Fantastic value group mobile camping safari for families taking in the highlights of Namibia with game drives in Etosha National Park and the incredible Sossusvlei Dunes.
Small Group Adventure 12 days
'From Price' is the average price per person for ground arrangements for a family of four (two adults + two children under 12).
Flights are typically an additional £850 per person economy class from London
Our holidays are rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
…We were really happy with the service we got from Tourdust which can be best described as friendly, efficient and expert.....
Matthew McSweeney. See all Reviews 
Namibia is a wild and vast country with stunning wild scenery and superb safari in Etosha National Park. With this fantastic value group trip for families, accommodation will be in a guest hous ein Windhoek and at the coast, the rest of the time you will be camping in some beautiful locations and all you will have to do is put up your tent whilst your guide and camp assistant put up the rest of camp and prepare wholesome meals over the fire. Starting off in Windhoek, the first stop on your journey will be in the Namib desert, where you can view the vast dunes and get a real sense of the desert-scape. You then continue on to the coast, where you can enjoy wind-swept beaches and the chance to go and view dolphins and whales on a boat trip.
After viewing Namibia's marine life, you then head inland to the mountains in Damaraland, where you can see some fascinating geological rock formations and also some ancient Bushman rock engravings. You then continue on to Etosha National Park, where you will go on game drives with the hope of seeing black rhino, elephant, lion and many other plains game. You will be based in this park for a few days, before heading back to Windhoek via the Waterberg Plateau.
This trip has great appeal for families. Driving times have been kept to a minimum where possible and activities chosen to engage adults and children alike. With monthly departures (twice monthly in high season) with maximum 14 guests (minimum three) this trip is perfect for families who prefer to travel in a group, or who wish to keep costs down. The trip can also be done on a private basis, please ask for details.
Depending on group size the safari is in a specially modified 14-seater Toyota Dyna with pop-tops, large windows and seats with good leg room. Smaller groups will be in a standard mini bus or double cab. The dome tents are easy to assemble and a 5 centimetre thick mattress and camp chair with back rest is provided. Most meals are included and prepared over open camp fire. Camping is in private campgrounds with shared bathroom facilities. Dome tents are provided with a 5 centimetre thick mattress and camp chair with back rest is provided. You will be expected to put up your own tent. Most meals are included and prepared over an open camp fire. Whilst in town (Swakopmund and Windhoek), good quality guest house accommodation is included.
DAY 1: ARRIVE AND RELAX IN WINDHOEK
On arrival at Windhoek Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to your accommodation. The rest of the day will be at leisure to relax, enjoy the pool and perhaps explore the city.
Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Galton House in a family room
Transport: Private transfer from Windhoek Airport to guest house
DAY 2: NAMIB DESERT
After breakfast it will be an early departure between 08h00-08h30 to a central meeting point. Once all participants have arrived, you will meet your guide and depart south for the desert. The journey will take you through the Khomas Hochland range of mountains with lunch en-route and a comfort stop in the small town of Solitaire. You will arrive in camp for late afternoon, in time for a refreshing swim in the pool and to enjoy the sunset over the Nauklauft Mountains. You will be camping outside of the national park and your first camp-fire dinner will be prepared over the open fire.
Meals Included: All meals
Accommodation: Camping
Transport: Transfer to meeting point to meet other participants and departure of your trip. Distance 350 kilometres.
DAY 3: NAMIB DESERT
Today is a pre-dawn start to enjoy the desert sunrise. On arrival at Sossusvlei, you will enjoy breakfast and prepare for a walk, spending the morning exploring the area and visiting dune 45, which is the star dune in the Sossusvlei area. You will return to camp to avoid the heat of the day, before heading off on an afternoon excursion to the Sesriem Canyon. Late afternoon swim and campfire dinner
Meals Included: All meals
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 4: SWAKOPMUND
Depart north-west to the seaside town of Swakopmund which is on the Atlantic coast. You will stop en route at the N/a’an ku se Namib Conservation Centre, which is set on a private 500 hectare area with an educational centre and purpose built enclosures. The purpose of this centre is to rehabilitate and release carnivores such as cheetah and leopard who have come into conflict with human interaction. This is also a sanctuary, as some cheetah cannot be released. Continuing the tour, you will cross the Tropic of Capricorn, the Gaud and Kuiseb pass and down the dry river bed over the canyon which opens into desert landscape. The desolated “Namib gravel plains” brings you to the coastal town of Swakopmund for some relaxation and to enjoy some guest house accommodation. Dinner will on your own account tonight, but the guide will suggest a group meal, we recommend trying the excellent seafood in Swakopmund.
