Namibia Family Self-Drive Road Trip Itinerary

Africa is vast, and Namibia was initially overlooked by me; nevertheless, when arranging our vacation, I uncovered this concealed treasure of a nation! I was aware that we would be flying to South Africa, as it offered the most advantageous flights; however, Grant had previously visited South Africa and wished to explore a different nation. Is it admirable or imperialistic? You make the decision. I was rather apprehensive about malaria; nevertheless, I was reluctant to administer malaria medication to Marin, who is only one year old. Therefore, I preferred to remain in southern countries, which are often drier and less prone to mosquitoes. So that’s how Namibia got on the itinerary. I quickly discovered the safari opportunities in Etosha and eagerly anticipated my visit.

Namibia Family Self-Drive Road Trip can be a great destination for toddlers with careful planning. While the vast landscapes and wildlife are exciting for all ages, the long distances and potential for extreme heat (especially in summer) require extra preparation. Consider cooler months like July and August for more comfortable travel. Choose accommodations with amenities suitable for young children and factor in frequent breaks during long drives.

A Complete 2 Week Namibia Family Self-Drive Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Windhoek

Our expedition commenced in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. We departed from Cape Town and collected our equipment. I initiated the planning of our Namibia vacation before to hiring the overlander, so reserving hotels for the commencement of our journey and utilising the overlander just as a rental vehicle. This was unequivocally not cost-effective nor required.

We visited the mall, which featured a Woolworth’s grocery shop, to procure food and supplies. We spent a night at the Town Lodge Hotel to recuperate prior to our journey to Etosha.

Day 2-6: Etosha National Park

Most itineraries for a road trip in Namibia commence in Windhoek and proceed southward, reserving Etosha for the final destination. We proceeded in an anticlockwise direction, commencing our journey with a safari in Etosha. It was extraordinary. It is essentially a real-life depiction of The Lion King. From early morning lion observation excursions to enjoying nightcaps at the watering hole, we enjoyed an indelible safari experience.

Day 7: Okonjima

I was eager to visit Spitzkoppe; however, upon planning our itinerary, I saw that a five-hour drive would be excessive with a baby, prompting me to seek a midway break. I discovered Okonjima, a private natural reserve. A safari can be undertaken here to observe various high-value species, including the elusive leopard; nevertheless, in comparison to the national park, it felt quite disingenuous to me. We requested a game drive as we had not yet saw a leopard (did I mention their secretive nature?). However, they enforced a strict policy that all youngsters must be a minimum of 6 years old to avoid startling the large felines.

We secured a campground for a substantial $90, marking our inaugural night in the overlander. The campsite was really pleasant, featuring a complete restroom and a fire pit. An onsite swimming pool was also available. We ascended a nearby mountain to observe the sunset and enjoy cocktails. I inadvertently left our GoPro on the mountain and had to return the following day to get it. Fortunately, I recalled in time and secured a ride instead of trekking in the heat.

Day 8: Spitzkoppe

The following day, we drove the final distance to Spitzkoppe, stopping at a rural hut for biltong, also known as African beef jerky. Our strategy involved travelling during the midday heat and utilising the mornings and evenings to explore each location. Spitzkoppe was an embodiment of desert enchantment.

It evoked fond memories of my cherished Joshua Tree, and Marin enjoyed navigating the rocky terrain. The atmosphere was invigorating, and the stars were the most magnificent I have ever observed. The artificial light is likely low in the least densely inhabited country on Earth. Our campground at Spitzkoppe cost about $25 and was worth every cent.

Day 9: Cape Cross

Upon departing Spitzkoppe, we travelled for two hours down the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross. We enjoyed a pleasant lunch at Fishy Corner in Henties Bay and made another stop en route to see the expansive and hauntingly desolate Skeleton Coast. In contrast to the predominantly high-end and overdeveloped coastlines elsewhere globally, this region remains mainly unspoiled. Its name is derived from its shipwrecks and perilous currents. Indeed, it evokes a somewhat unsettling sensation.

Cape Cross is the largest seal colony globally, and visitors typically engage in day trips there. Upon reading a blog detailing a family’s camping experience here, which portrayed it as a beautiful coastal adventure, I felt a surge of excitement! Reservations cannot be made online or in advance, which induces anxiety; hence, I felt relieved upon arrival when the park ranger, possessing a demeanour akin to DMV staff, informed me that we were the sole occupants of the four available sites for the night. She regarded me as if I were irrational and sought to verify that this was our desired location for accommodation.

Initially, our campsite appeared ideal. It was situated directly in the sand, and we had the opportunity to observe all of the charming seals. They were adorable, although they emitted a strong odour. It evoked strong memories of the sea lions in La Jolla.

Upon further inspection, we observed not merely a handful, but an abundance of bones. One could not traverse three feet from our campground without encountering seal carcasses, including entire skulls and jawbones. This is hardly the Skeleton Coast we anticipated!

