How to pack for a mokoro safari in Botswana with children
Pack light, waterproof gear in soft bags for weight restrictions. Focus on sun protection, quick-dry clothing, and entertainment for kids during long poling sessions. Bring motion sickness remedies and plenty of snacks.
- Choose the right bags. Use soft duffel bags or backpacks only. Hard suitcases don't fit in small aircraft or mokoros. Most operators have 20kg weight limits per person including children over 12.
- Prioritize waterproof storage. Pack everything in waterproof dry bags or ziplock bags. Mokoros sit low in the water and splashing is constant. Your child's favorite toy getting soaked on day one ruins the trip.
- Pack quick-dry everything. Bring only synthetic fabrics or merino wool. Cotton takes forever to dry in humid delta conditions. Pack 3-4 complete outfits per child including underwear and socks.
- Double down on sun protection. Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats with chin straps, UV shirts with long sleeves, and sunglasses with straps. The water reflects sun from below while you're exposed from above.
- Bring motion comfort items. Pack children's motion sickness medication, ginger candies, and comfort items like small pillows. Mokoros rock gently but constantly for 3-6 hours daily.
- Pack quiet entertainment. Bring waterproof activity books, colored pencils, small travel games, and downloaded content on tablets in waterproof cases. Avoid anything that makes noise during wildlife viewing.
- What's the weight limit for mokoro safaris?
- Most operators allow 20kg soft luggage per adult, 15kg for children over 12. Under 12s often share parent allowances. Excess weight means extra charter flight costs of $8-12 per kg.
- Can I bring electronics for my kids?
- Yes, but pack them in waterproof cases and bring extra batteries. Most camps have limited solar charging 2-4 hours daily. Download content before arrival - WiFi is rare to nonexistent.
- What if my child gets motion sick in the mokoro?
- Give motion sickness medication 30 minutes before departing. Ginger candies help too. Have them focus on the horizon, not the water. Most kids adapt after the first day.
- How cold does it get at night?
- Winter nights (May-August) drop to 5-10°C. Pack warm layers including fleece jackets and long pants. Days are warm at 20-25°C but mornings start cold on the water.