Wilderness Safaris Botswana Enhances Family Offering

To coincide with the arrival of the annual inundation of water from Angola into Botswana’s extraordinary Okavango Delta World Heritage Site, Wilderness Safaris has curated the ultimate nine-night family adventure to the Delta and Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. With exceptional land- and water-based game viewing and other exciting activities on offer, combined with Wilderness’ enhanced family programme, children’s menus and Bush Buddy offering, families of all ages will be guaranteed an enriching journey – one that also gives back. For every family booking, Wilderness will contribute USD20 to its non-profit partner, Children in the Wilderness’ unique educational programmes.

 

"Botswana has it all for families who are seeking memorable experiences in the wilderness, from discovering the diverse habitats and species of the Delta to exploring the ancient elephant paths in the Linyanti, and more. Our enhanced family safaris offer tailormade experiences to bring this wonder alive for all generations, offering action-packed itineraries, endless options for every mood, and all-included logistics. It’s the perfect first adventure for children, and the ideal way to tune in and reconnect with all generations”, noted Wilderness Safaris Botswana MD, Kim Nixon.

 

 

 

 

Each family safari is customised so that parents, grandparents, and children all feel supremely cared for – whether it’s time together or time apart. As young eco-warriors in the making, children (aged 6 to 12 years) and teens can choose from a range of exciting and safe bush activities, whether in camp or further afield. They can learn how to pole a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), enjoy the thrill of a boat ride along the magical watery channels or try their hand at catch-and-release fishing, followed by a scrumptious picnic in the bush. Once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon or helicopter rides provide a unique view of the pristine landscape, while for teens, adventurous sleep-outs on elevated Star Beds offer an exciting close-to-nature experience. Arts and crafts, like basket weaving, are geared towards appreciating traditional skills, offering opportunities to learn about local cultures and customs. An adventure-packed day ends with evening activities including drumming, star gazing, frogging, storytelling or watching a movie under the African sky.

 

Part of the staff complement at all Wilderness’ family-friendly camps in Botswana, Bush Buddies offer supervision and companionship to both younger children and teens. They are in charge of keeping the children in their care safe, curious, and busy, and available to accompany families on game drives, fill downtime in camp with age-appropriate activities, or simply bring children to the dining room for morning hot chocolate while parents sleep in.

 

“We invite all children to dive into our Bush Buddy trunks – treasure chests of all types of toys and arts and crafts materials. Contents may vary between camps, but can include plaster of Paris for casting animal footprints/spoor and special bug boxes for catch-and-release bug hunts (e.g. dung beetles). We also give each child an interactive, illustrated field guide with a wealth of information, checklists, maps and entertaining facts, created to inspire a love for the wilderness and encourage our younger guests to explore and learn about their wild surroundings”, said Claire Strachan, Regional Services and Standards Manager.

 

Wilderness also recognises the significance of meal times, and along with its celebrated and sophisticated food offering, a newly reinvigorated children’s menu has been introduced to satisfy the youngest taste buds. “We have introduced local dishes to the children’s menus for those adventurous eaters who feel like trying something different; so in addition to the usual favourites, children can also choose dishes like Okavango Bream with Sweet Potato Fries and Morogo (local spinach), Botswana Beef Seswaa Taco or Pie, or Beef Oxtail served with Papa (ground corn) and Tomato Relish”, added Claire.

 

The drinks menu also includes new options like iced rooibos tea with Kalahari honey, or a delicious Delta Breeze (freshly squeezed pineapple, lime and cranberry juice). Wilderness’ chefs are happy to cater to any allergens, preferences, and dietary restrictions. Boma evenings around the fire showcase traditional African dishes, and kids can often get creative in the kitchen, helping the camp chef make pizza, cookies, and other delights.

 

“Our guides are also experts at making each experience safe but thrilling for every member of the family. They’re excellent entertainers and educators, with encyclopaedic knowledge and vast experience of the wild. Their passion for nature is contagious and children love learning how to observe, identify, and track wildlife as part of their stay. By nurturing our young explorers in this way, we hope to spark a lifelong passion for nature and conservation”, Kim concluded.

 

For detailed information on Wilderness’ Family Safaris, click here, or here to read more about Wilderness’ Ultimate Family Safari in Botswana.