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Guest house accommodation
Transport: Travel from Namib Desert to Swakopmund. Distance 300 kilometres.
DAY 5: SWAKOPMUND
This morning your guide will take you to Walvis Bay which is about half an hour away for your dolphin cruise. This turbulent coast line is home to many ship wrecks and you will see one such example whilst out, along with the oyster cultivating platforms, the lighthouse, birds, seals before going on to look for the three types of dolphins found in this area; Heavyside Dolphins, Dusky Dolphins and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Sparkling wine and snacks will be served on board and you may spot seasonal whales or leather-back turtles. When you return to Swakopmund the remainder of the day will be at leisure. There are a number of optional adventure activities on offer from micro-light flights, quad biking, surfing, dune boarding, fishing trips and even sky diving available. You may want to spend time exploring the town which has a great stretch of beach, open-air curio market, Namibian National Marine Aquarium or simple enjoy a good coffee and cake whilst watching the world go by.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guest house accommodation
DAY 6: DAMARALAND
Early departure, travelling north with the first stop at Cape Cross where you will see thousands of Cape Fur seals. From here heading inland in an easterly direction back into the desert, you will visit the small town of Uis, an isolated mining town which is the best place to buy rough semi-precious stones which Namibia is known for, such as Amethyst and Tourmaline. Pass the ancient Bushman spiritual site of Brandberg Mountains, Namibia’s highest peak at 2573 metres. Stop and explore Burnt Mountain which is a hill at the foot of a twelve kilometre long volcanic ridge and the nearby gorge which houses the Organ Pipes which are five metre high tall, angular dolomite columns. Camping and dinner around the fire in the nearby Twyfelfontein area
Meals Included: All meals
Accommodation: Camping
Transport: Travel from Swakopmund to Damaraland. Distance 350 kilometres.
DAY 7: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Early start to view the ancient Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein with local guide. Continue travelling to the famous Etosha National Park, staying in Okaukuejo which ewnjoys an excellent location on the western side of the park. After your evening meal around the fire, you will head to the floodlit waterhole which is a great draw card for black rhino, elephant, lion and a number of plains game. Due to the arid nature of this park, wildlife tend to congregate at these watering holes, particularly in winter when drinking water is at a premium (June – October)
Meals Included: All meals
Accommodation: Camping
Transport: Travel from Damaraland to Etosha National Park. Distance 380 kilometres.
DAY 8: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Full day game driving with packed lunch, returning in the evening to the Okaukuejo campsite
Meals Included: All meals
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 9: ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Today journey across the park to the eastern side of the park, stopping a various waterholes en route and enjoying a leisurely lunch at Halali rest camp which is in the middle of the park and has a waterhole and swimming pool. Days ends well before sunset at Namutoni camp site for dinner and evening game spotting around the waterhole.
Meals Included: All meals
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 10: WATERBERG
Travel south out of the park, stopping at the Cheetah Conservation Fund for a walking tour of the Educational centre, cheetah museum, clinic and chance to see Cheetah been fed. After lunch continue on to the Waterberg Plateau which has lovely views over the surrounding savannah with brick red sandstone formations and lush green vegetation. This park was originally created as a sanctuary for endangered species from the northern regions of the Caprivi such as roan and sable antelope, tsessebe and Cape buffalo
Meals Included: All meals
Accommodation: Camping
Transport: Travel from Etosha National Park to Waterberg. Distance 350 kilometres.
