Written by: Sean Messham
Botswana holds a special place for the Ubuntu Travel family. It’s Co-founder Kyle’s number one safari destination for 2026 – and it was Leah’s last safari before returning home to the U.S. to start a family. That trip left them with one promise: to bring their children back one day.
While there may be more accessible family safari destinations, like South Africa with its malaria-free options for younger kids, Botswana in our opinion stands apart for its abundant wildlife, exclusivity, and the untamed wilderness that still defines it today.
Below Image: Ubuntu Travel Co-founders, Kyle and Leah Green, in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
In this guide, we’ve hand-picked eight family-friendly (yet still luxurious) lodges across Botswana – places that combine comfort, flexibility, and adventure in the country’s most celebrated safari regions. Whether you’re planning your first family safari or returning for another, these are the lodges that make families fall in love with Africa.
Best Botswana Safari Lodges for Families
These top safari lodges in Botswana are designed for families. Expect space, comfort, adventure, and activities that bring everyone – from toddlers to grandparents – closer to nature.
Our Botswana Lodge List for 2026
- Vumbura Plains – Okavango Delta
- Wilderness Mombo – Chief’s Island
- Duba Plains – Okavango Delta
- andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Delta Camp
- Savute Safari Lodge – Chobe National Park
- Jack’s Camp – Makgadikgadi Pans
- Duma Tau – Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
- Mashatu Lodge – Tuli Block
1) Wilderness Vumbura Plains
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Experience the magic of Botswana’s Okavango Delta at Wilderness Vumbura Plains – one of our top family lodges in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on a 148,000-acre private concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve, the camp combines luxury and adventure in a truly exclusive setting.
Families can enjoy year-round land and water safaris – from mokoro canoe rides and boating excursions to scenic helicopter flights and guided game drives. The lodge is divided into two intimate camps, each with spacious family suites elevated above the floodplains, featuring ensuite bathrooms, private plunge pools, and shaded decks where elephants and red lechwe often wander by.
At Vumbura Plains, even the youngest explorers are celebrated. The Bush Buddy Experience offers tailored activities for kids, from wildlife tracking to crafts, ensuring a fun and educational stay for the whole family.
Why We Love It
- Exclusive 148,263-acre private concession offering a truly private safari experience
- Year-round land and water-based safaris in the Okavango Delta
- Family suites with private plunge pools and shaded decks overlooking the floodplains
- Exceptional Big Five viewing, from wild dogs to elephants right from camp
- Bush Buddy Experience for kids aged 6–10 with guided, nature-based adventures
Insider’s Tip: Binoculars aren’t just for adults. We highly recommend bringing a pair for both you and the kids – and practising at home before your trip. That way, when you spot your first elephant herd in the Delta, everyone will know exactly how to focus and join in the excitement.
2) Wilderness Mombo Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
This is where Ubuntu Travel’s founders, Kyle and Leah, witnessed a leopard stroll right through camp – even interrupting breakfast before their flight home. (Read their wild story here: A Leopard in Camp at Mombo.) Moments like this perfectly capture why Wilderness Mombo Camp is often called “the Place of Plenty.”
Ideally located where the main Okavango River splits into its primary channels, Wilderness Mombo overlooks floodplains teeming with wildlife. Elephants wander between decks, lions call at night, and rare birds flash through the reeds. Recently rebuilt, the camp blends earthy elegance with impeccable service – all while maintaining a strong conservation ethos.
Spacious family tents provide a serene base, featuring private decks, plunge pools, and panoramic views across one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich ecosystems.
Why We Love It
- Legendary safari heritage and one of Botswana’s most exclusive wildlife areas
- Front-row views of predators and elephants directly from camp
- Beautifully designed family tents with plunge pools and open decks
- Strong sustainability commitment through Wilderness’ rewilding projects
- Exceptional guiding and warm, family-style hospitality
Insider’s Tip
Ask your guide to share stories from Mombo’s early days – this camp’s history is intertwined with Botswana’s conservation success story, and it makes for fascinating fireside listening.
