Botswana Family Safaris
Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination.
Each enormous private reserve has just one or two luxury lodges guaranteeing a series of private experiences as you travel from one exquisite location to the next. Expert guides will take your family on safari among big cats and vast elephant herds in beautiful deltas and deserts.
Some of these superb lodges have a two-bedroom family suite which comes with a private safari guide. So you can head out by open vehicle, on foot, by canoe and even on horseback seeing almost no-one else, on a family holiday you’ll treasure forever. Although this is an all year destination, each delta and desert region is complex and changes seasonally so your safari requires expert planning. Over 30 years’ experience means that we know these places intimately.
Botswana has around 100,000 elephants; far more than any other country, and a huge variety of other wildlife. The settings are idyllic, especially the Okavango Delta which is a network of shallow channels and fertile grassland and forest. Surrounding areas like Savuti, Chobe and Makgadikgadi have their own unique appeal, and in some we can arrange safaris with San bushmen.
Some of these superb lodges have a two-bedroom family suite which comes with a private safari guide. So you can head out by open vehicle, on foot, by canoe and even on horseback seeing almost no-one else, on a family holiday you’ll treasure forever. Although this is an all year destination, each delta and desert region is complex and changes seasonally so your safari requires expert planning. Over 30 years’ experience means that we know these places intimately.
Botswana has around 100,000 elephants; far more than any other country, and a huge variety of other wildlife. The settings are idyllic, especially the Okavango Delta which is a network of shallow channels and fertile grassland and forest. Surrounding areas like Savuti, Chobe and Makgadikgadi have their own unique appeal, and in some we can arrange safaris with San bushmen.
Children with meerkat at Jack's Camp in the Makgadikgadi.
Encounter elephants on your game drives.
Elephants in front of the pool at Savute Safari Lodge.
Lion cub and family at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Bushmen experience at Meno a Kwena Tented Camp.
Horse riding amongst a herd of zebra at Camp Kalahari.
Mokoro canoe experience at Oddballs Enclave.
Pool and family tent at Vumbura Plains Camp.
Wild dogs at King's Pool Camp in the Linyanti.
Why Choose Botswana for Your Family Safari?
Botswana has consistently pursued a policy of low volume, high value luxury tourism and in the areas we use you will not see safari minibuses and large numbers of tourists. This policy conserves fragile ecosystems and means that when you are on safari you are unlikely to see many, if any other vehicles.Botswana has consistently pursued a policy of low volume, high value luxury tourism and in the areas we use you will not see safari minibuses and large numbers of tourists. This policy conserves fragile ecosystems and means that when you are on safari you are unlikely to see many, if any other vehicles.
1. Travelling and the Seasons
South Africa is the regional hub for Botswana, so there are a multitude of options for your international travel. From there it is less than two hours to Maun in northern Botswana.
We will transfer you between lodges by light aircraft so you can travel from a delta to a desert in under an hour and enjoy an eagle’s eye view as you go. We time the flights between safaris so that you don’t miss out on the action.
We will transfer you between lodges by light aircraft so you can travel from a delta to a desert in under an hour and enjoy an eagle’s eye view as you go. We time the flights between safaris so that you don’t miss out on the action.
2. Botswana’s Private Concessions
Most of the Okavango Delta and other prime wildlife regions have been set aside as large, private reserves, which are leased to responsible safari operators on strict conditions. The conditions are designed to protect the environment and the wildlife.
These limit the number of visitors, the way the lodges are constructed, and the activities that are allowed. You visit with a “light footprint” and can expect a very exclusive experience.
These limit the number of visitors, the way the lodges are constructed, and the activities that are allowed. You visit with a “light footprint” and can expect a very exclusive experience.
3. A Variety of Activities
A wide variety of safari activities is possible on these private reserves. Depending on the time of year and rules, you can walk, take a mokoro canoe, a boat trip along glistening waterways or ride horseback. Each activity provides its unique perspective on the wildlife and your surroundings.
Of course, there are also exciting game drives in open sided vehicles. We encourage families to have their own private vehicle, allowing you the greatest freedom.
Of course, there are also exciting game drives in open sided vehicles. We encourage families to have their own private vehicle, allowing you the greatest freedom.
4. Luxurious Lodges with a Light Footprint
On these private reserves, a lodge must be constructed so that it leaves virtually no trace when it is taken down. Few lodges accommodate more than sixteen guests and some take as few as six.
They are often built on a network of raised wooden decks, giving a spectacular, elevated view when you are in your accommodation or moving around. They are luxurious and ingeniously constructed. Take a look at some of the amazing places to stay.
They are often built on a network of raised wooden decks, giving a spectacular, elevated view when you are in your accommodation or moving around. They are luxurious and ingeniously constructed. Take a look at some of the amazing places to stay.
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.
