Our Top 10 Family Lodges in Namibia for an Unforgettable Adventure

Namibia’s vast deserts, towering dunes, and wildlife-filled plains make it a dream destination for adventurous families. From star gazing in the Kalahari to spotting desert elephants in Damaraland, this country offers experiences that both kids and parents will cherish. To help you plan, we’ve rounded up the top 10 family lodges in Namibia that blend comfort, fun, and exploration, ensuring everyone from preens to teens has a blast. Many of our team have travelled this wonderful country with our own kids. So trust us, this is a list that’s been influenced by our expert opinion! And those opinions of our offspring… to various degrees.

Each of these featured lodges welcomes children, offers tailored family-friendly activities, and provides accommodation that’s perfect for families.

Slight word of warning:

Unless your young kids are ultra-experienced road trippers, we don’t recommend Namibia for really young kids. ONLY because the road journeys are long and so kids need to be able to amuse themselves for a few hours in the car. However nowadays this is easier with downloadable films on devices and any number of tech distractions. Naturally this can be mitigated slightly by ‘having longer stays and limited the number of different areas you visit. Or by taking a fly-in safari (or at least one or two flights).

1. Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch – Kalahari Desert

Perfect For: Families craving action-packed days and cozy evenings by the fire.

Why Kids Love It: This vibrant lodge in the crimson Kalahari sands is a kid’s paradise, with activities like cheetah feeding, horseback safaris, and Bushman walks teaching survival skills (think finding water in ostrich eggs!). The sparkling pool and recreation area (hammocks, pool table) keep kids entertained, while spotting giraffes at the waterhole feels like a safari movie.

Family Tips:

• Accommodation: Savannah chalets with sleeper couches for up to two kids, garden rooms near the pool, or campsites for starry nights.
• Activities: Morning game drives, night drives for nocturnal critters, and e-biking for teens.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: Kids 0–5 stay free, 6–12 get 50% off when sharing.
• Tip: Book the cheetah excursion early—it’s a highlight! The campsite is a budget-friendly adventure for camping fans, just 1 km from the lodge.
  

2. Canyon Roadhouse – Fish River Canyon

Perfect For: Families who want a fun, laid-back vibe near the world’s second-largest canyon.

Why Kids Love It: With its quirky car-themed decor — think rusty Chevys and a truck as the reception desk – this lodge feels like a playground for curious kids. The cold-water pool is great for splashing, and short activities like night walks (spotting scorpions!) or guided canyon drives keep things exciting without tiring out little ones. This is a really family friendly lodge with plenty to do and enjoy.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: 24 en-suite rooms, including a family room with air-conditioning and verandas, plus 12 campsites with private ablutions.
• Activities: Sunrise walks, e-biking, and 4×4 wildebeest drives to see zebras and oryx.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: Kids under 5 free, 6–13 get 50% off B&B or camping rates.
• Tip: Visit the canyon’s main viewpoint (14 km away) in the morning for cooler temps. The on-site fuel station is handy for family road trips.
  

3. Klein Aus Vista – Desert Horse Inn – Southern Namibia

Perfect For: Families seeking convenience and budget-friendly desert fun.

Why Kids Love It: Just 2 km from Aus, this cozy inn feels like a home base for desert adventures. Kids can splash in the horseshoe-shaped pool, marvel at wild horses on scenic drives, or try short hikes to spot springboks. The warm sienna rooms and buffet dining make it easy for families to relax after a day of exploring.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: 24 spacious en-suite rooms with fridges, coffee makers, and verandas—great for family downtime.
• Activities: Guided wild horse tours, mountain biking for older kids, and sunset drives with snacks.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: Kids 0–5 stay free, 6–13 get 50% off B&B rates.
• Tip: Plan a day trip to Lüderitz (120 km) for a ghost-town adventure at Kolmanskop. Book rooms early, as they fill up fast.
  

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Namib Rand Reserve near Sossusvlei

Perfect For: Families who want luxury with hands-on learning for curious kids.

Why Kids Love It: This ultra-luxurious lodge turns the desert into a (super-fun) classroom with its WILDChild Program, offering stargazing under Namibia’s epic skies and Bushman games that teach kids how to find food and water. Rangers, trackers, and childminders tailor each adventure to your kids’ ages and interests, making it both fun and educational. As far as family friendly lodges go, this is a luxurious retreat that both parents and kids will remeber for a lifetime.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: The Star Dune Suite has 2 bedrooms (up to 2 adults, 2 kids) with a shared lounge and dining room, plus triple bed options for kids under 16.
• Activities: Guided dune walks, quad biking, and cultural experiences like arrow-making.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: All ages welcome; no specific discounts mentioned, but family suites simplify stays.
• Tip: Ask for a stargazing session—kids will be awestruck by the observatory’s telescopes.
  