3) Great Plains Duba Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
We’re confident you’ve heard of National Geographic filmmakers and conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert – and if not, you’ve likely seen their work without even realizing it. This legendary duo calls Duba Plains home, and it’s here, in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, that they’ve built one of the most beautiful and meaningful safari lodges in Africa.
Surrounded by a maze of palm-dotted islands, floodplains, and woodlands, Duba Plains Camp sits in a private reserve that perfectly captures the Delta’s wild beauty. Families can explore the Delta on game drives, walking safaris, or boating excursions, often encountering elephants, lions, and wild dogs.
The camp features five bespoke suites and a two-bedroom Duba Plains Suite – ideal for families – all designed by the Jouberts with elegant interiors, copper bathtubs, and sweeping views over the Delta.
For budding photographers, Duba Plains is paradise. Thanks to the Jouberts’ love of visual storytelling, the camp offers professional-grade cameras and lenses for guests to use during their stay – perfect for capturing those unforgettable safari memories together.
Why We Love It
- Home of National Geographic filmmakers Dereck & Beverly Joubert, with a rich conservation legacy
- Family-friendly two-bedroom suite with private plunge pool and panoramic Delta views
- Exceptional predator sightings, including lions, wild dogs, and leopards
- A photographer’s dream – complimentary use of professional camera equipment
- Deep focus on conservation, community, and storytelling
Insider’s Tip
If anyone in your family loves photography, this is the camp to bring them to. The guides are patient and creative, and your family can even leave with a flash drive full of edited safari photos – ready for the next family wall portrait back home.
4) andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Delta Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
This might just be my favorite lodge in the Delta – it seems to deliver something extraordinary every time. Wildlife is abundant, and the experiences are unforgettable. I’ve witnessed wild dogs on foot during a walking safari, leopards wandering through camp, and enjoyed an underrated (but exceptional) catch-and-release fishing experience with my wife, Christina. Personally, a night at andBeyond Nxabega Tented Camp feels essential for anyone starting their Botswana safari adventure.
Set on a private 61,775-acre (25,000-hectare) concession, Nxabega gives you the best of both worlds – land and water activities year-round. The tented suites sit on raised wooden platforms with plenty of breathing room, a shaded veranda, and a hanging daybed that becomes prime naptime real estate for little travellers (and tired parents). When you’re not out on game drive, mokoro, or boat, there’s the pool, a good massage, and unhurried meals that keep everyone happy.
Why Sean Loves It
- Exclusive 61,775-acre private concession in the Okavango Delta
- Spacious family tents with interleading walkways for added comfort
- Kids of all ages welcome, with trusted childminders available on request
- Superb guiding with walking safaris, mokoro trips, and catch-and-release fishing
- andBeyond’s world-class hospitality and family-friendly ethos
Insider’s Tip
If your kids love fishing, this is the place to try it. The Delta’s catch-and-release setup is safe, ethical, and fun for young anglers (and competitive parents).
5) Savute Safari Lodge
Chobe National Park, Botswana
If your family wants to see large herds of elephants, then Savute Safari Lodge is it. Set beside Botswana’s legendary Savute Channel, this intimate lodge is designed for privacy and a deeply personalized safari experience, accommodating just 24 guests across 11 chalets.
Each ensuite chalet celebrates the views with private decks, landscape-facing lounges, and thoughtful furnishings that echo the surrounding wilderness. For families, there’s a dedicated family chalet with two interleading ensuite rooms – each with its own deck and seating area, perfect for relaxing together between drives.
The main area blends comfort with immersion in nature, offering indoor and outdoor lounge spaces and multi-level viewing decks that provide excellent wildlife sightings – elephants are regular visitors to the waterhole just below. For photographers, the underground hide offers a thrilling, eye-level perspective of elephants and other animals that gather to drink.
Families can also explore further afield with a visit to the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills, or time their stay for the Savute Zebra Migration- Africa’s second-largest usually moving through between November–December and February–April (depending on the rains).
