- Climb the highest dunes in the world
- Enjoy fantastic wildlife viewing at Etosha National Park
- Optional quad-biking or sandboarding at Swakopmund
- Full-service camping – no need to lift a finger!
Namibian Family Adventurer
Itinerary
Windhoek Windhoek
Depart London
Depart London.
Start Windhoek
We begin the adventure at Arebbusch Lodge, where you can wash off the journey with a dip in the pool. There is a welcome briefing this evening, a good chance to get to know the group a little and ask any questions you may have.
Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)
Arrive Windhoek; transfer to lodge
The starting point for this trip is the Arebbusch Lodge. For those on the group transfer, we spend sometime in the capital city to change money and collect supplies and then drive to the Arebbush Lodge on the outskirts of the city.
Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)
Drive through Namib-Naukluft National Park to Sesriem
Today we embark on our longest drive of the trip as we head southwest through the spectacular scenery of Namib-Naukluft National Park to our first campsite at Sesriem. This national park, one of the largest in the world, is home to one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth. It contains the finest desert scenery in Africa, if not the world, with towering, jagged rock formations and incredible lunar landscapes.
Drive: 220mi (350km), seven hours
Accommodation: NWR Sesriem Campsite (or similar)
Sossusvlei dunes and the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre
We spend all day in the Namib Desert. Rising early, we catch the tallest dunes in the world in the best light and have the opportunity to climb one as the sun rises, truly one of the great sights in Africa. We can either walk to Hiddenvlei or catch a transfer (optional extra) to Deadvlei where ancient acacia trees in the desert form an eerie scene. If we’re lucky, we may see gemsbok or ostriches among the dunes. In the afternoon, we visit Sesriem Canyon before joining a guide to see the cheetahs at the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre (please see Responsible Travel section) – depending on time we may go tomorrow morning.
Drive: 125mi (200km), three hours
Accommodation: Solitaire Guest Farm campsite (or similar)
Travel through Namib Desert to Swakopmund via Walvis Bay
We have a long, but very scenic, drive through the Namib-Naukluft National Park to Swakopmund. En route, we visit Walvis Bay for lunch and to see flamingos. A centre for adrenaline activities, Swakopmund is a small German colonial resort town with quaint cake shops and coffee houses.
Drive: 185mi (300km), 5hr 30min
Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)
Full day in Swakopmund with optional activities
Today is spent in and around Swakopmund. There is time to go fishing, relax on the beach, or enjoy a cream tea and a seafood dinner along the front. If you’re keen for action, there are enough options for the whole family such as experiencing the thrill of quad biking over dunes or try the popular sport of sandboarding.
Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)
Drive to the Brandberg
After a relaxing start, we leave the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean and head inland towards the highest mountain in Namibia, the Brandberg, in Damaraland. The Damaraland area is famous for desert elephants, which roam the Ugab River. Stargazing is normally spectacular from this remote area.
Drive: 155mi (250km), 4hr 30min
Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodge camping (or similar)
Lodge camping (or similar)
Walk through Valley 45 to White Lady painting
We begin our day with a short drive to the Brandberg, where we walk through valley 45 for approximately 1hr 30min. Along the way, we view beautiful, granite formations and a variety of birdlife. The valley takes us to the White Lady rock painting, which, along with several other small paintings and engravings, are thought to have been left by indigenous San people at least 2,000 years ago (please note, if elephants walk into this area then it might be too dangerous to do the walk; in this case, we typically go on a game drive looking for elephants). Afterwards, we drive towards the Khorixas area where we should pass various Himba and Herero women selling crafts from the roadside. There is also the possibility of spotting desert elephants and meerkats on the way. We arrive at our accommodation after lunch.
Drive: 145mi (230km), four hours
Accommodation: iGowati Country Lodge (or similar)
To Etosha National Park
The first day is spent with a scenic drive to Etosha. We should arrive in time for a late afternoon game drive before setting up at our camp. Our itinerary allows plenty of time to really enjoy this fabulous game park.
