Namib Desert Family Safari

Your short stopover in Namibia’s capital of Windhoek is Olive Grove, a homely guest house conveniently situated near the city centre. Families of up to five can be accommodated in the ensuite Luxury Rooms, which are simple, yet comfortable and elegantly furnished. On-site amenities include an open-air terrace, swimming pool and gardens. Meals are served outside on the large veranda or in the main dining area adjoined by a homely open-plan kitchen.

A jewel in the desert terrain of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Kwessi Dunes is a place for blissful isolation and contemplation. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors of the camp’s main area open onto miles of desert plains, interrupted by nothing but the odd spitzkop (pointed hill) and lone antelope. Although you’ll see wildlife on daily game drives, the focus at Kwessi Dunes is not on animals, but rather on stargazing in one of the least light-polluted parts of the world. The camp’s 12 thatched suites include two family units built on a wooden deck above the sand, each with a separate stargazer room where you can fall asleep under the infinite night skies of Namibia. Family-focused activities allow you to explore this pristine reserve by 4x4, foot or quad bike, but swimming or a spa treatment are other ways you can choose to unwind. Paid options include a flight with your family in a hot-air balloon, horse riding on the dunes or taking a scenic helicopter flight for a whole new perspective of the world’s oldest desert.

With a private entrance into the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Dead Valley Lodge is right next door to the Sossusvlei pan, one of Namibia’s most-visited attractions. Its eco-friendly design and architecture blend seamlessly into the natural desert surroundings. Your spacious, climate-controlled tent has a viewing deck which is the perfect spot to sit quietly admiring the giant dunes and red mountain ranges of this terrain. The lodge restaurant serves up hearty Namibian cuisine, and you can also relax in the bar with your favourite drink at any time. Family-friendly activities in the area allow you to experience the stark beauty of the ancient Namib Desert from all angles. Whether it's summiting the Sossusvlei dunes, discovering the ancient trees of Dead Vlei or breathing in plenty of fresh air on a hot-air balloon ride, you’ll find a piece of heaven on earth in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean, the chic Strand Hotel is situated in the historic town of Swakopmund. At its grand entrance, a dramatic atrium extends right through the middle of the building and maximizes the sea views. Three on-site restaurants serve a delicious array of Namibian and international cuisine, while sea-facing terraces, a beer garden and a private beach pavilion complete the list of guest amenities. Swakopmund is the undisputed adventure capital of Namibia with fun-filled family activities waiting around every corner. From hot-air ballooning to sandboarding and cultural tours on the menu, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Day and night excursions to the Namib Desert can be easily arranged, and if you want to get out onto the water, fishing trips, dolphin tours or a visit to the Cape Cross seal colony are the answer. After a long day of adventure, retreat to the hotel’s spa or take a comfy seat on the terrace for a sundowner.