A safari is an excellent opportunity for family members who live far apart (whether across town or across state lines) to come together and have a unique shared experience in a magical setting. And you don’t get more magical than Botswana.

With everything taken care of, a safari in Botswana is the answer for a family looking to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary or simply wanting to spend some quality time reconnecting with loved ones in nature. We have some tips to help you make the most of your multigenerational safari in Botswana.

Catering to multiple generations: What you need to know

 A safari can be a great option for senior travellers looking for a laid-back vacation. You won’t have to worry about exhausting activities or endless walking—if you don’t want to. Your time can be spent relaxing around the lodge or by the fireside at night, and when you head out on game drives, you will be expertly driven by a guide. However, it’s still important to inform your travel booker about any mobility limitations so they can make sure that the chosen destinations are suitable for your needs. You might consider a private safari since you get to decide when and how long the game drives are and when you want to rest.

Families going on a safari should know that while most camps and lodges happily welcome children of all ages, some have age restrictions and may require you to book a private game-viewing vehicle. If you book through GILTEDGE, they’ll consider this while choosing the perfect lodge for you. Keep in mind that not all activities are suitable for every age. For example, gorilla trekking and white-water rafting have a minimum age of 15 years. Walking safaris are at the camp’s discretion.

So, what else can you expect from your multigenerational safari in Botswana?

Pricing: For pricing, most safari camps/lodges consider those over 12 years as adults. However, this doesn’t apply to minimum age restrictions or activity-specific rules. Children over 12 years old generally pay adult fares, and only a few camps offer discounts for them. Even children under 12 years old must share with an adult for a discounted rate.

Children’s activity programmes: Many safari camps offer children’s programmes with dedicated guides. Children aged from 4 to 8 years can look forward to fun activities while parents and grandparents can go on game drives—or sneak in a lazy afternoon snooze.

Sleeping arrangements: Depending on your children’s ages, the camp/lodge may require an adult to share a room/tent with the younger children. This ensures their safety by preventing them from wandering out of the tent. Babysitters are usually provided during a stay, allowing adults to enjoy a peaceful evening meal together without the kids.

Top tips for planning a multigenerational safari

A safari is no different from any other holiday. Everybody has their own preferences and needs, so you’ll want to check in with your group upfront about what’s on their to-do list and what they need to make their trip comfortable. To cater to different age groups, offer a variety of activities such as bush walks, bird-watching, or even hot air balloon rides.

Remember to provide flexibility in activity timing because not everyone (especially teenagers) are early risers. Minimising camp hopping by spending at least three nights in each location allows you to appreciate fully what each lodge offers and reduces travel stress. While tracking the big cats and other iconic wildlife is often the main attraction, take notice of the smaller species and the opportunity to learn about the ecosystem. Children often find joy in discovering lizards, dung beetles, and other less flashy creatures.

Now that you know what to expect from a multigenerational safari, our GILTEDGE expert travel managers have compiled a guide to lodges in Botswana to help you pick the perfect match for your group.

Young Botswana Explorers—the ultimate kid-centric experience

 Immersing children in a three-day nature experience as part of your itinerary is a fantastic idea. This specially designed programme offers a private safari at the exclusive Footsteps Camp in the Shinde Concession. This camp in the Okavango Delta is known for its exceptional beauty. With professional guides and a dedicated camp team, children will enjoy exciting activities such as wildlife tracking, fire building, identifying animals and birds, and even learning to pole a Mokoro boat. Tailor-made game drives, fishing excursions, and tin‑can shooting add to the fun. This adventure creates lasting memories and nurtures a profound love for wildlife and a genuine understanding of conservation.

Make it fun for the whole family: Upgrade the Young Explorers family safari from Footsteps Camp to the more luxurious Shinde Camp for added comfort for the grandparents.

Linyanti Ebony Camp—a private retreat with creature comforts

Even the children will be willing to commit to a digital detox in this wildlife paradise located between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Linyanti Ebony is a small camp with only four tents (including one specifically designed for families—it has a bathtub!) and can be booked for your group’s exclusive use. This makes it ideal for those seeking a more intimate and family-friendly safari lodge experience. The camp is on raised decking, offering a stunning view of the Linyanti Marsh. Despite being in the wilderness, your comfort is taken is always a priority. There is a comfortable lounge and dining area where the entire family can gather, a refreshing plunge pool, a cosy fire circle, and a boma.

Make it fun for the whole family: Younger guests can join the camp’s Ngwana Club, which offers a fun mix of conservation and crafts. They can enjoy safe boat outings and nature trails, and even visit the village school.

Machaba Camp—a retro camp with a blend of shared and personal areas

Located in the wildlife-rich Khwai area of the northeastern Okavango Delta, this charming camp exudes a nostalgic 1950s aesthetic that is sure to bring a smile to the faces of the older members of your group. One of the camp’s specialities lies in creating spaces that foster connections and allow people to enjoy each other’s company while establishing other areas where one can break away for some alone time. The camp boasts two tents explicitly designed for families, ensuring wheelchair accessibility and catering to travellers who cannot use steps. With plunge pools, communal bars, and dining areas, Machaba provides ample facilities for relaxation and socialising.

Make it fun for the whole family: No matter your preferred downtime style, the camp accommodates it all, be it tranquil reading nooks or the designated Wi-Fi zone.

Chobe Game Lodge—the ideal base for elephant lovers

The family suites at Chobe Game Lodge have plunge pools tucked away on a private patio, creating a cosy retreat that feels like your own villa. With elephants galore in this area, the game-viewing experience will keep younger travellers captivated and fascinated. The amazing team of female guides at the lodge loves to share their knowledge and stories, making the whole experience incredibly fun and engaging. A bonus is the behind-the-scenes eco-tours that take the kids on an adventure to learn about sustainability, a vital part of protecting this incredible place. The lodge is also proud to cater for travellers with reduced mobility.

Make it fun for the whole family: If you need a break from game driving, you can enjoy excellent viewing from the comfort of the Chobe boardwalk and deck. 

&BEYOND Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp—a rustic tented camp with water views

 

This wildlife concession borders Moremi Game Reserve. The tented suites at Nxabega are raised on platforms over the Delta’s Boro River, and the interleading family tent has room for four (an extra child can be accommodated at special request). Children of all ages are welcome. A plus for parents is that the camp has a food and coffee bar where snacks can be dished out for hungry tummies. But it’s the alfresco dining in the open-air boma just behind the main lodge where your group will want to gather and share stories of the day. Priceless.

Make it fun for the whole family: Take a helicopter flip to view many of the inaccessible and remote areas of the Delta.

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa Camp—intimate retreat for friends or family

These could be the roomiest tents in Botswana! The incredible accommodations of Zafara in the Selinda Reserve offer plenty of room to stretch out and relax. With their expansive decks, private plunge pools, and refreshing outdoor showers, you’ll feel like you’re in your own paradise. The family-friendly suite features a two-bedroom tented villa set on a raised deck. It can comfortably accommodate up to four adults and one child.

Make it fun for the whole family: The camp offers a Young Explorers Programme, so your small safari fan can learn about the African bush, nature, and the incredible wildlife that calls this area home.

Ready for a custom-made family-friendly safari in Botswana tailored just for your family?

Let one of our GILTEDGE travel experts put together a safari for your multigenerational group that you will always remember. Every family is unique, and that’s why our team will design an experience just for you. Contact us today.