Drive: 150mi (240km), 3hr 30min
Accommodation: Okaukujo Camp (or similar)
Two days on game drives in Etosha
Etosha is a huge park of mixed forest and grassland centred around a large saltpan. Etosha is home to a great variety of species, which are generally easy to find as the animals congregate at different times around the waterholes. Wildebeest, zebras, impalas, springbok, kudus, elephants, giraffes, lions and even rhinos are all common sights here. Take plenty of camera memory and lots of patience and you will be rewarded by one of the greatest game spectacles in southern Africa. Etosha is also a good place for birds, with plenty of water birds on the lakes (when filled with water), and weaverbirds and hornbills in the trees. While in Etosha, we typically stay within the park on some or all of the nights (subject to availability) and some of these are next to waterholes. These camps also offer optional night drives which you can book and pay for on arrival.
Accommodation: Namutoni Camp (or similar)
Day 9 meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 meals included: Breakfast
To Otjiwarongo
After a relaxing start to the morning, we have a short game drive out of Etosha before making our way to Otjiwarongo, where we stop for lunch. We then spend our final night of camping under the African sky on a private farm.
Drive: 235mi (380km), six hours
Accommodation: Otjiwa Safari Camp (or similar)
Trek at Waterberg Plateau
This morning, we drive to the gigantic Waterberg Plateau, a 655ft (200m) high plateau covered with bushveld. It is one of the more fertile areas in Namibia and very colourful, especially after the rains. Here, there are several walking trails, including one leading to a spectacular viewpoint near the top of the plateau for a great view. In addition to a guided walk, there are many smaller walks to explore without a guide.
Drive: 75mi (120km), two hours
Accommodation: NWR Waterberg Lodge (or similar)
Transfer to Windhoek; depart Windhoek
A 3hr 30min drive brings us back to Windhoek, where our adventure ends. Bid farewell to new-found friends and begin your return journey home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to our sales representative about extending your stay.
Drive: 200mi (320km), 3hr 30min
Please note: The group transfer back to Windhoek is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.
Arrive London
Arrive London.
Lodges, chalet and camping
The lodges and chalet we use are all in natural settings and generally have good facilities, such as a bar and swimming pool. The campsites used are secure and have full ablution blocks and generally swimming pools too.
Please note, due to the limited amount of accommodation within Etosha National Park, it may be necessary to sleep outside the park on some or all of the nights we are there. This will not impact the number of game drives we have within the park.
Single accommodation (available on request)
Reviews
Add your own reviewFantastic experience
I had the opportunity to discover different parts of the country, see incredible wildlife, learn about its people and history and get to know great people.
Great family holiday in Namibia
Overall we had a great time on the family trip to Namibia. We saw some amazing sights and great wildlife and had some very memorable experiences. Our children had a great time with the other kids on the trip – they all gelled immediately.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing over 20 elephants bathe at a waterhole near our campsite.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Gabriel was very knowledgeable and we learned lots from him about local Namibian tribal cultures.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware that there is a lot of driving on this trip - typically several hours in a day. This is inevitable given the large distances but worth bearing in mind. The vehicle is fine but not that comfortable. Some of the campsites are lovely but the first one at Etosha was not very nice - but is right by the best waterhole!
Red sand dunes, game drives, new friends
African adventure with something for all family members: climbing the sand dunes in the early hours to sit and watch the sun come up, desert colour palatte, sand-boarding at speed, the contrasts of colonial Swakopmund, township tour and an education in Herero history, game drives in Etosha – hearing jackals howling whilst in your tent at night, sitting through dark hours watching the animals at the water hole, searching for those elusive leopards, closing windows at Waterberg lodge to stop the baboons climbing in and sharing a terrace with the warthogs, watching an orphaned baby oryx being fed from a bottle. And of course Jonas’ famous BBQ dinners – with stories around the fire from Jack afterwards! Hundreds of photos and a travel diary to try and store the memories in a more organised fashion.
Thank you again for a fantastic holiday!
