The Namibia Family Safari is a 13 day accommodated / camping family adventure, especially designed for families with children. The minimum age on this itinerary is 5yrs and there is a discounted price for all children under the age of 13. Driving distances have been kept to a minimum, (not easy in a huge country like Namibia so there are still a few long drives!) and the itinerary includes many sites that will appeal to adults and children alike. It covers many of the country's main northern and southern tourist attractions. The itinerary is assisted comfortable camping, with participation limited to only helping with the tents.

Highlights include:

• A 'Township Tour' to Katutura, the largest suburb in Windhoek. (Either at the beginning or end of the tour, depending on arrival and departure times in Namibia.)
• A visit to the Africat Foundation at Okonjima, with it's cheetah and leopard conservation and rehabilitation programmes.
• Etosha National Park – a truly magical destination – from sunrise to long past sunset, the plains and waterholes are places of wonder, drama and diversity.
• Learn of the tribal structures, religions and daily life of the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia.
• Walk in The Brandberg, Namibia's highest mountain, to view the 'White Lady.'
• The quaint Atlantic seaside town of Swakopmund, Namibia's premier seaside resort. A pleasant place of German colonial buildings, well-stocked shops and fine restaurants.
• Drive through the Namib Desert – an ancient landscape with a long human history and an array of bizarre plant and animal adaptations.
• Travel down the valley to Sossusvlei, dwarfed by huge star dunes on either side.

The last night is spent back in a Windhoek guesthouse, to allow you to relax and provide quality shopping time in Namibia's capital city.

Camping Safaris | Namibia

Day 1: Windhoek

Depending on arrival time, a (recovery) period has been set aside for relaxation in the guesthouse or by the pool. Time permitting in the afternoon, you will be taken on a 'Katutura Township Tour,' the largest suburb in Windhoek. Katutura means 'The place where people do not want to live,' and was created in 1961 following the forced removal of Windhoek's black population from the Old Location, which afterwards was developed into the suburb Hochland Park. There is a truly African buzz here and all the main places of local interest will be called on, including markets and a bar to try out some of the traditional food and drinks. (Dinner on own account.)
Meals: None
Accommodation: A Windhoek Guest House

Day 2: Windhoek - Okonjima

Families will be collected from their accommodation in Windhoek between 08h30 - 09h00. The tour first heads north, stopping at small towns along the way, including Okahandja, (The Garden Town of Namibia) with time to visit Namibia's largest woodcarvers market. The market is operated on a local co-operative basis and is one of the best places to shop for truly Namibian souvenirs and curios.
Continuing north and driving through mainly farmland, the tour is scheduled to arrive at Okonjima's Omboroko campsite mid-afternoon, with time to set up camp and to relax before heading out for the afternoon's activities. The lodge is home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization, committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia's large carnivores, notably cheetahs and leopards. Activities commence at 15h00 in the winter, and 16h00 in the summer. Leopard can be viewed frequently here, (but not guaranteed) from a hide or radio-tracked from a game viewing vehicle. The cheetah project offers a valuable insight into the welfare work of the AfriCat foundation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinnerr
Camping: Okonjima Camp Site

Day 3: Okonjima - Etosha

An early departure to continue the journey north through some small towns, making short stops for fresh supplies and fuel along the way. The safari continues on to Okaukuejo Camp. (This name assumes entirely different meanings with subtle differences in the spelling . One meaning is 'the women who bears a child every year.') Arrival in Etosha National Park is around lunchtime, with plenty of time to make camp and relax with a jump in the pool to cool off from the hot afternoon sun, before heading out for that first game drive. This area offers some of the best game viewing in the entire park and game driving is not the only way to see the animals. The camp has a wonderful flood-lit waterhole and has quite rightly been described as 'one of the best game viewing opportunities in Southern Africa.' Large herds of elephant, black rhino, many species of plains game and the main predators are usually seen here.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Okaukuejo

