Limited to 13 Travelers
From Desert to Delta, an Exhilarating Adventure to Thrill Safari-Goers of All Ages!
For families, there’s no topping the adventure of an African safari—and in Africa, it’s tough to top Botswana. Big game is abundant, and we get amazingly close to elephants, lions and much more from authentic tented safari camps deep in the bush and far from crowds. In a world of vanishing natural treasures, the chance for a family to experience Africa's wonders together is an unsurpassed gift. As you watch a cheetah sprint across the savanna or study the green glow of a hyena’s eyes at night, "wild life" takes on a whole new meaning! Our family-focused itinerary is designed for all generations, to maximize diversity of locations and experiences, and to keep young minds captivated. From the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert with its sprawling salt pans to the emerald marshes of the Okavango Delta and the thunder of Victoria Falls, our Botswana family safari unveils new thrills day by day.
This trip will be hosted by a SDZWA Wildlife & Conservation Expert
The host for this trip will be an SDZWA expert on wildlife specific to the region. They will be with you every step of the way to educate and inspire you, and to share their passion for nature! Check back for more details.
Trip Highlights
Stand before the thunder of Victoria Falls, the largest sheet of falling water on Earth, and visit a nearby village to meet local children and learn about their lives.
Explore the game-rich Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert with an expert naturalist guide specifically chosen to foster fun and learning for kids.
Enjoy the abundant comforts of authentic luxury bush camps, and discover diverse wildlife habitats by 4x4, bush walks, quad bike, boat and poled canoe.
What's So Distinctive About this Botswana Safari?
Every family-focused safari in Botswana is not the same. It’s important to compare crucial features like itinerary inclusions, vehicles and window seats, accommodation style and locations, group size, etc., so you can be sure the safari of your family’s dreams is exactly that! When you see how we stack up, we can’t imagine you’d choose any other family safari adventure.
- A Small, Personalized Family Safari
Our Family Botswana Safari is limited to just 13 guests, divided into two safari vehicles—the perfect size for a multi-generational family, or an opportunity to share an intimate family experience with another small family group or two, for added fun and companionship.
- You Won't Find a More Diverse Itinerary
When you're traveling with kids, variety is important. Safari-goers of all ages will be wowed by our wide-ranging itinerary that takes you from the arid expanse of the Kalahari Desert into the watery reaches of the Okavango Delta—plus a visit to mighty Victoria Falls! And it's not just destinations that are diverse; we include a host of different activities, too, from classic game drives to guided safari walks, poled mokoro (canoe) excursions, boat rides, and even a quad bike outing across the salt pans. No one will be remotely bored on this exciting journey.
- Private Reserves Offer Special Activities
Rather than staying in more heavily visited national parks, we concentrate on remote, uncrowded private reserves. Here, in addition to traditional wildlife drives, we have the chance to get out of the truck (always important with kids) and enjoy safely guided bush walks in the company of our Expedition Leader. In addition, we take exciting night drives in search of nocturnal creatures. These are exclusive advantages, since these activities are not permitted in the national parks.
- Small Secluded Camps Offer Memorable Accommodations
Ambiance means a lot on safari. So does your proximity to the animal life that your family traveled so far to see. Stay at intimate, isolated camps that immerse us in nature amid profuse wildlife, rather than other tourists.
- The Worl's Finest Safari Guides
Natural Habitat Adventures is known for employing the finest naturalist guides on the planet. Our Family Botswana Safari includes your own private Expedition Leader for the duration of the trip. Our Expedition Leaders are the most highly trained guides in Africa, renowned for providing exceptional service. Those who lead our family safaris have a special rapport with kids and a knack for discerning and balancing the needs and interests of different generations traveling together.
Itinerary
Day 1–10: Create memories that span generations on an expertly guided family safari filled with abundant wildlife encounters and diverse activities designed to delight all ages.