Top 10 Botswana Experiences for Families
Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventures. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will explore the wilds with expert guides. These extraordinary enthusiasts love to share their understanding of the bush and its wildlife. They will take you into the beating heart of Botswana walking, driving, on the water and even riding horses.Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventures. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will explore the wilds with expert guides. These extraordinary enthusiasts love to share their understanding of the bush and its wildlife. They will take you into the beating heart of Botswana walking, driving, on the water and even riding horses.
1. Take a Private Mobile Camping Safari
We can arrange a guide and support team to take your family on a private camping safari. Each day, decide with your guide what your family would like to do, then set off on foot, by vehicle or mokoro. Explore plains and waterways in search of elephant, antelope and giraffe. Enjoy the freedom! Then walk into your comfortable little camp, set up in a beautiful spot by your smiling support team.
2. Mokoro Canoe on the Okavango
From water level, the world seems bigger and more personal: your children will love spotting brilliantly coloured frogs as you glide past giant water lilies towards a heronry of ibis or egrets. By taking a tranquil journey in a Mokoro canoe, expertly punted by your river guide, you’ll be having an experience shared by local inhabitants of the delta for thousands of years.
These slender and elegant canoes were traditionally made from the hollowed-out trunks of hardwood trees, but the modern fibreglass versions not only preserve local trees but are also much more comfortable.
These slender and elegant canoes were traditionally made from the hollowed-out trunks of hardwood trees, but the modern fibreglass versions not only preserve local trees but are also much more comfortable.
3. Capture the Perfect Animal Portrait
Safari guides are often expert photographers too. They can get you into the ideal position to take amazing photographs of animals. The non-threatening profile of the vehicle means you can approach close and capture an expression or action shot that tells a story and portrays the true essence of the animal. Hippo, giraffe, leopard - every creature is a unique character.
4. Walk with San Bushmen
Imagine taking a walk in the Kalahari Desert with a San bushman. What seems at first sight a parched area of scrubland becomes a fascinating treasure trove. Your San Bushman will quietly lead you to secret sources of water and medication. He will show you how the desert offers everything you need to survive, if only you know where and how to look.
The Kalahari changes spectacularly through the seasons and contrasts magically with the Okavango Delta.
The Kalahari changes spectacularly through the seasons and contrasts magically with the Okavango Delta.
5. See the Big Five in a day
In a ground-breaking conservation effort, endangered rhinoceros have been relocated from South Africa to the safety of the vast Chief’s Island reserve in Botswana. The rich habitat surrounding Mombo and Chief’s Camp has always been a great place to see the rest of the Big Five as well; lion, buffalo, elephant and leopard.
Your guide’s tracking skills should make finding a rhino on the reserve a little easier than a needle in a haystack. And the joy of finding it will be enhanced knowing that the rhino is free at last to roam in safety.
Your guide’s tracking skills should make finding a rhino on the reserve a little easier than a needle in a haystack. And the joy of finding it will be enhanced knowing that the rhino is free at last to roam in safety.
6. Spot 100 birds in a day
Now here is a challenge! Get your binoculars and bird book ready and see if your family can identify a century of Botswanan birds. Bateleur eagles riding thermals, kingfishers plunging into pools and a pair of saddlebill storks waddling across a pan are a joy to see.
Brilliantly coloured bee-eaters, a cloud-like flock of quelea and a committee of lappet-faced vultures hopping around a carcass make six species. 94 to go, but Botswana has over 600 bird species in total so get spotting.
Brilliantly coloured bee-eaters, a cloud-like flock of quelea and a committee of lappet-faced vultures hopping around a carcass make six species. 94 to go, but Botswana has over 600 bird species in total so get spotting.
7. Sunset boat ride on the Chobe River
Slowly, the red sun sinks and a thousand elephant emerge from the baked plain to plunge thankfully into the Chobe River. It happens every day, gathering in intensity from August to November.
The best vantage point is the river itself, as sounds of sploshing, trumpeting elephantine joy carry across the water. Any animal in need of a drink gathers here too, as a long, hot day on the Chobe plains draws to a close.
The best vantage point is the river itself, as sounds of sploshing, trumpeting elephantine joy carry across the water. Any animal in need of a drink gathers here too, as a long, hot day on the Chobe plains draws to a close.
8. Watch an Elephant Drink from Your Pool
The swimming pool at Little Tubu Tree camp is beside an old elephant trail. The three delightful tented suites and the bush lounge-diner sit higher and are elevated on wooden platforms so you can gaze for miles.
At siesta time, as you relax on your deck you might watch a couple of elephant sauntering along the trail. Sometimes they find your man-made watering hole too tempting and can’t resist sucking up twenty gallons or so before moving slowly on.
At siesta time, as you relax on your deck you might watch a couple of elephant sauntering along the trail. Sometimes they find your man-made watering hole too tempting and can’t resist sucking up twenty gallons or so before moving slowly on.
