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Car rental round trip - Namibia

Namibia Family Trip

Highlights

  • Climb the highest dunes in the world in Sossusvlei

  • Fascinating Big 5 safaris at Etosha National Park

  • Accommodation in selected lodges & guest farms

  • Child-friendly accommodations and exciting experiences

  • Free consultation & customization of the round trip ccording to your wishes

Description

A Namibia family trip - that means unforgettable experiences with the children and selected lodges and guest farms. Let the magic of Namibia wash over you. The beauty of this country evades description - experience it for yourself. What are you waiting for?

Destination

Africa

Windhoek - Waterberg - Outjo - Erongo - Swakopmund - Namib - Windhoek

Today Windhoek welcomes you. You will land at the airport in Windhoek and receive a warm welcome from a representative of our partner agency who will assist you with your luggage and rental car. If you have any questions about the itinerary, our representative will always be there to assist you.

Now your trip has begun! You are on your way to your first accommodation. You immediately notice that the country has a lot to offer. Nestled in an idyllic garden setting, your charming boutique hotel welcomes you in a quiet residential area of Windhoek, making it the ideal oasis to recover from your long journey with a cool drink by the outdoor pool.

Windhoek Airport - Windhoek Hotel: approx. 40 minutes / approx. 45 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Windhoek, Namibia

After breakfast, check out and start your drive towards Waterberg. The Waterberg is a prominent table mountain in Namibia, north of Windhoek. Not only does the Waterberg astonish with its length of about 48 kilometers and width of 15 kilometers, but it also towers over its surroundings by almost 200 meters. A national park has been established on the 40,500-hectare plateau of the Waterberg, around which you can, among other things, go on guided hikes.

While it is very dry on top of the plateau, visitors encounter plenty of surface water and springs at the foot of the Waterberg. The lush green vegetation delights with a great variety of species. You will find wild fig trees, fire lilies and coral trees, among others. Several endangered animal species have been settled in the park, such as white and black rhinos, sable and roan antelopes, Damara dik-diks or blue wildebeests. In addition, the Waterberg is breeding ground for several pairs of Cape Vultures - this is the only colony in Namibia. The huge birds have a wingspan of three meters and are an endangered species. Equipped with binoculars and camera, everyone can gather exciting experiences here and capture them on souvenir photos.

Another possibility is a trip to the Ovaherero Cultural Center in Okakarara, where you can learn more about the culture and traditions of the Herero.

Optional:

Would you like to climb Table Mountain and enjoy magnificent views? Then why not take a guided plateau hike. The excursion costs EUR 59 per person. For small children, there are special hikes, including a visit to a botanical garden, with a length between two and five kilometers. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Do you also care about the conservation of cheetahs? Then take a trip to the Cheetah Conservation Fund. This animal conservation facility is located about 1 hour and 44 km from Otjiwarongo and was established in 1990 to ensure the survival of the local cheetah population. On a tour of the main facility, you can visit a museum, a clinic for the animals, and a dairy for the little ones, in addition to the research facilities. You will also get to know the cheetahs living there, of course. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Windhoek - Waterberg: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes / approx. 295 km

2 nights with breakfast and dinner in Waterberg, Namibia

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The next highlight should be part of the itinerary of every Namibia vacation with children. After breakfast, you will check out and start your way towards the Etosha National Park, which is one of the most important protected areas in Africa. In 1907, it was founded as a game reserve by the German governor, von Lindequist. The heart of the park, which covers an area of 22,270 km, is the Etosha Pan, a 5,000 km² vegetation-free salt pan. The Etosha Pan fills with water only during rainy periods and is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds in southern Africa. You can find about 144 species of mammals in the park, including elephants, giraffes, black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs and many antelope species. About 30 springs and waterholes offer visitors optimal conditions to admire this abundance of animals. If time allows it, you can drive through Etosha National Park in your own car and observe the animals up close. This is a very special experience, especially for the children in the backseat.

