Ultimate Family Safari in Botswana

Set the rhythm for your perfect family safari

Set the rhythm for your perfect Botswana family safari with a dedicated private guide and private activities on this fantastic itinerary through Northern Botswana. This eight-night itinerary explores the Moremi Game Reserve, the permanent Okavango Delta, Savute and the Chobe riverfront. A comprehensive tour of the richest areas of Northern Botswana, with excellent game viewing in pristine areas and a range of both water and land activities guaranteed year round. Flexible meal times and a family safari specialist in camp will ensure you maximise your safari time. An excellent itinerary at any time of year.

This Botswana family safari offers a classic safari experience with a strong family focus at its heart. Visiting a diverse combination of areas offers interesting and varied game viewing and a range of activities. Camp Okavango lies on a private concession in the east of the Okavango and focusses on water activities while Camp Xakanaxa lies within the famous Moremi Private Game Reserve offering big game viewing with 4×4 game drives and boating. Savute Safari Lodge is home to some of the most explosive game viewing in Botswana, overlooking a waterhole in the southern reaches of Chobe National Park. Ending on the banks of the mighty Chobe river at Chobe Game Lodge, home to the largest populations of African elephants on the continent.

A dedicated professional guide, family friendly suites and friendly committed staff ensure that all your requirements are met during your stay and nothing is too much trouble. Children receive a specially designed safari activity bag deigned to keep them engaged even during the quieter moments.

Throughout this itinerary you will stay in well located luxury lodges, in two bedroom family units offering a home away from home. The settings of each lodge vary greatly and keep the experience fresh and exciting. You will stay on lush Okavango islands for a water-wilderness experience, along the Xakanaxa lagoon in the Moremi where honking hippos send you to sleep at night. In Savute, the drier landscapes mean wildlife flock to the waterhole below the lodge and offer you a sofa safari experience while your memories of Chobe Game lodge will be dominated by the magnificent Chobe River which brims with life.

This rich variety of eco-systems attract a range of wildlife and activities. Enjoy game drives, walks, mokoro rides, boating and visit ancient san bushman rock art.

This is Botswana family safari is easily adapted to your preferences. Extensions to Victoria Falls can be arranged. Prices noted are per person for adults. Child rates are available for children ages 6-16 years old.

Day 1 - Camp Okavango

Arriving in Maun, you are met by a representative and assisted onto your flight to Camp Okavango located on the remote Nxaragha Island, a flight of about 25 minutes, a spectacular introduction to the Okavango. Your Botswana family safari begins on take off to keep your eyes peeled!

On landing, your private guide will escort you to the lodge, a short walk. A warm welcome awaits from the team. You will settle into your new Okavango home, with its open- air design and elevated views over the Okavango, your family suite comprises of two interleading bedrooms, each with an en - suite bathroom boasting twin basins, a double shower and separate water closet. A private expansive viewing deck offers lovely views of the Delta and space to relax together.

Over refreshments you will discuss your family’s interests with your guide as he describes the activities available and together you plan your next few days. Preferred mealtimes will be taken into account for those with younger children. Activities focus on water and walking. Meandering along the water channels of the Okavango Delta the old-fashioned way in a traditional mokoro on a motorised boat into the deeper channels. Fishing expeditions can be arranged with bream and tiger fish being the prolific species here.

Return to Camp Okavango in the late afternoon for pre-dinner drinks around the open-air fire pits, a delicious dinner is served on the lower deck level.

Day 2 - Camp Okavango

The next morning you awake to the sound of the African dawn and after a light breakfast you set out on an early morning activity. Perhaps a boat trip, meandering through the myriad of waterways - looking out for hippos, crocs, elephants and more. If you're lucky (and quiet!) you may spot the rare sitatunga!

Returning around mid-morning you will enjoy a scrumptious brunch on the open-air after a busy morning out on the water. During the hotter midday hours, when animals retreat to the shade, guests enjoy a siesta or cool down in the plunge pool. A chance to play together as a family or parents can retreat for a rest while the children enjoy a game with your guide.

Around 3.30pm high tea is serviced and rejuvenated you will set out on your afternoon activity, perhaps a fishing trip or a walk on the island, returning a roaring fire and dinner. Sitting around the camp fire sets the ambience for sharing tales of great adventures.

The flight time for your transfer to Camp Moremi will be advised by your guide this evening, and together you will discuss your morning activity plan accordingly.

Day 3 - Camp Xakanaxa

An early wake- up call brings with it a new adventure. At a time to be confirmed the night before, you return to the airstrip for your flight to Xakanaxa Camp, a short flight of about 15 minutes. On arrival your new guide will be waiting to transfer you to camp with a 25 minutes game drive. The Xakanaka region boasts some of the richest concentrations of wildlife in Moremi Game Reserve.

One of the first camps established in the Okavango, Camp Xakanaxa is a traditional tented camp with a lovely setting on the banks of the Khwai river. A spacious two-bedroomed family unit, each bedroom with its own en-suite facilities offers a perfect base for families. A spacious deck overlooking the river offers space to relax together between activities.