DAY 11: WINDHOEK
Last day’s journey to Windhoek, stopping at Okahandja which is Namibia’s largest wood carving market, a perfect spot to purchase some lovely Namibian souvenirs. Arriving into Windhoek mid-afternoon for last night at Galton House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Galton House
Transport: Travel from Waterberg to Windhoek. Distance 330 kilometres.
DAY 12: DEPART
Day at leisure, check out is 11am but change facilities are available to freshen up before your return journey. Spend the day exploring the city of Windhoek or relax around the pool. A guided city tour can be pre-arranged to include the city centre, the Katatura Township and Xwama Cultural Village. Windhoek has a good selection of museums, galleries, libraries and even Botanical gardens worth a visit.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transport: Road transfer from guest house to Windhoek Airport.
Excellent connections via South Africa with regular flights from Johannesburg and some options from Cape Town. Air Namibia do operate via Frankfurt. Flight from London to Windhoek via Johannesburg start from £780 -£1280 per person
Extensions to Botswana and the Victoria Falls are possible with regular connections.
Flight prices on this route are always cheaper booked in advance, particularly when flying during UK school holidays. If you are booking anything less than a month prior to departure expect to pay through Virgin and BA tend to offer flight sales around September and October, which are worth looking out for.
Please let us know your preferred departure airport and we would be pleased to quote for a flight inclusive ATOL protected package.
Inclusive of road transfers to and from Windhoek Airport, pre and post guest house accommodation in Windhoek with breakfast, 9 night guided trip with meals and activities as mentioned, camp assistant and two nights in guest house in Swakopmund, all camping equipment, park fees, camping fees and sleeping bag (you are welcome to bring your own.
Exclusive of all drinks, additional meals and activities, towel, pillow, gratuities, visa fees, comprehensive travel insurance, medical precautions and items of a personal nature
Maximum group size is 14 people and minimum number of 3 people. Transport for up to 6 people will be in a minibus and for 7 people and more in a Toyota bus / truck.
Minimum age is 5 years and children are the full responsibility of accompanying parents / guardians who will be required to sign a responsibility waiver.
The months from June to October are winter in Southern Africa but temperatures during the day are comfortable reaching early 20 degrees Celsius. It can be chilly at night but you can keep comfortable with layers. This is the time of the least / no rainfall making the vegetation less dense and the game easy to spot.
This trip runs all year round and would be fine in the summer months in this arid area, traditionally rainfall is for the most part a heavy short downpour in the afternoon.
This safari has been specially designed for families with small children. The minimum age is 5 years and there is a discount for all children 12 years and under. Driving distances have been kept down to a minimum, (as far as possible in a big country like Namibia - there are still a few long drives), and highlights have been chosen to appeal to adults and children.
Please note this is a participatory group mobile camping experience. Camping tends to be in remote locations with shared bathroom facilities. Participatory camping means that you will be expected to help put up your own tents (camp meals etc. are prepared for you by the cook).
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
Our customers agree - a conversation with an expert makes for a better trip. Call us now or request a call back out of hours.
Call 0203 291 2907 9am and 6pm GMT Monday to Friday
Or request call back weekday evenings or Saturdays
Hi Lisa, Thanks for your email! It was amazing thank you! We had the best time, everything ran smoothly (aside from a break-down due to faulty clutch on day 1 of the tour, but our guide / driver sorted that and we were back on track by that evening). Saw all the things we wanted to see, even a mum and cub cheetah. Our boys have had such a different holiday and a fab taste of the world! Thank you so much for organising this for us. We’d definitely recommend our guide/driver (Tuhafeni) and assistant (Frans) again. Nicola
Nicola T
reviewing Highlights of Namibia - Family Group Tour
on 18 August 2023
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024
Hi Lisa, Thanks for your email! It was amazing thank you! We had the best time, everything ran smoothly (aside from a break-down due to faulty clutch on day 1 of the tour, but our guide / driver sorted that and we were back on track by that evening). Saw all the things we wanted to see, even a mum and cub cheetah. Our boys have had such a different holiday and a fab taste of the world! Thank you so much for organising this for us. We’d definitely recommend our guide/driver (Tuhafeni) and assistant (Frans) again. Nicola
Nicola T
reviewing Highlights of Namibia - Family Group Tour
on 18 August 2023
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B
reviewing Best of South Africa for Families
on 01 March 2024
We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.