Duration of the drive from Waterberg to Etsoha National Park: approx. 3 hours / approx. 240 km

2 nights with breakfast and dinner in Outjo District, Namibia

Today is all about game viewing in Etosha National Park: You will explore Etosha National Park in your own vehicle and visit several waterholes where, with a bit of luck, you can observe a wide range of wild animals and birds. Discover animals snoozing lazily in the midday sun during a game drive, observe a lioness on the prowl and read the tracks of a leopard. Devote your attention to the white rhino or to the majestic beauty of elephants passing by in the sublime rhythm on the paths of their ancestors - this is Africa!

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After eating an energizing breakfast, you will set off to your next accommodation in the Erongo region (in the northwest of Namibia). More than 10,000 hectares of mountains and rock paintings, thorn bushes, ana trees, dry riverbeds and waterholes form a unique habitat for humans and animals here!

Even from your accommodation you can observe different animals. Head out with kids, binoculars and - don’t forget - a good camera. Observe the oryx antelopes, kudus, springboks or warthogs in the wild! Bird lovers will definitely get their money's worth here at the sight of rose parrots, red-bellied shrikes, eagles or the countless weaver birds. The starry night sky will transport you to the vastness of the Milky Way - a privileged experience.

Optional:

Take a guided nature drive to explore the unique rocky landscape or join a guided hike to see the impressive rock paintings of the region. Additionally, there is opportunity to learn more about the San, the indigenous people of Namibia, during a visit to the San Museum.

Etosha National Park - Erongo: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes / approx. 280 km

2 nights with breakfast and dinner in Erongo, Namibia

Today you can spend the day as you wish. How about a drive to Damaraland? Here you can visit the rock paintings of Twyfelfontein, the Burnt Mountain, the Petrified Forest and the "Organ Pipes" - a distinctive mix of cultural and scenic treasures. Just let the little ones decide what should be on the day's itinerary.

Our tip: There may be fees to visit some sites in Damaraland, which must be paid locally.

Optional:

THE ROCK PAINTINGS OF TWYFELFONTEIN

In Twyfelfontein, a total of over 2,500 images have been described on over 200 rock slabs. Among the oldest in Africa, these rock paintings were made in different ways. In addition to rock paintings - in which contrasting colored materials were applied to stone surfaces - there are rock engravings, in which a depression was worked into the stone by removing material. The drawings depict mostly hunting scenes. The hunters appear to be equipped with a bow and arrow. Among the animals depicted, there are mainly giraffes, antelopes, zebras and also lions; even the white rhino, now all but extinct, is depicted.

BURNED MOUNTAIN

Just a short walk from the Organ Pipes stands a small inselberg - the Burnt Mountain. In 1956, it was declared a national monument. The reason for the name is best seen in the early morning and late evening when the sun appears to se the mountain on fire, tingeing it an impressive mix of deep red, black and purple. They are created by manganese-covered clay molecules. During the day, however, the mountain has a normal black color, as if the morning fire burned it to ashes.

PETRIFIED FOREST

Between Khorixas and Twyfelfontein, you can make a stop at the petrified forest. Remains of trees that were washed aside by a large river or flood about 280 million years ago can be seen here. You can also see small specimens of Welwitschia Mirabilis and other plants of the area.

ORGAN PIPES

The beautiful organ pipes are a geological curiosity. Strikingly strong rusty red colors are displayed in long blocks resembling organ pipes. Some of the specimens are up to 5 meters high. It is believed that when the earth cooled down about 120 million years ago due to the rupture of the Gondwanaland, fractures and cracks appeared in the dolomite stones.

GET TO KNOW THE NATIVES - THE LIVING MUSEUM OF THE DAMARA

The Damara Living Museum near Twyfelfontein is the first traditional Damara project in Namibia and the only one of its kind. Nowhere else does one have the opportunity to learn about the traditional culture of the Damara this way. Together with the Bushmen, the Damara are considered the indigenous people of Namibia. Visitors have the unique opportunity to learn about the fascinating, traditional and almost forgotten culture of the Damara in order to contribute to its preservation.

After a restful night, check-out will take place. Today the itinerary of your Namibia family tour takes you further, to Swakopmund.