9. Celebrate Christmas in the Okavango Delta
On the twelfth day of Christmas my parents gave to me—twelve lechwe leaping. Next Christmas Day your family could be gazing up at a gloriously beautiful leopard snoozing on the branch of a sausage tree.
Christmas is a great time to safari in the Okavango, and it’s the lowest season pricewise. Perhaps you could spend a week on safari then head down to sunny Cape Town for a sublime combination holiday.
Christmas is a great time to safari in the Okavango, and it’s the lowest season pricewise. Perhaps you could spend a week on safari then head down to sunny Cape Town for a sublime combination holiday.
What is the Best Time to Go on a Botswana Safari
Your family can enjoy a superb Botswana safari at any time of year. The seasonality of the deserts and deltas is complex and choosing the ideal time to travel for what you have in mind requires expert advice. In this section we explain the fundamentals of the seasons and the effect that they have on the landscapes and wildlife. It is best to call us so that we can discuss your family’s plans and prepare the perfect itinerary for the time of year you wish to travel.Your family can enjoy a superb Botswana safari at any time of year. The seasonality of the deserts and deltas is complex and choosing the ideal time to travel for what you have in mind requires expert advice. In this section we explain the fundamentals of the seasons and the effect that they have on the landscapes and wildlife. It is best to call us so that we can discuss your family’s plans and prepare the perfect itinerary for the time of year you wish to travel.
What are the Weather Patterns in Botswana?
Botswana is a largely arid country, which receives little rainfall. April to the end of November is a season of almost unbroken sunshine. Winter falls from late May to early September, and from dusk to dawn the temperatures drop rapidly, requiring you to layer up.
Temperatures reach their peak in October and November before the first summer showers arrive, and these continue through to the end of March.
Temperatures reach their peak in October and November before the first summer showers arrive, and these continue through to the end of March.
What Effect do the Rains Have on Safaris?
The rains that fall from December to March come mainly as thunder showers, often in the afternoon following a clear morning. They bring relief and cause the desert areas to flourish, attracting animals and birds, making this the best time to visit the Kalahari.
They also replenish areas like Savuti, where the sudden availability of widespread watering places disperses the big herds. The rains have relatively little effect upon game viewing in the Okavango, which is more influenced by the arrival of the annual floodwaters.
They also replenish areas like Savuti, where the sudden availability of widespread watering places disperses the big herds. The rains have relatively little effect upon game viewing in the Okavango, which is more influenced by the arrival of the annual floodwaters.
What is the seasonality of the Okavango Delta?
The Okavango Delta exists because the river Okavango ends its journey in the Kalahari. The Okavango is fertile and has plentiful water all year, so the wildlife generally stays within the Delta.
The rains that fall from December to March at the source of the river in Angola reach the Delta between May and July. In these months, you can actually see the Delta replenishing and in some areas, plains become submerged under lagoons. The waters then evaporate slowly and by December the Okavango water levels are at their lowest.
The rains that fall from December to March at the source of the river in Angola reach the Delta between May and July. In these months, you can actually see the Delta replenishing and in some areas, plains become submerged under lagoons. The waters then evaporate slowly and by December the Okavango water levels are at their lowest.
Do the Seasons in Botswana Affect the Cost of a Family Safari?
Yes! Prices are considerably lower in Botswana from December to the end of March. With carefully chosen safari locations and lodges, your family can enjoy an excellent safari during these months, seeing good numbers of animals. November, April and May are usually at mid-season prices.
Peak season is from June to the end of October, driven by lodge occupancy levels rather than quality of game viewing. However, these peak months are the best for seeing the largest herds in Savuti, Chobe and Linyanti.
Peak season is from June to the end of October, driven by lodge occupancy levels rather than quality of game viewing. However, these peak months are the best for seeing the largest herds in Savuti, Chobe and Linyanti.
Which Areas of Botswana Should You Visit?
Botswana is a complex country of deltas, deserts and savannahs. Conditions and the safari experience differ significantly as seasons progress throughout the year. We have 30 years’ experience arranging amazing family safaris to Botswana. We know every wildlife reserve and every lodge and our team of experts understand how to create the perfect safari, whenever you choose to travel.Botswana is a complex country of deltas, deserts and savannahs. Conditions and the safari experience differ significantly as seasons progress throughout the year. We have 30 years’ experience arranging amazing family safaris to Botswana. We know every wildlife reserve and every lodge and our team of experts understand how to create the perfect safari, whenever you choose to travel.
Explore the 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. You might like to visit two contrasting areas in the Delta.
The Kalahari and Makgadikgadi
The Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Pans present a spectacular contrast. Summer rains sustain vegetation and support an amazing array of wildlife such as meerkats, hyena and the infamous black-maned lion. We can arrange for you to walk with a San Bushman as he explains ancient tracking and survival skills and the medicinal use of plants. From December to April, the rains clothe the deserts in flowers and grassland, attracting seasonal migrations and birds.