Day 4: Etosha

As Okaukuejo is our first two-night stop, it's straight out on an early morning game drive, visiting some of the numerous waterholes in the area, with high hopes of catching some of Etosha's superb game out for an early morning drink. The drives around this Okaukuejo area are some of the most rewarding in terms of spotting animals, with it's several different types of terrain, from wooded areas, (including the most dominant vegetation - Mopane) to open savannah and in the rainy season, wetland.
The return to Okaukuejo is in the late morning, and after lunch there is time to relax and escape the heat of the day, in and around the pool area, shaded by palm trees and within easy walking distance of the waterhole. There is the traditional afternoon game drive out to one of the waterholes and once again in the evening, there is time to wonder and photograph at the procession of animals coming to visit the flood-lit waterhole.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Okaukuejo

Day 5: Etosha - Kamanjab

One last game drive on the way out of Etosha National Park as the tour heads south, with a relatively short drive to the small town of Kamanjab, with a refreshment stop before continuing on to find the Himba Tribesmen.
This is the only traditionally functioning Himba community outside the far north Kaokoland region of Namibia. The Ovahimba, an offshoot of the much larger Herero group, are semi-nomadic pastoralists, who breed cattle and goats. These tribes-people have migrated here, lifestyle and customs intact, and are following their traditional way-of-life in their village on a farm. Oase Village is located some 15-20km outside Kamanjab, the exact location of the site varies as the Himba occasionally roam to a new location, to take advantage of better grazing elsewhere.During the afternoon, the group we will be invited into Oase Village to meet with the locals, but with a specialist guide for the duration. He will be able to translate and introduce the 'alternative lifestyle.' include marriage customs, traditional food and the mysteries of the local religion, 'Holy Fire.'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Oase Campsite

Day 6: Kamanjab - Palmwag

From Oase the safari travels west, heading deeper into the desert and passing through the beautiful Damaraland scenery, traversing the small 'Groot-Berg' mountain range and pass before heading down to the Palmwag Oasis. Located on the banks of a dry river bed, the oasis is shaded by huge makalani palm trees, and water comes from a rare desert spring that attracts a wide variety of wild game including; the rare and elusive desert-adapted elephant and black rhino. There is a swimming pool where you can cool off and chill out, and a self-guided sunset walking trail for the more energetic.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Palmwag Lodge

Day 7: Palmwag - Brandberg

Damaraland has the well-earned reputation as being one of Namibia's most beautiful areas, and the drive through the heart of the region today certainly confirms that title. Giant granite 'koppies' and open grassland make up the terrain, with rare and unusual flora species dotting the landscape. The first main stop will be the Twyfelfontein valley to visit the Bushman rock engravings or petroglyph's. Ancient artisans used tools made from quartz, leaving modern generations with the gift of a fascinating open-air museum. The art is carved into the flat surfaces of a ruined petrified sand dune, and a local guide will introduce you to the history and main points of interest of this important site. It's then deeper into the desert and on to Namibia's highest mountain, The Brandberg, (2573 m). Brandberg Mountain is another ancient Bushman spiritual site, and the overnight stop will be in a community campsite under the shadow of this giant granite monolith.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Brandberg Camp Site

Day 8: Brandberg - Swakopmund

An early start benefits from the cool morning air, especially important on today's guided hike, into the mountain to see the world famous so called 'White Lady' rock painting. (Said to be over 20,000 years old and probably a male!) It can be seen deep in the wild and lovely Tsisab ('leopard') gorge and is one of a whole gallery of splendid paintings to be found in the Maack Cave.
It's then back on the road to admire more of the beautiful Damaraland scenery. The next stop is in the small town of Uis, an old mining town, and one of the best places to buy semi-precious stones, especially rough Amethyst and Tourmaline.
From here it's directly west across the 'gravel plains' on the way to the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast. After first meeting the ocean at Henties Bay, it's north along the coast to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross, where more seals breed than anywhere else in the world. Following the skeleton coast southbound, the final overnight stop is at the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia's premier seaside town. Scheduled arrival time is for the late afternoon, with time to explore the town on foot before sunset. The coast has always held a strong attraction for visitors, and Swakopmund is no different.
Accommodation tonight is in shared bungalows/chalets, with en-suite bathroom facilities. (No camping. Yippee!) Most of the restaurants have an excellent choice of game meats and the seafood in Swakopmund is superb. Your guide will offer to organize a group meal in a local restaurant for this evening. (Participation is recommended but by no means required.) Dinner this evening is on own account.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Swakopmund Accommodation

