Requirement For Going on an Okavango Delta Safari
Unlike many other African destinations, Botswana has a vast array of safari activities that are ideal for families. Whether you choose to go on game drives, walk in the bush, boat along the delta or horse ride amongst elephant herds you will have a memorable holiday with your family.
Most Okavango Delta safari camps will accept children from 6 or 7 years old, though younger ones may be required to share accommodation with an adult. Most offer two bedroom family tents which are perfect for families and can often be booked as a unit so the entire family can stay together.
The Okavango Delta used to be a hard place to go on safari with children, but more and more camps are now offering child-friendly lodges with kid’s rooms or suites as well as family tents that are bigger than regular accommodation. Some have also added family friendly facilities like children’s pools and play areas.
What is the Minimum Age Requirement For Going on an Okavango Delta Safari?
A great way to experience the Okavango is to take a guided mokoro excursion in dug out canoes. These rides are shorter than boating safaris and are more about the flora and fauna of the area, rather than looking for big game.
Younger children can take part in these safaris if they are comfortable with a poler guide, and can also learn about their surroundings from the guide’s point of view. The minimum age for mokoro safaris is 12 years, and there are also some camps that accept children up to 16 years of age.
For young children, game sightings can be a bit limited due to the behaviour of the animals and the need for safe distances between you and the wildlife. This is why it’s important to ask your guide about their approach to sightings before you book a holiday with them.
The vast majority of safari areas are malaria free, although some areas can still be infected and you should check with your doctor to see if you need any antimalarial medication before you travel.
To make sure your kids are safe, ask your trip planner to check the minimum age requirement for each activity that you plan on taking. Some activities such as walking safaris are not suitable for children under a certain age and should be avoided at all costs.
Other activities such as hot air ballooning are relatively new to the Okavango and only operate from NG12 concessions, so they tend to be very exclusive and require a helicopter to reach the launch site in time for the sunrise flight. The minimum age for hot air ballooning is 7 years, but you can take younger children if they are comfortable riding in the open.
Moremi Game Reserve in the east of the Okavango is a great choice for families with young children. It is a relatively small park but has plenty of exciting wildlife to see. The reserve has an abundance of water and savannah and is home to lions, leopards, wild dogs and the rare sitatunga antelope.