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to choose, but probably sitting atop the sand dunes or star gazing in the desert
Thoughts on Group Leader
Steffan was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the trip - especially the wildlife. But, you had to ask him questions to learn things, rather than him teaching us about Namibia. So, I just asked lots of questions!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
For those with younger children, I'd caution that some of the drives are long, and that it gets very cold in the early mornings both for breakfast and the first few hours on the bus
Sand, Stars, Sunsets and Safari!
This was a wonderful trip for so many reasons – the adventure, the scenery, the food, the company, the organisation and the animals to name a few. Three families and two guides who had never met before the trip soon melded into a happy group.
The trip starts in the desert and the early rise to climb Dune 45 was blooming’ cold! However, it was worth it and Jonas’ porridge soon warmed us up. Swapokmund was a short re-entry into civilisation and gave the opportunity for a variety of trips. We did the seal colony boat trip and the flight over the desert. Both great (although the latter made some passengers feel extremely queasy). The bush men drawings were really interesting and then the trip to Etosha was just wonderful – particularly sitting by the waterhole in the evening watching rhinos wander in and out.
The campsites were great. The Etosha ones very busy and the others very quiet. Food cooked by Jonas was great. As another reviewer has said it’s amazing to see what he could knock up on a camp fire. Stews, steaks, cakes and bread. The lodges came at welcome intervals. One was a little like a deserted military camp but the beds were comfy. That and the lunchtime food at the NWR resorts (the Etosha campsites) are the only negatives I think.
The whole trip passed quickly but it felt like we’d been away from home for a month. It was wonderful mental relaxation.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many to mention. The sunrise at Dune 45, seeing the Milky Way and shooting stars at night, for me the flight over the desert. But the waterhole in Etosho was undoubtedly the most special thing for me.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ronney was our leader and he was a star. Unflustered, level headed, knowledgable, great with the kids. He took all the hassle out of the trip and enabled us all to just follow and have a holiday. Jonas was the cook and I've already mentioned his culinary skills. He was also a really lovely guy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There was a cold snap just as we arrived. Temperatures were really cold. Make sure you have enough cold weather gear. We did - just about. Be prepared to relax and be led. Not everything is going to be perfect but it was invariably good enough. The less polished bits are part of the adventure. Bring a light for inside your tent. Prepared to be dusty and dirty and don't overpack. Bring lots of moisturiser - it's really dry in August.
Namibian Adventurer FAN
Six of us went on this trip – parents and offspring aged 14, 18, 21 and 23, and we all agree that it is one of the best experiences we have ever had. The Itinerary is well thought out and there is a good distribution of camping and non-camping days. All the campsites were interesting and all toilet and washing facilities were at least acceptable but usually excellent and spotless. Most of the campsites had swimming pools which were, um, refreshing! The Lodges were clean and comfortable and there were good facilities for charging electrical equipment at Lodges, campsites and even in the Van. These factors were not, of course, the highlights of the holiday but they helped to make it run smoothly as we are by no means hardened campers – we like our bit of adventure, but we like our warm showers as well!
Most Inspirational Moment
This is so hard to say - things like great sunrises, quad biking and seeing wild animals very close up in their natural habitat are the obvious ones, but it was also amazing just to learn about Namibia and its ancient and more recent history. The last morning was very special as well, eating a Happy breakfast at a small and very pretty campsite, overlooking a great African vista.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group was led by Shane, ably assisted by Happy and Beli. They were a great team and I cannot speak too highly of them. They were hard working, competent, knowledgeable and always on the lookout for ways in which they could help. Their wildlife spotting abilities were amazing and they were endlessly patient. Even the best of us leave our brains behind when we go on holiday sometimes and they were calm and practical in all sorts of potential crises [mentioning no names, but if I say lost phone which turned up (eventually) in back pocket, you know who you are!]. Happy deserves a special mention for his cooking - what he can do in iron pots over an open fire is incredible - and for our party he did veggie and gluten free options as well. In general all the food we had was good but we all agreed that there was no restaurant meal we had that lived up to our campfire meals. He gives Happy Meals a whole new meaning! Shane was an endless fount of knowledge about all aspects of the country; history, politics, wildlife, you mention it and Beli's dancing was brilliant - very funny. All three of them were exeptional; they made our holiday really.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a head-torch. Take African (three round pin) adaptors. Make sure you've got a couple of fleeces and warm PJ bottoms for night toilet visits and generally chilly evenings. We went in the dry season so didn't actually get bothered a lot with mosquitos, but you should still do all the preventative stuff. Be prepared for early starts "Families! Good News! We only have to get up at 5.30am tomorrow!!" Have a sense of humour and be prepared to be flexible. Read the trip notes properly - they are accurate and informative.
