Botswana: A Family-Friendly Safari in the Okavango & Chobe
Botswana is a study in scale and silence — wide, blue skies; waterways like veins through a green heart; and a wildlife density that rewards patience. Here you can glide in a wooden mokoro through the channels of the Okavango Delta, watch elephants drift across the Chobe River, walk quietly on a guided bush trek and still finish the day at a small, lantern-lit camp where the staff know every guest by name. The variety of safari styles in Botswana — boat, walking, vehicle, and mokoro — makes it an ideal place for families taking their first safari, and for travelers who want wildlife encounters that feel intimate rather than rushed.
The Novel Bookings Difference — what you unlock when you book with us
When you book through Novel Bookings, you gain access to locally vetted guides, family-friendly operators, and curated extras that turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.
Killer perks — upgrades, spa credits, preferential dining and private-guide options when available.
Personalized recommendations — an itinerary built for your family’s pace, interests and ages.
Insider knowledge — trusted polers, walking-safari guides, and the thoughtful touches that matter (child-friendly activities, cockpit-rides on bush-plane legs when permitted).
Where to stay — small camps, big memories
Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp — An intimate camp on a private concession bordering the southern Moremi section of the Okavango Delta; classic tented suites, riverine views and a family-friendly atmosphere make it a gentle first stop into Botswana’s waterways.
Sanctuary Chief’s Camp — Set on Chief’s Island in the Mombo concession, this camp is famed for exceptional predator sightings and elevated tented pavilions with private decks — perfect for guests who want easy access to rich game country.
Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero — Overlooking the Chobe River, Chilwero is a graceful transition from private concession life to riverfront safari; expect expansive views, larger communal spaces and memorable boat safaris that put hippos and elephants within easy view.
9-Day Family Safari: Okavango to Chobe — a sample itinerary
A gentle, family-friendly rhythm that balances wildlife viewing with downtime and kid-centric activities.
Day 1 — Arrival & first game drive
Land in Maun, refresh with a local drink and board a short bush-plane hop to the Delta. Arrive at Stanley’s Camp to a warm welcome and your first afternoon game drive on a private concession — an ideal moment to learn the rhythm of safari with an expert guide at your side.
Insider tip: Ask the pilot if a child can sit in the cockpit during the short transfer (subject to safety and operator rules) — it’s a thrilling first view of Botswana’s patchwork floodplains.
Day 2 — Wild dogs, river coffee & a mokoro sundowner
Morning game drive: Botswana is home to an outsized share of the continent’s painted-dog (wild dog) population; your private guide can take you to known territories when packs are active. In the afternoon, float quietly by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) to watch waterbirds and hippos — mokoro travel brings you into the Delta’s secret channels in near-silence. End the day with a riverside sundowner and barbecue.
Day 3 — Walking safari & dark-sky stargazing
Rise early for a guided walking safari — a slow, sensory way to discover tracks, plants, insects and the small wonders that children often remember most. After a restful afternoon at camp, take a late evening drive to a dark-sky spot and learn the constellations with your guide — the silence and stars are a small rite of passage on safari.
Day 4 — Bush plane hop to Chief’s Camp & afternoon drive
Transfer by bush plane to Chief’s Camp on Chief’s Island. Settle into a tent with private deck views, then head out for an afternoon drive. Here, the concentration of predators makes for dramatic game viewing — and the tug of surprise that defines great safari storytelling.
Day 5 — Relaxation & family time at camp
Mix short drives with family-friendly camp time: kids’ activity rooms, nature crafts and supervised play give parents a chance for a massage or a quiet read while animals come to the nearby waterhole. In the evening, enjoy a communal dinner or a private family meal under the stars.
Day 6 — Lion tracking & a local-style Botswana BBQ
Set out early to track lions; follow the signs and the circling birds, and let your guide narrate the clues. In the evening, join staff for a local Botswana barbecue — music, stories and recipes that connect you to place and people.
Day 7 — Transfer to Chobe Chilwero & riverfront lounging
Fly or drive north to Chobe Chilwero. The lodge’s hilltop perch gives wide views of the Chobe River and easy access to its famous boat safaris. Spend the afternoon poolside or on a guided walk before your first river cruise at sunset.
Day 8 — Chobe boat safari: elephants & hippos
Boat safaris on the Chobe River reveal a different side of Botswana: elephant herds come to the water’s edge and, in moments of magic, swim between islands. Hippos and crocodiles dominate the channels; birding here is exceptional. Opt for a second boat trip if you crave more close river encounters.
Day 9 — Farewell breakfast & departure
Savour a final breakfast with river views, then transfer to Kasane or Maun for onward flights. Take one last look at the floodplain and know you have seen a sweep of Botswana’s wild variety — from delta lagoons to riverine giants.
Why Botswana works for families
Style variety: mokoro, boat, walking and vehicle safaris let you pace each day for small children or multi-generational groups.
High-quality wildlife chances: the Okavango and Chobe regions offer concentrated viewing that rewards patient, expert guiding.
Small-group lodges: family suites, kids’ programs and low-volume camps keep experiences personal and comfortable.
Practical notes
Best for: Food & wine lovers (exceptional camp dining), accessible and adventure travel (customizable itineraries), wellness seekers (riverfront naps, spa treatments), and of course, safari lovers.
Health & safety: Discuss child-age restrictions for night drives and mokoro trips with your planner. We’ll book operators who follow best-practice safety standards.
Seasonal notes: The character of the Delta shifts with the floods; your ideal travel window depends on whether you prefer boating or road-based game drives. Ask us for the seasonal plan that best fits your family.
