From Botswana’s Salt Pans to the Okavango Delta

Few family holidays combine adventure, wilderness and unforgettable memories quite like a journey through Botswana. For the Radcliffe family, this remarkable trip included quad biking across the Makgadikgadi Pans, cycling 350km through remote villages and bushveld, a boat expedition deep into the Okavango Delta, and encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife.

The adventure began with a drive from South Africa into Botswana, heading for the famous Planet Baobab near Nata. Surrounded by giant baobab trees and wide open landscapes, it was the perfect introduction to the country’s unique beauty. From here, the family joined a guided quad biking excursion into the vast Makgadikgadi Pans. Riding across the seemingly endless salt pans was an experience unlike any other, but one of the highlights was spending time with a habituated meerkat colony. Watching these curious animals forage and interact at close range created lasting memories for both adults and children.

A night spent sleeping beneath a blanket of stars in the middle of the pans proved equally memorable. With no city lights for hundreds of kilometres, the Botswana night sky delivered a spectacular display of stars while the family enjoyed traditional campfire meals and the peaceful solitude of the wilderness.

After returning to Planet Baobab, the next stage of the journey awaited – a self-supported family cycling expedition from Maun to Sepopa. Covering approximately 350km over seven days, the route followed quiet roads through rural Botswana, passing villages, cattle posts and endless stretches of bushveld.

The journey was as much about the people as the kilometres. Friendly locals frequently stopped to chat, offer encouragement and marvel at the sight of a family undertaking such an ambitious ride. Along the way the family experienced authentic Botswana hospitality, stopping at local tuck shops and village restaurants while stocking up on water and supplies.

Camping in the bush each night added another layer of adventure. Campsites were carefully selected away from the road, often hidden among acacia trees, mopane woodland and elephant pathways. Evenings were spent around campfires sharing stories, preparing simple meals and listening to the sounds of the African bush.

Wildlife encounters became a regular part of daily life. Elephant tracks, dung and well-used game paths were common sights, while birdlife provided constant entertainment. The family spotted species such as yellow-billed hornbills, sparrow-weavers, barbets and starlings, while a chance encounter with a bush baby added a touch of magic to one evening. On another night, a large porcupine rustling through the undergrowth provided an unexpected surprise.

The cycling itself presented plenty of challenges. Punctures became a daily occurrence thanks to thorn-covered roadsides, while strong headwinds, long distances and the demands of carrying camping equipment tested everyone’s endurance. Yet these challenges only added to the sense of achievement. Reaching Sepopa after seven days on the road brought enormous satisfaction and a well-earned celebration before the next phase of the adventure.

From Sepopa, the family embarked on a guided Trans Okavango boat journey through one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness regions. Travelling in a flat-bottom aluminium boat, they followed channels of the Okavango River and Delta towards Maun, experiencing a landscape few visitors ever see.

The Okavango Delta revealed itself as a constantly changing wilderness of papyrus-lined waterways, floodplains, islands and lagoons. Fish eagles called from the treetops while kingfishers, cormorants and countless other bird species filled the skies. Large crocodiles basked on riverbanks, and hippos could often be heard nearby after dark.

Each day brought new discoveries. The family camped on remote islands beneath towering trees, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Their experienced guide navigated through narrow channels and shallow floodplains, sharing local knowledge gained from growing up in the region. Some sections required pushing and pulling the boat through vegetation-choked waterways, adding a true expedition feel to the journey.

Fishing formed a regular part of life on the river. While conditions were not ideal, the family eventually landed several tiger fish, renowned for their fighting spirit and regarded as one of Africa’s premier freshwater sport fish. The clear waters of the Delta also revealed large schools of fish moving beneath the boat, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ecosystem.

As the boat journey progressed deeper into the Delta, wildlife sightings increased dramatically. Red lechwe, giraffe and elephant became common sights, while the famous Xo Flats proved particularly spectacular. This immense wetland area was alive with birds, fish and game, showcasing the incredible biodiversity for which the Okavango is known.

One memorable campsite near Chief’s Island offered close encounters with both elephants and hippos. As the sun set over the Delta, the distant roar of lions reminded everyone that this was still one of Africa’s great wild places.

Eventually the journey reached Maun, bringing the Okavango expedition to an end. Looking back, the family realised they had travelled for days through one of the most pristine wilderness areas on the continent without encountering another traveller. The sense of isolation and immersion in nature made the experience truly special.

The adventure was not quite over. After leaving Maun, the family travelled via Ghanzi and crossed into South Africa near the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. A two-night stay at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp provided one final taste of wilderness, with sightings of springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest and an abundance of birdlife against the backdrop of the Kalahari’s iconic red dunes.

As the journey finally came to an end, the memories created across Botswana remained unforgettable. From sleeping under the stars on the Makgadikgadi Pans and cycling through remote villages to exploring the waterways of the Okavango Delta, the adventure showcased the incredible diversity of experiences available in Botswana.

For families seeking something beyond the ordinary, Botswana offers a rare combination of wilderness, adventure and authentic travel experiences. Whether by bicycle, boat, quad bike or simply around a campfire beneath the stars, it is a destination that rewards curiosity and leaves visitors with stories to tell for years to come.