Our best ever holiday
Namibia is beautiful and we loved all the activities. The desert was stunning. It was my favourite part and the sandboarding was so fun. We saw so much wildlife, including 21 lions in just three days!
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the sunrise over the sand dunes and then rolling down afterwards. Watching a stand-off between an adult rhino and a herd of elephants at the Etosha watering hole. Also the township tour in Swakopmund was really interesting. Our guide was really friendly and it was good to see how people live and meet some of the residents. My son tried a fried caterpillar!
Thoughts on Group Leader
They were brilliant - they took excellent care of us. Great leadership by Ronney and we loved our daily PFT (plan for tomorrow) by the campsite fires. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge of his country (history, wildlife and plants). He also has a great eye for spotting wildlife. Jonas was an amazing cook and he was so friendly. Lollo was fantastic too. The three of them were a part of our holiday and not just the guides. We were sorry to have to say good-bye.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take lots of warm clothes if going in the UK summer months - it is cold at night. We bought extra blankets when we were there. It is very dry and dusty. Take head torches. The drives are long, but the countryside is so stunning, it is easy to pass the time just watching the scenery change and spotting wildlife. Also take binoculars for Etosha.
NAMIBIAN ADVENTURER
This trip exceeded our expectations. There was never a dull moment and always something different to see or do.
Most Inspirational Moment
Climbing the "Big Mama" sand dune in the heat of the desert sun and then running and jumping all the way down. Watching animals in their natural environment coming to drink at the waterholes. The elephants seemed to be having such fun rolling in the mud and completely submerging themselves, apart from snorkel like trunks, under the water. Seeing the Milky Way so vividly in the black night sky.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Shane was excellent. He had amazing local knowledge and went out of his way to be helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you travel in August you won't need a raincoat but make sure you have enough layers of warm clothes for cold nights and early mornings. It was 1C when we landed in Windhoek.
NAMIBIAN ADVENTURER
A family holiday providing varied experiences and great fun for all ages.
Most Inspirational Moment
Experiencing the fantastic Dunes and the desert environment with a guide/tour leader who had an amazing knowledge of creatures and plants and who was able to engage children and adults in his explanations. The second, equally brilliant experience was seeing so many animals and birds in their own environment - looking out for these made the long journeys pass quickly.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our 2 Leaders were equally amazingly good. The first for his knowledge of his country and his ability to pass on this knowledge and interest to all family members and the second for his equally good knowledge but also for his fantastic meals - incredibly good - being family recipes in some instances and each day received with amazement that he could produce such good, varied food at all times. The good natured way in which they managed the children enabled them to enjoy the holiday - giving them some freedom to spend their energy, and their patience in answering all questions in depth and so the young people will have learned a great deal about a culture different from their own.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for lengthy journeys between centres which are largely on rough roads.
