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Namibia Family Safari

Namibia Family Tour Map

15 days self drive safari, ideal for families

On this trip through Namibia, the focus is on families with children. Less kilometer per day and, where possible, a pool to let off steam and cool down to ensure that the back seats in the car are not taken apart and the milk bottle does not fly forward too often. Malaria is far away and long game drives are also optional.
This self-drive tour takes you to famous sights for two weeks and gives you the opportunity to experience them in a relaxed and intensive way. We are happy to adapt the trip to your family wishes.

You can choose between simple accommodation, more luxury and camping in between.

Duration: 15 days

But do take care: Once Namibia - Always Namibia!

Safari Overview - Namibia Family Safari

  • Day 1: Windhoek - Arrival, Vehicle take over and city tour through Namibia's capital city
  • Day 2-3: Drive via Kalahari Desert to the well known elephants at Okambara
  • Day 4: Kalahari Desert - Red Sand for digging in the Kalahari
  • Day 5-6: Farmland near Maltahöhe - Real farm with castle next door
  • Day 7-8: Namib Desert - Climbing the dunes and Sesriem Canyon
  • Day 9-11: Atlantic coast - Sea, beach, the "Little Five", quad biking, petting seals
  • Day 12: Erongo Mountains - Climbing on and through granite rocks, visiting the San
  • Day 13-14: Game park - game drives and tracking
  • Day 15: Journey home - Goodbye Namibia!

Costs

From N$ 33.000
(Camping / Lodge)
From N$ 44.000 
(Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 53.500
(Lodge - Luxury)

Rate example per person during the low season. Here you can find the detailed rates.

Rates in detail

Tour overview- "Nambia for families"

Day 1: Arrival in Namibia ~ 45 km

Upon your arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, approximately 45 km east of Windhoek, you will be met by a car rental representative and transferred to Windhoek where you pick up your vehicle with all necessary instructions and information. You will then drive to your accommodation to freshen up and rest. In the afternoon, you will be picked up by your guide from Bwana Tucke-Tucke for an interesting Windhoek city tour, where you will see historic buildings and the township of Katutura. In the evening you can go out for a relaxed dinner. We can recommend Joe's Beerhouse, Cape Town Fish Market or The Stellenbosch.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge / Camping

  • Pick up at the airport and vehicle introduction.
  • Windhoek city tour
  • Accommodation: Sonneneck Guesthouse

Day 2: Okambara Elephant Lodge~ 150 km (2,5h)

After a good night's sleep you can buy provisions at the supermarket. Drive through the Namibian hinterland past farms to Okambara. The pool area invites you to cool down. To end the day with pleasure, the waterhole at the lodge is particularly suitable.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 3: Okambara Elephant Lodge~ 0 km 

Another day is at your disposal in this dreamlike environment. The lodge offers a farm tour, walks and predator feeding. At Okambara you will experience Namibia up close. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, springboks and many other species can be seen on exciting game drives through the 15,000 hectare nature reserve. The farm can also be explored very well on foot. You can get close to nature on a walk to the watering hole or a challenging mountain hike. In the evening the little ones fall tired into bed.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 4: Red Kalahari Desert~ 135 km (2h)

Along lonely farm roads, game reserves and red dunes today you end in the middle of the Kalahari. At Kalahari Anib Lodge we recommend the sundowner tour in the open safari vehicle through the dunes in the afternoon. There are short and longer hiking trails, a huge pool and e-bikes bookable on site.

For camping and self-catering enthusiasts, we recommend the Jansen Kalahari Guest Farm, very family friendly and owner-managed!

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 5: Farm Duwisib~ 230 km (3.5h)

The journey continues west. The guest farm Duwisib is located on the edge of the beautiful Namib Desert and is the perfect stopover on the way to Sossusvlei, Lüderitz or the Fish River Canyon. During your stay at the small and personal guest farm you will experience real Namibian hospitality. Before dinner, it's worth taking a stroll to Barron's View, the farm's idyllic sundowner spot.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 6: Farm Duwisib~ 0 km

Experience the remoteness of the south on a 4x4 drive around the farm. You will get an interesting insight into the fauna and flora of this region and learn about agricultural aspects of farm life that have evolved over the past centuries. Guide and farm owner Christian Frank-Schultz shares his in-depth knowledge and is happy to answer your questions.

