How to plan a safari for kids in Botswana

It’s no surprise to anyone that animals prove to be an endless source of fascination to kids and grown-ups alike, hence the popularity soars over the worlds most treasured wildlife safaris, especially within the African continent. However, organizing a logistically challenging family safari to a destination such as Botswana is beyond tricky. But against all odds, you get it right – there is nothing more rewarding than the pure joyous smiles you will have put on the faces of your loved ones!

Image by Ruan Schoeman from Pixabay 

Inspire your littles!

There is nothing that works as well as some anticipation for some genuine excitement in your kids about anything for that matter. Especially when it comes to an eventful trip the likes of a safari, the importance of building excitement and managing expectations of your kids cannot be stressed enough. Prepare them for the challenges that they are likely to face in the wild – hot and uncomfortable weather, weird toilets, scary animals and creepy crawlies! Prepare them for everything big and small that they might cross paths with – especially tormenting events like chases, etc. Get them emotionally invested in the upcoming trip through fond activities such as scrapbooking, reading, and even researching conservation issues to set a meaningful base for the trip. Checklists are a great way to spur the interest of your littles; ask them what creatures they would like to witness. Involve them as much as possible in the process of planning – let them pick out some of their favourites among things to do in Gabarone, let them have the upper hand in choosing the cooler looking campsite, etc.

Choosing Accommodation

One of the key things that make or breaks a safari is the choice of accommodation you sign up for. Between luxury accommodation providers such as Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino and basic campsites, there are literally hundreds of extremely viable accommodation providers all throughout the area. Make sure to reserve a space providing you with just the right amounts of adventurousness, comfort and last but not least, security as well. Choosing a couple of places which allow for your kids to relax and wander about getting to know the guides and the environment seems like a great place to begin your hunt!

Managing Activities when on Safari

The range of activities that are available for the kids is simply mind-blowing in Botswana. Between learning camp craft, making bows and arrows and tracking wildlife, the choice of activities around here is simply unique and mesmerizing, for both adults as well as kids. While most camps have specific activities targeting simply kids and other targeting adults, a growing number of camps are beginning to diversify their portfolio with family-friendly activities – always pick out some of these to keep your family occupied during your visit. Perhaps the most obvious of all activities, safaris can be slightly more demanding not only for kids but also for parents. Hours and hours spent crashing around the bush are likely to only end with disappointment at the end of the day. So do make sure they manage their expectations accordingly. Try to mix wildlife safari activities with some other diverse activities that have a greater possibility of bringing out a positive outcome.

Image by mkraucht from Pixabay 

Health and Safety

Now, this has got to be one of the top concerns of all visitors who come down to Botswana- especially if they happen to be travelling with their littles. Seeing as the area is classified as a malarial zone, you should be all administered a prophylactic dose of malarial medication.