Excellent family safari holidays in Namibia
As accommodation for your family safari holidays in Namibia, we usually recommend smaller guest farms and lodges because these tend to be more flexible, for instance with regard to meal times. Many of them have a big garden and adjoining rooms specifically designed to accommodate families on Namibia safari holidays. You're unlikely to find special activities for your children, but a friendly and informal atmosphere will usually allow them to run around and be noisy. Alternatively, for ultimate privacy, consider Namibia's exclusive-use villas and houses!
In addition, compared to other African countries, family safari holidays in Namibia can be considered as relatively safe: many lodges are set in areas with little dangerous game and all Namibia holds a very low malarial risk.
However, Namibia isn't only a destination for family safari holidays. We won't deny that its coastline doesn't make for 'classical' family beach holidays with azure, bath-warm water and palm-trees. Instead, you'll find a deserted stretch of barren land, scattered with ghostly shipwrecks and lapped by the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where seals live in huge colonies. It's a really special area - and more than worth exploring!
Best camps & lodges for Family holidays in Namibia
Mundulea Reserve
Mundulea offers child-friendly guiding and a hands-on approach towards family safari holidays in Namibia. It's a great reserve for inquisitive families with active children, ideally 8+, who like walking. If the camp is taken on an exclusive basis activities can usually be tailored to suit kids.
Weinberg Hotel
The Weinberg Hotel is an excellent option for families travelling in Namibia. Spacious family apartments in a separate wing have baby cots and changing tables available. The hotel restaurant has a children's menu, and there's a choice of four other restaurants on the private estate.
Elegant Farmstead
With a family room sleeping up to five, and two triple rooms, Elegant Farmstead is well suited to travellers on a family safari holiday in Namibia. Children (all ages welcome) can feed the farm animals, watch game at the waterhole or enjoy the spacious gardens and large pool.
Safari House
Like the adjacent Safarihoek, Safari House offers discounted child rates up to the age of 18. However, staying in this fenced, exclusive-use, private house allows families more freedom, with flexible activities and mealtimes – perfect for a Namibia trip with the family.
Halali Camp
With one of the largest pools in Namibia and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, Halali Camp makes a great stop for those travelling with children in Namibia. Its convenient location within Etosha National Park is an added plus, and it’s relatively economical too.
Nhoma Camp
Meeting Bushmen near Nhoma Camp is a sensitive, authentic insight into a fascinating culture and the bush. We highly recommend Nhoma Camp and Bushmanland for Namibia family safari holidays with interested, adventurous and enthusiasic children of all ages, ideally 8+.
The Nest
Housing up to seven guests, the exclusive Nest at Sossus comes with hosts, a private guide and a chef, making it a wonderful family retreat with the flexibility to do things at your own pace. A "discreet" children's playground and a swimming pool are an added bonus.
Eagle's Nest
Come to Eagle's Nest for scenic drives, self-guided walks, day trips to Lüderitz and fun barbecues on your family safari holiday in Namibia. Its family chalets, which have no age restrictions, are widely spaced out and equipped with self-catering facilities.
The Delight
The Delight’s bright quirky décor and excellent breakfast bar represents a modern and refreshing option among Swakopmund’s larger hotels. With 10 loft-style family rooms and a child-friendly atmosphere this is a great option for a family holiday in Namibia.
Mountain Lodge
With discounted rates for children up to the age of 18, Mountain Lodge is a great-value destination for families travelling around Namibia. Added to this, the Etosha Heights Reserve also offers a fantastic range of activities to keep children entertained.
Mushara Bush Camp
Near Etosha, Mushara Bush Camp sleeps up to four guests in each family tent and is highly recommended for a family safari holiday in Namibia. Expect a pool, a climbing frame, a play area, flexible dining and a children's menu. Children under 3 stay free.
Safarihoek Lodge
In the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge is unusual amongst safari lodges in offering discount rates for children up to the age of 18. This makes it (and its sister properties on the reserve) great value on a family holiday to Namibia.
Okaukuejo Camp
Inside Etosha National Park, overlooking a prolific waterhole, the fenced Okaukuejo Camp is a good option on a family safari in Namibia. It's also one of the more economical options in the area, although it can be a little rough around the edges.
Desert Horse Inn
For a family safari holiday in Namibia, consider the Desert Horse Inn, which has no age restrictions. Set in Klein-Aus Vista's semi-desert reserve, it has a relaxed, informal atmosphere, with plenty of space for children to run around.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is conveniently located for access to the iconic dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The lodge has a family friendly atmosphere and dedicated activity centre to keep children of all ages occupied on a safari in Namibia.
Wolwedans Plains Camp
Set in a valley of the Namib Desert, the spacious, comfortable wooden villa of Wolwedans Plains Camp can sleep a family of six. Come here with children of all ages for scenic drives and walks during your Namibia family holiday.
Onguma Bush Camp
Overlooking a pumped waterhole on the Onguma Reserve, Onguma Bush Camp is just 9km from the gate into Namibia’s famous Etosha National Park. As the only fenced property on the reserve it is an ideal stop off on a family safari.
Mushara Lodge
Set on the private, fenced Mushara Reserve, just east of Etosha National Park, the two-bedroom family house at Mushara Lodge, complete with a climbing frame and kitchenette, makes an ideal stop on a family safari in Namibia.
Andersson's at Ongava
Although it has been upgraded and is now a more upmarket lodge, Andersson’s at Ongava remains a great option for a family holiday to Namibia. The lodge is still fenced, with a family suite.
Canyon Village
The informal Canyon Village has plenty of space for children to play, a lovely pool and fun adjacent walking trails to explore, making it a good addition to a family holiday to Namibia.
Chobe Savanna Lodge
With three family chalets and a pool, Chobe Savanna Lodge makes a great stop on a family safari in Namibia.
Family holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Family holidays in other countries.
Where to see wildlife species in Namibia
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,554 sightings from 2,225 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,203 sightings from 3,646 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
715 sightings from 2,354 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
576 sightings from 1,340 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,227 sightings from 4,643 observations
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,498 sightings from 4,322 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
21% SUCCESS
97 sightings from 473 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,959 sightings from 3,552 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,076 sightings from 4,745 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,080 sightings from 3,442 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,507 sightings from 4,576 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
283 sightings from 1,791 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,262 sightings from 4,803 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,016 sightings from 3,164 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,850 sightings from 4,238 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
65 sightings from 3,836 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,794 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,672 sightings from 3,404 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,440 sightings from 5,279 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
586 sightings from 2,356 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
560 sightings from 2,372 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
72 sightings from 380 observations
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