Botswana Family Safari with Teenagers

Botswana Family Safari with Teenagers

709 Views
10 Days From

$2235

$1676

Botswana Family Safari with Teenagers

10 Days Starting in Victoria Falls and ending in Johannesburg

Visiting: Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Nata, Maun, Okavango Delta, Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Marakele National Park, Johannesburg

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

UWFB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

From: $2235 $1676 Operator discount: -$559 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an action-packed, teen-friendly adventure in south-east Africa. See the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls, say hello to some new friends at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, explore the far-out Okavango Delta by traditional canoe and watch elephants drink from the Chobe River. Pack plenty of spare camera batteries, because this snap-happy trip, brimming with exciting animal encounters and landscapes like you’ve never seen, is one for the photo album.

Highlights

  • Get a load of Victoria Falls, an amazing thundering spectacle. Optional activities for those arriving early include white water rafting, canoeing and flying fox rides

  • Go wildlife-spotting along the river at Chobe National Park, home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants

  • Enjoy some truly unique accommodation in Elephant Sands. Greet elephants as they come to drink from the pool!

  • Get familiar with the fine art of 'poling' as you and your family ride a traditional dugout canoe through the waterways of the Okavango Delta

  • Camping on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness is an experience you and your family will never forget. As night falls, the sounds of the African bush are like nothing else

  • Support local conservation by visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside

  • Get a load of Victoria Falls, an amazing thundering spectacle. Optional activities for those arriving early include white water rafting and canoeing

  • Get a load of Victoria Falls, an amazing thundering spectacle. 

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Victoria Falls

Location: Victoria Falls

Accommodation: Shearwater Explorers Village or similar (camping with facilities)

Welcome to Africa! Once you arrive at the joining point accommodation, reception will advise you where our campsite is located. Make your way to the site, meet your leader and get settled in. Your adventure begins at 2pm with a group meeting at our campsite. After which we will visit Victoria Falls

This thundering curtain of water is about a mile wide, falling 108 metres into a narrow gorge below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 metres and the falls become an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and you can see little islets in the river below.

If you arrive early, get out and explore Victoria Falls. You can choose from various activities and excursions, including white water rafting and canoeing. For an incredible scenic helicopter flight, choose Zambezi Helicopter Company (CAA Zimbabwe), the only Intrepid-endorsed operator.

Included Activities:
-Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance

Optional Activities:
-Victoria Falls - Helicopter Flight of the Angels (12 mins - Excludes US$25 fuel surcharge and NP fees)
-Victoria Falls - Jet Boat (Seasonal - excludes USD10 NP Fee)
-Victoria Falls - River Song Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee)
-Victoria Falls - Traditional Village Tour
-Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing
-Victoria Falls - Standard Sunset Cruise (excludes USD10 NP Fee)
-Victoria Falls - Bridge Tour

Day 2: Chobe National Park

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travel.maddy

Location: Chobe National Park

Accommodation: Thebe River Safaris or similar (camping with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After some breakfast and packing up camp we travel to Chobe National Park. Botswana's first national park is perhaps best known for its high concentration of elephants, which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River. The river also attracts wallowing hippos, a variety of birdlife, crocodiles sunning themselves by the water's edge, and cheetahs and lions which come down to drink. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, a relaxing way to spend the afternoon with the family.



Included Activities:
-Chobe National Park - Sunset Cruise

Day 3: Nata

Location: Nata

Accommodation: Elephant Sands or similar (camping with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning embark on an exciting game drive through Chobe NP in search of the Big Five. Then hit the road to Nata where you'll spend the evening at Elephant Sands. Elephant Sands has a natural waterhole right in front of the lodge where the local elephants come to drink. Watch these awesome creatures whilst they drink at only a couple of meters away from you. There is plenty of other wildlife around as well on this unfenced 16000 ha private conservancy. The lack of fences allows all animals to roam freely.



