Junior Travel Awards / 10 February 2026

Winner: Best Family Safari with Explore’s Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Adventure | Junior Travel Awards 2026

The GOLD winner of Best Family Safari Holiday is Explore's package to Botswana and Zimbabwe

Junior Magazine Junior Travel Awards Winner: Best Family Safari with Explore’s Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Adventure | Junior Travel Awards 2026

Winner:GOLD Best Family Safari Holiday

Who:Expolore Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari Adventure -Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe

What:An adventure travel company with over 40 years’ experience designing small-group trips

Why:

Launched in 2004 as part of Explore’s Family programme, the Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari Adventure takes families into the heart of Southern Africa, covering Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Small, sociable groups are led by expert local guides who become storytellers, educators, and friends, sharing wildlife insights and personal anecdotes that add another layer of personality and warmth to each adventure.

Children and parents experience the thrill of safari, the serenity of the Okavango Delta, and the awe of Victoria Falls through child-friendly itineraries that let every magical moment sink in. Every detail — from game drives in Chobe National Park to nights under African stars — is handled by Explore, allowing families to relax, connect, and make lasting memories.

Committed to sustainability, Explore supports local communities, celebrates authentic accommodation, and ensures responsible wildlife viewing, giving families an enriching, adventurous, and conscious travel experience.

"This feels like a wonderfully personal and educational way to experience the magic of a safari. I love the variety of experiences woven into each trip with an emphasis on absorbing the absolute wonder of nature. "

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior

“This is an experience for families who value connection with nature and local culture over flashy accommodation, as the lodges aren’t luxurious by design, and camping is part of the adventure -that’s exactly the point. Explore really know what they’re doing, with deep experience in creating trips that engage without exploiting the communities you visit. It’s adventure done thoughtfully and memorably.”

Susan Ward-Davies @swdtravels

"Perfect for families who love making friends on holiday. The small group tours are action packed but with enough downtime so that you can actually enjoy the holiday! We love that the tours are led by expert tour leaders who will bring an extra layer of cultural appreciation to the trip. If you are a family of animal lovers then this is the trip for you. Be prepared to watch the kids' eyes light up and jaws drop as they get up close and personal with the Big 5! We love the mix of accommodation from houseboats to lodges to camping, this promises to be a real adventure."

Kit Bhatti, Head of Community & Social, Junior

What makes it Special..

Explore stands out for blending adventure, learning, and connection in ways that work for parents and children alike. Every trip is designed so families don’t just holiday together—they discover together, whether on safari in the Serengeti, kayaking along Croatia’s coast, or camping on the dunes of Wadi Rum.

Small, sociable groups help children make friends quickly, giving them confidence to try new experiences—from navigating rivers by raft to spotting wildlife on safari or hiking through remote landscapes. Parents can step back and relax, knowing expert local guides handle every detail while bringing destinations to life with stories, insights, and warmth.

Inclusive and flexible, Explore works for single parents, solo travellers, or multi-generational families, creating companionship, support, and a real sense of community. Committed to responsible travel, the company chooses eco-conscious accommodations and supports community initiatives, helping children understand sustainability firsthand.

With Explore, families don’t just visit new places—they see the world with fresh eyes, bond naturally, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Junior Magazine Junior Travel Awards Winner: Best Family Safari with Explore’s Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Adventure | Junior Travel Awards 2026
Junior Magazine Junior Travel Awards Winner: Best Family Safari with Explore’s Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Adventure | Junior Travel Awards 2026
Junior Magazine Junior Travel Awards Winner: Best Family Safari with Explore’s Family Botswana and Zimbabwe Adventure | Junior Travel Awards 2026

Ideal for...

Explore welcomes families from all walks of life who love to discover new destinations, dive into different cultures, and get active together. Trips are aimed at children aged seven and above, though parents—and often grandparents—enjoy them just as much. The average age of children is 13, but each journey is carefully designed to suit a range of ages, interests, and energy levels. Every family adventure is planned around school holidays and graded from relaxed to full-on, so families can choose the pace that suits them best.

Guided by a strong ethos, Explore creates meaningful, sustainable travel that connects people, cultures, and places—enriching explorers, local communities, and destinations. Family trips foster memorable adventures where children thrive, parents can truly relax, and everyone gains fresh insight into the world and each other. As Explore says: “Don’t just travel. Explore!”

Junior Fact File

Prices for Explore’s Family Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari Adventure start from £3,185 per person.

Families typically fly into Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) or Maun Airport (Botswana), with transfers and internal logistics included. Small-group safari vehicles then take guests into iconic national parks such as Chobe, Moremi, and the Okavango Delta, making the journey smooth, safe, and stress-free for all ages.