The most adventurous part of the journey was two nights of bush camping in Moremi Game Reserve. Under a canopy of stars, the Furners slept in dome tents and woke to the sounds of the wilderness coming alive. Philipp and his co-founder, Thabo, engaged the kids by letting them help plan the day’s routes and learn survival skills.
The final stop was two nights at Lebala Camp in the Kwando Concession, blending thrilling game drives with spacious, open landscapes. The remote setting meant incredible wildlife sightings, and the kids loved watching elephants from the pool deck.
These spots had a ton of space, activities and engaged guides which made them ideal for kids. Thabo, in particular, was a standout, acting like an older brother to the children. His passion for conservation and work with underprivileged kids back home left a lasting impression. “Kids were involved in everything, from looking at maps and helping plan the day to learning survival techniques,” Sarah says. The variety of transportation methods, from canoes and boats to jeeps and tiny airplanes, turned the entire experience into a grand adventure with the perfect balance of relaxation.
Balance adventure with comfort
Whether soaring above the Okavango Delta in a tiny plane or sipping tea while elephants wandered nearby, the Furners found so much charm in Botswana.
Sarah reveled in the quiet magic of game drives, saying, “Feeling the wind on my face and seeing the world so raw and untouched was incredible.” For Mateo, the camping—despite his initial hesitations—became a highlight. “Listening to hyenas circle our tents was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating,” he says.
For the kids, each moment brought something unforgettable. Ethan, 18, ranked Botswana among his top three destinations out of the 60-plus countries he’s visited, calling the sunsets and star-filled skies “breathtaking.” Ella, 16, loved riding on the safari vehicle’s roof at golden hour, sipping rooibos tea and soaking in the views. Zadian, 14, was mesmerized by a pride of lions devouring a fresh kill, saying, “It was fascinating to be so close to something so wild.”
Niko, 12, couldn’t learn enough about animal tracking from the guides. “They showed us how to read the ground like a storybook,” he says. And for Lulu, 8, the wild dog puppies stole the show. “They were so cute,” she says. “They played just like our dog at home.”
Early mornings? Bring coffee…and layers
Game drives kick off around 5 a.m., a tough sell for any non-morning person. “If your kids aren’t early risers, you’re going to need a solid pep talk… and coffee,” Sarah jokes. But the pre-dawn starts came with rewards: crisp, cool air, quiet landscapes, and the chance to spot animals at their most active.
Mornings began by the fire with porridge and tea before heading out for the first game drive of the day. Afterward, the family tucked into hearty breakfasts back at camp. Afternoons offered a chance to relax before evening drives, which often ended with sundowners—mocktails for the kids and local drinks for the adults. Thoughtful touches like hot water bottles, fondly nicknamed “bush babies,” kept everyone warm during the cool nights.
It was as wild as you’d imagine. But was it worth it?
Rolling with the unexpected
Despite the careful planning, not everything went smoothly—but those hiccups became part of the story. One notable mix-up involved an overbooking issue at one of their planned camps. The family’s disappointment quickly turned into delight when they were unexpectedly upgraded to a top-tier luxury camp. The experience included clawfoot bathtubs, gourmet meals, and even afternoon tea served on fine china. “It was such a surprise,” Sarah says. “We went from bush camping one night to feeling like royalty the next. The kids couldn’t believe the contrast.”