The small town of Swakopmund was founded in 1892 by Captain Curt von Francois and became the most important port in South West Africa at that time. The townscape is made up of numerous historic buildings from the German colonial era. Wide streets, German cafes and bakeries. You will hear German spoken on the street. Enjoy apple strudel at Café Anton with a view of the colonial-era lighthouse. It might as well be on Sylt, were it not for the many palm trees on the promenade.

In Swakopmund you can go on a relaxing shopping spree or explore the town on foot - always accompanied by the fresh sea breeze.

Visit the Crystal Gallery, located in a modern, eye-catching building on the corner of Garrison and Station Streets. It is famous for the world's largest quartz crystal. Here you can also admire numerous quartz and gemstones, watch the jeweler at work or buy treasures in the gemstone and jewelry store.

Optional:

Explore the coast from the water and take an exciting catamaran tour from Walvis Bay to encounter dolphins, seals, pelicans and other marine life. In addition to the playful dolphins, this bay is also home to seals, living close together in colonies. The Walvis Bay oysters, cultivated here in oyster beds, live even closer together. The cost of the approximately three-hour excursion is EUR 59 per person and includes a light buffet lunch and two glasses of sparkling wine. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

If your heart beats faster for the desert, the half-day Living Desert Tour is just right for you! With a professional guide at your side, you will learn a lot of interesting facts about the special ecosystem of the dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Follow the animal tracks in the sand. The flora and fauna have adapted perfectly to the fascinating environment and will surely provide one or the other exciting encounter. The cost of the excursion is EUR 49 per person. Please pre-book this experience in time with your travel expert.

In Swakopmund, you and your children can experience a very special adventure. Get on the dune, strap on the sandboard and let the fun begin! You can choose to ride down the dune standing up or lying down. Real pros can reach speeds of up to 80 km per hour with a specially polished board. The cost for the approximately four-hour excursion including transfer, a light lunch and safety equipment is EUR 49 per person for the standing up option and EUR 39 per person lying down. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Enjoy the otherworldly experience of the lunar landscape formed by volcanic rocks about 400 million years ago and the unique Welwitschia plant in the Namib Desert. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Erongo - Swakopmund: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 190 km

3 nights with breakfast in Swakopmund, Namibia

Today, after breakfast, you will drive towards Sossusvlei. Stop at the small village of Solitaire on your way. Solitaire is located at the gates of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Although the village actually consists of only a gas station, a few stores, a post office and a bakery, it has risen to great fame. This is because the bakery in this town, which stands on the main traffic routes between Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Sossusvlei, sells one of the best apple pies in the southern hemisphere. Another special feature of Solitaire consists of its unique landscapes such as the old car wrecks surrounded by succulents - especially sap-rich plants. Soak up this flair before heading back to your accommodation.

Arriving in Sossusvlei, you will also reach the highest sand dunes in the world. One day is enough to never forget this place. The paprika red sand and the view upwards to the crest of the huge sand mountains will take you to a world of natural wonders sculpted by the wind.

Our tip:

There is a park fee for access to Sossusvlei, which you must pay on site. Adults 16 years and older pay NAD 80, children are exempt and vehicles cost NAD 20. Please note that the last 4 kilometers to the park entrance are for 4-wheel drive vehicles (4x4) only. We recommend leaving your rental car at the parking lot (4x2). You can also use a shuttle from the parking lot. The cost is NAD 130 per person and tickets can be purchased directly at the parking lot.

Swakopmund - Soussusvlei: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes / approx. 365 km

2 nights with breakfast and dinner in Soussusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvlei must be a part of every Namibia family trip. It is the main attraction of the south. The large salt pan formed when wandering Namib dunes prevented the flow of the Tsauchab River to the sea. Surrounded by the majestic Star Dunes, the pan and surrounding dunes exude their special charm in the early morning hours. The golden yellow grass then sways in the low sun and the dark mountains rise majestically in the background.

