8 Days Botswana Family Safari | Chobe & Okavango

This 8-day Botswana Family Safari combines Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, bringing together classic game drives, river experiences and varied ways to experience the bush.

With family accommodation, flexible activities and a mix of land and water safaris, the itinerary works particularly well for families wanting variety without constantly changing destinations.

Trip Highlights

• Family safari in Chobe National Park
• Morning and afternoon game drives
• Private boat cruise on the Chobe River
• Excellent opportunities for elephant and buffalo sightings
• Scenic light aircraft flights between safari regions
• Game drives and bush walks in the Okavango Delta
• Seasonal mokoro and motorised boat excursions
• Catch-and-release fishing, subject to seasonal water conditions
• Scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta
• Horseback safari in the Xaranna area
• Night game drives in the Nxabega concession
• Stay at family-friendly safari lodges and camps

Overview

The safari begins in Chobe National Park, where the Chobe River draws large numbers of elephants and other wildlife towards the water, particularly during the dry season.

Morning and afternoon game drives are complemented by a private boat cruise, giving the family two very different ways to experience the park.

You then fly into the Okavango Delta, where the safari becomes more water-oriented and immersive.

The Nxabega concession offers game drives, walking and seasonal mokoro boating and fishing, while a scenic helicopter flight provides an aerial perspective over the Delta’s waterways and islands.

The final part of the trip moves to Xaranna for another two nights of wildlife and water-based activities.

Game drives, bush walks, horseback safaris and seasonal boating give families plenty of choice, while time at camp provides space to slow down between activities.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Days 1-2: Chobe National Park

Arrive at Kasane Airport, where you will be met by a Petnah Africa Tours representative and transferred towards Chobe National Park. Depending on arrival arrangements, a short game drive can form part of the journey to your lodge.

The following day is dedicated to experiencing Chobe by both land and water.

Morning and afternoon game drives take you into the park with professionally trained guides, while a private boat cruise on the Chobe River provides a different perspective on the wildlife gathering along the banks.

Chobe is particularly well known for its elephants, with the river providing an important source of water during the dry season.

Depending on the time of year and current wildlife movements, you may also encounter buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, predators, and a wide variety of birdlife.

June to October is generally a strong period for wildlife viewing around the Chobe River as water becomes increasingly important to animals across the surrounding landscape.

Overnight at Chobe Chilwero Lodge

Chobe Chilwero is set in the Kasane Forest Reserve overlooking the Chobe River.

The lodge offers a combination of comfortable accommodation and communal spaces, with family stays supported by its policy of welcoming children of all ages.

Day 3-5: Okavango Delta

After breakfast, transfer to Kasane Airport for your light aircraft flight into the Okavango Delta.

The flight offers an early aerial introduction to the Delta, with its network of waterways, islands and seasonally flooded plains.

On arrival at Nxabega Airstrip, your safari continues into the Nxabega Wilderness area.

Over the next three days, you can experience the Delta from several perspectives. Morning and afternoon game drives explore the private concession, with some drives continuing after sunset when conditions allow.

Bush walks provide a closer look at the smaller details of the environment, while seasonal water levels determine whether activities such as mokoro trips, motorised boating and fishing can operate.

Catch-and-release fishing is available as a seasonal activity, while a scenic helicopter flight offers an entirely different view of the Delta’s vast land and water systems.

The area’s varied habitats support a broad range of wildlife and birdlife. Depending on the season and sightings, you may encounter elephants, buffalo, hippos, predators and numerous bird species.

Overnight at Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp

Nxabega is located on a private wildlife concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve.

The camp’s tented suites are raised above the ground and surrounded by woodland and seasonally flooded grasslands. A family suite is available within the accommodation offering described in the source itinerary.

Day 6-7: Xaranna and the Okavango Delta

After a final game drive, continue to Nxabega Airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Xaranna.

The journey itself offers another aerial perspective over the Okavango Delta before you settle into your next camp.

The following days combine game drives, bush walks, scenic helicopter flights and horseback safaris, allowing the family to experience the Delta in several different ways.

Seasonal water levels also determine whether motorised boating, mokoro trips and fishing excursions are available.

Wildlife viewing can include elephants, buffalo, hippos, leopards, African wild dogs and other species, while the Delta’s birdlife provides another major part of the safari experience.

There is also time to slow down at camp, including an opportunity for evening stargazing from the jetty when conditions are suitable.

Overnight at andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Set within the Okavango Delta beside a waterway, Sandibe combines safari accommodation with architecture inspired by forms found in the natural environment.

The lodge is surrounded by woodland, palms and fig trees and provides a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding concession.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive as you make your way towards the airstrip.

A light aircraft will then take you to Maun Airport for your onward connection, bringing your Botswana family safari to an end.

What’s Included

• Meet and greet at Kasane Airport
• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
• Full-board meals at each lodge
• Soft drinks
• House wine
• Local brand spirits and beer
• Tea and coffee
• Waterborne activities where seasonal conditions permit
• Game-viewing activities offered by the camps and lodges
• Refreshments during game drives
• National park fees
• Emergency medical cover as specified by the safari arrangements
• Administration fees
• Transfers to and from lodge airstrips

What’s Not Included

• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Meals and drinks not specified above
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Champagne
• Cognacs and premium cellar wines
• Cigars and cigarettes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this Botswana safari suitable for families?

Yes. The itinerary is specifically designed around a family safari and includes accommodation at Chobe Chilwero, which the supplied information states welcomes children of all ages.

The variety of land and water activities also allows families to experience the Delta without relying exclusively on long game drives.

2. What wildlife can families expect to see?

Chobe is particularly known for elephants and also supports buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, predators, and extensive birdlife.

In the Okavango Delta, sightings can include elephants, buffalo, hippos, leopards, African wild dogs, and many bird species. Wildlife encounters are naturally dependent on season and animal movements.

3. Are the water activities available throughout the year?

No. Several Okavango activities, including mokoro trips, motorised boating and fishing, depend on seasonal water levels. The exact activities available during your stay should be confirmed for your travel dates.

4. What is the advantage of combining Chobe and the Okavango Delta?

The two destinations offer different safari experiences. Chobe is particularly strong for riverfront wildlife viewing and boat-based safaris, while the Okavango provides a wider mix of floodplain, woodland and water-based experiences.

5. Is there time to relax during the safari?

Yes. Although there are activities available throughout the itinerary, the schedule includes time at camp between morning and afternoon outings. Families can therefore balance active safari days with quieter periods around the lodges.

Ready to start planning? Send an inquiry through our contact page or WhatsApp us on +256 705 161344. Petnah Africa Tours can help tailor the route, activities, and accommodation to suit your interests and travel plans.