Family-Friendly 9-Day Botswana Safari

Arrive in Botswana

You're likely to arrive in Moan midday. As there is normally an hour or two wait to get on the bush plane, step outside the airport and across the street to Duck Cafe. You can sip on an Okovango Craft beer and freshly made lemonade for the kids. There are even games and books to borrow for entertainment. When it is time, step aboard your bush plane to your first camp. Insider tip: Let the pilot know it is your first time and ask if you (or a brave kiddo) can sit in the cockpit. It is a unique and special first introduction to safari. If you're lucky, you'll see a herd of elephants from above!

Upon arrival at Sanctuary Stanley Camp, be instantly swept into the fold. A bevy of staff welcomes you with open arms and authentic music. Grab a cocktail and snack and head out for your first afternoon game drive on the private reserve.

Rise and shine for your first morning game drive. A light breakfast will be served and then you’re off! Botswana is home to 30% of the world’s remaining wild dog population. Your private guide (the same one you started with last night and will keep throughout your journey) knows where a pack of wild dogs live and will take you far afield to see them-just ask. On your way back to camp, stop by the river for some coffee and biscuits while watching hippos splash about.

Upon return to camp, enjoy a delicious lunch. Throw on your bathing suit and hop in the pool that overlooks the watering hole. You can relax while watching elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. Make sure to watch your snacks and drinks: cheeky monkeys abound!

Once well rested, it is time for another evening drive. This time, you’ll hunt for lions and leopards while en route to the waters of the delta. Upon reaching the river, you’re in for a special treat. You will ride in a Mokoro canoe with a local, enjoying the slow float down the river. You might spot animals taking a drink or crocodiles sliding underneath the surface. Ask the guide to let you try and learn, something even a kid on the canoe can do. Once you’re off the canoe, enjoy a sundowner bbq by the river.

Another day starts early, but it is worth it. At Sanctuary Stanley Camp, walking safaris are offered. While you won’t get as far as you do in your vehicle, walking through the brush presents its own spiritual moments. Walk quietly and listen closely as you search for wildlife right at your feet. This type of safari helps you see minute details: leaves, plants, bugs and (for those little kiddos) DUNG!

This evening drive will be your last before departing camp. Ask your guide to leave slightly later than the previous drives. Of course, you will see animals and enjoy a sundowner, but tonight is about spending some time in a dark-sky location: an area with zero light pollution. Your guide will point out constellations that aren’t possible to see in a city. If you’re really lucky, you may see a shooting star. With nothing but the wide, bright night sky in front of you, you will be transformed!

After a hearty breakfast, it is time to fly from Sanctuary Stanley to Sanctuary Chief. You’ll be on another bush plane, so if you didn’t get an opportunity to ride shotgun earlier, ask again. When you arrive, you’ll be whisked away to the most amazing room. Each “tent” comes with a private pool, outdoor shower and soaking tub where you can see animals from the room.

You will head out on your first game drive this afternoon. By this point, you are looking down for tracks and up for circling birds, much like your guide does instinctively. You never know what you’ll see and sometimes, even your guide will be surprised. Finding drags marks along the edge of a forest and following the drag to a leopard eating a baboon in a tree is just one example of an out of the world experience. It sounds crazy, but nature proves that anything can happen.

Gear up for your first morning drive at Sanctuary Chief Camp. By this point, you are looking down for tracks and up for circling birds, much like your guide does instinctively. You never know what you’ll see, and sometimes, even your guide will be surprised. Finding drag marks along the edge of a forest and following the drag to a leopard eating a baboon in a tree is just one example of an out-of-the-world experience. It sounds crazy, but nature proves that anything can happen.

Upon return to camp, send your child to the kids room. There are video games, dress up, nature activities, safari activities, crafts and science kids. While they are entertained, schedule a massage. If you can lift your head during the amazing massage, watch animals roam by the water hole.

Once you peel yourself away from the amazing camp, you’ll head out on your evening drive. Your guide will know some sports where animals have been seen. Depending on the season, baby animals are a possibility. We got lucky enough to see a wild dog den with seven pups. Nearly impossible to imagine them as dangerous. They will roll and tumble as you squeal with glee.

Another early morning, but today is a great day to go on a search for an animal you haven’t seen yet. A male lion can be elusive, but worth spending time tracking and searching for this gorgeous mammal. Your guide will know what to look for and by letting them know you’re willing to search, you just might see this majestic creature. We got lucky to find a male slinking through the African brush.

If you need a break, take the afternoon game drive off. Grab your book and relax in the main lodge. Take a nap with the doors open (and netting up). Be ready to stay up later for an authentic Botswana BBQ. Local dishes, music and interaction with staff will make you feel welcome.

Today you head out to your final camp, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero. Located at the edge of the Chobe National Park, this sanctuary is not on a private reserve. You’ll certainly feel closer to civilization and that comes with Casita accommodations as well. A spa with a pool and a much bigger lobby and restaurant are at your disposal. Grab a drink from the bar and sit in a hanging chair overlooking the river below before getting ready for your first “drive” of the stay.

In the afternoon, you’ll be going on a boat safari on the Chobe river. Touching both Botswana and Namibia, the Chobe river safari allows for an entirely different experience than anything you’ve already experienced. Enjoy snacks and drinks on board while hunting for crocodiles, hippos, and elephants. The most exhilarating experience is watching a herd of elephants swim across the river. With just a trunk poking out, the babies sit right behind their parents. When they reach the other side, watch for them to spray water on themselves and their friends.

It is the last full day of your time in Botswana. Spend it on a driving safari in Chobe National Park. To be honest, it might be a bit of a shock after being on private game reserves. You’ll see more people today than you have the entire vacation combined. That said, the cheeky monkeys that try to eat your food will have you in hysterics. With a number of people around, information on where animals are abounded. We got a tip and were able to see dueling birds of prey fight over an animal's carcass.

It will feel like you just did it (because you did), but don’t pass up the opportunity to go on another boat safari. You might see more elephants crossing the river, but this time, I’d focus on getting closer to hippos. Let your guide know you want to lurk close by. Watching these behemoths in the water is something you won’t soon forget!

All good things must come to an end. Pack up and head out after one more delicious breakfast.