The Best Family Safari Lodges in Botswana

With just five tented suites, Duba Plains Camp offers an intimate safari experience that’s perfect for older children and adults. Its small size allows for private game drives through the Okavango Delta, where you’re likely to see dramatic encounters between Big Five predators and prey. The two-bedroom Duba Plains Suite provides the most space for families.  

Need to know: Duba Plains Camp has a Young Explorers programme for children, and private activities are included in your stay if you book the Duba Plains Suite.

Located in a private concession within the Okavango Delta, Jao Camp puts you at the heart of one of the world’s most interesting ecosystems. Its larger villas are perfect for families, and the restaurant serves a special kids’ menu. Some experiences here have age restrictions, but younger children can stay entertained with nature walks, crafts and other special activities.

Need to know: The best time to visit Botswana’s legendary delta is from May to October, when the weather is relatively cool and dry; the annual flood takes place from June to September.

Vumbura Plains is yet another stunning camp for families who want to visit the Okavango Delta. Two of its incredibly spacious suites are designed for larger groups. Teenagers can enjoy mokoro (traditional canoe) trips and walking safaris, while guests aged six–12 will be assigned a ‘Bush Buddy’ (specially trained staff member) to accompany and entertain them at camp.

Need to know: Vumbura Plains offers a high level of customisation when it comes to cuisine, mealtimes and activities, making it especially great for families who need some flexibility.

Comprising only four tents, Shinde Footsteps, on a private concession in the Okavango Delta, accommodates up to six guests at any one time, ensuring a truly exclusive safari experience for small groups and families. The camp offers both land and water based activities on a flexible schedule to suit families.

Need to know: The Young Explorers Program is hosted by a specialist family guide, and is designed to allow families of all ages to discover the wonders of the African wilderness through engaging and age appropriate activities.

The Moremi Game Reserve is a fantastic place for a family safari, with a unique mix of landscapes and diverse wildlife including giraffes, lions, rhinos and more. Stay in one of the two family tents at Machaba Camp, which welcomes safari-goers of all ages. These larger tents are located adjacent to the main area and have separate sleeping areas for privacy.

Need to know: Technically Machaba Camp is located in the Khwai Concession, a community-owned concession that borders Moremi, so you’ll be able to explore both areas.

Chobe Chilwero stands out among Botswana’s luxury family lodges for a few reasons: its elevated location offers spectacular views, it’s the country’s only safari lodge with a full spa and it’s open to all ages. Set above the Chobe River near Chobe National Park, it has three family suites and fun activities like treasure hunts, pizza making and kid-friendly game drives. 

Need to know: Temperatures and game viewing are best during the dry season (May to October), but the wet season brings verdant landscapes and excellent birdwatching to Chobe.

Families in search of seclusion and absolute luxury will feel right at home in the Zarafa Dhow Suites. This private retreat consists of two suites on either side of an opulent living area, with a raised deck overlooking the Selinda Reserve (within the Linyanti region). It’s ideal for groups of up to five people and includes access to all the amenities at the nearby Zarafa Camp.

Need to know: The Zarafa Dhow Suites welcomes guests aged 6 and up, but keep in mind that there’s no railing on the deck, so parents with younger children should be especially careful.

Families have a couple of options at the sumptuous Selinda Camp in the Linyanti region. Smaller groups can book the private-access Selinda Suite with two bedrooms and bathrooms, while larger groups can reserve all four tented villas to have the whole camp to themselves. The minimum age is six, and younger family members will be well taken care of at the kids’ club.

Need to know: The best time to visit Linyanti is June through October, although temperatures can get uncomfortably hot toward the end of this period.

One of our favourite luxury family safari lodges in Botswana, Jack’s Camp is a magical sanctuary amid the surreal beauty of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Each of its nine tents can easily accommodate a small family group. Travellers of any age will love the antique decor that makes the camp feel straight out of a storybook – not to mention the friendly meerkats who live nearby.

Need to know: For those looking to disconnect, Wi-Fi at Jack’s Camp is only available in and around the Curio Shop and doesn’t extend to the guest tents, allowing for family time with fewer distractions. 

Set on an isolated island in the Moremi Game Reserve, Xigera Safari Lodge offers exceptional privacy and comfort for family safaris. The two-bedroom suite is perfect for parents and children, and Xigera prides itself on providing age-appropriate activities, dining options and special treats for the youngest travellers. 

Need to know: Xigera Safari Lodge accepts children aged six and up, but mokoro rides and walking safaris have a minimum age of 13 (as is standard for safety reasons).