Namibia with children

An adventurous family vacation: tips and experiences

Namibia with kids, a country and journey that left a deep impression on us! Together with our two sons, Nuno (9 years) and Louk (11 years), we spent 7 weeks in this vast country, traveling in our 4×4 Ford Ranger with two rooftop tents. Namibia is dotted with wildlife roaming freely, making travel here a unique experience. While we spent hours in the car, we embarked on our own safaris. The country is about 20 times the size of the Netherlands but has only 2 million inhabitants, making it beautifully deserted and special. Although the travel times can be long and Google Maps often proved too optimistic, Namibia is a safe and easy country to navigate. Especially Damaraland and Kaokoland in the northeast are fairy-tale beautiful, and sometimes we encountered no one for days, except for elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife.

In this blog, I share all our experiences and tips for a wonderful road trip through Namibia with kids.

This blog is written by Caroline.

Namibia with children - tips and experiences

♥ Practical tips
♥ The best travel itinerary
♥ Fun activities
♥ Our experience

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Namibia with children - Practical tips

Here are some practical tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly:

a) Take your time: Make sure you have enough time to explore all the highlights and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the country.

b) Take adequate precautions: Ensure that you arrange the necessary vaccinations and any malaria prevention before departure. Consult the GGD (Public Health Service) for this.

c) Rent a reliable 4×4: If you plan to go off-road, it’s essential to rent a dependable 4×4 vehicle. Make your reservation in advance and consider taking a 4×4 driving course before you depart.

d) Communicate with a satellite phone: Since you may find yourself in remote areas without cell service, it’s wise to take a satellite phone with a subscription for emergencies.

e) Overnight in tents: Consider camping in rooftop tents on your 4×4 so you can enjoy Namibia’s breathtaking starry skies.

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Namibia with children - The best travel itinerary

Our route through Namibia was an unforgettable adventure. Here is a suggestion for an ideal travel itinerary with children:

a) Start in Windhoek: Pick up your rental car in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, and visit nearby attractions like the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve.

b) Explore the Caprivi Strip: Drive west and explore the beautiful Caprivi Strip. Here, you can enjoy boat trips in the Okavango Delta, where you’ll cruise among hippos and crocodiles. These trips can be booked on-site and are a fantastic way to experience the area’s natural beauty.

c) Explore Etosha National Park: Drive north and spend ample time in the world-famous Etosha National Park. Reserve accommodation in the park in advance, as it fills up quickly. Enjoy spotting wildlife such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and giraffes.

d) Explore Damaraland and Kaokoland: Continue northeast and discover the fairy-tale beauty of Damaraland and Kaokoland. Here, you can travel for days without encountering anyone except for wildlife. Enjoy stunning hikes and admire the unique landscapes and rock formations.

e) Visit Sossusvlei: Travel slowly south and conclude your adventure in the breathtaking Sossusvlei. This is one of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes, featuring its gigantic sand dunes and expansive desert scenery. Take your time to climb the dunes and enjoy the pristine beauty of this area.

We traveled to Namibia from November to mid-December, just before the rainy season. This turned out to be a perfect time, as the roads were in good condition and we didn’t have to deal with mosquitoes or malaria. Flexibility was a major advantage, as we could arrange accommodations on the spot without prior reservations. We used handy apps like iOverlander and Tracks4Africa for our route planning and found them very useful.

Namibia with children - Fun activities

Namibia offers plenty of fun activities for kids. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:

a) Sandboarding in Swakopmund: Visit the coastal town of Swakopmund and take an exciting sandboarding trip. Slide down the high sand dunes on a kind of sled and enjoy the thrill and fun.

b) Wildlife spotting in Etosha: Take your children on a safari in Etosha National Park and help them spot wild animals. Seeing majestic elephants and playful zebras will be an unforgettable experience for them.

c) Stargazing in the desert: Camp at night in the desert and admire the beautiful starry sky of Namibia. Teach your children about the different constellations and share stories about African folklore.

d) Visit local communities: Visit local communities and learn about the culture and traditions of Namibia. This is a great opportunity to introduce your children to new cultures and foster an appreciation for diversity.

e) A boat trip in the Okavango Delta, which can be easily booked on-site.

Namibia with children - Our experience

Regarding our rental car, we chose a reliable and fairly new vehicle from Savanna Car Hire, and it drove us through the country without any issues. We recommend booking your rental car well in advance, as demand can be high.

Namibia has given our family an unforgettable trip, and we have now become big fans of Africa. The unspoiled beauty of the country, the abundance of wildlife, and the ability to create your own safaris make it a unique destination for families seeking adventure.

Whether you enjoy spotting wildlife in Etosha, sandboarding in Swakopmund, hiking in Damaraland, or simply exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia, there is something for every family member to experience.

Namibia is a safe and easy country to travel in, and with the right preparation and flexibility, you can experience an unforgettable family holiday. So pack your bags, rent a 4×4, and embark on an adventure through beautiful Namibia with your children. It will be a trip that you will talk about and cherish for a long time to come.

Tip: For more fun tips on a road trip through Namibia, check out chelise.nl.

About Caroline

My name is Caroline van der Lande, and together with my husband Florian and our two sons Nuno (9 years) and Louk (11 years), we have been traveling since October 2022. We spent 5 months traveling in Africa, mainly in a jeep with two rooftop tents (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, and Zanzibar). After that, we traveled for a month by camper through Chile, and we are currently in Costa Rica.

Follow Caroline on Instagram: @carolinevanderlande