Settling down with your guide to chat about your experiences at Camp Okavango and your particular interests he will introduce you to the area and together you will plan your next activity. Xakanaxa Camp offers 4x4 game drives and boating, having just come from Camp Okavango you will likely wish to focus on some big game viewing from 4x4 vehicles at this stage.

Springing up from the juncture formed where the invigorating waters of the Delta meet the plains of the Kalahari Desert, the Moremi is home to prolific wildlife species and spectacular landscapes. The Moremi Game Reserve is the beating heart of the Okavango, a sanctuary of Mopane forests, open grasslands, seasonal floodplains and riverine habitats. Huge herds of browsing Elephant, magnificent prides of lions and their competitors the hyaena, cheetah, and a vast number of antelope, including Impala, Kudu and Waterbuck that are supported by the reserve’s amazing wetlands. African Wild Dog sightings occur frequently too.

This is an exciting game area, have your Botswana family safari checklist ready!

Day 4 - Camp Xakanaxa

Today you will enjoy a full day exploring the Moremi with morning and afternoon activities with your guide. Between activities you may relax for a few hours in the beautifully decorated lounge area or have a refreshing dip in the camp’s sparkling swimming pool.

Your guide will once again advise of the itinerary plans for tomorrow over supper, inclusive of a flight transfer to the third camp on your Safari journey- Savute Safari Lodge.

Day 5 - Savute Safari Lodge

Enjoy an early morning game drive before being transferred to the airstrip for your flight to Savute, a flight of about 30 minutes. Your guide will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge, a game drive of about 25 minutes, depending on sightings along the way.

Savute Safari Lodge offers excellent game viewing right from the comfort of the lodge. The main areas stretches across a raised deck overlooking a busy waterhole, dining area, firepit, viewing deck and swimming pool with its accompanying sun loungers draw guests at all times of day. Expect to see big herds of elephant in the dry season as well as a variety of other game species wandering over for a drink during the heat of the afternoon. A large family chalet with two en-suite bedrooms, spacious interior and large, glass sliding doors make a perfect home from home.

Having had some time to settle in and enjoy the lodge you will discuss your plans with your guide.

Savute Safari Lodge offers morning and afternoon 4x4 game drives as well as visits to the ancient San Rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills- the only hilly outcrop in an otherwise completely flat landscape and considered to have been formed from volcanic activity aeons ago. A great excursion for families, as children enjoy climbing the rocks to the paintings and a game drive to and from the paintings ensures an action packed day.

Day 6 - Savute Safari Lodge

Days at Savute follow a similar routine to the previous camps visited so by now you will be familiar with the rough schedule on safari, early morning and late afternoon drives, which you can tailor to your preferences. Between activities enjoy the pool or embark on a sofa safari from the viewing deck. Savute has an infectious laid -back atmosphere creating a real home from home feeling.

Wildlife in this area is prolific and the herds of elephant truly staggering. Wildebeest and zebra along with lions and wild dogs are regularly seen. Game drives often include a turn at the Savute Marsh with its historic presence (and subsequent disappearance) of the Savute channel. The Savute Marsh Pride, a huge pride of lion has been the focus of many documentaries. Lions have learnt to hunt hippo and even elephant. Leopard have learned to fish. A mesmerizing area.

Day 7 - Chobe Game Lodge

This morning you enjoy one last game drive in Savute (or perhaps a lie-in for a change) before flying to your final stop, the Chobe riverfront. A 30 minute flight takes you to Kasane Airport, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to Chobe Game Lodge, a drive through Chobe National Park of about 45 minutes, depending on the sightings along the way.

Chobe Game Lodge has an unrivalled position being the only lodge within the famous Chobe National Park- renowned for phenomenal game and record elephant numbers. It’s location makes it a haven of peace and tranquillity away from the crowds.

Arriving to a warm welcome and some refreshments you will settle into your room. The family suite’s stand out feature is a large private terrace and plunge pool overlooking the river. The suite has two bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Private dining is also an option.

Your private guide will discuss your activity options with you and together you will discuss your preferences. Chobe Game Lodge offers 4x4 game drives (in silent electric vehicles) and boat cruises along the Chobe River, a quintessential Chobe experience.

Day 8 - Chobe Game Lodge

Your last day on safari. Make the most of it with game drives and boating on the river. Between activities there is plenty of space and great facilities on offer. Chobe Game Lodge is larger than most lodges, meaning it has a superb range of facilities including a swimming pool, gym and spa and a number of eating areas. The boardwalk along the river features a number of places to dine or relax and children love exploring the grounds which often have visiting mongeese. (It should be noted wildlife roam freely and children must still be accompanied).

This is a great spot to end your Botswana family safari, with more space and activity options, and a stunning suite to relax in a safari setting at the end of your safari.

Day 9 - End of safari

Today marks the end of your Botswana family safari. At a time fixed the day before, you will be transferred to Kasane Airport for your onward flight. This is a game drive of about 1 hour. If you are being transferred to Victoria Falls the pick-up time will be advised the day before, and the road transfer will take approximately 2 hours. Depending on the time of departure, as discussed with your guide, you will enjoy on final morning activity and brunch before bidding farewell to the team.

Map View

Camp Okavango

Camp Okavango

Camp Xakanaxa

Camp Xakanaxa

Savute Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge

Water Level

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Extensions to this safari

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