A Family Safari, Made for Little Explorers

September 8, 2026

At Mashatu, children come along for an adventurous safari – where they track, discover, learn and explore the African bush through a programme designed especially for them. A footprint in the sand becomes a mystery to solve, a bird call becomes a challenge to identify, a beetle is worth stopping for, and a pile of dung holds a clue.

For children aged 4–12, the African bush is full of discoveries — and at Mashatu, the Kids@Mashatu Programme gives them the opportunity to experience it at their own pace, alongside experienced rangers who turn curiosity into adventure.

Set within the wilderness of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of eastern Botswana, Mashatu Game Reserve offers families the chance to experience safari together, while giving younger travellers experiences that are meaningful, engaging and designed around their age and interests.

Safari, seen differently

For adults, safari can mean watching elephants cross the plains at sunset or waiting patiently for a leopard to emerge from the shade. For children, the magic can be much closer to the ground.

Through Bush Discovery Walks and Micro Safaris, young explorers learn to look beyond the big game. They can identify trees, birds, nests, insects and reptiles, practise basic tracking and discover the remarkable amount of life found around camp.

It is an introduction to the bush through observation, curiosity and hands-on discovery — and often, it is the smallest details that become the biggest memories.

Where learning becomes an adventure

The Kids Programme brings the wildlife and wilderness of Mashatu to life through a combination of games, challenges and practical experiences.

Ranger Games and Animal Trivia turn learning into play, with activities including animal-call challenges, “Who Am I?”, dung detective and survival-skill quizzes.

Through Spoor Tracks and Bush Crafts, children can learn to recognise animal footprints and other signs in the sand before creating plaster casts of selected tracks to take home. They can also discover bush survival skills and learn about the uses of plants.

And for younger children who may not yet be ready for a full game drive, Bush Bumble Drives offer shorter, gentler outings focused on the smaller wonders of the reserve — from birds and insects to tracks, plants and nearby animal behaviour.

There is a creative side, too. Nature-based crafts, clay figures and other hands-on activities introduce children to elements of Botswana’s culture and early bush skills.

The result is more than a way to keep young travellers entertained. It is an opportunity to build a sense of curiosity and connection with the natural world from an early age.

And what about the parents?

A family safari should be memorable for everyone.

While children are exploring, learning and playing, parents have the opportunity to enjoy their own time in the bush — whether that means a leisurely game drive, a quiet afternoon at camp, time together or simply a moment to appreciate the extraordinary setting. Then the family comes back together with stories to share. A child has followed the tracks of an animal. Mum has watched elephants at the waterhole. Dad has spotted a leopard. And suddenly, dinner becomes a conversation about the day’s discoveries.

Why Mashatu for a family safari in Botswana?

A Botswana family safari offers children something increasingly rare: the freedom to be curious in a truly conserved wilderness.

There are no screens to distract and no shortage of things to investigate. Instead, they wake up surrounded by wilderness, learn from experienced rangers, and begin to understand the intricate relationship between wildlife, landscape and conservation. These are experiences that can stay with them long after the holiday is over.

The Kids@Mashatu Programme is available at Kolokolo Safari Home, Mashatu Lodge and Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu, subject to availability, and must be pre-booked before arrival. Experiences vary according to the season, camp schedule, group size and length of stay, with activities tailored to each child’s age, interests and confidence level.

Make the school holidays a little wilder

With the December and January school holidays approaching, now is the time to plan a family safari in Botswana — and give the whole family more time to settle into the rhythm of the bush. Mashatu’s Pay Stay and Extended Stay special offers provide an added incentive to stay longer, allowing families to slow down, explore more and make the most of their time in the reserve.

Discover Mashatu Game Reserve, part of the Kaelo Destinations collection, and explore its family-friendly stays: