BY VERNON SWANEPOEL

I have two boys, and so family travel is of great interest to me. My boys have been to various parts of Namibia and I’m always thinking of other places I’d like to take them.

In many ways Namibia is the ideal African country for a kids safari. There are many ways to undertake a trip like this, but below I’ve detailed one example of a Namibia child friendly tour.

As I said Namibia is fantastic for kids mainly because unlike so many other African experiences, you don’t have to worry about high profile game all the time. There is a lot of variety, and with a bit of planning, you can make a trip that keeps kids entertained most of the time.

Overall an experience like this is very enriching to children and I’m sure they’ll go away with heaps of memories.

The highlights of this trips for your kids would likely be:

Seeing African wildlife both up close (at Okonjima) and experiencing the game drives (in Etosha).

Having the chance to do some adventure type activities (like sandboarding) in Swakopmund.

The sand at Sossusvlei is really fun for anyone willing to let go and enjoy it.

Our twelve day tour.

Day 1

Arrive in Windhoek and overnight in town.

Overnight. For kids it might be nice to be in a larger hotel, like the Windhoek Country Club.

Day 2

After a leisurely start in Windhoek, make your way northwards to Okonjima. You should aim to be there by lunch time, so that you have time for afternoon activities. Okonjima has a program to look after cheetahs, so kids have the chance to see these creatures up close.

Seeing animals like this isn’t for everyone, but for kids it gets them interested deeply. My kids have talked about it months after they were there.

Overnight at Okonjima. Note, read their child policies and which camp is best for your kids.

Day 3

No activities today, in order to make good time for the drive ahead. Leaving Okonjima, you work your way northwards to the eastern side of Etosha National Park.

In the afternoon there is time to quickly get into the park for a short drive, and gives you the chance to buy permits for the next few days.

Overnight at Mokuti Lodge. Mokuti is bigger and more resort like than most of the lodges nearby, but this is great for kids. There is a snake park, and Mokuti is right by the Etosha entrance.

Day 4

Morning and afternoon game drives, with a good break in between.

Overnight at Mokuti again.

Day 5

Drive right across the park. If you are doing this in the warmer months, make sure you take swimming gear for your kids. That way they can take a swim at Halali camp, half way across the park.

Leave the park in the mid-afternoon by the Anderson’s Gate. Spend the late part of the day just relaxing, watching the waterhole and letting the kids have some space.

Overnight at Ongava’s Anderson’s Camp. There is a camp at Ongava that is fenced and we’ve found them to be fantastic with kids.

Day 6

Leaving Ongava, drive to Twyfelfontein area. In the late afternoon you’ll have the chance to visit the famous rock art at Twyfelfontein.

Overnight Kipwe.

Day 7

Depart Camp Kipwe and drive south via Uis and down to the coast. Drive north to Cape Cross Reserve, where you can visit the fur seals.

Overnight at Cape Cross Lodge.

Day 8

Leaving from Cape Cross, drive south. You’ll pass the town of Henties Bay on the way.

In the afternoon there will be some time to relax.

Overnight at Beach Lodge. Beach Lodge is a little way from the centre of town, which is fine for self-drives, but you may choose one of a number of good hotels or guesthouses in town.

Day 9

Activities in the central coastal area. There are lots of things to do, including some adventure type activities, boat trips and desert outings. This is a good chance to do something that your kids will really enjoy.

Overnight at Beach Lodge.

Day 10

Leaving the coast behind, head inland for the Sossusvlei region.

Overnight at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. This is on the expensive side, but a wonderful experience for kids. If this is beyond your budget, there are many other lodges in the area.

Day 11

A morning out to Sossusvlei, with some time to run around in the dunes for the kids. In the afternoon take part in the activities offered by whatever lodge you’re at.

Overnight at the same place as above.

Day 12

Depart the area and return to Windhoek.

Overnight at a hotel in Windhoek.

Day 13

Final departure.

Vernon Swanepoel is the owner of Frantic Naturalist Tours and Safaris which is based in Windhoek, Namibia. They conduct tours throughout the country. Swakopmund, Etosha, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, Twyfelfontein, up to the Caprivi Strip … all over.

Follow Vernon on twitter: @ Namibnat

This post originally appeared on the Frantic Naturalist’s blog