Next to the farm is Duwisib Castle. Duwisib Castle is one of the most bizarre German colonial buildings in Namibia due to its appearance, location and history. This building owes its origin to the dream of the Saxon artillery officer Hansheinrich von Wolf. He had come to South West Africa as a Protective Force (Schutztruppen) officer during the Herero War and, after marrying a wealthy American woman during a home leave in 1907, intended to settle permanently in German Southwest Africa in order to establish a horse stud farm here.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 7: On the way to Sossusvlei~ 165 km (3h)

After breakfast you continue your journy. You can stop in the desert town of Betta and buy provisions and refuel. Drive along the NamibRand Nature Reserve to Sesriem.

Should the children still have enough energy in the afternoon or early evening (which is likely), we recommend a short visit to the Elim Dune, the first major sand dune in this area. It is on the right hand side when coming from Sesriem, a few kilometers from the entrance gate. The ascent is easy, from the top you have fantastic views over the Namib Dune Sea to the west and the Namib-Naukluft Park to the east. The beautiful sunsets and the breathtaking fauna and flora will leave a lasting impression on you.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 8: Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei & Sesriem~ 130 km (3,5h)

You stay very close to Sesriem, the gateway to a self-guided excursion into the dunes of Sossusvlei. For photographer families, we recommend starting as early as possible. The sand is also not quite as hot for barefoot children in the early morning. The opening hours of the entrance gate can be found in the lodge. The journey to Sossusvlei takes about 1 hour. For sporty families it is worth to climb "Big Daddy", the largest dune in this region. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to go up, the descent - sliding or running - only takes a couple of minutes and the way back to the parking area through the surreal Dead Vlei is well worth it. In any case, you should plan some time for the giant sandpit Sossusvlei.

On the way back, it is definitely worth visiting the Sesriem Canyon, a deeply eroded section of the Tsauchab Dry River, which carries water every 10 years during the rainy season and floods the dunes of Sossusvlei. Children can let off steam here, climbing, collecting stones and piling them up into towers.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 9: Through the Namib Naukluft Park to Swakopmund~ 345 km (5h)

Today the driving distance is a bit longer. But that doesn't matter: In Solitaire you can refuel and buy a few snacks. The apple pie available at the Solitaire Bakery has gained some popularity. People who like apple pie say "rightly so".

On the way through the desert you can see antelopes and mountain zebras from time to time. You can also get out of the car to stretch your legs. Impressive is the Welwitschia Mirabilis - an endemic desert plant and the lunar landscape just before Swakopmund.

Swakopmund itself is located directly on the Atlantic coast and is an activity hotspot for young and old. The cooler air is a welcome change from the (guaranteed) summery temperatures of the last few days. In the evening one of Swakopmund's nice restaurants awaits you.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 10 & 11: Swakopmund and surrounds~ 0 km 

Swakopmund does not get boring. Not only magnificent buildings should be mentioned, but also the beach promenade, the aquarium and much more. Of particular tourist importance is also the wider surroundings. Especially the coastal road towards Walvis Bay, bordered on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and on the opposite side by high sand dunes, leaves unforgettable impressions. You can spend the day on the beach or participate in various activities. Quad bike tours, skydiving, panoramic flights, desert trips to the small hidden 5, boat trips, etc. are offered. North of Swakopmund you reach Cape Cross, one of the world's largest seal colonies.

Find a list of some activities in Swakopmund

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 12: Erongo mountains~ 200 km (3h)

After filling up on snacks and petrol, you drive via Spitzkoppe into the Erongo Mountains. Spitzkoppe is one of the most photographed mountain motifs in Namibia, as this inselberg rises abruptly from a relatively flat environment 700 m high, with the height above sea level being 1728 m. Here you can climb wonderfully and go in search of rock engravings. Your stay over is a bit further in the Erongo Mountains.

A visit to the San Living Museum is well worth it. Here you can learn to start a campfire without a lighter, hunt with bow and arrow or build necklaces from ostrich eggshells. An unforgettable experience for children.

Services included:

Lodge

Lodge/Camping

Day 13 & 14: Private Game Reserve~ 120 km (2h)

Via the small town of Omaruru (Children can have an icecream) you drive to Erindi or TimBila Game Reserve. The next 2 days will be spent with game drives, night drives, guided walks and wildlife tracking in the private game park. Here you can observe all kinds of antelopes, elephants and even lions.

Services included:

Lodge

Day 15: Back to Windhoek – Farewell from Namibia ~ 180 km (2h)

It is the last day of your safari. Say goodbye to the wilderness and to Namibia! Depending on your return flight, you may still have some time for souvenir shopping in Windhoek.
The drive to Windhoek takes about three hours.

You will return your vehicle to the car rental agency in Windhoek and be transferred to Hosea Kutako International Airport, as arranged at the beginning of your safari.

