20-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Botswana
Embark on a remarkable 20-day journey across Botswana, a land of untamed beauty and extraordinary wildlife. This itinerary is specifically designed for families who want to experience the thrill of Africa at a relaxed pace, ensuring that even the youngest travelers remain engaged and comfortable. We focus on accessible regions, stable transport, and educational nature experiences that make for a stress-free family holiday.
By utilizing a mix of self-drive options, regional flights, and well-maintained public buses, you can explore the bustling streets of Gaborone, the quiet sanctuaries of Serowe, and the world-famous waterways of the Okavango without the typical safari rush. Pack your binoculars and get ready for an epic journey that your family will cherish forever.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Gaborone, Botswana - Arrival & City Welcome
Arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
Land in the capital and take a smooth transfer to your hotel. The airport is modern and offers easy navigation for families with strollers.
Lunch at Main Mall
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the family-friendly cafes in the pedestrianized center of Gaborone, offering both local and international flavors.
Three Dikgosi Monument
A spacious outdoor area where kids can run around while you learn about the three chiefs who played a pivotal role in Botswana's independence.
Dinner at River Walk Mall
A convenient spot for families with various dining options and safe, well-lit walkways for an evening stroll.
Day 2: Gaborone, Botswana - Wildlife & Culture
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Located just outside the city, this reserve offers education-focused game drives that are perfect for introducing kids to rhinos and giraffes.
Bush Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a prepared picnic within the reserve grounds, allowing the kids to dine in the fresh air.
Gaborone Game Reserve
One of the smallest but most accessible parks, featuring paved roads suitable for any vehicle and plenty of birdlife and warthogs.
Relaxation at the Hotel
Return to your accommodation to enjoy the pool and wind down after a day of wildlife spotting.
Day 3: Serowe, Botswana - Journey to the Heartlands
Intercity Travel to Serowe
Board a comfortable air-conditioned coach for the 4-hour journey north. The roads are well-maintained and offer great views of the countryside.
Check-in & Village Lunch
Settle into your guesthouse in Serowe, one of the largest traditional villages in Africa, and enjoy a meal of Seswaa.
Khama III Memorial Museum
Explore the history of the Bangwato people in a quiet, stroller-accessible museum setting.
Sunset at Thataganyane Hill
Take a short walk to watch the sunset over the village, a peaceful way to end the travel day.
Day 4: Serowe, Botswana - Rhinos & Conservation
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
A community-based wildlife project perfect for families. The flat terrain makes it easy to spot both white and black rhinos from the safety of your vehicle.
Braai at the Campsite
Utilize the sanctuary's excellent braai (BBQ) facilities for an authentic outdoor family lunch.
Nature Trail Walk
Participate in a guided short walk focused on tracking and identifying trees, specifically tailored for younger explorers.
Evening Star Gazing
The sanctuary's clear skies offer an incredible opportunity to teach children about the Southern Cross constellation.
Day 5: Maun, Botswana - Gateway to the Delta
Travel to Maun
A longer travel day today (approx. 6 hours). Break up the trip with stops in Orapa or Lethakane for snacks and stretching.
Check-in and River Views
Arrive in Maun, the tourism hub of the Okavango. Relax by the Thamalakane River and watch the local birdlife.
Maun Town Exploration
A quick drive through the town center to locate supermarkets and pharmacies for restocking supplies.
Dinner at Marc's Eatery
A local favorite with a relaxed garden atmosphere and kid-friendly menu options.
Day 6: Maun, Botswana - Aerial Delta Views
Scenic Flight over the Okavango
See the winding channels and elephant herds from above. This 45-minute flight is a highlight for children and adults alike.
Lunch at The Thamalakane River Lodge
Enjoy a meal overlooking the water while the children enjoy the green lawns.
Basket Weaving Workshop
Visit a local craft center where kids can learn the basics of traditional Botswana basket weaving.
