What to Pack on Family Safari With Kids for Botswana

Before you fret about packing for your trip to Botswana, read this ultimate guide on what to pack when you take your family on safari

The tickets are booked and the kids are already marking big bold koki X’s off on the fridge calendar until their Big African Safari Adventure. Great stuff. Now there’s just the small task of getting the whole family packed and prepared for your travels into the bush.

Since corner shops and mini marts are a rarity in the deep African wilderness (read: non-existent) it’s fairly crucial that you get your packing 90% right. Most of the lodges can accommodate you with some forgotten amenities but of course it’s always better to have your own preferred clothing and products. So, without wasting any more time on pleasantries let’s dive into the absolute essentials and nice to haves on a Botswana family safari with kids in tow.

To save you time – we’re gonna throw our hat in the ring and say this is possibly the best and most extensive list on what to pack for a Botswana family safari with kids that you’ll find online. We’ve not only asked guests what they wish they hadn’t forgotten, but also have personal experience of taking your own families to Botswana many many times.

This list covers a 5–7 day safari, with lodge laundry handling anything longer

Grab your bags – let’s start packing!

This Botswana family packing guide is sectioned into:

Clothes for Grown-Ups — tops, bottoms, outerwear, footwear, accessories (including the colour rules and why they matter)
Clothes for Kids — mirrors the adult section with age-specific callouts (gaiters, comfort items, extra undies)
Toiletries for Grown-Ups — sun, insect, personal care, and a solid medical/first aid list
Toiletries for Kids — mosquito repellent guidance for children, nappy supplies, paediatric meds
Tech & Activities for Adults — electronics, bush gear & relaxation, film & photography
Activities for Kids — field guides, cameras, card games, snacks for game drives, offline entertainment
Packing Tips & Tricks — the soft-bag-only rule for charter flights is front and centre, plus packing cubes, rolling technique, what to leave behind, and tech essentials
Documents — essentials for families

A quick note on fabrics:

Wherever possible choose cotton, bamboo and linen fabrics.
Jeans, even as shorts can be quite restrictive and scratchy in hot weather
You want breathable socks, in case you’re going on safari walks
For warm layers, choose thin, moisture wicking fabrics. Wool is a true wonder of nature!

1. Clothes for Grown-Ups

Safari Tops & Shirts

3–4 lightweight long-sleeve shirts in neutral/earth tones (khaki, olive, tan, sand) — long sleeves protect against sun and insects on game drives
2–3 short-sleeve shirts or tees for around camp/lodge downtime
1–2 moisture-wicking base layers for early-morning drives (temperatures can drop significantly at dawn)
We know it looks trendy on Instagram but — avoid white, black, and bright colours — white attracts insects, black retains heat, bright colours disturb wildlife. Disregard this advice at your own peril!

Bottoms

2–3 pairs of lightweight cargo trousers or zip-off convertible pants (the ones that double-up as shorts are a win)
1–2 pairs of shorts for daytime camp wear
1 pair of smart-casual trousers/chinos or a loose flowing full length (remember the mozzies!) skirt for lodge dinners (some camps have a relaxed dress code at night)
Leggings or thermal base layer bottoms for cold morning game drives (especially June–August)

Outerwear & Layers

1 lightweight, packable fleece or down jacket — essential for cold-season mornings (May–September)
1 waterproof/windproof shell jacket (doubles as rain layer and wind block on open vehicles)
1 warm scarf or neck gaiter — surprisingly useful on dawn drives
1 buff/neck tube — versatile for sun, dust, and cold

Footwear

1 pair of sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots — essential for bush walks
1 pair of comfortable sandals or flip-flops for camp/lodge wear
Thick hiking socks x 3–4 pairs
Light ankle socks x 3–4 pairs
Avoid open sandals on game drives and bush walks — ankle protection matters if you don’t want to be nibbled on by critters or get thorny plant scratches

