Exploring Namibia with Kids: A Family Adventure
Is it a good idea to visit Namibia with kids? Absolutely! We, René and Judith, embarked on a beautiful journey from Windhoek in Namibia to Cape Town in South Africa with our 15-month-old son, Sten. We found that Namibia with kids was surprisingly fun and we’re excited to share some tips with you.
Top 6 Highlights of Namibia for Families
1. Apple Strudel in the Desert
On the journey from Windhoek to Sesriem, you’ll find yourself on a gravel road for quite some time. But trust us, it’s totally worth it! You’ll pass through Solitaire, a peaceful little village with a gas station and a motel. But the real treat is the apple strudel and a delicious cup of coffee at the Solitaire Bakery. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?
2. Spotting Animals in Naukluft National Park
Shortly after your pit stop in Solitaire, you’ll arrive at Naukluft National Park. Here, you’ll encounter beautiful surroundings and, of course, animals! We spotted monkeys, gemsbok, ostriches, wildebeests, and even giraffes! And to think, this is actually the highway to Sesriem.
3. The Desert and Dunes Experience
We had the pleasure of staying at the Elegant Desert Lodge. This hidden gem offers beautiful rooms, a stunning view, a pool for the kids, and delicious food. Despite its affordability, we shared the place with only one other couple.
From the lodge, it’s a mere 40-minute drive to the gates of the park. Sossusvlei, a clay-valley in the heart of the Namib Desert, is home to Deadvlei. This breathtaking location features white clay contrasting with red dunes, and dead trees that complete the stunning scenery. However, be prepared for a 30-minute walk from the car park through the dunes, which can be challenging with a baby carrier.
On our return journey, we stopped at Dune45, one of the world’s largest sand dunes. It’s a fun climb for the kids, but the heat can make it less enjoyable if you’re carrying a baby.
4. Exploring the NamibRand Nature Reserve
En route to our next destination, Helmeringhausen, we drove through the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Initially, the park seemed dry and barren, filled only with rocks and stones, creating an impressive moon-like landscape. However, as we continued, the scenery became greener and more populated with animals, which was a delightful surprise.
The solitude of the road allows for spontaneous stops to capture photos of the many ostriches, gemsbok, or zebras you’ll encounter. The journey continues through the deserted Namibia for quite a while. It’s a unique experience, but be aware that stopping for a bathroom break or a cup of coffee isn’t an option.
Relaxing at Helmeringhausen Hotel & Guest Farm
Our journey took us to the Helmeringhausen Hotel & Guest Farm. This delightful location boasts a restaurant with a terrace and playground, spacious rooms, a pool, and even a tennis court. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Namibia with kids.
5. Discovering Tubetrees and the Giant’s Playground
From Helmeringhausen, we embarked on a three-hour drive to Keetmanshoop. Here, we stayed at the Alte Kalkoefen Lodge. This lodge, a renovated old lime kiln, offers beautiful cottages with outdoor showers and verandas overlooking a watering hole for animals. It’s a well-maintained spot with delicious food and a pool housed in an old silo.
From here, we visited the Quiver Tree Forest. Despite its name, this ‘forest’ is actually a collection of large Aloe Vera plants that can reach up to 8 meters high. It’s a unique sight you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Another must-visit is the Giants Playground, located about 5km further. This natural playground features a collection of giant rock formations that will leave you wondering how they got there without human intervention. It’s a truly remarkable sight and a great place for kids. You can also stay at the lodge here and cool down in one of the pools.
6. Exploring Fish River Canyon
Next on our itinerary was the Fish River Canyon, the second largest gorge in the world after the Grand Canyon. The canyon offers numerous lookout points and a map-guided route for visitors. Due to the large distances and the heat, it’s advisable to explore this magnificent landscape by car.
If you’re a fan of hiking, Namibia offers trails that range from one to five days. However, I would advise against this if you’re traveling with children. Also, remember to bring cash. The park is quite secluded, and credit card machines may not always be operational. This could be problematic if you need to pay the park entrance fee or dine at the restaurant, as the nearest ATM is 30 kilometers away in Roadhouse.
After a while, we had our fill of the heat and quickly drove on to Canyon Village. This fine location is just a half-hour drive away, where we could enjoy some peace and quiet and take a dip in the pool to cool off. It’s a real treat when you’re traveling through Namibia with kids.
Our adventure in Namibia ended here. Next, we headed to the South-African border for more amazing discoveries!
Extra Tip for Your Namibian Journey
We chose the border crossing at Kakamas for a visit to the Augrabies Falls National Park, instead of near Springbok like most tourists do. If you’re in the vicinity, it’s definitely worth a visit. You’ll find nice cottages with a pool and a restaurant in the park here too.
Conclusion: Namibia is Worth the Journey
In conclusion, the distances in Namibia are fairly large, but the amazing landscape (and certainly the wildlife) is what you get in return. Did you know Namibia is one of the safest countries in Africa? This all makes for an amazing experience which is certainly worth it. Namibia is incomparable to any other country in the world. SO JUST DO IT!
Has this article piqued your interest in traveling Namibia with kids?
Today, we’re sharing an exciting journey penned by Judith, a 32-year-old travel enthusiast and mother. Together with her husband and son, Sten, she explores the world, one country at a time. Their love for travel began early in their relationship, with a backpacking trip to the Philippines just two months in. Since then, they’ve visited numerous countries, and next year, they’re embarking on a six-month world trip.