Chobe, Savuti & Linyanti
The northern savannah regions; Chobe, Savuti and Linyanti, are best from June to November when enormous herds gather around diminishing permanent waters. Huge numbers or elephant and plains game, followed by predators provide exceptional game viewing.
Expert Advice
What can you expect on a family holiday in Botswana.What can you expect on a family holiday in Botswana.
Article
Activities on a Botswana Safari
Imagine gliding silently along an Okavango waterway in a mokoro canoe as zebra and impala graze the grasslands. Or cantering on horseback with your guide alongside giraffe. In the Kalahari, take an early morning walk with a San Bushman as he explains the ancestral secrets of survival.
Article
People of Botswana
Here’s something you might not expect. The people looking after you on safari might create some of your happiest safari memories. You’ll remember laughter and those after dinner stories and jokes around the campfire. During a three-night stay in a luxury camp, you’ll get to make friends with your guide, the chef, the vegetable gardener and the other people who love their work.
Article
Animals on a Botswana Safari
Botswana is a great choice for an exclusive family safari. Roaming the spectacular deserts, deltas and savannahs are literally millions of animals. The fertility and abundant water of the Okavango and Linyanti Deltas supports an incredible 200 different mammal species. The Government’s high value, low volume tourism policy helps conservation and enables you to enjoy a top quality private safari.
Article
Botswana Downtime & Combinations
Between safaris there is plenty for children to do in camp while the adults relax. Safari lodges may be small and in remote locations, but they have excellent facilities and your hosts’ purpose is to give you the best possible time. In this section we also suggest a couple of places that combine easily to complement your Botswana safari.
Article
Go Exclusive In Botswana
The best way to give your family the facilities it seeks may be to book out an entire camp or lodge. Perhaps you are planning a multi-generation safari. Or you may want to fulfil a dream of walking, mokoroing and camping out in the Okavango. You may simply crave an extra degree of privacy. Most lodges we use take fewer than 16 guests, some take only eight, so booking a whole lodge is a viable option.
Private Journeys Unique to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
Who Are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Our Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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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.
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Botswana Family Safaris
Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination. Each enormous private reserve has just one or two luxury lodges guaranteeing a series of private experiences as you travel from one exquisite location to the next. Expert guides will take your family on safari among big cats and vast elephant herds in beautiful deltas and deserts.
Article
Activities on a Botswana Safari
Imagine gliding silently along an Okavango waterway in a mokoro canoe as zebra and impala graze the grasslands. Or cantering on horseback with your guide alongside giraffe. In the Kalahari, take an early morning walk with a San Bushman as he explains the ancestral secrets of survival.
Article
People of Botswana
Here’s something you might not expect. The people looking after you on safari might create some of your happiest safari memories. You’ll remember laughter and those after dinner stories and jokes around the campfire. During a three-night stay in a luxury camp, you’ll get to make friends with your guide, the chef, the vegetable gardener and the other people who love their work.
Article
Animals on a Botswana Safari
Botswana is a great choice for an exclusive family safari. Roaming the spectacular deserts, deltas and savannahs are literally millions of animals. The fertility and abundant water of the Okavango and Linyanti Deltas supports an incredible 200 different mammal species. The Government’s high value, low volume tourism policy helps conservation and enables you to enjoy a top quality private safari.
Article
Botswana Downtime & Combinations
Between safaris there is plenty for children to do in camp while the adults relax. Safari lodges may be small and in remote locations, but they have excellent facilities and your hosts’ purpose is to give you the best possible time. In this section we also suggest a couple of places that combine easily to complement your Botswana safari.
Article
Top 10 Botswana Activities
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
Article
Go Exclusive In Botswana
The best way to give your family the facilities it seeks may be to book out an entire camp or lodge. Perhaps you are planning a multi-generation safari. Or you may want to fulfil a dream of walking, mokoroing and camping out in the Okavango. You may simply crave an extra degree of privacy. Most lodges we use take fewer than 16 guests, some take only eight, so booking a whole lodge is a viable option.
Article
Top 10 Family Activities in Botswana
Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventure. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will be in the wilds with expert guides. We curated the top 10 family experiences in Botswana to whet your appetite.
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Explore The Okavango Delta
Botswana is one of the best places for a family holiday of a lifetime! There are millions of animals across plains, deserts and deltas.
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Meet The Meerkats on a Kalahari Adventure
The Kalahari is a fascinating place for a family safari. The children can sit by a meerkat den watching these curious little creatures foraging and playing as one stands guard on its hind legs looking out for eagles. They can watch enthralled as a San Bushman reveals hidden secrets that have enabled them to survive here for thousands of years.
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