Included Activities:
-Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive

Day 4: Maun

Aarush Dhand

Location: Maun

Accommodation: Sitatunga Camp or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After packing up camp it's another long travelling day to Maun. Maun is the gateway to one of the world's most renowned and complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. This place is unlike anything in the world – a 16,000 square kilometre maze of wetlands made up of meandering waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. You might see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and big cats. But it's not the animals that are the main attraction – it's the extremely diverse ecosystem and atmospheric waterscapes. Tonight you'll stay on the outskirts of Maun at a simple campsite with shared facilities and WiFi before heading into the Delta in the morning.

Day 5: Okavango Delta

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Oriol R
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Allan Kaitila

Location: Okavango Delta

Accommodation: Delta Rain or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Cruise around the waterways by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe navigated by friendly local 'polers'. With some luck, you might spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and exotic birdlife. Spend time exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Tonight you will camp on a remote island in the heart of the wilderness. In this far-out spot, facilities are non-existent, so you will dig a bush toilet and go without a shower. It's all part of the Okavango experience. At night, fall asleep to the humming and buzzing of the African wilderness.

Included Activities:
-Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari

Day 6: Okavango Delta

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Oriol R
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Allan Kaitila

Location: Okavango Delta

Accommodation: Delta Rain or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Wake up early and head out for a sunrise walk. Along the way, keep watch for some elephants. You might also come across some Cape buffalo, if the timing is right. These rather noble-looking creatures are more dangerous than they look, and their horns make for a kind of bone shield that's fittingly known as a 'boss'. Returning to camp for breakfast, take the rest of the day to relax. A refreshing swim, or perhaps a nap, is a good idea in the warmer part of the day. Alternatively, take another mokoro trip to soak up more of that delightful river atmosphere.

Included Activities:
-Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk

Day 7: Maun

Aarush Dhand

Location: Maun

Accommodation: Sitatunga Camp or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast take the mokoro back to the poling station and then travel once again to Maun, where you will have the rest of the day free back at the campsite.


Day 8: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Location: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Accommodation: Khama Rhino Sanctuary (camping with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

It's an early morning start as we hit the road to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a conversion of a former hunting area into a conservation project. Built to protect Botswana's only remaining populations of both black and white rhinos, the sanctuary is also home to other wildlife including zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen around the many natural waterholes. Visiting this project benefits local communities and contributes to the protection of the highly endangered white rhinoceros. Later, head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they are at their most active.



Included Activities:
-Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle

Day 9: Marakele National Park

Location: Marakele National Park

Accommodation: Bontle Rest Camp or similar (camping with facilities)

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Leaving Botswana behind, cross the border into South Africa and arrive at your overnight stop of Marakele National Park this afternoon. The national park has diverse terrain making it easy to spot wildlife. In the park you can spot gemsbok, mongoose, wild cat, warthog, all kinds of birds and may even be lucky to spot black mane lions, If time allows we will do an afternoon game drive in the park before settling into camp for your final night in the wilderness.

Included Activities:
-Marakele National Park - game drive

Day 10: Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast we start the drive to Johannesburg. The group arrive late afternoon where the trip will end. if you have additional time why not get out and explore Johannesburg, a city of remarkable contrasts. Perhaps visit the culturally rich areas of Newtown, Braamfontein or Maboneng. The eye-opening Apartheid Museum is well worth your time.

We recommend you don't book your departure flight until after 8pm.. 

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Camping with facilities (7 nights), Camping with no facilities (2 nights)

  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance

  • Chobe National Park - River cruise

  • Nata - Elephant Sands Bush Walk

  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari

  • Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk

  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Sunset Game Drive Open Vehicle

  • Marakele National Park - game drive

  • Meals

    9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners

  • Chobe National Park - Sunset Cruise

  • Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls entrance
  • Chobe National Park - River cruise
  • Nata - Elephant Sands Bush Walk
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro safari
  • Okavango Delta - Sunrise Walk
  • Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Open Safari Vehicle Game Drive
  • Blouberg- Cultural Dinner