Sunset Boat Cruise
A gentle boat cruise on the river—easier and safer for very small children than a mokoro (dugout canoe).
Day 7: Maun, Botswana - Culture & Education
Nhabe Museum
A small, manageable museum that showcases the history and natural environment of the Ngamiland district.
Lunch at Arts & Eats
A quirky cafe with local art and a playground area, making it ideal for a long, relaxed lunch.
Elephant Havens Visit
Visit this orphanage for elephants near Maun. It’s an incredibly moving and educational experience for kids to learn about wildlife rescue.
Maun Sunset Market
Peruse local stalls for handmade toys and crafts while enjoying the cooling evening air.
Day 8: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana - Day Trip Safari
Day Safari to Moremi
Embark on a guided day trip. Moremi is famous for its diverse habitats—from forests to floodplains.
Wildlife Spotting at Third Bridge
A great spot for seeing hippos and crocodiles from the safety of the bridge area.
Packed Lunch in the Park
Eat lunch at a designated fenced picnic spot, allowing for a safe break from the vehicle.
Return to Maun
A long but rewarding day. The kids will likely sleep on the smooth drive back to town.
Day 9: Maun, Botswana - Pacing & Rest
Lazy Morning by the Pool
A deliberate slow day to recharge. Most lodges in Maun offer excellent pool facilities for children.
Casual Riverside Lunch
Self-cater using local produce bought from the Maun market for a healthy, home-style meal.
Helicopter Landing Spot Visit
Watch the helicopters take off and land at the Maun airport—an exciting activity for transport-loving toddlers.
Dinner at Akacia Cafe
A modern spot with great milkshakes and a variety of dishes that appeal to picky eaters.
Day 10: Gweta, Botswana - Land of the Giants
Travel to Gweta
Drive or take a bus east (approx. 3 hours) to the village of Gweta, the gateway to the massive Makgadikgadi salt pans.
Lunch under the Baobabs
Gweta is home to enormous ancient baobab trees. Many lodges are built around them, providing a magical dining setting.
Village Cultural Walk
A short, guided walk through Gweta to see traditional courtyard living and local cattle posts.
Dinner at Planet Baobab
The fun, colorful decor of this lodge is a hit with kids, featuring giant concrete ant-hills and baobabs.
Day 11: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana - Meerkats & Moonscapes
Meerkat Adventure
An early start to meet a habituated colony of meerkats. They often climb on people's heads to get a better view—a memory kids will never forget.
Breakfast on the Salt Pans
Enjoy a simple breakfast in the middle of the vast, white expanse of the pans.
Rest and Nap Time
The heat of the pans can be intense; utilize the early afternoon for indoor activities and rest.
Baines' Baobabs Visit
See the famous group of seven baobab trees painted by Thomas Baines in 1862.
Day 12: Nata, Botswana - Bird Watching Paradise
Travel to Nata
A short 1-hour drive further east. The road is straightforward and well-paved.
Nata Bird Sanctuary
This community-run sanctuary is home to thousands of flamingos and pelicans during the wet season.
Lunch at Nata Lodge
A comfortable, shaded area with a swimming pool to cool off in the afternoon.
Pan Lookout Point
The lookout platform provides a safe, elevated view of the pans for kids to watch the horizon.
Day 13: Kasane, Botswana - The Chobe Front
Drive to Kasane
Head north on the "Elephant Highway" (approx. 4 hours). Keep your eyes peeled for elephants crossing the road!
Check-in and Riverfront Lunch
Kasane sits on the Chobe River. Lunch with a view of Namibia just across the water.
Kasane Hot Springs
A quick visit to the natural hot springs located in a peaceful forest setting.
Dinner at The Old House
A family-run restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and great pizza.
Day 14: Chobe National Park, Botswana - River Cruising
Chobe River Boat Cruise
This is the best way to see Chobe. Large, stable boats allow kids to walk around while watching elephants swim and hippos bask.