The star dunes of the Vleis are up to 225 meters high, a height that places them among the highest sand mountains in the world. Nearby is also the spectacular Deadvlei with its snow-white clay soil and parched camel thorn tree trunks reaching into the sky.

One or perhaps the highlight of your Namibia family trip is probably climbing a dune. The "Big Daddy" dune offers incredible views of Deadvlei and the entire surrounding area. Geologists believe that the desert that covers most of the Namib-Naukluft Park is the oldest in the world. The older the dune, the lighter the color due to the slowly oxidizing iron. In changing light, these dunes shimmer in stunning colors from rusty orange to red to deep lilac.

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Optional:

For an unforgettable experience, go on a hot-air balloon ride over the sea of dunes. Float silently over the impressive, colorful landscape. After your landing, a delicious breakfast - and, of course, a flight certificate - will be waiting for you. Please pre-book this experience in time with your travel expert. The cost of this experience between 01.12.20 and 30.06.21 is EUR 399 per person. Between 01.07.21 and 30.06.22, the cost is EUR 419 per person. The transfer, a breakfast, the park entrance and a flight certificate are included in the price. The duration of the excursion is 3 to 4 hours. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Take a guided drive into nature and let the landscape reel you in. Top off the excursion with a spectacular sundowner. The excursion costs EUR 29 per person and includes drinks and snacks. Please pre-book this experience in time with your travel expert.

Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is a captivating city. Its charm reveals itself through the harmonious blend of African roots and European culture and tradition. Here you will find tribal masks sold in front of a colonial building, local delicacies such as kudu, springbok, ostrich and gemsbok steaks served with beer brewed according to the German purity law. Businessmen in suits mingle with people in traditional garb and tourists. The mixture of traditional festivals and German carnival is particularly interesting. This exciting mix makes Windhoek a unique place.

Optional:

If what you want is to be back in nature, then just go on another safari from your accommodation. In the 6,500-hectare-long reserve, you can encounter up to 19 different animal species and take some last snapshots. The approx. 3-hour safari costs EUR 49 per person. Please pre-book this experience well in advance with your travel expert.

Sossusvlei - Windhoek: approx. 4 hours / approx. 306 km

1 night stay with breakfast in Windhoek, Namibia

Depending on your departure time, you can enjoy the last day of your Namibia family tour before driving to the airport. Here you will return your vehicle and start your flight back home with all kinds of great memories. We would be happy to put together your very own custom trip! Just contact us!

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Elegant Guesthouse***, Windhoek, Namibia

The small Elegant Guesthouse consists of 17 rooms and is located in the Klein Windhoek residential area. The modern en-suite rooms offer air conditioning, TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The garden with a pool invites guests to relax and play. In addition to other amenities, such as a laundry service and free internet, the charming guesthouse also offers a rich breakfast buffet.

Waterberg Wilderness Lodge, Otjiwarongo, Namibia

Set amid ancient gardens, the Waterberg Wilderness Lodge welcomes you to the valley of the impressive Waterberg massif. In this red sandstone building, you will stay in one of the twelve double or family rooms, all of which have amenities. Of course your unit also offers a private veranda or terrace, from where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the escarpment of the mountain. An open garden pavilion, a small library and two spring-fed swimming pools promise a family atmosphere and plenty of relaxation.

Vreugde Guest Farm, Outjo District, Namibia

Vreugde Guest Farm is a small, friendly family-run business with comfortable, rustic, tastefully furnished bungalows and an old farmhouse. Enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the flowering garden while Danie and Elsie Brand and their team take care of you and strive to meet your every need.

Ai Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge***, Erongo, Namibia

Ai Aiba Lodge is situated at the foot of large rocks overlooking the beautiful Erongo landscape. As a member of the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, the lodge tries to protect the unique rock and mountain landscape. You can find fun and relaxation at the pool and when dining in the on-site restaurant - which rewards guests with a unique panoramic view. The thatched bungalows, spread around the main house, are furnished in African style and offer air conditioning as well as an en-suite bathroom and a private terrace.

The Delight Swakopmund***+, Swakopmund, Namibia.