Why We Love It
- Exceptional elephant sightings directly from the lodge decks
- Family chalet with two interleading rooms and private verandas
- Underground photographic hide offering close-up wildlife views
- Access to ancient San rock art sites at Gubatsa Hills
- Seasonal zebra migration viewing during summer months
Insider’s Tip
October brings incredible game viewing as wildlife gathers around the waterholes -but it’s also hot. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and plan midday siestas to cool off between adventures.
6) Natural Selection Jack’s Camp
Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, Botswana
Adventure comes alive at Jack’s Camp. Whether you’re galloping across the salt pans, meeting meerkats up close, or sharing stories with the San communities, this is where families discover the heart of the Kalahari. And if that’s not enough, it’s also the stage for the largest zebra migration in Southern Africa – an awe-inspiring spectacle between December and March.
Co-founder, Leah Green, will be the first to tell you that the Kalahari Desert can humble even the hardiest traveler. She once braved a sleepout under the stars – and despite her U.S. water-polo grit, the cold won that round. Perhaps not the slickest sales pitch, but honesty’s kind of our thing at Ubuntu Travel. It’s also a reminder that not every experience is suited for everyone, and sometimes the timing of your trip may not complement certain safaris. That’s why we’re here, to tailor-make every aspect of your journey for you and your family.
Back to the camp. We love the camp’s take on 1940s safari glamour, which shines through its nine luxurious suites. Rich, globally sourced textiles, Persian rugs, and Natural History Museum-style cabinets blend seamlessly with the sweeping salt pan landscape. Each suite includes an ensuite bathroom (with both indoor and outdoor showers) and a private veranda with a plunge pool – perfect for cooling off after a desert adventure.
Between activities, relax in the elegant mess tent, featuring the camp’s famous Natural History Museum, a library, and a well-stocked drinks chest. Or head to the tea tent for a quiet moment (and a little retail therapy).
Why We Love It
- Adventure-filled activities for all ages – from quad biking to meerkat encounters
- Opportunity to meet San community members and learn their traditions
- 1940s-style tented luxury with ensuite bathrooms and plunge pools
- Iconic desert sleepouts under the Milky Way
- Seasonal zebra migration across the salt pans (Nov–Mar)
Insider’s Tip
The zebra migration between November and March is one of Botswana’s most under-the-radar wildlife spectacles. It’s not yet an Instagram sensation – which makes it even more special for families seeking authentic, off-grid safari magic.
7) Wilderness DumaTau
Linyanti Willdife Reserve, Botswana
Unequivocally one of the best destinations to witness awe-inspiring herds of elephants, Wilderness DumaTau is our first recommendation for families who adore these gentle giants. Situated beside a tranquil lagoon along the flourishing Linyanti River, DumaTau sits at the heart of one of Africa’s most celebrated elephant corridors. From your deck, you can often watch them drift silently through the reeds or wade across the shallows as the sun sets.
But elephants are just the beginning. The surrounding 311,000-acre (126,000-hectare) reserve offers incredible encounters with wild dog, lion, leopard, and abundant birdlife. The camp’s layout makes it perfect for families who want to immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying modern comforts. Between game drives, enjoy a swim in the lagoon-side pool, unwind at the spa, or relax beside the fire pit with uninterrupted water views.
Each ultra-spacious family suite features an open-plan design with a private plunge pool, comfortable lounge, and an elegant ensuite bathroom that connects you seamlessly to the outdoors.
Why We Love It
- Known as “the home of the elephant”, situated between two major elephant corridors
- 45 km of exclusive river frontage offering outstanding wildlife viewing
- Elegant, spacious family suites with private plunge pools and lagoon views
- World-class guiding and conservation ethos by Wilderness
- Spa and fire pit area ideal for relaxed, end-of-day family moments
Insider’s Tip
Order a smoothie from the Osprey Lagoon Deli – deliciously decadent yet healthy – before your morning game drive.
7) Mashatu
Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana
Just across the border from South Africa lies Mashatu Game Reserve, home to the largest herds of elephants on a private game reserve in Africa. Set within 104,000 acres (42,000 hectares) of the magnificent Tuli Game Reserve, Mashatu offers a rare mix of accessibility, exclusivity, and family comfort.