Transport

  • Truck

Accommodation

  • Camping accommodation on this trip is mainly in two-person canvas dome tents with camping mattresses supplied. A sleeping bag is not included but is available for hire if you do not wish to bring your own. Please advise your booking agent if you would like to hire a sleeping bag.
  • ‘Camping with facilities’ means that there are facilities, but they usually aren't to the same standard you would find in western countries. For example the bathroom facilities can be very basic (the toilets may be a squat-style hole in the ground). There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Nights indicated as ‘Camping with no facilities’ means that there are no facilities. Not all campsites are as basic as this description - it's just to make sure there are no surprises for you.

Important Information

  • 1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
  • 2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 10 years old.
  • 3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children under 17 years of age at time of travel.
  • 4. This trip starts at 2PM on Day 1 with a group meeting at the campsite followed by a visit to Victoria Falls. On the last day you will arrive into Johannesburg late in the afternoon on Day 10. We recommend you don't book any departing flights until 8PM onwards
  • 5. It is a requirement that all children aged 17 or under travel with an original or certified copy of their full, unabridged birth certificate when entering or leaving the country.
  • Any parents who aren't travelling will need to provide a legal document giving their consent for the child to travel.
  • 6. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 7. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel.
  • 8. During this trip you can upgrade to a lodge/hotel at the campgrounds we are staying in along the way with the exception of our time in the Okavango Delta (Days 5 & 6). If you wish to upgrade you can organise this directly during the trip with your leader and pay locally. Prices start at BWP 740 per person. All updates are subject to availability.
  • 9. Border crossing delays in the region have been sporadic and difficult to predict. What takes an hour one day may take four hours the next. This may affect the order of activities in the itinerary. We understand this uncertainty can be frustrating, and we strongly recommend packing a bit of patience and flexibility.

Mode of Transport

  • Truck

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    This is an overland trip. That means you’ll be travelling with a group in a purpose-built vehicle, setting up your own tent with some long travelling days. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. There will be some early starts and long travelling days.  It's as much about the journey as the destination, and half the fun is the camaraderie. For more info on this style of travel, see our Africa overland page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/africa/overland

    Camping out in the Okavango wilderness means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower. For most travellers this is a small price to pay for such a gorgeous remote island location. It’s all part of the adventure.

    The going can be slow over the long distances and often bumpy roads. A little bit of patience will go a long way towards your enjoyment of this beautiful land. There are some long travelling days.

    This is a participatory camping trip, so team spirit is key. You and your family will be helping out with camp setup, food preparation and cleaning.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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15-Jul-2024

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V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Wednesday

Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 08, 2025
$2235 $1676

Operator discount: -$559

Saturday - Monday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
$2680

Friday - Sunday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$2370

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$2515

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$2515

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$2495

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$2405

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$2470

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025
$2370

Thursday - Saturday

Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$2370

Friday - Sunday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$2470

Saturday - Monday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$2685

Friday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$2485

Friday - Sunday

Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$2395

Thursday - Saturday

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$2370

Saturday - Monday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 29, 2025
$2370

Friday - Sunday

Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026
$2370

Sunday - Tuesday

Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026
$2490

Friday - Sunday

Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$2490

Sunday - Tuesday

Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 07, 2026
$2490

Friday - Sunday

Jul 03, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
$2490

Sunday - Tuesday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026
$2490

Friday - Sunday

Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026
$2490

Tuesday - Thursday

Jul 21, 2026 - Jul 30, 2026
$2490

Sunday - Tuesday

Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 04, 2026
$2490

Friday - Sunday

Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026
$2490

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026
$2490

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026
$2490

Thursday - Saturday

Aug 13, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
$2490

Sunday - Tuesday

Sep 20, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026
$2490

Sunday - Tuesday

Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 06, 2026
$2490

Saturday - Monday

Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026
$2490

Saturday - Monday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026
$2490

Wednesday - Friday

Dec 23, 2026 - Jan 01, 2027
$2490

Sunday - Tuesday

Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 05, 2027
$2490

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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