NAMIBIAN ADVENTURER
A family trip of a lifetime. Everything worked – the Exodus description of the trip was accurate giving us a good sense of what we could expect and the reality exceeded our expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the sun rise over the sand dunes at Sossusvlei on my daughter's 18th birthday was something very special. But quadbiking on the dunes at Swakupmond was thrilling in a completely different way. Seeing the landscape change from dunes to scrub desert to lush-ish green covered mountains as we travelled north through the country was pretty amazing. And then all those incredible birds and animals. How one can become nonchalant about seeing springbok, zebra, giraffes, warthogs, baboons, the seal colony, elephants and even rhino seems unthinkable but then add a lion with its kill; two lionesses with their cubs, cheetahs, hyenas and even a rare sighting of a leopard with photography opportunities to die for and words begin to fail me...Plus the fact that we are the least likely family ever to sleep under canvas and yet we loved it... all.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Franz was terrific. He struck the balance between sharing his knowledge of the country and its inhabitants (of all kinds) and giving us the space to spend family time together. We drove along looking left and right and straight ahead learning about Namibia's history, its economic, political and cultural context, and came home much more knowledgeable about the birds and animals, the geography and geology and so on. He was really well organised and prepared us fully for each day and all activities. And he had a great sense of humour too. And accompanied by Jonas, who cooked for us brilliantly, they were a great pair for whom nothing was too much trouble.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you go in the summer months; do take lots of warm clothing. We didn't really have enough and there were nights and early mornings when warm gloves, woolly hats, ski jackets and thermals would have been useful. Don't expect to have much time to read and relax. We took books that didn't even come out of our bags. And there is quite a lot of bus travel; so do take this into account.
NAMIBIAN ADVENTURER FAMILY HOLIDAY
Brilliant family holiday with lots of variety and something for everyone. We travelled as our last big family holiday before our eldest son- 18 went to uni, we also have a 15 year old son and we all agreed it was probably our best holiday yet.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to choose just one moment but sunrise over the sanddunes and the amazing variety and numbers of animals at the waterhole in Etosha were real highlights. Also camping- the stars and animal noises at night, we especially enjoyed the last campsite with no elecricity and no-one else there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Shane and Jonas were brilliant, very knowledgable about the country and animals [the food was also really good and tasted all the better for being cooked and eaten in the open air].
Advice for Potential Travellers
It can be cool at night and on the skeleton coast but also very warm further north so take plenty of layers. Malaria tablets weren't necessary when we went. Lots of early starts and busy days.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Child Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
20 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025
Friday Saturday
01 Aug 2025 02 Aug 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit
Child Price From 1 934 € Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +360 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
27 Jul 2025 26 Jul 2025
Friday Saturday
08 Aug 2025 09 Aug 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 580 € Book with 645 € deposit
Child Price From 1 934 € Book with 645 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +360 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
03 Aug 2025 02 Aug 2025
Friday Saturday
15 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit
Child Price From 1 888 € Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +360 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
10 Aug 2025 09 Aug 2025
Friday Saturday
22 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit
Child Price From 1 888 € Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +360 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
17 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025
Friday Saturday
29 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 2 520 € Book with 630 € deposit
Child Price From 1 888 € Book with 630 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +360 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
22 Dec 2025 21 Dec 2025
Saturday Sunday
03 Jan 2026 04 Jan 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 640 € Book with 660 € deposit
Child Price From 1 978 € Book with 660 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +360 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
09 Jul 2026 08 Jul 2026
Tuesday Wednesday
21 Jul 2026 22 Jul 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 820 € Book with 705 € deposit
Child Price From 2 114 € Book with 705 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +390 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
12 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026
Friday Saturday
24 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 820 € Book with 705 € deposit
Child Price From 2 114 € Book with 705 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +390 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
19 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026
Friday Saturday
31 Jul 2026 01 Aug 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 820 € Book with 705 € deposit
Child Price From 2 114 € Book with 705 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +390 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
02 Aug 2026 01 Aug 2026
Friday Saturday
14 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 760 € Book with 690 € deposit
Child Price From 2 068 € Book with 690 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +390 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
23 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026
Friday Saturday
04 Sep 2026 05 Sep 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 760 € Book with 690 € deposit
Child Price From 2 068 € Book with 690 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +390 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
21 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026
Saturday Sunday
02 Jan 2027 03 Jan 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price 2 880 € Book with 720 € deposit
Child Price From 2 158 € Book with 720 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +390 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Namibian Family Adventurer
13 Days
Excluding Flights
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