Planning a vacation with children can be a challenge. Planning a southern African safari for a family with young children is an exciting challenge but one that needs to be done with the foresight to choose a destination that caters to their needs.
Namibia provides endless opportunities to keep the youngsters entertained.
On the Road
Looking for wildlife is the ultimate travel game for children. Wild animals and birds can be seen along the way almost anywhere you travel in this vast country.
Illustrated animal and bird books are available at most bookstores and rest camps in Namibia. Use these as a checklist for your children, with a small prize for the champion spotter. Smaller children can be given a set of age-appropriate animal toys to match with the live ones outside the window. A backpack of coloring pens, books and favorite toys is a must during long journeys.
Point out small common animals such as meerkats, monkeys and squirrels which can provide much entertainment for children during long periods of waiting at water holes for game to arrive.
Child Friendly Activities
Many lodges provide specialized activities for children or allow them to join in scaled-down versions of their onsite diversions. Most have swimming pools but be sure to keep a close watch on smaller children at all times in swimming areas.
Game hides are great for older children who can be trusted to sit quietly and wait for animals to visit, while onsite playgrounds and games rooms are an enjoyable diversion for littler ones. Child-friendly menus, high chairs and camper cots are the norm at upmarket lodges.
Desert Diversions
While staying near Sossusvlei, Lüderitz and Swakopmund a giant sandpit is at your disposal with loads of wide open spaces for fun filled adventure. Dune boarding is a great activity for children on the sands outside Swakopmund and can be tailored for all but the tiniest tots.
Hot Air ballooning is allowed for youngsters as long as they can see over the basket, and small children can share a saddle with their parents for a camel or horse ride among the dunes.
Living Museums
There are museums scattered throughout Namibia which highlight almost every ethnic group. Here children have an interactive opportunity to learn how the locals used to track and hunt animals, create beautiful artworks and go about their daily lives.
Rehabilitation Reserves
Animal rescue centers like the Cheetah Conservation Centre and REST put on interactive shows and guided tours for visitors that allow a much closer view of the animals, along with live commentary full of fun and learning for children.
We know all the best child-friendly places in Namibia. Don’t leave home without asking us about how to incorporate these into your southern African safari.
