Family Fun in Namibia

Dive into adventure on an activity filled journey across the sweeping landscapes of Namibia. Set your own pace as you drive to Namibia’s iconic highlights, where intrepid families can find time to step away from the ordinary on this epic road trip. From summiting the world’s highest dunes to sleeping out under the vast African skies, we’ve packed this trip with experiences that break the mould; moments that the whole family will treasure.

1. Fly into Windhoek

2. Days 1-2: Windhoek

   Getting to Namibia is a breeze. Fly overnight to Windhoek, connecting via Johannesburg, where you are met in arrivals and driven by private car to your first stop. It’s only a short drive to the quiet residential streets where Galton House awaits. A new addition to Windhoek’s hotel scene, indulge in some modern amenities before getting off the beaten track – every room comes with WiFi and Satellite TV. For the energetic, you are only minutes away from the historic city center, but you can also unwind by the pool while the younger ones splash around. For dinner Joe’s Beer House is a raucous affair to keep everyone entertained – try out the more exotic meats cooked on the open fire while the adults sample some of the local tipples. 
   Your 4x4 is delivered to Galton House during the afternoon, where one of our local representatives will take you through the routes on your trip as well as lots of local tips and even give you a local mobile phone with all the local numbers you need pre-programd. In addition, a Europcar rep will show you the how it’s done when it comes to your 4x4. We take care of the little details including extra tyres and super cover, so you just have to plan where to stop for lunch. 
   

   Accommodation: Galton House (1 night)

3. Days 2-4: Sossusvlei

   Set off into adventure this morning, as the tarmac ends south of Windhoek you leave normality behind. For those craving something a little different take the Spreetshoogte Pass where extraordinary views of the Namib Desert can be found from the mountain road. Pacify your passengers with a sweet treat from the Solitaire Bakery, renowned for having Namibia’s ‘best apple pie’. Perched along a ridge on a private reserve near Sossusvlei, Desert Homestead Outpost boasts views to get lost in and a location you won’t want to leave. Each of the tented rooms are rustically elegant with private terraces and protected roofs that can be converted into a star bed for an alfresco sleep under the infinite constellations. Blow off some steam after the drive and cool down in the lodge’s pool or stretch the legs on one of the well-marked mountain trails around the lodge. 
   Get into the spirit of Africa on your first evening and watch sun set the mountains on fire as it slowly sinks over the horizon from the view deck. It’s an early start the next morning as you set out on a guided tour of Sossusvlei. Your expert guide takes you to the gates of the Namib Nauklauft National Park in time for the dawn – the dunes blaze into color as the sun rises and the desert is brought to life by your guide’s insightful and fun commentary. The fun really kicks off as you plunge through the sands near Soussesvlei, bouncing through the dunes in your 4x4 to reach the iconic site. Hike up to Namibia’s most renowned photography spot and capture the moment with the whole family, all framed by the towering ochre dunes. This afternoon set out on horseback through the stark valleys of the Namib Mountains on a sundowner ride. A team awaits you at a hidden location, ready with drinks and snacks with which to admire the sunset. The whole landscape seems flooded with gold as the sun sets, enjoy the serenity before heading back to the lodge – and perhaps another night spent under the stars. 
   

   Accommodation: Desert Homestead Outpost (2 nights)

4. Days 4-6: Swakopmund

   Today you journey north, to the sleepy town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast. The desert rolls by as you traverse the barren landscapes, plenty of opportunity for road trip games along the way. Swakopmund lies halfway up Namibia’s desolate coastline, the laid-back atmosphere hides the adventurous center where the Skeleton Coast offers up a glut of activities to tickle even the most discerning of family members. During your time in Swakop (as the locals call it), you can relax in complete privacy in your private apartment just meters from the ocean. Atlantic Sicht, run by the outstanding Cornerstone Guesthouse, features an airy Scandinavian feel paired with plenty of room for everyone. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious living area (replete with Satellite TV and WiFi), along with a private balcony means you can escape or come together as you please. The evenings can be spent feasting on freshly caught seafood in the quirky Tug Restaurant or perhaps sharing your favorite vacation stories while the BBQ enticingly sizzles away in your private garden. 
   The frigid waters off Swakop may not tempt you in for a swim, however a marine wonderland can be found just offshore. Cape Fur Seals caper in the waves while flamingos saunter on the beaches, spend your morning in utter enchantment as the captivating and mischievous seals jump around your kayak as you glide around Pelican Point. The afternoon is yours for the taking; from racing down dunes on a sandboard to bounding across the desert on a quadbike, whether your want to taste adrenaline or take the perfect family photo – Swakopmund has it all. 
   