For weeks the children won't be talking about anything other than their impressions of their Namibian family safari.

Services included:

Lodge

  • Breakfast, Airport transfer

Lodge/Camping

  • Airport transfer

Good-bye Namibia!

Rates / Info-Namibia price guarantee

As with single bookings, our price guarantee also applies when booking a complete safari, meaning that you pay exactly the same amount as you would when booking the tour yourself (exception goes for campsite bookings).

  • The price indicated is based on bookings for two people.
  • Children under 6 years of age that stay in their parents' room are free of charge in most accommodations
  • Children between 6 and 12 years (sharing a room) usually pay 50% of the costs
  • Children aged 13 and over usually pay the full accommodation price
  • For groups of four the rate will decrease as the rental car costs will be divided by the number of persons. This will be taken into account upon your booking request.

Low season 2024

01.01.2024 - 30.06.2024

From N$ 33.000 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 44.000 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 53.500 (Lodge - Luxury)

High season 2024

01.07.2024 - 31.12.2024

From N$ 36.000 (Camping/Lodge)
From N$ 47.000 (Lodge - Comfort)
From N$ 59.500 (Lodge - Luxury)

The standard rates of the tours are approximate costs to give you an idea of the budget you can work with. The price is subject to availability of the accommodation and the rental vehicle and might change slightly if we have to book alternatives. We prefer working with smaller, more personal accommodation facilities and car rental companies, guaranteeing a consistent quality of service. Thus it is advisable to book at least one year in advance, especially when planning to travel during Namibia's touristic high season. Should we need to book alternative accommodation / rental vehicle we try to stick to this policy.

Tour enquiry "Namibia Family Safari"

1. Personal details

First name *
Name *
Email *
Phone *
Country of origin *

2. Travellers

No. of adults *
Will you travel with children?*
Yes
No
Please indicate number and age of children

3. Travel period

Do you know already when you will arrive in Namibia*
Yes
No
Please indicate period of travel

4. Accommodation

Travel category*
Lodge Comfort
Lodge Luxury
Camping / Lodge

5. Your message to us (optional)

I hereby confirm that I have read and understood the Terms and Conditions.

Dream holiday Namibia

Kathrin von Info-Namibia

After receiving your booking request, we will check availability of accommodation, before getting back to you with the exact cost of the tour. For special requests (amendments to the routing / accommodation / time frame.....) please use the field "Your message to us".

Should you prefer a complete individual routing for your self-drive or fly-in safari, please fill out our "dream travel questionnaire".

Dream Travel

Services

Services included:

  • Accommodation, activities and meals as per itinerary
  • 4x4 rental vehicle with the lowest excess
  • Airport transfers
  • 24 hour backup support
  • Detailed tour description with insider hints, telephone list for emergencies, vouchers – all sent in advance by e-mail for you to print and to familiarise yourself with.

Services excluded: 

  • International flight
  • Personal travel insurances
  • Fuel costs
  • Park and entrance fees
  • Activities
  • Tipps
  • Drinks and missing meals in the itinerary

Travel information / FAQs

Namibia is a safe country to travel in and with its good infrastructure it is ideal for self-drive safaris. Especially those, who like to get an individual impression of the country a tour in a rented vehicle is highly recommendable. You’ll have the opportunity to learn a lot about the country and people and also to experience a lot off the beaten track.

Here we answer the most important and most frequently asked questions:

Take it easy

To be able to really enjoy your self-drive safari you should be open-minded, serene and patient to a certain extent – in Africa and thus also in Namibia, the clocks often tick a bit differently.

On the other hand, compared to other African countries, Namibia is in many regards nearly European. Not without reason Namibia is seen as the perfect country for introducing novices to the African continent.

Gravel road

With the material and pre-information provided like route descriptions, distances and approximate travelling times you will be well prepared for your safari. However, one should be an experienced driver and should be in the possession of the licence for more than just a couple of weeks. 4x4 experience is not necessary. The tarred and gravel roads are overall in good condition.

The driving routes and distances have been selected in a way that you can have a rather relaxed experience.  

Check road signs

In Namibia you don’t need to be scared (just respectful) of spiders, snakes and lions, but rather of overestimating your own driving capabilities. Every car rental company will tell you that the average travelling speed on gravel roads should not exceed 80 km/h and 120 km/h on tarred roads. However, on some gravel roads 80 km/h is already too fast. Take your time – you are on vacation! And please take note of the road signs.