Accessories

Wide-brim hat or safari hat with UPF protection — non-negotiable in the African sun
Lightweight buff or sun cap as a backup
UV-protective sunglasses
Swimwear x 2 (most lodges have plunge pools)
Underwear x 7 (quick-dry fabric preferred)
1–2 smart-casual outfits for lodge dinners (light shirt/blouse/dress + chinos/trousers/skirt)
Lightweight pyjamas — evenings can be chilly
Kikoi or sarong for pool time — doubles up beautifully when wet and squeezed out and draped over shoulders as a “desert airconditioning

2. Clothes for Kids

Core Safari Wardrobe

4–5 long-sleeve tops in muted/earth tones — same colour rules as adults apply
3–4 t-shirts for camp downtime
2–3 pairs of lightweight trousers or zip-off pants
2 pairs of shorts
1 warm fleece or hoodie — mornings are cold, kids feel it more
1 lightweight down jacket or padded gilet/ puffer vest (for winter months May–September)
1 waterproof rain jacket
Thermal base layer top + bottom (for early game drives in cooler months)

Kids’ Footwear

1 pair of closed-toe sturdy shoes or kids’ hiking boots
1 pair of sandals or slip-ons for lodge/camp
3–4 pairs of comfortable socks
Gaiters or long socks to tuck trousers into — deters insects and ticks

Kids’ Accessories

Wide-brim sun hat — essential, not optional
UV-protective sunglasses (kids’ eyes are more sensitive to UV)
Swimwear x 2
Underwear x 7 (pack more than you think — accidents happen)
Pyjamas x 2
Lightweight scarf or neck gaiter for chilly game drives
Pack neutral-coloured rain poncho as backup layer

NB: When travelling with kids to Botswana it is essential to pack in

an unabridged birth certificate
if travelling with one parent only, a notarised consent affidavit from the absent parent is required

3. Toiletries for Grown-Ups

Sun Protection

High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) — bring more than you think you need
SPF lip balm
After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel

Insect Protection

DEET-based insect repellent (40%+ DEET for Botswana — malaria is a real risk)
Picaridin/Icaridin is the skin-friendlier, lower-toxicity alternative to DEET
Permethrin spray to treat clothing (apply before packing, let dry — lasts weeks)
Antihistamine cream for bites and stings
Malaria prophylactics — consult your doctor before travel
If you’re hard set on natural only anti-mosquito deterrent, choose spray on products with citronella, eucalyptus and lemon essential oil — although the WHO does not recommend this option for high-risk malaria areas like Botswana

Personal Care

Unscented soap/body wash — fragrance attracts insects
Unscented shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant (unscented where possible)
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Razor and shaving cream
Unscented moisturiser — aqueous cream, coconut oil, or a fragrance-free pharmacy brand like CeraVe or QV. The bush air is relentlessly dry
Feminine hygiene products (not always available at lodges)
Nail clippers
Small mirror
Wet wipes / biodegradable baby wipes — invaluable in the bush
Hand sanitiser

Medical & First Aid

Prescription medications (bring double the supply needed — delays happen)
Antihistamines (oral)
Ibuprofen/paracetamol
Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoeal medication
Oral rehydration sachets
Plasters/Band-Aids in various sizes
Antiseptic cream/wipes
Eye drops (dust and wind are hard on eyes)
Tweezers for tick/splinter removal
Small first aid kit
Travel insurance docs + emergency medical contacts

4. Toiletries for Kids

Sun & Skin Protection

Kids’ SPF 50+ sunscreen — reef-safe/sensitive skin formula
SPF lip balm
After-sun lotion
Unscented moisturiser — bush air is extremely drying for little ones

Insect Protection

Child-safe insect repellent (DEET 20–30% for children, or DEET-free picaridin alternative)
Picaridin/Icaridin is the skin-friendlier, lower-toxicity alternative to DEET
Permethrin-treated clothing is a safe and effective supplement
Kids’ malaria prophylactics — consult your paediatrician well in advance
Antihistamine cream for bites
Children’s oral antihistamine (Cetirizine or equivalent)