   Accommodation: Cornerstone Apartment - Atlantik Sicht (2 nights)

5. Days 6-8: Damaraland

   Leave the sea behind as the Damaraland mountains loom on the horizon as the road takes you east and into the region’s barren center. Oryx gracefully lope along the side of the roads, and if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the desert elephants that draw in visitors from across the globe. Scattered amidst the boulders and outcrops around Twyfelfontein, Camp Kipwe almost springs into view as you round a corner, with the sweeping vistas of the Aba Huab Valley opening up before you. Designed to blend harmoniously with the surroundings, Camp Kipwe manages to mix both a complete sense of space with an intimate feel, the interiors blending with the striking exterior to immerse you in the epic landscapes. Escape the heat in the refreshing rock pool before summiting the steps to reach the extraordinary sunset deck, where you fall into the 360º views – it never fails to impress. 
   Rouse the family in the dim light before dawn breaks to seek the climax of any visit to Damaraland, tracking desert giants across the plains. Elephants traverse vast areas in the never-ending search for water, locating these nomads in the seemingly desolate landscape is a thrill that everyone will remember. If the buzz of the morning lingers then walk in the shadows of the area’s ancient bushmen with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Twyfelfontein, education meets adventure in this primeval setting. 
   

   Accommodation: Camp Kipwe (2 nights)

6. Days 8-11: Damaraland

   Step out into another world where the wilderness beckons with no distractions but the wildlife. The scenery shifts again as you drive the short distance to northern Damaraland and the dramatic flat peaks of the Grootberg Massif. You leave the everyday (and your car) behind as the family is taken from Palmwag to the remote crags of the Etendeka Conservancy, where your next few days are spent trekking the isolated paths of the Etendeka Walking Trails. This truly remarkable experience caters to everyone, catching the whole family in the magic of this region while a dedicated team look after your every need. Trekking between two camps, the trails offer a challenge while still being accessible and the kids can discover the inspiring story behind this conservation success. As darkness falls, sit around the crackling fire watching shooting stars plummet to earth while the sounds of the bush hum all around. On your first night, immerse yourself in Africa while sleeping out under the blazing Milky Way on your protected open platform at River Camp, so close you could touch. While the accommodation is rustic, the experience is anything but. Hot showers are just the ticket after a long walk, and the hearty homecooked Namibian fare welcome to hungry stomachs. 
   Breakfast in the cool pre-dawn hours before traversing the slopes of Crystal Mountain where Hill Camp awaits. Perched along the cliff edges, get lost in the views; the panoramas cannot be beaten with the whole Etendeka Plateau opening up below.  Take a relaxing stroll across the top of the mountain, your guide literally unearthing the glittering treasures that give the peak its name. The next morning take a relaxed route down to Etendeka’s main camp, springbok leaping away amongst the rocks. Rest the feet and head out into the concession on your final afternoon, a nature drive during the golden evening light a perfect balm after the walking trails. Sit out on the terrace of your tented room, taking in the view one last time. 
   

   Accommodation: Etendeka Walking Trails (3 nights)

7. Days 11-13: Etosha

   Safari beckons as you set off towards Etosha National Park, the landscape slowly flattening as you approach the famous salt pans that mark this national park. The enchantment of the Lion King comes to life in the Ongava Private Game Reserve bordering Etosha, Andersson’s sits overlooking a waterhole in this exclusive reserve. Completely renovated in 2019, expect the extraordinary – every spacious suite comes with a live waterhole channel on the TV, and the action can be better viewed from the large terrace. Watch rhinos come to drink merely meters away yet walk around in complete safety with an almost invisible electric fence protecting the lodge. Venture underground and witness David Attenborough moments for yourself in Andersson’s sunken hide, or dive into coolness at the lodge’s infinity pool. 
   Etosha teems with life, in the dry season the waterholes are the only sources of water for hundreds of miles, drawing in wildlife in droves. Your expert guide takes you out in the dawn light into the national park, following the dust of the myriad animals as they seek to quench their thirst. Elephants saunter across the pans while lions snooze in the shade of acacia trees, skilfully spotted by your guide. Back on the reserve choose from a plethora of options for your afternoon. With the older ones, set out on foot and see the bush from a new angle on a nature walk. Go deeper and tour the Research Center, discovering the cutting-edge research helping to conserve some of Africa’s most vulnerable species. Or simply relish the time spent gazing at the comings and goings of the reserve’s residents, all part of the magic of safari. 
   

   Accommodation: Andersson's @ Ongava (2 nights)

8. Days 13-14: Central Highlands

   The road turns south and back to Windhoek on your final day, the epic journey is nearly at an end. An easy drive, Okonjima is your last reward on this road trip. Reclaiming farmland and protecting the area’s wild creatures, Okonjima Reserve is an inspirational stay and captures the heart. Plains Camp puts families firmly at its core, with dedicated chalets for family stays and a spacious pool for cooling off in. Arrive in time to help pursue one of the iconic leopards of Okonjima through the dense bush using radio tracking technology to find your prize – an up-close viewing of these elusive and regal big cats in their element.  If time allows in the morning, unearth the vital work that the AfricCat Foundation undertakes throughout the country on a tour of the research facility nearby.  

   Accommodation: Okonjima Plains Camp (1 night)

9. Fly home

   It’s a relatively short drive back to the capital where you return your hire car before checking in for your flight back home – time to start planning again?

Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha, Okonjima