Before you take your kids on safari, make sure you’re familiar with these pointers!
Born and bred in Botswana, I’ve been bringing my wife and kids back home to the bush since the boys were toddlers. As a dad running a safari company, I’ve watched safari lodges handle children with everything from genuine delight to mild panic, and over the years I’ve fielded just about every question a nervous parent has ever thought to ask. So rather than the generic holiday checklist you’ll find everywhere else, here’s the real insider’s guide — the things you only know when the Okavango Delta is actually your backyard.
How safari lodges in Botswana organise bookings with children
- Most lodges in the Delta will not accept kids under 6, but there are exceptions. Certain lodges will, but this often depends on time of the year.
- Kids under 16 generally get a 50% discount, but again this depends on time of year. If you ever want to make use of these specials chat to us to the best time to travel with kids. Hint: it’s often during what we call Secret Season!
- All kids under 18 need to share a room with an adult over 21. No exceptions here. We simply cannot have kids walking around at night. Remember that it is common to have elephants (as well as other animals) walking around the lodges at night. Most lodges have a family unit, but if these are unavailable, it often means that a couple needs to split between two rooms with each adult sharing a room with one or two kids. We can put a family of three into one normal unit, but cannot put a family of four into one.
- Most lodges have activities geared towards kids, but some are miles better than others, especially depending on the ages of the children. We need to suss what your kids are most into, and then we select the lodges from there.
Going on game drives with kids in the Okavango
Keep in mind that almost all lodges will require a private vehicle for kids under 12. This is because other guests on a game drive may wish to stay out later and it is unfair on them if the group needs to return early if the kids are bored.
- Game vehicles tend to have a 6-seat maximum.
- So, if a couple is travelling with 2 kids, they would need to essentially pay for two extra seats.
- A family of five (2 adults and 3 kids) would get a private vehicle included.
Malaria considerations when taking children on holiday to Botswana
Malaria needs to be kept in mind. We have a very low prevalence of malaria in the Okavango as well as Chobe, but we still strongly urge all guests (including children) to take malaria prophylaxis. While we – who live here – tend to not take anti-malarial medication, keep in mind that this is because in Southern Africa, doctors are trained to spot and treat it (immediately). Should you return to the States or Europe for example, doctors are very unaccustomed to diagnosing malaria – and this is where it is most dangerous. Malaria medication no longer has the side effects that it used to, and taking a course of medication prior to arrival is a great way to ensure your bases are fully covered.
- Short take: we still strongly urge all guests (including children) to take malaria prophylaxis
Planning the safari with kids to the Delta
- Break the trip up a little on the way. If flying through Johannesburg, maybe consider spending an evening in a hotel before flying up to Botswana. Having a rested family means you maximize your enjoyment while on safari.
- Consider adding Cape Town as an extension to any Botswana family safari. Depending on the time of year (Cape Town is best from September to April), Cape Town has a wealth of amazing things to do for kids post safari including beaches, penguins, amazing hikes, great restaurants etc…
How to make the most of a safari in Botswana with kids
- It’s great to hype up your kids beforehand. I often suggest buying a wildlife book on Botswana so that they can start reading up on the animals they are likely to see prior to the trip. It makes the whole game viewing process a lot more rewarding for them when they’re able to spot and identify the animals before others.
- Invest in some decent binoculars for the family before you travel. Lodges often have binoculars on the game vehicles, but having your own set means you can admire wildlife from your rooms and the communal areas in the lodges.
- Choose quality over quantity. Kids tend to get tired during extensive safari trips. I always suggest spending more on better shorter experiences, rather than dragging it out in less amazing areas with less comfortable accommodation
- The sweet spot for a family safari in Botswana would be six nights in the Okavango with an extra three nights in the Makgkadikgadi or Chobe. Anything more than that and it’s too long. And less than that can feel rushed.
And that’s my hot take! Of course you may have tons more questions and either Tumie or myself, Rory, can help you with anything and everything you may be wondering about when it comes to planning a holiday with your kids to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. We also have a rich FAQ page filled with all the things you may be thinking of at 3am! So don’t stress, let us do all the organising and handle the nitty gritty details. And honestly, kids absolutely love a safari experience – there’s nothing like seeing the awe and wonder and your child’s face when a massive bull elephant casually strolls (a safe distance of course) past the game vehicle – goosebumps all round – I can’t wait to go back.
