Botswana Family Safari with Teenagers

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.6

20 Reviews

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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on an action-packed, teen-friendly adventure in south-east Africa. See the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls, say hello to some new friends at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, explore the far-out Okavango Delta by traditional canoe and watch elephants drink from the Chobe River.

Highlights

Get a load of Victoria Falls, an amazing thundering spectacle.
Go wildlife-spotting along the river at Chobe National Park, home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants
Enjoy some truly unique accommodation in Elephant Sands. Greet elephants as they come to drink from the pool!
Get familiar with the fine art of 'poling' as you and your family ride a traditional dugout canoe through the waterways of the Okavango Delta
Support local conservation by visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Truck

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Victoria Falls, Botswana

Finishes

Johannesburg, Botswana

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Family

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Victoria Falls

Welcome to Africa! Once you arrive at the joining point accommodation, reception will advise you where our campsite is located. Make your way to the site, meet your leader and get settled in. Your adventure begins at 2pm with a group meeting at our campsite. After which we will visit Victoria Falls This thundering curtain of water is about a mile wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 metres and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see little islets in the river below. If you arrive early, get out and explore Victoria Falls. You can choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting and canoeing. For an incredible scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only Intrepid-endorsed operator.

Included Activities:

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (150 USD)
Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee) (110 USD)
Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (75 USD)
Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (55 USD)
Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (168 USD)
Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee) (45 USD)
Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (68 USD)

Accommodation:

Shearwater Explorers Village or similar (camping with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Chobe National Park

After some breakfast and packing up camp we travel to Chobe National Park. Botswana's first national park is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife, crocodiles sunning themselves by the water's edge, and cheetahs and lions which come down to drink. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, a relaxing way to spend the afternoon with the family.

Included Activities:

Chobe National Park - Sunset Cruise

Accommodation:

Thebe River Safaris or similar (camping with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Nata

This morning embark on an exciting game drive through Chobe NP before hitting the road to Nata where you'll spend the evening at Elephant Sands. Elephant Sands has a natural waterhole right in front of the lodge where the local elephants come to drink. Watch these awesome creatures whilst they drink at only a couple of meters away from you. There is plenty of other wildlife around as well on this unfenced 16000 ha private conservancy. The lack of fences allows all animals to roam freely.

Included Activities:

Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive

Accommodation:

Elephant Sands or similar (camping with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Maun

After packing up camp it's another long travelling day to Maun. Maun is the gateway to one of the world's most renowned and complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. This place is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square kilometre maze of wetlands made up of meandering waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats. But it's not the animals that are the main attraction – it's the extremely diverse ecosystem and atmospheric waterscapes. Tonight you'll stay on the outskirts of Maun at a simple campsite with shared facilities and WiFi before heading into the Delta in the morning.

Accommodation:

Sitatunga Camp or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Okavango Delta

Cruise around the waterways by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe navigated by friendly local 'polers'. With some luck, you might spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend time exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Tonight you will camp on a remote island in the heart of the wilderness. In this far-out spot, facilities are non-existent, so you will dig a bush toilet and go without a shower. It's all part of the Okavango experience. At night, fall asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African wilderness.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari

Accommodation:

Delta Rain or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Okavango Delta

Wake up early and head out for a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for some elephants. You might also come across some Cape buffalo, if the timing is right. These rather noble-looking creatures are more dangerous than they look, and their horns make for a kind of bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Returning to camp for breakfast, take the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or perhaps a nap, is a good idea in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another mokoro trip to soak up more of that delightful river atmosphere.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk

Accommodation:

Delta Rain or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Maun

After breakfast take the mokoro back to the poling station and then travel once again to Maun, where you will have the rest of the day free back at the campsite.

Accommodation:

Sitatunga Camp or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

It's an early morning start as we hit the road to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a conversion of a former hunting area into a conservation project. Built to protect Botswana's only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen around the many natural waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and contributes to the protection of the highly endangered white rhinoceros. Later, head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they are at their most active.

Included Activities:

Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle

Accommodation:

Khama Rhino Sanctuary (camping with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Marakele National Park

Leaving Botswana behind, cross the border into South Africa and arrive at your overnight stop of Marakele National Park this afternoon. The national park has diverse terrain making it easy to spot wildlife. In the park you can spot gemsbok, mongoose, wild cat, warthog, all kinds of birds and may even be lucky to spot black mane lions, If time allows we will do an afternoon game drive in the park before settling into camp for your final night in the wilderness.

Included Activities:

Marakele National Park - game drive

Accommodation:

Bontle Rest Camp or similar (camping with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Johannesburg

After breakfast we start the drive to Johannesburg. The group arrive late afternoon where the trip will end. if you have additional time why not get out and explore Johannesburg, a city of remarkable contrasts. Perhaps visit the culturally rich areas of Newtown, Braamfontein or Maboneng. The eye-opening Apartheid Museum is well worth your time. We recommend you don't book your departure flight until after 8pm..

Accommodation:

Indaba Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,460

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Aug 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Dan

Traveled, April 2024

04/16/2024

I can not recommend this trip enough. Our guides were amazing, the food was awesome, and the animals… they’re everywhere. I feel like I’m walking around in a national geographic documentary. You’ll see them all, and more. Do your self a favour and book this trip, you won’t regret it.

4.5

Nathan

Traveled, April 2024

04/16/2024

If you are considering taking your kids to see the world then consider an Intrepid tour. The employees and locations were so good and the fellow travelers were a joy to befriend. My mother enjoyed her first international trip and watching all the grandchildren experience new sites.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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