Many of Botswana’s camps are making increasing efforts to cater for younger guests, but there is arguably nothing quite so family-friendly as Ker & Downey’s Young Explorers programme. Families book exclusive use of a private camp, usually Footsteps Across the Delta, to engage with a programme of conventional game viewing and bush educational activities. The exclusive use of camp allows the guides and staff complete flexibility on activities, meal times and menus, which can be very helpful with the varying attention spans and tastes of younger guests! Activities usually involve game drives, mokoro excursions and fishing, but shorter walks can also be included, particularly with older children.

The programme is currently overseen by Paul, one of our favourite guides in Africa (he is part guide, part comedian) and it is likely that he will do some of the guiding. Children learn about tracks, plants, scat and other micro elements of the bush, in addition to big game viewing, before the presentation of a certificate at the end of their stay. This outstanding programme is available only for groups of three to six, with rates depending on group size, but for families looking for a very private safari experience it tends to be worth every penny!