Safaris with children – Namibia

Namibia may just be the most beautiful and enthralling country on planet Earth. It is home to ancient rock art, towering sand dunes, gnarled shipwrecks, prolific wildlife, the world’s driest desert, and scenery that cannot be compared to anything; except maybe the surface of an alien planet. Simply put, Namibia is utterly spectacular. A trip to Namibia is not a holiday, it is an adventure.

However, in the current climate of ecotourism and experiential travel, Namibia may also be the ideal destination to escape with the family. The staggering surroundings are the perfect place to reconnect with each other; as well as nature. In many Namibian safari lodges, children are welcome, and the guiding teams are well-versed in entertaining guests of all ages.

When most people think of safari, they think of lavish lodges surrounded by great herds of game and marauding predators. Namibia is a typical safari destination with its wildlife rich game reserves and stunning nature. Whilst Namibia can certainly provide this, the total safari experience is multi-faceted, and one of a completely different nature. This is one of many reasons that a Namibian safari with children may be the most memorable adventure a family can have.

Benefits of a Namibia Safari with children

Embarking on a safari with children in Namibia may sound like a daunting prospect based on the sheer scale of the country, but there are many reasons to take the plunge for this child-friendly adventure.

First and foremost, Namibia is a safe country. The crime rate is low and due to the dry climate, it is considered a very low-risk area for malaria year-round. The road network is simple but well maintained, although a 4x4 is highly recommended due to the rugged terrain. It is worth noting that any safari with children in Namibia will involve a decent amount of time spent in the car, and whilst the spectacular landscape will appease older eyes, some planning will have to go into keeping the younger generation entertained between stops.

There are many safari lodges accommodating children in Namibia but the country also boasts a wealth of well-appointed campsites that also cater for families. Even though many of these are set in areas of natural beauty rather than game reserves, the appeal to children is not diluted. The whole point of a holiday to get away from the tedium and stresses and home life, a place where imagination is moot. Immersed in Namibia’s almost lunar landscape, children can truly ascend into the realm of make-believe, where great rocky outcrops become alien labyrinths with enemies lurking behind every corner.

The best places in Namibia for Safaris with Children

Namibia’s vistas are worth the trip alone, but it also boasts a surprisingly rich abundance of wildlife, despite the dry and seemingly inhospitable surroundings. One of the best places in Namibia for a safari with children is Etosha National Park. Situated in the north of the country, Etosha means ‘great white place’, and is named after the park’s epicentre: a giant salt pan so large that it can be seen from space!

Due to its notoriety, Etosha boasts a large percentage of the safari lodges accommodating children in Namibia. The open landscape and big skies make for perfect game viewing opportunities and most of the main camps are fenced with floodlit waterholes that attract a multitude of game. A Namibian safari with children can involve a lot of driving, but it is just as easy to enjoy the wildlife from the safety and comfort of your lodge thanks to these localised concentrations of animals.

Because of its infrastructure and the variety of camps on offer, to suit any budget, Etosha hosts some of the best Namibian safaris for children in the country. It is always advisable however to check if your chosen lodge has an age limit for children before booking.

Namibia Safari activities with children

Safari lodges accommodating children in Namibia will generally offer some activities for the younger generation, such as guided walks around the camp. These will likely focus on the fascinating smaller inhabitants and the indigenous flora, much of which has enthralling traditional uses. However, some of the best places in Namibia for safaris with children do not involve game at all.

Swakopmund, on the west coast is a perfect addition to any Namibian safari with children. In and around the town, activities for the whole family abound. From searching for game on quad bikes in the Namib desert and kayaking with seals and dolphins in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, to spectacular sunrise hot balloon rides and exploring ancient shipwrecks, Swakopmund is a mecca for family adventure.

One of Namibia’s most underappreciated attributes is its starry skies. A safari with children in Namibia is about exploration, adventure and connection, and there is no better place to do this than under some of the darkest skies on the planet. The Namib-Naukluft reserve is one of only 18 recognised Dark Sky Reserves in the world, and the only one situated in Africa. Some of the best Namibian safaris for children may even have a telescope on site to unlock the mysteries of the Universe!

Safaris with children in Namibia – Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for a Namibian safari with children?

Namibia is a vast country with long distances between stops. If you are intending on exploring the country under your steam, it is essential to have a decent 4x4 with sufficient equipment on board, including spare tyres and extra fuel. A fully stocked first aid kit and knowledge of how to attend to common injuries, are also vital.

It is inevitable that you will be spending long periods in the car as you travel between campsites or safari lodges that accommodate children in Namibia, so it is vital to bring some games and ideas to keep the kids occupied.

Namibia is a harsh country with similarly harsh conditions. Sunscreen and hats to protect delicate young skin are a must on any Namibian safari with children. The air can also be incredibly dry so a good supply of moisturiser is also highly recommended, along with plenty of drinking water.

When is the best time of year for a safari with children in Namibia?

Namibia is a country of extremes. Temperatures in the summer can reach well above 40°C, coupled with spectacular, but brief, thunderstorms in the late afternoon. In winter, day time temperatures are a lot more manageable but the evenings can dip well below zero, especially in the desert locales.

The best time to embark on a Namibian safari with children is from July to October (spring). This avoids the extreme summer weather and the worst of the winter chill. However, it is always advisable to plan for all actualities, especially in today’s unpredictable climate. This is also peak time for game viewing and early booking is essential.

Create unforgettable family memories in Namibia

An amazing family vacation, a Namibian safari with kids offers a unique combination of education, adventure, and stunning landscapes. Namibia's distinctive terrain offers a setting for remarkable family experiences, from the alluring animals of Etosha to the daring activities in Swakopmund and the breathtaking starry skies. The chance to construct enduring memories with your companions is the best reward for venturing into this remarkable setting, in addition to discovering a breathtaking nation.