Botswana Family Safari with Teenagers

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.6

20 Reviews

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.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (7), Dinner (8)
Accommodation: Camping with facilities (7 nights), Camping with no facilities (2 nights)

Highlights

Experience the grandeur of Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – when you kick off your adventure at this thundering waterfall that's more than 1700 m wide.
Go wildlife-spotting along the river at Chobe National Park, home to the world's highest concentration of African elephants.
Wake up to the sight of elephants outside your window at your unique accommodation at Elephant Sands Lodge in Nata. Greet elephants as they come to drink from the waterhole just metres from your door!
Get familiar with the 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

Guide Language

English

Starts

Victoria Falls, Botswana

Finishes

Johannesburg, Botswana

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Family, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Victoria Falls

Welcome to Africa! Your adventure begins at Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You'll have a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you’ll meet your trip leader and the other families who will be joining you for your adventure. After, you’ll start exploring this thundering curtain of water – about 1708 m (5600 ft) wide, falling 108 m (354 m) into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray can rise up to an incredible 400 m (1312 ft) 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, don’t hesitate to get out and start exploring on your own! You can choose from a range of activities and excursions, including whitewater rafting, canoeing and helicopter flights.

Included Activities:

Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance

Optional Activities:

Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$29 fuel surcharge and NP fees) (173 USD)
Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD12 NP Fee) (141 USD)
Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD12 NP Fee) (100 USD)
Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour (74 USD)
Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing (137 USD)
Victoria Falls - Sunset Cruise (excludes USD12 NP Fee) (59 USD)
Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour (64 USD)
Victoria Falls - Simunye Show (58 USD)

Accommodation:

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

Day 2: Chobe National Park

Have breakfast and pack up camp, then travel to Chobe National Park. Botswana's first national park, Chobe 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, cheetahs and lions in search of a drink, crocodiles lying in the sun by the water's edge and a variety of birdlife like the white-backed night heron, vibrant Schalow's turaco and the western banded snake eagle. Later, 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

Head out on an exciting game drive through Chobe National Park. You might spot cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, elephants, buffalo, lions and antelopes. Then, hit the road and make your way to Nata, where you'll spend the evening at Elephant Sands Lodge. A natural waterhole right in front of the lodge is a popular spot for the local elephants, who frequently come for a drink. Watch these incredible creatures whilst they drink only a couple of meters away from you – a moment you and the kids are sure to remember. Keep an eye out for the other wildlife that roams this unfenced 16,000 ha private conservancy, including buffalo, lions, giraffes, wild dogs, hyena, steenbok, leopards and kudu.

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

Get ready for another long travelling day on the road to Maun, the gateway to one of the world's most renowned and complex ecosystems – the Okavango Delta. This 16,000-sq-km maze of wetlands is made up of meandering waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats. Tonight, you'll stay at a campsite on the outskirts of Maun. Get some rest as camp tonight – tomorrow morning, you’re heading into the Delta for a full day of cruising and exploring.

Accommodation:

Sitatunga Camp or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Okavango Delta

Cruise around the waterways of the Okavango Delta by mokoro – a traditional dugout canoe navigated by friendly local 'polers'. With some luck, you might spot some of the Delta's rare wildlife including hippos, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, buffalo and an abundance of birdlife (there are more than 560 recorded bird species here!). Spend time exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Tonight, you’ll camp on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness. In this remote spot, facilities aren't available – this means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower (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 an eye out for elephants and maybe even 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'. Return to camp for breakfast, then enjoy free time for the rest of the day. You might like to take the opportunity to relax at camp, or you could take another mokoro trip to soak up more of the delightful river atmosphere.

Included Activities:

Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk

Accommodation:

Delta Rain or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Maun

After breakfast, take a mokoro back to the poling station. Then, continue to Maun, where you’ll have a free day at the campsite. There’s the option to go on a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta, where you'll get a bird's-eye view of the shimmering waterways and lush landscapes – a captivating perspective of one of the world's most unique ecosystems.

Optional Activities:

Okavango Delta - Helicopter Scenic Flight (335 USD)
Okavango Delta - 45 Min Small Aircraft Okavango Delta Scenic Flight (165 USD)

Accommodation:

Sitatunga Camp or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Embrace another early morning start as you hit the road to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, this former hunting area has now been turned 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. Your visit to this project supports local communities and contributes to the protection of the white rhinoceros. Later, head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they’re 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 Marakele National Park in the afternoon. This national park has diverse terrain, making it easy to spot a variety of wildlife – you might see gemsbok, mongoose, African wild cats, black-backed jackals, warthogs, a range of birdlife and maybe even a black-maned lion, if you’re lucky. If time allows, you’ll go on 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, drive to Johannesburg. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon, bringing you to the end of your trip. If you'd like to extend your stay in Johannesburg, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Accommodation:

Indaba Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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.

From
AUD $3060

AUD $2,601

(Tour only)

Offer ends 24 Oct, 2026 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 24 Oct 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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