Grant and I agreed that had it been just the two of us, we would have retired to bed before nightfall to read our Kindles; but, we needed to maintain a courageous demeanour for the young child and engage him until his bedtime. I am uncertain why we did not simply depart; perhaps it was a combination of obstinacy and curiosity. Our sleep was severely disrupted due to the strong winds, and the jackal we encountered at dusk exacerbated the problem. It was one of those nights when one would prefer to endure discomfort rather than venture forth into the darkness. We now understand the rationale for the campsite’s $20 fee.

Day 10: Swakopmund

Following a night of seclusion, we were prepared to re-enter civilisation in Swakopmund. However, before to concluding, there remains one final site of interest along the Skeleton Coast: the Zeila Shipwreck. I furthermore acquired some intriguing gemstones from the roadside.

Swakopmund is a sizable city and resort destination, hence we lodged at the Alte Bruecke Resort campground. It was pleasant and featured a much-needed genuine shower; yet, I significantly favour wilderness camping than RV parks.

In Swakopmund, we enjoyed a delightful seafood lunch by the water at Tug, Marin discovered a playground, and we witnessed the most spectacular sunset of our journey at Tiger’s Reef. It was a revitalising pause throughout our journey.

Day 11: Soltaire

The following morning, we proceeded to Soltaire, making brief pauses at Walvis Bay to observe the flamingos (which was ultimately unworthy of the interruption) and at the Tropic of Capricorn sign (which was worthwhile, as I am a Capricorn!).

Soltaire was an unexpected addition to our agenda; but, its frequent mention during my research compelled me to have the renowned apple pie. It was exquisite! Solitaire serves as a convenient midpoint en route to Sossusvlei. We undertook a brief sunset walk and appreciated this eccentric halt. The sole drawback was the intense wind, which caused us to genuinely fear that our tent may be dislodged from the roof, resulting in a poor night’s sleep.

Day 12: Sossusvlei

Initially, we planned to spend two nights at Sossusvlei; however, I altered the itinerary at the last moment due to the intense mid-day heat. We preferred our schedule of exploring a new location each night with reduced daily driving durations. Sossusvlei was undoubtedly a highlight of our journey. The Sesriem campground was excellent. We observed numerous oryx, and there was an appealing pool.

Although many advocate for rising before dawn to see the sand dunes, we recognised the challenges of awakening a slumbering infant; hence, we opted for a late afternoon excursion, which proved to be an excellent decision. We had the location exclusively. (Upon reflection, this is very unsettling as we were in the remote wilderness!)

We trekked to Deadvlei to observe the remarkably preserved trees and witnessed a stunning sunset atop a red dune. Truly enchanting! Marin enjoyed ascending the sand and demonstrated remarkable resilience over the walk and heat.

Day 13: Namibgrens

Prior to departing Soussusvlei, we prepared pancakes and traversed Sessriem Canyon. This is undervalued and exceptionally impressive!

The journey from Soussusvlei to Windhoek requires approximately five hours, prompting me to seek a midpoint for a respite, which led me to discover Namibgrens. I learnt that they offered several pools, zebras, and exceptional gin and tonics, which convinced me! We adored this location. It resembled a hybrid of a bed and breakfast and camping. The property is exquisite and offers several lodging alternatives. Our campsite featured an exceptional outdoor shower and an enchanting firepit.

Day 14: Windhoek

We concluded our road trip in Namibia and returned to Windhoek. We spent one night at Urban Camp, which possessed a lively hostel atmosphere, before returning our overlander and flying back to Johannesburg.

End of the 14 Days Namibia Family Self Drive Road Trip Itinerary

Renting an Overlander in Namibia

I enjoy undertaking road trips while travelling. Although it is easy for me to assert this as a non-driver, I am convinced that Grant revels in the exhilaration of driving overseas as well. He enjoys boasting that he acquired his driving skills in the Fez Medina. Renting a vehicle is particularly advantageous when travelling with infants and toddlers, as it allows for a personalised pace, the utilisation of car seats, and the convenience of accessing snacks and toys without the necessity of repacking them after each relocation. The rental car functions as a central hub throughout travel. Renting a car enables independent exploration and spontaneous stops at will (I refer to you, roadside Biltong!). It represents the pinnacle of autonomy and adaptability.

I am passionate about road journeys to discover new places, so I was exhilarated to learn that renting a “overlander” (a colloquial term for a tent truck) is popular in Namibia. The sole issue was that they were predominantly sold out. It appears many individuals schedule their African excursions months or even years ahead, unlike my approach of booking just weeks in advance. I successfully secured a truck for us using Avis Safari. Our rig may not have been as formidable as some others I had encountered, but we possessed an overlander!

Sleeping in an Overlander with a Toddler

We had minimal camping experience with infant Marin, save from one night on the Inca Trail, so I was intrigued by how this would unfold, yet fully prepared to embrace the challenge. It proceeded unexpectedly favourably! It even enhanced our sleeping conditions. Marin was 16 months old when we travelled to Africa, and I was still soothing him to sleep each night. I understood that I would be unable to stand in the tent to soothe him. I recognised that I could not induce him to sleep outside the tent and ascend the ladder to the roof while cradling him in slumber; so, he would need to acquire the ability to fall asleep independently without being rocked. It appears that exhaustion from the safari and a few recitations of Good Night Moon were sufficient!