Namibia Family Safaris – Adventures Off-the-beaten Track

Not Just a Holiday. A Story They’ll Tell for Years.

Namibia? With kids? Isn’t it all desert and long drives? Yes, Namibia might not be the first country that springs to mind for a family safari. But that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. But if your crew thrives on adventure and has a few passport stamps under their belts, then a Namibia family safari should definitely be on your shortlist. This isn’t just a trip. It’s a jaw-dropping geography lesson, a real-life wildlife documentary, and a family bonding experience all rolled into one.

Why Choose Namibia for Your Family Safari?

Namibia isn’t just a wildlife destination — it’s a choose-your-own-family-adventure kind of place. This desert country is a land of contrasts: from the blood-red dunes of Sossusvlei to the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop. And from the desert-adapted elephants of Damaraland to the seal-filled bays near Swakopmund.

We’re talking real-life desert adventures (minus the dehydration as we’ve got cold drinks and comfy lodges).

Here’s what your kids might get up to:

• Clambering up some of the tallest dunes in the world
• Kayaking among seals and pelicans at Walvis Bay
• Tracking leopards at the AfriCat Foundation
• Zooming across dunes on a quad bike
• Exploring the eerie ghost town of Kolmanskop near Luderitz.
• Clambering over rocks to check out ancient Bushmen rock engravings at Twyfelfontein
• Learning about farming life on remote guest farms

Namibia’s scenery is truly otherworldly. And the best part? Most of it is malaria-free, making it a solid bet for family travel, especially during the dry season (May to October).

There’s excellent game-viewing in Etosha and Damaraland – think desert-adapted elephants and rhinos.

On the coast near Swakopmund, there are some great adventure excursions for older children and their parents alike. How about kayaking on Walvis lagoon with the seals and pelicans, heading out on an ocean safari in search of whales, or taking the amazing Living Desert tour in the Namib desert, or an exhilarating quad bike ride on the sand dunes?

Great Lodges – that understand what kids (and parents) actually need. For more on specific family-friendly lodges, see our recent blog on Best Family-friendly Lodges in Namibia – This goes into lots more detail.

So what sort of family would enjoy Namibia?

• Families who are keen to experience a completely different way of life
• Kids are good at travelling (can cope with several hours in a car)
• Who don’t need constant internet, facebook or TV access
• Kids with inquisitive minds

Who wouldn’t enjoy Namibia?

• Children who are not good on long car journeys (as a 4+ hour journey is common)
• Children who like to be entertained rather than to explore
• Younger children (given the distances to be travelled)

Is Namibia Family-Friendly?

Absolutely. Namibians are warm and welcoming, and most lodges are well equipped to host kids of all ages — especially if you know where to go (and we do). Many offer gardens, swimming pools, play areas, all great for letting off steam after a long drive. Some even have two-bedroom family suites (or even larger exclusive use private villas.)

Self-drive is a popular option, but if you’d rather leave the navigating and driving duties to someone else, one of our trusted private guides can take the wheel. For hands-on experiences, consider staying at a traditional guest farm where your kids can learn how people live (and thrive) in the desert

We don’t have a specific Namibia family safari on offer but many of our sample trips are perfect for families and can be adapted. Our Namibia in Focus private tour is perfect for a guided option…

Tips for Namibia Family Safaris

Slow down to soak it in: Don’t try to “do it all.” Fewer stops with longer stays = happier kids.

Rather than trying to see most of the country, opt for three-night stays.

Get the kids involved: Show them photos, videos, and maps before you go — the excitement builds before you even take off.

Consider mixing road and air: Self-drive the north, then hop on a scenic charter flight to the south. This will cut down on long car journeys and allow you to experience the vast magic of Namibia from the air. But it’s not cheap…
You could do the north by road and then drop the rental car and fly into the Namib Desert and then fly back to Windhoek…

Recommended Places for Kids

Central Highlands

Okonjima Bush Suite

Okonjima is not suitable for younger kids. But families with older kids or teenagers will love Okonjima Bush Suite, a private villa with two en suite bedrooms and your own private ranger. Enjoy visiting the Africat project, tracking the leopard or taking the Bushman walking trail.

Etosha

The prime area for game-viewing in Namibia – at its best from April through to October. Enjoy guided game drives from your lodge, or self-drive through the park.

Mushara Bush Camp – possibly the most family-friendly of the Namibian camps with a play area and children’s pool and childminders available.
Onguma Bush Camp – also great for families with family suites available.
Andersson’s Camp and Ongava Lodge – ideal for older kids from 8 years upwards.

Also, check out Mushara Lodge & Onguma Forest Camp.

Damaraland

Free-roaming desert-adapted elephant, rhino, and other wildlife as well as possible visits to meet the semi-nomadic Himba people, some of the most remote communities in Africa.

Grootberg Lodge – family-friendly camp in the heart of Damaraland
Camp Kipwe – family-friendly camp in a stunning boulder setting close to Twyfelfontein rock engravings and the Organ Pipes.

Swakopmund

Cornerstone Villas – perhaps opt for your own self-contained luxury apartment so that you can spread out and relax.
Another option is Swakopmund Hotel

Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert

Desert Homestead & Horse Trails – Sossusvlei excursions and horse riding in the desert
Kulala Desert Lodge – closest lodge to the high dunes of Sossusvlei with special family tents

or Wolwedans Private Camp if the idea of a luxurious private camp in a remote wilderness appeals

Southern Namibia & the Kalahari

Desert Horse Inn at Klein Aus Vista – perfect for visiting Kolmanskop

Bagatelle Kalahari Ranch – a true Kalahari ranch experience

Canyon Lodge or Roadhouse

Malaria in Namibia?

Most of Namibia is malaria-free. Even Etosha, the northern exception, is only low risk and mainly during the rainy season (Jan–Mar). Most families visit during the dry months, when risk is negligible.

So, How Does It Work?

Let’s make this easy.

1. Chat with us – Tell us about your family and what excites you (and what doesn’t).
2. Receive your tailored itinerary – No guesswork. Just a plan that works.
3. Travel with total peace of mind – We’ll take care of the details so you don’t have to.

What you can expect from Cedarberg Africa

We’ve been crafting family safaris for 30 years, and we travel with our own kids — so we really get it. Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Seamless logistics from airport to lodge
• The right lodges for your kids’ ages and needs
• Advice from people who’ve done this with their own kids
• Conservation-positive travel that gives back

Give your family the gift of wild spaces, open skies, and time together — without the planning stress on your side. Just tell us what you’re after and we’ll do the rest.

---

“Namibia Family Safari Ideas” – was written by Sonja of Cedarberg Africa

This article was written by Cedarberg Africa, a specialist tour operator for Southern Africa focusing on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and busy families. We have 30 years of planning safaris for families with first-hand knowledge of truly family-friendly lodges. Our team travels with our own kids so we get it. We get what families need: downtime, flexibility and food that kids will actually eat! We have first-hand knowledge of truly family-friendly lodges.