renowned safari destinations, Botswana’s private reserves are game rich, teeming with a variety of species

Itinerary At A Glance

Days 1 - 3

Days 3 - 7

Days 7 - 10

Days 1 - 3

Days 3 - 7

Days 7 - 10

Days 1 - 3

Okavango Delta

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes. The elaborate waterways ebb and flow with the seasons, creating an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience any time of year.

An enchanting landscape of waterways, lagoons, plains and woodlands.
Over 200 species of mammals – including the Big Five.
More than 400 species of birds, including fish eagles and kingfishers.
Privacy, comfort and five-star service on exclusive reserves.
Scenic flights, mokoro rides and open-vehicle game drives offer varied perspectives.
Walking safaris, horse riding safaris and fishing opportunities allow for immersion in nature.
An incomparable safari experience suitable for any time of year.

Days 3 - 7

Linyanti

The Selinda Spillway connects the Okavango Delta to the floodplains and swamps of the Linyanti River. During the dry season, this region becomes a magnet for incredible concentrations of wildlife.

An ample region of savannah, woodland and seasonal riverways.
Spectacular wildlife sightings during the dry season from May to November.
Great location for spotting big cats, including cheetahs.
Exceptional for watching large herds of elephants.
Exclusive lodges ensure privacy and comfort.
Mobile camping safaris offer incomparable nature immersion.

Days 7 - 10

Makgadikgadi

The Makgadikgadi Pan is an expansive salt flat – one of the largest in the world – that offers a safari experience like no other. Zebras migrate across the pan from December to March and the birdwatching is outstanding, too.

One of the world’s largest salt pans lies just east of the Okavango Delta.
Ethereal scenery like nowhere else in southern Africa.
See meerkats and rare desert creatures with an expert San Bushmen guide.
Watch migrating herds of zebras from December to March.
Ride horses or quad bikes through the unusual landscape.
Sleep under the stars on the bed of an ancient lake.

Places to Stay

Hero Image View From The Channel Okuti Camp Moremi

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Great for young families

Located in a beautiful position alongside the Maunachira River, the peaceful oasis of Okuti Camp lies to the east of the Moremi Game Reserve. Overlooking luscious grasslands dissected by the meandering river, the camp is a serene base from which to explore the Moremi, an area renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including the big five.

Hero Image Aerial Shot Chobe Game Lodge Chobe National Park

Linyanti, Botswana

Great for young families

Chobe Game Lodge offers five-star luxury in the wilds of the bush. A haven of peace and tranquillity, the lodge overlooks the winding Chobe River, which is frequented by a whole host of bird species and wildlife including the world’s largest remaining population of elephants. Fully Ecotourism-certified, Chobe Game Lodge is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for couples, small groups and families alike

Hero Image Exterior View Linyanti Ebony Camp Linyanti Savuti

Linyanti, Botswana

Great for multi-generational families

On the banks of the Linyanti Channel, lies the sophisticated Linyanti Ebony Camp. Rising from marshes dotted with groves of riverine trees, the traditional tented camp is endowed with panoramic views of pristine wilderness. Home to healthy populations of predators, as well as many less seen species, the fantastic wildlife is sure to delight all year round - as are the exceptional guides.

Hero Image Aerial Shot Camp Kalahari Makgadikgadi

Makgadikgadi, Botswana

Great for young families

One of just three camps sat within a one million acre private reserve, the remote and understated Camp Kalahari is the epitome of seclusion. The quality of the experience here will ensure that even the finest tastes are well catered for, but it is also a place for those with an adventurous nature. Forget the rush of the modern world and become an explorer, scouring the flats for the wildlife that’s adapted to survive the arid conditions.

Hero Image Exterior View Of Jacks Camp Jacks Camp Makgadikgadi

Makgadikgadi, Botswana

Great for older families

An iconic camp that harks back to an era of glamour, Jack’s Camp is set in the striking Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Whether visiting in the dry or green season, Jack’s offers guests an exceptionally stylish place to stay while admiring the wildlife and unique beauty of the pans.

Connect with nature like never before

Your Botswana Safari Awaits

Talk to an Expert

Positive Impact

Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.

African Communities

In Africa, we support Ripple Effect, a cross-country, African-based charity who help small-scale African farmers release the potential of their land and lives. With every African journey we arrange we make a donation to Ripple Effect. In just over a decade, with the help of our generous clients, we have donated over £115,000 to Ripple Effect’s work in Africa!

5% of Net Profit to Charity

In addition to fundraising, a minimum of 5% of our annual net profits are donated to charitable initiatives. We support four amazing charities who aid communities and wildlife conservation in our key destinations.

Property Partners

Partnering with people who share our values is vital to achieving our positive impact goals. We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching.

Price Guide

Each journey is tailor-made to you with prices to reflect, but you can expect to pay:
From £10,000 per person
Journeysmiths expert team of Travel Designers creates individual itineraries tailor-made just for you. When you book with us, we’ll design your dream holiday where you will create memories of a lifetime, benefitting from over 30 years of experience, expert travel advice and preparation, flawless organisation, and complete ATOL or TOPP financial protection.

Our worldwide network of deep relationships affords us excellent confidential rates with properties, airlines and service providers. This means the price of your holiday will generally be the same as if you booked every individual element yourself - just without any of the hassle.

Each and every holiday we put together is completely unique with prices to reflect. On a superb safari holiday, where the average cost per person is in the range above, you’ll stay in the world’s most exclusive and remote camps, with transport planned right to the door, and every meal, game drive and almost all activities included. Add personalisations like visiting in the height of peak season, chartering a private plane or embarking on unusual activities, and that figure can quickly increase!

Group Of Friends Bush Drinks Xigera Camp

A Family of Twelve

Richard

United Kingdom

"We have used them a few times because they have good experience of the destinations and know how to tailor things to our preferences. This trip was very well conceived for a mixed party of 12 family members ranging in age from 11 to 73."

A Botswana safari as unique as the family it’s for

Plan Your Family Holiday

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Kalahari Desert Sunrise Istock Cred Hannesthirion

Why Travel With Journeysmiths

24/7 Support
It is rare that we hear from our clients while they are away, but if you need us, we are here 24 hours a day and act swiftly to resolve any issue.

Knowledge, Experience & Passion
Since 1990, we’ve been exploring our planet, discovering the world's finest properties and most reliable partners so that you too can experience the best of the wild world.

Flexibility
We appreciate that like our trips, each client is unique, so our journeys are tailor-made to you, with a focus on flexibility.

Financial Security
We are fully bonded and licenced under the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL scheme and maintain a Total Payment Protection Policy.