Planning a family safari in Botswana is an exciting adventure filled with the promise of breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and unforgettable memories. But one of the biggest questions many travelers face is: how many days do you really need to experience the best of what Botswana safari has to offer? In general, we recommend spending at least 8–12 days on a Botswana family safari. This allows you to visit multiple regions, enjoy a variety of activities, and fully appreciate the country’s incredible biodiversity. However, if you’re short on time or traveling with young children, a shorter trip can still be rewarding.
A Botswana family safari typically includes visits to iconic destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve. Each location offers unique experiences, from mokoro (dugout canoe) rides through the Delta’s waterways to game drives where you might spot lions, leopards, and wild dogs. For families, there’s also the opportunity to learn about local culture by visiting traditional villages or taking part in educational activities designed for younger travelers. With so much to see and do, it’s important to allocate enough time to each destination while leaving room for rest and reflection.
Why Choose Botswana for Your Family Safari
Botswana stands out as one of the premier destinations for a Botswana family safari, offering an unparalleled combination of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and exceptional conservation efforts. Unlike more crowded safari spots, Botswana is known for its pristine wilderness areas, where families can experience nature in its purest form.
One of Botswana's key attractions is the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse wildlife. Families can enjoy guided safaris by boat or traditional mokoro canoes, offering close encounters with elephants, hippos, and a myriad of bird species. The Chobe National Park is another highlight, home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, as well as lions, leopards, and buffalo.
10-Day Best of Botswana Family Safari
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Okavango delta
Your Botswana family safari begins in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. After arriving at Maun International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your safari guide and transferred to your lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or exploring the local area. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing about the exciting days ahead.
Day 2–4: Okavango Delta
The next morning, you’ll take a scenic flight into the heart of the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your family will stay at a safari camp surrounded by pristine waterways and lush vegetation.
Activities in the Delta include guided mokoro excursions, where you’ll glide silently through the water channels while spotting hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birdlife. Walking safaris are another highlight, offering a chance to track wildlife on foot with an experienced guide. In the evenings, gather around the campfire to share stories and marvel at the star-filled sky.
Day 5–6: Moremi Game Reserve
From the Delta, you’ll travel to Moremi Game Reserve, known for its diverse ecosystems and high concentration of wildlife. Here, you’ll embark on morning and afternoon game drives in search of elephants, lions, cheetahs, and more. Moremi is also home to large herds of buffalo and antelope, making it a prime location for predators.
For families with children, many lodges in Moremi offer kid-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts and lessons on animal tracking. These experiences are both fun and educational, ensuring that younger travelers stay engaged throughout the safari.
Day 7–8: Chobe National Park
Next, you’ll head to Chobe National Park, famous for its massive elephant population and stunning riverfront scenery. Your accommodation will be near the Chobe River, where you can enjoy boat safaris and sunset cruises. These water-based activities provide a unique perspective on wildlife viewing as elephants come down to drink and hippos wallow in the shallows.
Game drives in Chobe offer further opportunities to see lions, leopards, giraffes, and an array of bird species. The park is particularly renowned for its photogenic landscapes, so don’t forget your camera!
Day 9: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
For a change of pace, your safari continues to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans—one of Botswana’s most otherworldly landscapes. Here, your family can enjoy quad biking across the pans (seasonal) or meet the friendly meerkats that inhabit this area. If you’re visiting during the rainy season (November to April), you may also witness the annual migration of zebras and wildebeest.
In addition to wildlife activities, Makgadikgadi offers cultural experiences such as visiting local San communities to learn about their traditional way of life.
Day 10: Departure from Maun
On your final day, you’ll return to Maun for your onward journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a short sightseeing tour before heading to the airport. As you bid farewell to Botswana, you’ll carry with you memories of an incredible family adventure.
When is the best to book Botswana family safari tour?
Botswana is a year-round destination, but the dry season, from May to October, is often considered the prime time for safaris. During this period, wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals such as elephants, lions, and leopards. The cooler weather during these months is also more comfortable for families with children.
Why book Botswana family safari tour with Dav safaris
Dav Safaris stands out as a trusted partner, offering expertly curated tours tailored to meet the needs of families. Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and diverse ecosystems. Dav Safaris ensures that your family experiences the best of this enchanting destination. From the Okavango Delta to Chobe National Park, their itineraries are designed to provide unforgettable encounters with nature while prioritizing safety and comfort.