Botswana is Africa's premier safari destination, home to the stunning Okavango Delta and massive elephant herds in Chobe National Park. This landlocked Southern African nation offers pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife, and a commitment to conservation tourism.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Chobe River Elephant Boat Cruise
Leisurely boat safari on the Chobe River watching the world's largest elephant herds drinking and swimming. Safe, stable boats allow children to see wildlife from a relaxed platform — no dusty roads or early morning drives required.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Khama Rhino Sanctuary Game Drive and Walk
Family-friendly sanctuary near Serowe where children can track both black and white rhinos in a managed environment. Educational guides explain rhino conservation, and the lodge restaurant is family-friendly for a post-game lunch.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Mokolodi Nature Reserve Educational Tour
Just 12km from Gaborone, Mokolodi's environmental education program is designed for families and school groups. Children meet rescued wildlife including cheetahs, bush babies, and various raptors in close, controlled encounters.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Quad Biking on Makgadikgadi Pans
Thrilling quad bike adventure across the vast white salt pans near Gweta village. Children 8 and over (with adult supervision) can ride junior bikes while parents explore the surreal landscape of ancient baobabs and prehistoric lake shorelines.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Mokoro Canoe Safari
Gentle glide through the Okavango Delta's papyrus channels in a traditional dugout canoe, poled silently by an expert guide. Children are fascinated by hippos, water monitors, and colorful birds seen at eye level from the water.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Family-friendly riverside lodge in Kasane with interconnecting family rooms, two pools, and excellent access to Chobe National Park elephant safaris. Children's menus, flexible meal times, and a safari activities program for older children.
Family features: Interconnecting rooms, two swimming pools, children's menu, family game drives in private vehicles on request
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort
Kasane riverside resort with modern family rooms, a dedicated children's pool, and organized activities for older children. The riverside setting provides spectacular elephant and bird viewing from the safety of the resort grounds.
Family features: Children's pool, family interconnecting rooms, kids menu, babysitting on request, river viewing deck
Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino
Gaborone's best family hotel in the city center, with spacious family suites, multiple pools, and reliable restaurants. Convenient for families spending time in the capital visiting museums and doing city day trips.
Family features: Family suites, multiple pools, kids' menus at all restaurants, babysitting service, close to shopping malls
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Botswana restaurants accommodate children with reasonable notice — ask about kids menus or half portions
Children's meals at family-friendly chains like Nando's, Wimpy, and Mugg & Bean typically cost $5-8
Safari lodges serve meals at set times but family-friendly lodges can often accommodate children's early dinner requests
Pack familiar snacks for long road journeys between destinations — food options on major highways are limited
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Book family-specific safari lodges that clearly welcome children — not all camps do, and some have strict minimum age policies of 12+
Travel during school holidays (Easter, July-August, December) means peak season prices — budget extra
Malaria prophylaxis is non-negotiable for northern Botswana (Chobe, Okavango, Kasane); consult your pediatrician 4-6 weeks before travel
Domestic flights between Gaborone and Maun/Kasane save enormous family travel time compared to 10-hour drives