The reserve offers a variety of accommodation options, but we want to bring your attention to two in particular. Mashatu Lodge is ideal for families, with spacious suites featuring a double bed, an extra-large single bed, and a cozy day bed in the seating area – perfect for children. Each suite opens to private verandas where wildlife often wanders by between activities.
For families or small groups wanting complete privacy, Kolokolo Private Villa is a fully exclusive-use home in the Pitsani area of the reserve. The villa features four ensuite bedrooms on either side of a large communal lounge and dining area, with a central fireplace and stacking doors that lead out onto a wrap-around veranda. It’s a beautiful balance of luxury and wilderness immersion – ideal for quality family time.
And then there’s the safari itself: big cat sightings, elephants in abundance, and a host of adventurous activities, including mountain biking safaris, horseback rides, and guided walks through ancient landscapes. I’m actually taking my own family to Mashatu in March 2026 to celebrate my 40th — I’ll let you know how it goes!
Why We Love It
- Known for Africa’s largest herds of elephants on a private game reserve
- Family-friendly suites with flexible sleeping arrangements
- Exclusive-use Kolokolo Villa for multi-generational groups
- Excellent predator sightings, especially big cats
- Adventure activities like horseback safaris and mountain biking
Insider’s Tip
If you’re traveling with teens, Mashatu’s Predator Research Drives are fascinating. Join rangers and scientists in the field to track and learn about big cats – an unforgettable educational moment for the whole family.
Why Take a Botswana Family Safari?
A Botswana safari brings families closer to nature – from elephants crossing the Okavango’s channels to lions roaring at sunset – all within the safety of private reserves. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect, and share unforgettable moments surrounded by some of Africa’s most extraordinary wilderness.
Benefits of a Family Safari in Botswana:
- See Africa’s Wildlife Up Close: Watch elephants, lions, and hippos in their natural habitat, guided safely by expert rangers.
- Unplug and Reconnect: With no screens and flexible schedules, families share quiet moments and stories around the campfire.
- Share Epic Safari Adventures: Each day brings new experiences – from gliding through the Delta on mokoros to helicopter excursions.
- Make Unforgettable Family Memories: Kids remember their first lion roar or the elephant that interrupted lunch at the waterhole.
- Enjoy Safe, Kid-Friendly Safaris: Many camps offer flexible drives and trusted guides trained to work with children.
- Explore African Culture Together: Visit local villages and learn through music, crafts, and storytelling.
- Open Young Eyes to a Bigger World: Safaris teach empathy, curiosity, and respect for nature – lessons that last a lifetime.
What to Look for in a Botswana Family-Friendly Lodge
Not every safari lodge is built with families in mind – and that’s why we carefully handpick the ones that are. From child policies to room layouts, these are the key details we consider when designing your family safari, ensuring every member of the family feels safe, comfortable, and inspired.
- Child Age Restrictions: We always check lodge policies – for example some have age minimums for bush walks or game drives.
- Kid-Safe Layouts: Look for fenced areas versus none, attentive staff, and safe walkways, especially when traveling with younger children.
- Family-Sized Rooms: Choose interleading tents or family suites with extra space to spread out and unwind.
- Essential Family Amenities: Flexible dining times, and shaded relaxation areas make downtime stress-free for parents.
- Child-Focused Game Drives: Many lodges offer shorter drives or family-exclusive vehicles designed to keep kids engaged and comfortable.
- Babysitting Services: Parents can enjoy an evening drink or early morning game drive while kids rest safely under professional care.
- Hands-On Activities: Nature walks, junior ranger lessons, and local cultural experiences keep curiosity alive between game drives.
- Wild Child/Nature Programs: Does the lodge have programs that are child focused and age appropriate
Openly, Kyle and Leah approach every family safari the same way they would if they were planning it for their own little wildlings – with care, practicality, and a deep understanding of what makes a family trip truly special.
Ready to Plan Your Botswana Family Safari?
If you’re thinking of planning a family trip, we’re here to help! Our team of travel designers will create an itinerary just for you to create memories to last a lifetime and conquer your bucket list. Get in touch with us today to start planning your adventure in Africa.
