Tanzania boat safaris Nyerere national park family safari

Boat safaris

Adventuring afloat in a boat is the ultimate family safari sensation

Boat safaris
Take in the wilderness and wildlife from a hippo's point of view
Botswana chobe elephant boat safaris

Boat safaris are a wonderful addition to a luxury family safari  for the completely fresh perspective it yields.

Boats offer access to beautiful swathes of watery wild that aren’t available by road or foot. Being out on the water combines an equal measure of tranquil calm and quiet, with the thrill of approaching animals you wouldn’t normally see up close.

Boat safaris
Take in the wilderness and wildlife from a hippo's point of view
hippo tanzania Nyerere family safari
Botswana Okavango delta mokoro boat safaris
Best locations for boat safaris

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is famed for its wildlife-filled waterways, and in some areas your guide will take you on a traditional Mokoro canoe. You’ll get a frog’s-eye view as you glide through waterlilies, past butterflies and a minutia of small reed- and papyrus-dwelling creatures. Stopping off on an island makes for a perfect pause for snacks and sundowners for those who like a boat safari with style.

Lesser-known Nyerere National Park in Tanzania, whose many interconnected lakes and rivers make for marvellous aquatic exploration, is another excellent option for a family safari holiday.

Kenya fish eagle hunting rift valley lakes family safari
Boat safari wildlife

A boat safari will yield plentiful pods of hippos, and crocodiles too. Watching wildlife come to graze and drink at the water’s edge is magical, especially when it’s elephants.

Your keen-eyed guide may well spot endearingly miniature frogs who love to cling to reeds, and birding from a boat is phenomenal. One of our favourite sights is the African fish eagle hunting; its iconic call is known as ‘the voice of Africa’ and always reminds us of the wild.

Botswana Okavango Delta mokoro elephant landscape boat safaris
Best times for a boat safari

Although boat safaris can be taken year-round, the Okavango Delta floods between June and August and takes aquatic adventures to another level. Nyerere National Park is delightful anytime outside of the green season in April and May.

We love to add a bit of boating wherever we can, for the extra dose of fun it always brings to a family safari holiday.

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Talk to us about your next big adventure.
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720  or   Request a quote
Mike-and-Tess-portrait-cropped.jpg?w=188&h=200&scale
Talk to us about your next big adventure.
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720  or   Request a quote
Suggested itineraries
Our favourite itineraries for a boat safari
  • Tanzania safari and beach holiday

    Experience the ideal combination of safari and beach that Tanzania has to offer.

    Guide Price From £3,095 | $4,210 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
    Duration 9 Nights
    Best Months July - October
    Region Nyerere National Park, Zanzibar Islands,
    More Info
  • Southern Tanzania safari holiday

    Experience a unique and memorable family safari adventure in Tanzania’s southern parks.

    Guide Price From £4,255 | $5,785 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
    Duration 7 Nights
    Best Months July - October
    Region Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park,
    More Info
  • Kenya driving safari holiday

    Experience incredible wildlife, vast wilderness and tranquil lakeside abodes on our Kenya driving safari holiday.

    Guide Price From £3,865 | $5,250 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12)
    Duration 8 nights
    Best Months July - March
    Region Nairobi, Rift Valley Lakes, Lewa and Laikipia, Samburu,
    More Info
  • Western Uganda safari holiday

    Combine great apes with big game safari for the ultimate experience in Uganda’s western highlands.

    Guide Price From £5,050 | $6,985 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
    Duration 7 nights
    Best Months June - February
    Region Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Entebbe,
    More Info
Inspiration
Experiences

Browse more of our favourite family safari experiences

Inspiration
Experiences

Browse more of our favourite family safari experiences

Why travel with Coral Tree?

We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays

We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.

Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed

We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.

Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind

No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.

Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects

You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.

Zanzibar beach mike and tess African safari specialists
Tess & Mike, Coral Tree founders
Meet our founders
We believe in expert advice and exceptional service

No half measures allowed.

Over the last twenty years, we have lived and worked in the luxury African tourism sector developing partnerships across the continent.

We know what makes a memorable family experience, and as parents, we understand what’s important to you.

More about us
Get in touch
Talk to Tess & Mike about your next big adventure
Call: +44 (0) 1242 908 720
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