Day 9: Swakopmund

A free day! The morning is available for leisure time in and around the beaches, shops and town's amenities. There is also a very good museum, open-air curio market and the Namibian National Marine Aquarium is located here in Swakopmund. Optional activities can be arranged. (At clients own risk and account.) Overnight in shared bungalows, with en-suite bathroom facilities. Lunch and dinner on own account.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chalets

Day 10: Swakopmund - Namib Desert

First stop on the way to the Namib Desert is Walvis Bay, the region's principal port and situated only 40km south of Swakopmund. This area is something of an ornithologists paradise. The large marine lagoon to the south of the town is famed for it's water-birds. There are nearly 80 different species, among them pelicans, Damara terns, migrant Arctic terns and at times up to 20,000 flamingos can be seen feeding in the shallow waters. After the short visit to see the birds, last minute supplies will be collected before heading off into the desert.
After the seemingly endless Namib gravel plains, the landscape suddenly changes into mountain desert. Both the Kuiseb and Gaub passes are traversed, driving both times to the river beds at the bottom of the canyons, before climbing the long steep roads to the top with it's associated spectacular panoramas of the mountains. The scenery changes once more on the descent down to the dune fields at Sossusvlei, crossing some open grass savannah and farmlands before the terrain begins to give way to the immense red sand dune desert of the Namib. Arrival time at Sesriem is during the late afternoon, with time to drive out to one of the nearby dunes. At other times of the day, the distant mountains take on a different hue; ivory-white, golden, orange, ochre and at first and last light, a deep maroon. An early night is recommended.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Agama Camp

Day 11: Sossusvlei

the gateway to the dunes, it's straight into the heart of the dune field, reaching Sossusvlei itself by walking the last 5km through the dunes. As you travel down the valley to Sossusvlei, the huge star dunes on either side dwarf everything else. Is there life out there?
Ancient mineral pans and stunted camel thorn trees make for perfect photo opportunities. But look closely at the sand! Tiny tracks at the base of the dunes might lead to 1 of 200 species of beetles living in the Namib. Larger tracks might belong to black-backed jackal or gemsbok, or might be the two-toed track left behind by an ostrich!
The morning is spent in and around Sossusvlei, also visiting Dune 45. Many people think the name originates because it is about 45km from Sesriem, (which it is) but it's because of the numbering system devised by conservation staff, and by coincidence it happens to be dune number 45 on the map. There is a lunch stop at Sesriem to escape from the heat of the afternoon, and once the day cools off in the late afternoon, there is a short excursion to the Sesriem Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Agama Camp

Day 12: Namib Desert - Windhoek

After a leisurely breakfast, the return journey begins; over the mountains and along the scenic roads of the Naukluft Mountains and the Khomas Hochland Mountain range, through the beautiful Remhoogte Pass and on to Windhoek. The arrival time is expected to be in the early afternoon. Tonight's accommodation is a guesthouse in the city, with time to browse around the main shopping areas. Your guide will collect you in the evening for dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 13: Windhoek

For those who arrived too late for the 'Katutura Township Tour' on day 1, there is another opportunity to experience this trip today, as well as the chance to organize some last minute souvenir hunting, or onward travel arrangements. Post Street Mall in the city centre is a good place to begin a curio search!

Mode of transport

Transport for up to 8 people will be in a minibus or a Land Cruiser. For more than 8 a specially converted safari truck will be used

Number Of Participants

Maximum of fourteen

Included

All transport
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Tea & coffee in camp
All camping equipment
Park entrance & accommodation fees
Guide
Pick-up and drop-off at accommodation in Windhoek

Excluded

Beverages
Sleeping Bag (can be hired)
Tips
Travel Insurance

Other

Itinerary is assisted comfortable camping with participation limited to only helping with the tents

Route & Accommodation

The itinerary above is a guideline only and whilst we try to adhere to it there may be circumstances when it may change - for example weather and/or road conditions, seasonal daylight hours etc. Overnight stops on occasion may be altered from those indicated.

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