Namibia Family Safaris

Namibia is a great destination for families of all ages and we would always encourage it as a family destination was it has a huge variety of places to visit and activities to try. A family itinerary wouldn't necessarily differ from a normal 'highlights of Namibia' itinerary we would just look at slightly different properties so we keep the honeymooners away!

Family safari

Etosha National Park: This is one of the best places in Namibia to see wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and many more. The park offers guided game drives, as well as the opportunity to do self-drive safaris. There are family-friendly 'rest' camps within the park such as Okaukuejo Resort: with chalets, restaurants, bars and pools as well as floodlit waterholes or you can stay outside the park somewhere like Mushara Bush Camp which was designed with kids in mind.

Mushara Bush Camp is located in the private Mushara Reserve, which is adjacent to the eastern border of Etosha National Park in Namibia. The camp offers 16 tented chalets, which are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, and private veranda. There is also a swimming pool and a viewing deck, which overlooks a nearby waterhole. The camp is located about 8 kilometres from the eastern entrance to Etosha National Park.

Okaukuejo Resort is a popular accommodation option located inside Etosha National Park in Namibia and offers a variety of accommodation options, including chalets, family chalets, double rooms, and a camping area. All accommodation options have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and mosquito nets. There is a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a curio shop. There is also a floodlit waterhole, which is a popular spot for wildlife viewing at night. The camp is located near the Anderson Gate.

NamibRand Nature Reserve: This is one of the largest private nature reserves in Africa, and offers the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including cheetahs, zebras, and antelopes.

Kwessi Dunes is a luxury lodge located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia with only 12 spacious chalet-style rooms. It offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, stargazing, hot air balloon rides, and visits to nearby attractions, such as Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon. Kwessi Dunes is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, including solar power, water conservation, and waste management.

Waterberg Plateau Park: This park offers hiking trails, guided game drives, and the chance to see rare and endangered wildlife, such as black and white rhinos.

Waterberg Lodge offers 20 comfortable rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony or patio. The rooms are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The lodge is located inside the Waterberg Plateau National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the white rhino, sable antelope, and roan antelope. It is about a three-hour drive from Windhoek.

Beyond safari

Whilst Etosha National Park offers a fantastic family safari experience, Namibia has much more to offer beyond safari including a whole host of kid-friendly activities.

Swakopmund: This coastal town offers a range of activities for families, something for all ages, including quad biking, scenic flights, sandboarding, fishing, kayaking and dolphin or seal watching. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes, as well as a beautiful beach but the sea is cold. Most of our clients stay at least 3 nights here as there is so much to do. We tend to suggest The Cornerstones Guesthouse is centrally located, comfortable and well-priced.

Sossusvlei: This is home to some of Namibia's most iconic landscapes and a must-do. The towering red sand dunes and the famous Deadvlei salt pan are all accessible on foot so you get right into the scenery. Looking for a way to burn off energy? Try climbing Big Daddy Dune! We tend to suggest a guided 1/2 day in the dunes and Sesriem Canyon which starts before dawn and gets you back about lunchtime. A peaceful afternoon is guaranteed after this!

Desert Homestead Lodge is a lodge located in the Namib Desert. The lodge offers 20 comfortable chalets, each with a private veranda, en-suite bathroom, and stunning views of the surrounding desert. There are two family units available. The lodge offers a range of activities, including guided walks in the desert, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides. There are also opportunities for stargazing and birdwatching. The lodge is located about 30 kilometres from the entrance to Sossusvlei.

Damaraland: This region is home to unique geological formations, such as the Organ Pipes and the Burnt Mountain, as well as desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, lions, and if you are lucky rhino. The scenery here is so unique with its tabletop mountains - it is a great place for exploring.

Grootberg Lodge is community-owned lodge offerings 16 comfortable chalets, there are also two family units available. You will struggle to find a room anywhere with a better view. The lodge offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, game drives, rhino tracking, and visits to nearby Himba villages to learn about their traditional way of life. Grootberg Lodge is owned and operated by the local community, which means that the profits from the lodge go directly back into the community to fund development projects such as schools, clinics, and water projects.

Malaria free

Much of Namibia has a very low malaria risk, especially in the dry season making it a popular choice for families, as particularly if avoiding the north of the country, malaria tablets are often not required.