Botswana Family Adventure

A Sub-Saharan safari tops the bucket list of many travellers and Botswana, with its winding deltas, grassy floodplains and welcoming local communities, offers the ultimate expedition for adventurers. Sparsely populated and politically stable, this landlocked nation teems with majestic wildlife: from regal lions and cheetahs to mammoth elephants and hippos. Our editors have curated a guide to the most astonishing places to visit and stay in Botswana.

Okavango Delta

Botswana’s most unmissable site, the Okavango Delta, is an extraordinary web of waterways and islands, renowned as one of the world’s most nutrient-rich ecosystems. Spanning an area larger than Wales, its sinuous channels invite exploration by traditional wooden mokoro canoes or motorboats, where adventurers can spot zebra, giraffe and crocodile in the wild. Walking safaris are available, while scenic helicopter flights unveil the breathtaking arteries of the floodplains and waterways from the sky.

AERIAL VIEW OF THE DELTA

Chobe National Park

Spanning a vast area of northern Botswana, Chobe National Park stretches along the Chobe River, extending southward to the edge of the Okavango Delta and reaching north toward Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Here you might be fortunate enough to see herds of elephants drinking at the water's edge, illuminated by the gilded hues of sunset. With numerous year-round safari tours, Chobe is an excellent way to experience Botswana’s rich offerings.

Where to Stay

Tucked amongst the meandering passages of the Okavango Delta, Eagle Island Lodge is ideal for those who enjoy adventure and luxury in equal measure. Its 12 tented suites include a plunge pool and a private deck for viewing wildlife in real time. Once a crocodile hunting camp, Belmond has transformed it into a stylish sanctuary, offering unforgettable experiences in this UNESCO site, including safaris, stargazing, birdwatching and exceptional spa treatments.

Alternatively, Savute Elephant Lodge is an eco-conscious luxury oasis located in a secluded corner of Chobe National Park. With a bespoke viewing hide overlooking the watering hole, guests can watch the circle of life unfold, all from the safety of the elevated platform. Dawn and dusk game drives offer guests the opportunity to spot leopard, lion and other mighty predators, as well as elephant which are populous in this area. Guests sleep in spacious four-poster beds, equipped with mosquito nets and views of the savannah. Stargazing tours, firepit drinks and birdwatching are a must.