This charming design hotel is centrally located in downtown Swakopmund, close to the Mole bathing beach. The modern rooms, furnished in maritime colors, offer plenty of space as well as air-conditioning, a refrigerator, and the option to make coffee and tea. Due to its central location, the hotel is the ideal starting point for exploring the city. In the evening, enjoy your meal in the hotel restaurant and let the day end in comfort.

Elegant Desert Lodge***, Sossusvlei, Namibia

The Elegant Desert Lodge is located 38 km from the entrance of the Naukluft Park and was built in African style with many natural materials. As an oasis of tranquility, the garden and the pool offer opportunities to relax and play. The comfortable and tasteful rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a bathroom and a safe. It is also possible to prepare coffee and tea. Enjoy the evening at the fireplace or bar and dine in the restaurant.

River Crossing Lodge***, Windhoek, Namibia

Located on a hill near Windhoek in the mountains, the lodge was built in the style of a farm. The modern rooms have TVs, a small fridge and balconies. Enjoy your breakfast in the outdoor restaurant with fascinating views over the surrounding hills. You can also enjoy beautiful views from the outdoor pool.

Duration of the trip: 14 days / 13 nights

Included

  • 13 nights in the above mentioned accommodations or similar:
    • 1 night at Elegant Guest House**** with breakfast in a connecting room in Windhoek.
    • 2 nights at Waterberg Wilderness Lodge***+ with breakfast and dinner in a family room in Waterberg
    • 2 nights at De Vreugde Guest Farm with breakfast and dinner in a family room in Outjo District
    • 2 nights at Ai Aiba Lodge*** with breakfast and dinner in a family room in Erongo
    • 3 nights at The Delight Swakopmund with breakfast and dinner in a family room in Swakopmund
    • 2 nights at Elegant Desert Lodge with breakfast in a family room in Sossusvlei
    • 1 night at River Crossing Lodge*** with breakfast in a double room in Windhoek
  • Meals according to program
  • 14 rental days of Renault Duster (or similar) including all additional drivers, exemption from theft and collision damage, personal accident insurance, unlimited kilometers, airport surcharge, tourism tax, VAT of 15%, carbon emission tax, document administration fee, tire, hubcap, rim, water, windshield, sandblast and underbody damage, sat nav device
  • Detailed travel documents
  • The indicated price is valid in the travel period 01.06.21 - 31.10.21 and for 2 adults and 2 children between 3 and 12 years old.

Optional experiences

  • Near Okonjima
    • Visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund with tour of the main facility, education center and museum, clinic and viewing of cheetahs (approx. 1 hour / daily and hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Etosha National Park
    • Morning or afternoon safari in Etosha National Park including water and park entrance fee (approx. 4 hours)
  • Sossusvlei
    • Spectacular hot-air balloon ride over the oldest desert in the world including breakfast and transfer to your accommodation (3 to 4 hours)
  • Windhoek
    • Safari in the reserve of your accommodation (approx. 3 hours)
  • Walvis Bay
    • Catamaran tour including light buffet lunch and two glasses of sparkling wine (approx. 3 hours)
  • Waterberg
    • Guided plateau hike up Table Mountain
  • Walvis Bay / Swakopmund
    • Living Desert Tour: desert exploration tour including English-speaking local guide (half day)

Not included

  • International flights or domestic flights
  • Entrance fees (e.g. park fees per day (24 hours from entrance) for Etosha National Park of NAD 80 for adults. Children under 16 years old have free entrance)
  • Excursions
  • Optional activities
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the package
  • Personal expenses like minibar and tips
  • Insurances

Services & Notes

  • Please inform yourself about the entry requirements to Namibia on the page of your country’s foreign office.

Additional experiences

Cheetah Encounter

  1. Price per person 16 € excl. Flight
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Living Desert Tour

  1. Price per person 54 € excl. Flight
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Quad Biking in the Namib Desert

  1. Per person from 36 € excl. Flight
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Sandboarding in the Namib Desert

  1. Per person from 36 € excl. Flight
Add Remove

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