It’s no secret that we love Botswana. From families planning their first African safari to African travel regulars, we love putting together itineraries that showcase the best of this amazing safari destination.

And while we love Botswana’s most famous safari areas like the Okavango Delta, Chobe and the Kalahari, there are also plenty of little known things to do on safari in Botswana.

Here are 4 fun, little known things to do on a Botswana Family Safari.

MARVEL AT ANCIENT ROCK ART AT TSODILO HILLS

An important aspect of safari in Africa, particularly while traveling with children, is learning about the native cultures and people of the continent.  Few visitors know about Tsodilo Hills, home to more than 4,500 ancient San Bushman rock paintings.

things to do on a botswana family safari

The San Bushmen believe that the creation of man began in Tsodilo Hills, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and that this area is resting place for spirits of the dead. Check out the traditional hunting scenes, animals, and dances depicted on the walls dating back more than 20,000 years.

SAMPLE LOCAL FLAVORS VIA BOTSWANA’S NATIONAL DISH

Most traditional food in Botswana consists of meat and corn. Botswana’s national dish, Seswaa, is a tasty meat stew served over a thick polenta/porridge. You won’t find this on the menu at our favorite safari camps, but kids love sampling this local fare with locals in and around many camps around Botswana.

things to do on a botswana family safari

The stew is made by boiling meat, typically beef or goat, with onions and peppers for approximately two hours. The meat is then shredded and pounded with salt to add flavor. The mixture is pored over a maize meal and served with a leafy green called Morogo.

Just let us know if you’re interested and we can coordinate this experience for you!

EXPLORE A TWO-STORY CAVE OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Located in one of the most remote corners of Botswana, deep inside the Kalahari Desert, the Gcwihaba Caverns are a spectacular sight to see. The two-story caves feature several linked passageways packed with stalagmites and stalactites. Some even take on the appearance of frozen waterfalls!

DON’T MISS BOTSWANA’S MEERKAT POPULATION

While Meerkats are amazing hunters, highly skilled at catching and eating prey such as scorpions (they are immune to snake venom!), they are also very social animals. Living in communes of 20 to 30 members, where childcare, lookout duties, and hunting are all shared among the clan, these fun creatures keep kids and adults entertained for hours.

things to do on a botswana family safari

It’s possible to spend time with habituated meerkats at specific camps alongside scientists and researchers who understand the habituation process intimately. While it can take several years, there are many Meerkat communities around the country who have been habituated to interact with people while maintaining a totally natural, wild lifestyle.

Check out our family-favorite Botswana safari itineraries, and contact us today to start customizing an adventure for your family!