On arrival, when taking over your vehicle you will receive an orientation on driving in Namibia and on road safety. It is essential that you follow the instructions given by the car rental company:

Here some safety guidelines for driving in Namibia in advance:

  • Namibia has left-hand traffic – Please stick to it.
  • Please avoid driving at night!
  • Off the accelerator on gravel roads – maximum 80 km/h. Especially on gravel roads: reduce speed before entering a bend! Also when the road visibility is not clear. Abrupt reduction of speed can lead to losing control of the vehicle and in the worst case “rolling” the car.
  • Only over-take when visibility is 100%.
  • Always lock your rental vehicle and don’t leave valuables visible from outside in an unmonitored car.

Many rental vehicles are equipped with tracking devices. Should you have an accident and the evaluated data shows that you were speeding your insurance will be nil and void. 

You need your national driver’s licence in connection with an international licence for driving in Namibia.

Individual accommodation

All accommodations described in the itinerary are known to us and classified as good to excellent (service, cleanliness, location, facilities). Most of them only have a limited number of beds though and when fully booked we have to book alternatives. These changes are subject to availability at the time of booking. When having to book alternative lodges, hotels or B&Bs we always strive to find accommodation of the same quality.

In most of the lodges dinner and breakfast are included in the rates. In towns you have the option to visit restaurants of your choice for dinner, thus only breakfast is included.

The campsites have also been chosen with care. All team members of Info-Namibia are dedicated campers and value good campsites.

In the itinerary of a lodge or lodge/camping safari we have chosen locations where you have access to supplies. Camping vehicles are equipped with a fridge for storing perishables up to five days.

It is always advisable to visit the website of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling abroad.

Please see the "African Risk Map". Copyright © Control Risks 2019

Riskmap - Copyright © Control Risks 2019

In general, this can be said: Namibia is a politically stable country. Compared to other African countries the crime rate is very low, however as a tourist (and as any inhabitant) there are certain ground rules to adhere to:

  • Don’t do anything, you wouldn’t do at home. For example, don’t let any stranger assist you when drawing money at an ATM.
  • In town and especially in outskirts you should not travel on foot carrying valuables.
  • Avoid walking around in darkness. In Swakopmund one can make an exception when walking to or from a restaurant in the evenings, but please inform yourself at the reception of your accommodation.
  • Should you want to use a taxi service, please use official taxis (CityCab, etc.) or make use of Leva (Namibia-Uber).

Souvenirs in a himba village

Changing money: At the airport in Windhoek you can exchange foreign cash at the teller or you can draw money at the ATM. This goes for all bigger towns in Namibia. Best ATM when using foreign cards are Nedbank (green) or Standard Bank (blue). Draw or exchange about N$ 5000 per person at the beginning of your tour and try to pay with credit card during the rest of your travel. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.

Costs for provisions during the safari: As mentioned above, dinner and breakfast are usually included in the lodge tour. Lunch and any missing, additional meals in restaurants can usually be paid with credit card.

On the mixed lodge/camping tour the accommodations and campsites are pre-paid.

Costs for supplies in shops are comparable to Europe or the USA. Eating out in restaurants is normally less expensive than in Europe.

Fuel: A large cost factor are costs for fuel. You can calculate with an average consumption of 10 litres on 100 km. One litre of fuel costs about N$ 12 (dated 07.04.2020). For a 2000 km journey you will need about 200 litres of fuel, which will cost you about N$ 2400.

Souvenirs: You can buy beautiful souvenirs relatively cheap all over the country.  Local producers of jewellery and artefacts benefit from this income.

Gratuities: A 10% gratuity for a good service in restaurants is common in Namibia. For services at fuel stations (re-fuelling, washing the windscreen…) a tip of N$ 5 is a guideline. Many accommodation facilities have a general “tip box”, the content of which gets equally distributed amongst all staff members. Tips are normally given once at the end of the stay and are usually about N$ 50 per person per night. Of course, the amount you want to give as gratuity is at your own discretion.

Visa and entry permit

  • You definitely need a passport which is at least 6 months valid and which has two open pages when entering the country.
  • Most Europeans (as well as US citizens and many others) receive a visa free of charge when entering the country. This visa is valid for the duration of the intended stay (make sure!). The maximum given stay is 90 days.
  • It is your responsibility to inform yourself about the visa regulations that adhere to your nationality before travelling to Namibia.
  • Double check the entry stamp at immigrations on the duration of validity of your visa.
  • Should you be travelling with minor children, please let us know as special documents are needed for that. 

Namibia does not prescribe any vaccination, but check with countries where you might be in transit! Malaria is restricted to certain areas of the country. Depending where you want to travel to, we will advise about malaria. As with the visa regulations please always inform yourself at your own Ministry of Foreign Affairs about regulations

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