Accommodations
Meno a Kwena
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana
Situated between the sprawling Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve near Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, this camp offers a comfortable retreat in nine traditional canvas tents overlook the Boteti River. The camp's name translates to “teeth of the crocodile,” referencing the common presence of these reptiles chilling out on nearby riverbanks. Style supersedes opulence in Meno a Kwena's cool, relaxed atmosphere. Tent sides roll up to take in the broad vista, but your private space remains hidden among thorny branches that offer seclusion and protection from wandering wildlife. Each tent has an en suite flush toilet and authentic indoor and outdoor safari showers. Furnishings are distinctly African, with dark wood, bold textiles, and woven carpets under foot. Harnessing the power of Botswana’s typically sunny days, solar power fires the camp’s energy-efficient lights, as well as your camera battery charger. This is a low-impact camp that supports recycling and recognizes water as a limited and precious resource.
Camp Kalahari
Kalahari Desert, Botswana
This remote desert safari camp is tucked beneath acacias and Mokolwane palms on Hyena Island at the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. A legendary location, these are the stomping grounds where storied explorer Jack Bousfield set up his original camp in the 1970s, claiming this spot within the vast expanse of the glittering pans as his own private paradise.
Today, the solar-powered camp retains its traditional atmosphere with 12 spacious Meru-style tents gathered around an airy, thatched-roof living space. Inside is a lounge with ample cushioned seating, a library, and a dining area. Each roomy canvas tent features authentic African furniture and textiles, canopied four-poster beds, colonial antiques and Moroccan kilims to keep your feet warm. An en suite bathroom has a flush toilet and hot and cold running water. Rich wood furnishings and vintage maps evoke the expedition atmosphere of a century ago.
As a complement to your desert experience, cool off in the shaded plunge pool on a warm afternoon. Our time at camp include private game drives, unparalleled stargazing and a seasonal quad bike outing (available April-October) into the vast expanse of the Makgakikgadi Pans. You'll also get the opportunity to get up close and personal with a colony of habituated meerkats.
Sable Alley
Khwai Private Wildlife Reserve, Botswana
This solar-powered camp at the edge of Botswana’s massive private Khwai wildlife reserve is a complete rebuild of a longtime favorite bush camp. Part of a community-based partnership with a keen sensitivity for the environment and local culture, the camp’s 12 raised log and canvas tents have uninterrupted views of a lagoon connected to two rivers, which is regularly frequented by thirsty wildlife. A resident pod of about 30 hippos provides steady entertainment while elephant, buffalo and herds of plains game come in and out to drink.
Stylish contemporary finishes in the tents include canopy beds, hardwood floors and crisp bedding. Each tent has its own deck, ceiling fan and en suite bathroom with flush toilet and private indoor and outdoor showers to rinse away the dust. A swimming pool, lounge and outdoor seating area share uninterrupted views of the vast plains and star-filled sky. Take game drives and walking safaris with indigenous guides into the Khwai Reserve, looking for lion, leopard, wild dog, and of course the eponymous sable antelope, among many other species. A trip down the Khwai River by traditional mokoro, a poled canoe, provides a chance to converse and learn about the community from local polers. Night drives may offer glimpses of leopard, porcupine and feisty honey badger.
Ilala Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
This luxurious boutique hotel enjoys an exclusive setting on the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi Gorge and Victoria Falls. Geographically, it is the closest accommodation to the falls, which are accessible via an easy walk—as is the town of Victoria Falls—yet guests enjoy peaceful seclusion. Guest rooms on the upper tier open out onto a private balcony, while lower-tier rooms open onto manicured gardens frequented by wildlife that roams the vicinity. Enjoy impromptu entertainment from warthogs, impala and sometimes even hippos that graze on the hotel lawns. Large guest rooms have views either of the spray from the falls in the distance, or of the lush gardens. Each spacious room is a study in style and comfort, and teak furnishings made from railway sleeper cars enhance the distinctive African ambience. Amenities include high-quality linens and towels, air conditioning, ceiling fans, satellite television, free Wi-Fi, hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, refrigerator, tea- and coffee-making facilities and an in-room safe.
Know Before You Go
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming safari or just want to learn more about Botswana, be sure to check out these useful resources.
Weather and Climate
Find out about Botswana's weather conditions during the dry and green seasons.
Trip Pricing
Trip Price: $14,895 (+internal air).