Kids’ Personal Care

Unscented kids’ shampoo and body wash
Toothbrush + kids’ toothpaste
Wet wipes / biodegradable wipes (pack loads)
Nappies/diapers if needed (bring full supply — not available in the bush)
Nappy rash cream
Potty training supplies if applicable
Portable potty seat (lightweight folding options available)

Doing Cloth Nappies? Here’s what you need to tackle cloth diapering in the Bush or on safari

Bring enough for 2–3 days’ worth — most permanent lodges will launder them for you, confirm in advance
Pack a small wet bag (waterproof zip pouch) for soiled nappies between washes
Bring 2–3 wet bags so one is always clean and in rotation
Use liners — flushable or biodegradable — to make solid waste disposal easier in remote camps
A small travel-size container of fragrance-free nappy wash or wool wash works for hand rinsing
Quick-dry fabric nappies (microfibre or bamboo flat folds) pack smaller and dry faster than pocket nappies
Flat folds and muslin squares are the most packable and versatile option for travel
Check lodge water pressure before relying on a nappy sprayer — not always available in remote camps
Pack a small collapsible bucket for soaking if lodge laundry isn’t same-day
Disposables as backup for travel days and long game drives — there’s really no shame in it

Kids’ Medical

Children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen in age-appropriate doses
Children’s Imodium or equivalent
Oral rehydration sachets
Any prescription medications — double the supply
Small plasters and antiseptic wipes
Tweezers for tick removal
Medical aid/travel insurance details

5. Tech & Activities for Adults

Photography & Optics

Quality camera or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (200–500mm ideal for wildlife)
Extra memory cards — you’ll take more photos than you think
Spare camera battery + charger
Waterproof/dustproof camera bag or dry bag
Binoculars — quality matters here, 8×42 or 10×42 are the safari sweet spot
GoPro or action camera for game drive footage
Tripod or beanbag camera mount for vehicle-based shooting

Charging & Power

Universal travel adapter (Botswana uses Type G/M plugs — same as South Africa and UK)
Portable power bank — essential for game drives away from camp
Multi-port USB charging hub to reduce adapter clutter
Cable organiser or small pouch to keep cords tangle-free
Solar charger as backup for remote mobile camps
A scorpion torch if you like night bush walks around camp
Headlamp — always wise on safari

Reading & Writing

E-reader loaded and fully charged before you leave — far more practical than books
1 paperback as backup/for the pool (acceptable loss if left behind)
Travel journal and good pen — game drives and sundowners inspire more writing than you’d expect
Field notes notebook for wildlife sightings, bird lists, tracking notes
Birding and wildlife guidebooks — it’s always nice to go analogue on holiday

Hydration & Comfort on Game Drives

Insulated reusable water bottle — keeps water cold in
Coffee or tea flask for morning game drives
Hemp or cotton canvas tote bag for pool side or day exploring missions OR
Smaller back pack (possibly your carry-on bag?)

6. Activities for Kids

Educational & Wildlife

Kids’ wildlife identification field guide specific to Southern Africa — great for game drives
Junior birdwatching guide
Junior Ranger activity book/journal
Binoculars — kids’ sized (compact options; they’ll use them obsessively)
Small notepad and pencils for drawing/journaling wildlife sightings
Sticker reward chart — tick off every animal spotted

Tech & Entertainment (if you really must have this for downtime)

Tablet pre-loaded with downloaded movies, series, audiobooks, and games (no wifi in the bush)
Child-friendly headphones
Portable power bank for charging devices
Child camera or disposable camera — encourage them to document the trip themselves
E-reader loaded with age-appropriate books

Games & Creative Play (for lodge downtime)

2–3 compact card games (Uno, Dobble, Go Fish)
Travel-size board game or magnetic chess/draughts
Small colouring book with a compact pencil set
Playdough or modelling clay (mess-free travel pots)
Glow sticks — huge hit at night around the campfire, but not very eco-friendly
Small soft toy or comfort item for younger kids

Snacks (for game drives & travel days)

Raisins, dried mango, dried apricots
Nut mix or trail mix (check for nut allergies at lodge)
Biltong (kids love it and it’s high protein)
Crackers or rice cakes
Granola or cereal bars
Boiled sweets for ear pressure on small charter planes
Collapsible water bottle for each child

7. Packing Tips & Tricks to Save Space and Stay Organised

The Golden Rule: Soft Bags Only

This is very important and often overlooked!

