Safaris Specific for Multigenerational Families

Fans of African safaris know Botswana is one of the most appealing destinations for animal lovers of all ages, thanks to its abundance of big game. That said, the one-size-fits-all, day-long safari drives may not work for every member of the family.

Natural Habitat Adventures has taken all of this into consideration when revamping its Family Botswana itinerary, specifically designed for multigenerational family groups.

NHA is debuting a 10-day revamped Family Botswana Safari for 2018 that adds diversity to its destinations, habitats and activities.

© Alexander Shalamov | Dreamstime

“For families, there’s no topping the adventure of an African wildlife safari — and in Africa, it’s tough to top Botswana,” says Ben Bressler, founder and president, Natural Habitat Adventures. “Big game and predators are abundant here, and we get amazingly close from our secluded tented camps, deep in the bush on private reserves and far from tourist crowds.”

Bressler shares five features of the new itinerary designed for multigenerational explorers:

• First, the range of activities has been fine-tuned to appeal to explorers of all ages, from kids ages 6 and up to grandparents. Yes, there are game drives in Land Rovers, but the itinerary also includes bush walks led by Kalahari Bushmen, excursions by boat and canoe, quad bike rides across the Makgadikgadi salt pans and a guided tour of Victoria Falls.
• A new flightseeing adventure over the Kalahari by helicopter takes guests between camps, overlooking the Makgadikgadi salt pans, once an ancient lake, and the wildlife below. Because there are multiple helicopters, passengers are limited to three each, which means everyone gets a great view.
• The new itinerary also emphasizes diversity with the addition of the Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls. This range of ecosystems offers more variety in wildlife viewing, including the black-maned lions in the Kalahari; big elephant herds, along with lion and leopard, in the Moremi Game Reserve; hippo and crocodile in delta waterways; and plentiful game sightings at camp waterholes and lagoons.
• One night the family won’t forget is an option to sleep under the stars in “skybeds” — elevated, three-story platforms — at Sable Alley Camp in the Okavango Delta. The lantern-lit skybeds, located in the private Khwai Reserve, feature en suite flush toilets and overlook a waterhole that attracts elephant, lion, hyena, eland, zebra and kudu, as well as smaller nocturnal creatures. Each skybed includes a private, enclosed en suite flush toilet.
• Finally, the bush camps are small and the locations are on private reserves with convenient access to wildlife viewing areas.

© Rabor74 | Dreamstime

Groups are limited to 13 participants divided into two open-sided safari vehicles, and many transfers are via chartered light aircraft to save time between camps. Expedition leaders are selected for their knowledge, but also for their experience in working with children.

In 2018, four departures of this 10-day adventure are available: June 8–17, June 30–July 9, July 13–22 and Aug. 3–12 Rates are $10,495 per adult, double, and $7,995 per child ages 6-12 sharing in a twin. NHA is the travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund.