8 of the Best Places to Visit in Namibia on Your Family Safari

Want to discover the best places to visit in Namibia on your family safari?

Well, you’re spoilt for choice, because Namibia is one of the most fascinating and beautiful countries in the world! Honestly, this place is unlike anywhere else on Earth!

As one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Namibia’s natural beauty and pristine ancient landscapes are almost completely untouched by human interactions.

And, home to a huge array of jaw-dropping landscapes, including the world’s oldest desert, the world’s highest sand dunes, and the largest canyon in all of Africa, safaris in Namibia certainly offer more than just wildlife.

Fish River Canyon

But that’s not to say there isn’t a huge number of amazing animals in this country too (there are!), along with plenty of adventure excursions available as well.

With a country as special as this, it’s clear Namibia is a great destination for a family safari, with activities to keep everyone entertained.

Another selling point for family safaris here is that, while remote, Namibia is also really safe and well set up for tourists, with quality family-friendly accommodations to suit all budgets. This makes Namibia one of the easiest countries in Africa to travel with kids, especially because you don’t need to worry about malaria if you go in the dry season and don’t travel north of Etosha.

So on that note, here are 8 places you won’t want to miss while visiting Namibia, as recommended by our team of African travel experts.

1. Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert

Sossusvlei is hands-down one of the best places to visit in Namibia, and should not be missed from your itinerary!

This dramatic location is a huge salt flat surrounded by some of the largest sand dunes in the world, several of which are over 1,200 feet high!

Namibia, Namib Desert dune

Climbing one of these enormous, imposing dunes in the Namib Desert is a must-do activity on any safari in Namibia, with jaw-dropping views of the entire area.

A hike up Dune 45, one of the most famous dunes here (estimated to be five million years old!), takes 30 minutes and is certainly a workout, but the views and exhilarating run back down make it all worthwhile!

The pro tip from our team of African travel experts is to camp under the stars in the nearby Sesriem campsite, so you can enjoy the incredible sunset from this magical place and then hike up Dune 45 for sunrise!

2. Deadvlei in the Namib Desert

Many people visit Sossusvlei and stop once they get to the dunes but, if you keep driving, you’ll get to Deadvlei, which is easily one of the most photogenic places in Namibia (and that’s saying something!)

Deadvlei Namibia desert

Here, you’ll find hundreds of ancient acacia trees that died about 600 years ago from the lack of water when the lake bed dried up. The dark hue of the perished trees is eerily contrasted against the white clay ground and the bright orange dunes behind.

This jaw-dropping Namib Desert landscape and the incredible photo opportunities here make it another one of the top places to visit in Namibia.

3. Etosha National Park

No Namibia family safari would be complete without a visit to Etosha National Park - the country’s biggest wildlife sanctuary. Here you can see the Big 5, along with many of Africa’s other iconic wildlife species.

Etosha safari lion, Namibia

Getting up close and personal with lions, elephants, and giraffes will be a hit for the whole family and, if you stay in one of the park’s camps, you’ll be right in the middle of the action, able to see and hear animals directly from the comfort of your camp... albeit from behind a safety fence!

The landscapes of Etosha National Park also make this an incredible place to visit. Located in a large salt pan, it's quite different from the lush savannah ecosystems of many other safari parks in neighboring Botswana and South Africa.

This makes Namibia a great option for a truly unique family safari experience!

4. Spitzkoppe

The rocks at Spitzkoppe are one of Namibia’s most breathtaking landmarks. Spitzkoppe means ‘pointed dome’ in German, and these granite ‘domes’ rise dramatically out of the ground in the heart of the Namib Desert.

Spitzkoppe, Namibia family safari

Formed 130 million years ago, when magma was pushed to the earth’s surface, these steep granite peaks are one of the best destinations in Namibia for hiking and rock climbing. But don’t worry if that’s not your thing, the rocks are just as entrancing from the ground!

Seriously don’t miss this gem - easily one of the best places to visit in Namibia.

You can visit Spitzkoppe as a day trip from Swakopmund, but the incredible scenery here is best seen as the sun rises and sets when the contrasting light throws dramatic shadows over the rock formations.

Our recommendation, therefore, is to stay for sunset and then sleep at the nearby campground - one of the most beautiful places to spend a night in this country.

5. Fish River Canyon

The huge crevices and steep ravines of Fish River Canyon are beyond breathtaking.

As the largest canyon in the whole of Africa, it makes for some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll see across the continent.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Hikers can enjoy some of the trails here, but if your family members are not experienced walkers, make sure to hire a reputable guide. That said, you don’t actually need to hike to see the best of the canyon, so don’t worry if you have small kids with you - the landscape can also be admired from various public viewpoints.

If possible, visit at sunrise for the best photos or, even better, take a sundowner tour, organized by one of the local lodges, to enjoy the gorgeous views with a sunset backdrop… and a tasty drink!

6. Swakopmund

This lively colonial coastal city in Namibia bizarrely feels like a small town in Germany - many people still speak German here even today!

Swakopmund, Namibia

Its charming colonial and relaxed feel, along with a great choice of great restaurants and shops, make this thriving beach town one of the best places to visit in Namibia.

In addition, its proximity to Walvis Bay and the Namib Desert makes it a convenient and popular stop on any Namibia itinerary.

There are also lots of family-friendly day trips and activities available in and around Swakopmund. Desert quad biking, skydiving, kayaking, bicycle tours, and seeing the flamingo colony at Walvis Bay all provide brilliant entertainment options for big and small kids alike!

7. Cape Cross Seal Colony - Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast of Namibia is famous for its Cape Cross Seal Reserve, home to around 100,000 cape fur seals - the largest colony of this sea lion species in the entire world!

Skeleton Coast seals, Namibia

This wildlife reserve offers seals a safe place to breed, protecting them from fur trappers and traders. Come to see them basking in the sun and playing - very cute, and sure to be a big hit with the kids.

However, do be warned - expect a pretty pungent reception! For some reason, these creatures are seriously pongy! Visit early in the morning, and ideally on a windy day, to minimize the smell, and be sure to take a scarf or buff with you to cover your nose and mouth!

8. Visit a Himba Community

The Himba people are one of the most fascinating and distinct cultural groups in Namibia.

The Himba of Namibia

They are some of the country’s last semi-nomadic people, known for their distinctive red ochre body paint and intricate jewellery, as well as their unique cultural traditions. Once cut off from outside influence by the harsh desert and landscape, they’ve been able to hold onto much of their traditional way of life.

Visiting a Himba community is an unforgettable experience for both children and adults in Namibia. You'll be welcomed into the space and get to witness some of their traditional practices such as the making of ochre body paint and jewelry.

And, if you’re lucky, you may also be invited to join in a traditional dance or music performance - a really memorable experience to share as a family!

Reasons to Visit Namibia on Your Family Safari!

That’s our list of the 8 best places to visit in Namibia on your family safari.

If you’d like more advice on any of them, or travelling in Namibia generally, then why not talk to one of our African travel experts today?

Etosha safari lion