Buffet Lunch
Most lodges along the river offer extensive buffets which are great for families with varying tastes.
Seboba Nature Park
A small community-run park in Kasane with boardwalks and cultural displays.
Riverside Sunset
Watch the sun dip below the river—a quintessential Chobe experience.
Day 15: Chobe National Park, Botswana - Land Safari
Game Drive in Chobe
Focus on the riverfront tracks. You are almost guaranteed to see massive herds of buffalo and elephant.
Lunch & Pool Time
Cool off from the morning safari with a long swim and a poolside snack.
Visit the Kazungula Bridge
See the impressive new bridge that connects four countries: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Farewell Chobe Dinner
A final dinner in Kasane celebrating the halfway point of your journey.
Day 16: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - The Smoke that Thunders
Day Trip to Victoria Falls
Cross the border for a day trip to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The paved paths are mostly stroller-accessible.
Lunch at The Lookout Cafe
Dine with a spectacular view of the Batoka Gorge and the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Victoria Falls Rainforest Walk
Follow the 1.2-mile path through the rainforest for various viewpoints of the falls.
Return to Kasane
Cross back into Botswana for a quiet evening and a well-deserved rest.
Day 17: Francistown, Botswana - Traveling South
Travel to Francistown
A 6-hour drive south. Francistown is Botswana's second-largest city and serves as a great stopover.
Check-in and City Walk
Stretch your legs with a walk around the city center, visiting some of the local shops.
Supatwa Heritage Center
Learn about the Kalanga people and the early gold mining history of the region.
Dinner at Barbara's Bistro
A high-quality dining experience with a very welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.
Day 18: Francistown, Botswana - Nature & Recreation
Tachila Nature Reserve
Located just on the edge of the city, this reserve offers easy drives and a beautiful setting for a final family safari experience.
Picnic at Tachila
Use the designated picnic areas within the reserve for a quiet family lunch.
Francistown Golf Club
Even if you don't golf, the clubhouse offers a relaxed spot for a drink and a safe area for kids to play on the grass.
Evening Relaxation
Enjoy the amenities of your lodge as you prepare for the final leg of the journey.
Day 19: Gaborone, Botswana - Return to the Capital
Final Drive to Gaborone
The 5-hour drive back to Gaborone on the A1 is a smooth, easy run. Stop in Palapye for lunch.
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
Visit the Botash craft shops or the various malls in Gaborone for high-quality leather goods and pottery.
Gaborone Yacht Club
A lovely spot at the Gaborone Dam to enjoy the sunset and a casual final meal by the water.
Packing & Prep
Organize your bags and reflect on your 20-day journey through the heart of Southern Africa.
Day 20: Gaborone, Botswana - Farewell Botswana
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final traditional Botswana breakfast at your hotel, perhaps trying some Bogobe (porridge).
Visit a Local Park
If time permits, a quick visit to a local neighborhood park to let the kids burn off energy before the flight.
Airport Transfer
Head to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport for your flight home, bringing back a lifetime of family memories.
Departure
Board your flight, marking the end of your 20-day epic Botswana journey.
Best Time to Visit Botswana
The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool, and wildlife congregates around water sources, making for exceptional sightings. For families, this period is ideal as the risk of malaria is lower and the heat is manageable. However, the 'green season' (November to April) offers stunning emerald landscapes and lower prices, though it can be hot and humid.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). While credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in major cities like Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane, as well as at most safari lodges, it is essential to carry some cash for smaller villages, markets, and tipping. Tipping is generally 10% in restaurants and a small daily amount for safari guides, though it is always at your discretion based on service quality.
Getting Around Botswana
Botswana's infrastructure is among the best in Africa. Intercity travel is most comfortably done via air-conditioned buses or private car rentals. For long distances, domestic flights between Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane save significant time. Within towns, 'combis' (minibuses) are the common local transport, but for families, registered taxis or rental cars are recommended for safety and convenience.
