Travelling to Botswana with children (Ages 6+)

Families travelling to Botswana with children aged six plus will find it easier than those with very young children: there are more destinations to choose from, more accommodation options and more time in the year in which to travel.

A bit of background first. Botswana is a great travel destination regardless of one’s age: it ranks among the most stable and peaceful countries in Africa; crime is extremely low (and virtually non-existent away from urban areas); and the country is free of natural disasters such as earthquakes or cyclones. Botswana has good infrastructure – roads, air-links, medical and banking facilities – and the weather is usually clear, warm and sunny.

So far so good but there’s also malaria to consider and the rainy season plus personal safety while on safari in big game country. As a parent travelling to Botswana with children, you can address these issues easily: the two biggest decisions you’ll need to make is when to go and where to go.

 

BOTSWANA WITH CHILDREN – WHEN DO I GO?

Botswana’s long dry season is made for families: you’ll reduce the chance of rain to almost zero and it’s the time of year with the lowest risk of malaria. And, since it is also the southern winter season, temperatures fall dramatically to leave you with some of the mildest – indeed coldest – temperatures of the year.

The summer rains dry up in May and it is then dry and sunny almost every day between June and the end of October. You’ll enjoy the most comfortable temperatures June through August but it’s properly cold at night with the mercury falling below freezing in some destinations and not much above 10°C (50°F) as you start your morning game drive. But it warms up in the afternoon to an average of 25°C (78°F), making it possible to lie in the sun next to the pool – most lodges have them.

Such dry and cold conditions have sent malaria-carrying mosquitos into their dormant stage and Botswana’s winter nights are largely free of insects – something parents travelling to Botswana with children will be relieved to hear. It is however essential that you consult a medical practitioner about malaria before your safari.

This time of year is popular however and it is high season: the time of year with most visitors and the highest prices. For equally dry weather, consider September and October for a family safari. It’s hot – you’ll need to be prepared for it – but the game viewing is even more spectacular at this time as so many animals are at water.

 

BOTSWANA WITH CHILDREN – WHERE DO I GO?

Botswana safari lodges generally accept children over six or seven so you won’t be as limited for choices as if you were travelling with very young children. And since such lodges are found in all of Botswana’s prime game viewing destinations, it’s more a question of choosing the right accommodation for the area.
The Chobe River area ticks all the boxes for a family safari with children: it’s wall-to-wall wildlife during the dry season and there are hotel-type lodges available. Here you’ll find comforts such as air-conditioning and room service with facilities like a large swimming pool, games room and activity centre. These lodges are usually fenced to keep out larger animals and have internet connectivity, kids’ menus and baby-sitters.

For an authentic, under-canvas safari experience, head for the Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and the Kalahari. These are the best game viewing areas in Botswana and are home to a great range of tented camps, many of which have developed as family-favourites. The Savuti area of the Chobe Park is all about the classic heavyweights – elephants, buffalo and lion – but the most diverse wildlife and a greater choice of safari activities is found in the Moremi Game Reserve, on the fringes of the Okavango Delta. For a different perspective, travel to the Kalahari reserves for desert wildlife, dazzling night skies and walks with Bushman guides.

 

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE CAMPS

Accommodation designed for families travelling with children is usually a pair of interconnected tented suites with a private bathroom complete with shower and flush toilet. Normally a timber and canvas construction and raised off the ground for additional safety, these walk-in suites are insect-proof and have electric lighting and usually a standing fan. Botswana’s tented camps are usually unfenced but are run by experienced professionals who deal with animals in camp every day. You’ll be briefed on safety on arrival, escorted to and from your tent if you wish, and are quite safe from wildlife in camp: the various buildings and suites are seen by wandering animals as large and solid objects to avoid.

All camps offer game drives and/or water-based safaris depending on where they are located but you’ll want to choose a camp that also offers activity programmes for children. These age-appropriate activities – such as animal tracking, basket weaving, and bow and arrow-making – are led by experienced guides and are a great way to entertain and educate children while you enjoy a longer game drive or a catch-up siesta.

You will need to arrange a private vehicle with guide if you have young children on safari but this means you’ll be more independent and flexible when it comes to your activities – you can leave on your game drive when you are ready! And if you want the greatest range of activities available, stay at a camp in one of Botswana’s privately-run wildlife concessions. As well as game drives, you’ll also have the options of guided bush walks and spot-lit night drives to make it truly an unforgettable family safari.

Further reading:

• Botswana Family Safaris – Main Page
• Travelling to Botswana with toddlers and babies
• Travelling to Botswana with Teens
• Kids Activities In Botswana
• Is Botswana Safe for Children
• Botswana Malaria Risk For Children
• Children’s Activities in Victoria Falls