Internal Air Cost: $1,128 per person (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).
Single Occupancy: For a single room, add $2,995. Contact Us to learn how you can avoid the single supplement.
Deposit: $500 per person (non-refundable)
Group Size
Limited to13 Travelers.
A very important feature of our family Botswana safari is the limited group size, as nature expeditions are best experienced in intimate settings with fewer travelers. We further divide our group into two safari vehicles, with no more than seven passengers each, for even more personalized wildlife encounters.
Age Limit on Family Botswana Safaris
We welcome children age 6 and older on our Family Botswana Safaris. However, while some 6-year-olds are well suited for our Botswana adventures, others may not be ready for the requirements of group travel. We believe it's best to consider this minimum age limit a guideline—you, as a parent or guardian, are best qualified to decide whether your child would enjoy the experience without compromising the comfort of others. We strongly encourage you to speak with one of our Adventure Specialists about the specific requirements of the trip so you can make an informed decision. We do not permit children younger than 6 on our scheduled departures due to safety regulations, physical limitations and concerns regarding group dynamics. Depending on the age of the child, children must be matched in rooms with adults for safety purposes and due to camp regulations in Botswana. Additionally, children under 13 years old are not generally able to participate in the traditional mokoro boat rides for safety reasons and children must be 16 years or older to participate in longer, optional safari walks. Alternative activities will be provided for children as appropriate.
Specialized 4x4 Land Rovers and Land Cruisers
An essential element of this safari is our use of a combination of two specialized vehicles during different parts of the trip, facilitating unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities. Sometimes we travel in open Land Cruisers that provide a comfortable and safe ride over the sometimes uneven terrain of Botswana’s desert and delta environs. We also use 4x4 Land Rovers, with a unique suspension system and an open-sided, tiered seating arrangement designed to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and comfort. It is common to have a shade net over the vehicle to provide sun protection and cover during possible intermittent rains. This protective net comes off during the cooler summer months in Botswana, to allow the sun to warm us on morning and afternoon drives.
Both types of vehicles have 10 cushioned passenger seats—one in front next to the driver, followed by three rows of three seats each—though we limit our capacity to seven travelers per vehicle, each with a window seat on wildlife drives during our Botswana Explorer Safari—again, for maximum comfort, viewing, and photo opportunities. Vehicles have a mini fridge stocked with cold drinks, a small library with reference books and field guides, and ponchos for each traveler, in case of rain. Each custom-built vehicle sports front bull bars and runner boards, as well as a full recovery kit, including spare tires and a high-lift jack. Vehicles are updated or replaced regularly and meticulously maintained to provide our guests with an outstanding safari experience.
Included
- Trip price includes: Accommodations in luxury safari camps, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s), local guides and camp staff, premier open-sided 4-wheel drive Land Cruisers or Rovers, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
- Internal air cost includes: All light aircraft flights within the itinerary (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).
Not Included
Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.
Important Information About This Trip
We have designed this family safari for those guests whose African dreams include the most remote wildlife experience available and who don’t require over-the-top accommodations to accomplish that goal. On these trips, changes to the itinerary may occur in order to take advantage of conditions unique to the season. Depending upon availability, itineraries may run in a different order.
Mandatory Insurance
Since the areas we travel to on this trip are remote and wild (that's why we go there!), we require medical evacuation insurance for our guests' safety. If you decline the medical evacuation insurance coverage offered by Natural Habitat, we request that you send us documentation of the independent coverage you have selected. We will add the cost of a medical evacuation policy to your tour invoice until you provide our office with proof of coverage including your insurance company's name, contact number and your individual policy number. Thank you for understanding that our policy exists exclusively in the interest of our guests' safety.
Getting There and Getting Home
This trip begins in Maun, Botswana, and ends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Because this is a long international journey, we recommend that you arrive at least one night prior to Day 1 to rest from your travels and begin the trip refreshed. For guests who come in early, recommended hotels will be included in your pre-departure materials. You must arrive in Maun by 1:30 pm on Day 1 in order to join the group for the first scheduled activities.
You may depart Victoria Falls anytime after 1 pm on the final day.