Claudia L
reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday
on 11 January 2024
We had a brilliant trip!
An amazing experience for parents, children and grandparents alike.
We are already planning a trip to Vietnam next year
Kate B
reviewing Morocco Family Holiday: Kasbahs, Mountains & Souks
on 10 January 2024
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023
Hi Lisa
Thanks for getting in touch. We had a great time in Namibia, in no particular order, some thoughts:
Oberland Lodge was the accommodation we liked the most: well designed, privacy, good setting, convenient, good food.
Etendeka Mountain Lodge was stunning, in terms of setting, and the tents were the most high end tents I’ve ever stayed in. Dennis shared some spectacular views of the night sky through his telescope which was really interesting.
All our guides were good, professional, knowledgeable, personable. Can’t praise them enough.
A highlight was the catamaran tour, both our boys had this as their top excursion I think. I’d have preferred a tour with a few less people but not a big issue.
Sossusvlei was one of my highlights, climbing the dunes was good. Actually, across the whole holiday, I’d have liked to have done more hiking / walking safaris but that’s probably down to my planning.
Mushara Lodge had excellent service and the staff performed a few African songs after dinner one night, which was lovely. The lodge itself could do with a refresh, in terms of physical product.
The Elegant Guest House was clean and comfortable. And nicely close to Joe’s Beerhouse. Plus it had the best wifi and so a hit with the kids.
The car we got (Toyota Hilux) was excellent, I’m trying to find an excuse to buy a one.
The Cornerstone Guesthouse was probably the least glamourous place we stayed (it was all clean and safe though) but actually the two owners (I forget their names now) gave some of the best/friendliest service.
Logistically everything went off without a hitch, guides showed up on time, all the accommodation was right and they were expecting us. We had some requirements around our son’s medication being refrigerated, everyone was very helpful with this.I’ll let Sarah chime in with anything I missed and at some stage I think we’ll be in touch about a trip to Botswana Or maybe Peru.
All the best,
Phil
Philip A
reviewing Highlights of Namibia - Classic Self Drive
on 28 July 2022
The Namibia trip was fantastic!
Self-driving was brilliant, and the chronology of the itinerary was perfect (against the flow/direction most other travelers took).
As for specifics:
OKONJIMA
This place was the best!
Best service, best staff, best food, best experiences, best facilities.
We saw a cheetah kill, leopards, and white rhino (which we were not expecting).
If you’ve never been you should go...If I ever go back to Namibia I will revisit.EMANYA
The only (slight) disappointment.
Maybe because it was right after Okonjima, but the service was lacking, the facilities were a bit run down, it was the only place with mosquitoes in the room with no net and no spray. Food was marginal. Not sure if there are better options in the area, though.OKAUKEUJO
Etosha Park was amazing. There was so much wildlife with so little crowds.
The Okaukeujo Camp had the best watering hole with animals coming in at all times of the night. A great experience exclusive to the camp.DORO NAWAS
Beautiful place. Very private. Food and service excellent.
A nice stopping point on the drive.SPITZKOPPE
An amazing place...How they laid out and built it.
Enjoyed exploring the grounds and the local area/sights.
The staff was on par with Okonjima.
2 days were perfect.Ivin provided us with good advice/information/recommendations along the route, along with a cell phone and cooler for the trip. The car was perfect.
They represent Tourdust well!Again, another great trip you put together...Thank you!
Earl W
reviewing Northern Namibia Highlights - Self Drive
on 17 October 2018
Our itineraries are carefully designed by our experienced travel designers based on years of experience and customer feedback. For a custom itinerary tailored to you, please enquire giving as much detail as possible on your brief.