Most safari lodges in Botswana use small charter aircrafts (Cessna Caravans) with strict baggage limits — typically 20kg per person including hand luggage, in a soft duffel bag only
Hard-shell suitcases are often prohibited — they cannot be loaded into bush plane cargo holds
Each person (adults and children) should have their own soft, collapsible duffel bag
Recommended duffel size: 50–70L for adults, 30–40L for kids

Packing Cubes = Game Changer

Use colour-coded packing cubes for each family member — instantly find what you need without unpacking
Dedicate one cube per person to: tops, bottoms, underwear/socks, and warm layers
Kids get their own set — they can “manage” their own cube, which creates independence and excitement
Compression packing cubes reduce volume by 30–40% — worth the investment

Rolling vs Folding

Roll all soft items (t-shirts, trousers, underwear, socks) — reduces creases and saves significant space
Fold and stack bulky items like fleeces and jackets flat at the bottom of the bag
Stuff socks inside shoes to maximise every inch
Pack heaviest items at the bottom (shoes, fleece) and lighter items on top

Toiletries & Liquids

Decant all products into travel-size containers for 7 days used sparingly — saves enormous space and weight
Use solid toiletry alternatives where possible: solid shampoo bars, solid sunscreen sticks, solid deodorant — no liquid restrictions
Keep all liquids in a clear zip-lock bag for easy security checks
Pack a separate dry bag or zip-lock for wet swimwear
Use a hanging toiletry bag — most lodge bathrooms are small; hanging saves counter space
Decant medications out of their boxes — keep one blister pack of each and photograph or screenshot the dosage information before ditching the packaging. Store in a labelled zip-lock bag, kept dry and accessible

What to Leave Out

Jeans — too heavy, take forever to dry, uncomfortable in heat
Bright or white clothing — impractical for safari
Multiple pairs of shoes — 2 pairs max per person (no wedge sandals or heels — widely impractical)
Hair styling tools (limited power access at most camps, and low humidity means hair behaves better than at home)
Expensive jewellery — leave it at home entirely or just go with a minimal set you’re traveling in. Keep it to studs and leather/ bead options, precious metals get hot and sticky
More than 1 book per person — use an e-reader instead

Organisation Hacks

Lay everything out before packing — then remove a third of it
Pack one “airport day” outfit separately so it’s accessible without digging
Photograph the contents of your bag before you leave — helpful for insurance and memory
Attach luggage tags with emergency contact details to every bag
Pack a small daypack/backpack for game drives — binoculars, sunscreen, snacks, camera
Download offline maps and the lodge’s location before you lose signal
Keep important docs (passports, visas, insurance, vaccination cards) in one dedicated folder/wallet
Write down important insurance details and phone numbers and passport information in case of emergency
Also keep digital copies of all insurance and passport documentation
Bring a small dry bag for electronics protection against dust and rain on open vehicles

8. Documents

These are of course the basics, but some things are CRITICAL and bare mentioning multiple times.

Your passports, visas and travel documents for any and all countries you’ll be travelling through
Travel Insurance paperwork
Medical insurance related paperwork and vaccine documentation for all countries you’ll be travelling through
Un-abridged birth certificates of each child travelling with you
If travelling with one parent only, a notarised consent affidavit from the absent parent is required

Check out this quick read for an extensive overview on other considerations when taking kids on safari.

There you have it traveller. If we’ve left anything off this list we would LOVE to know what it is. Drop us a comment and we’ll happily add it in with your name as credit! Now go forth and prosper you well packed vagabond, you!