5. Desert Homestead – near Sossusvlei

Perfect For: Active families who love outdoor adventures and a chill atmosphere.

Why Kids Love It: This relaxed lodge feels like a desert home, with a pool to cool off and horseback rides that let kids trot through the dunes like explorers. Nature drives to Sossusvlei’s iconic red dunes are a hit, and the laid-back vibe means no stuffy rules to stress parents. A family friendly lodge that really offers aholiday with the right blend of relaxation and adventure.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: A family chalet with 2 bedrooms and a shared bathroom, plus other comfy chalets for smaller groups.
• Activities: Guided Sossusvlei excursions, sundowner drives, and walking trails.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: All ages welcome.
• Tip: Morning dune trips beat the heat—perfect for younger kids. Pack swimwear for the pool!
  

6. Kulala Desert Lodge – Near Sossusvlei

Perfect For: Families with young kids who want quick access to Sossusvlei’s wonders.

Why Kids Love It: With a private gate to Sossusvlei, this lodge cuts travel time to the dunes, so kids stay happy and energized for guided excursions or nature walks. The rooftop decks for star-sleeping are a magical experience, and the pool is a lifesaver after sandy adventures.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: Two spacious family tents with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas.
• Activities: Dune climbs, hot-air balloon rides (for older kids), and cultural tours.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: All ages welcome; the tents suit works best for families.
• Tip: Book the sunrise dune tour for cooler weather and epic views. The private gate saves hours!
  

7. The Delight – Swakopmund

Perfect For: Great range of fun families from marine cruises to 4×4 dune adventure to beach breaks

Why Kids Love It: This colorful hotel in Swakopmund’s heart is a kid-friendly haven, with a breakfast buffet packed with treats, and healthy eats, with the beach just a few steps away. Its central spot makes exploring the town’s aquarium or dune sledding a breeze, keeping kids entertained without long drives.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: 10 loft-style family rooms sleeping 4, with twin beds upstairs and down.
• Activities: No on-site activities, but easy access to Swakopmund’s family attractions like camel rides or museums.The kids wont be bored exploring from here!
• Kid-Friendly Policies: Kids 0–5 stay free, 6–13 pay 50% of B&B rate.
• Tip: Visit the nearby Kristall Galerie for sparkling gems kids love. Book a dolphin cruise for a fun day out.
  

8. Camp Kipwe – Damaraland

Perfect For: Adventurous families who love rugged landscapes and wildlife.

Why Kids Love It: Nestled among Damaraland’s rock formations, this camp feels like an adventure playground. Kids can join guided drives to spot desert-adapted elephants or explore ancient rock art, with the boulder-strewn landscape sparking imagination.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: Luxury suites with camping beds or special kids’ tents for ages 3–12; under 3s stay free.
• But we prefer the Luxury suites where kids can sleep in the spacious sitting room
• Activities: Nature walks, Twyfelfontein rock engraving tours, and stargazing.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: Free for under 3; discounts for 3–12 with a but flexible setup.
• Desert elephant tracking drives are great for older kids
  

9. Mushara Bush Camp – Etosha Natonal Park

Perfect For: Families wanting a safari with plenty of kid-focused downtime.

Why Kids Love It: This camp flips the script, saying kids can “bring their parents”! A dedicated play area with books, toys, and childminders keeps little ones busy, while an outdoor play park and kiddies’ pool add fun. Safaris to Etosha’s waterholes thrill older kids with lion and rhino sightings.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: Tented rooms with extra beds for kids; meal times tailored to children’s needs, and tastebuds!
• Activities: Guided game drives, bush walks, and creative games for younger kids.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: All ages welcome; no specific rates listed, but very family-friendly in design.
• Tip: Ask for a flexible dinner schedule to suit kids’ routines. The play area is a lifesaver on hot days.
  

Alternatively:

We also love the Family Villa at its sister lodge, Mushara Lodge. This gives you an elevated accommodation experience with a large sitting room and two spacious bedrooms both en suite. It also has a very curious third bathroom. Why curious? Because it only has a bath, as in thats all there is in the room!

10. Onguma Bush Camp – Etosha

Why Kids Love It: This safe, welcoming camp balances safari thrills with kid-friendly fun. A games area stocked with toys and books keeps children happy, while guided walks teach them about birds and bugs. Spotting elephants at the camp’s waterhole feels like a front-row seat to nature.

Family Perks:

• Accommodation: Family loft rooms with kids’ sleep space upstairs, plus 4-bed family units.
• Activities: Game drives, night drives, and interpretive bush walks for all ages.
• Kid-Friendly Policies: All ages welcome; no specific discounts noted, but family units are ideal.
• Tip: Avoid Deluxe rooms (unfenced) for young kids; stick to family units. Book a night drive for teens.
  Perfect For:

Alternatively: Onguma Forest Camp

We actually liked Onguma Forest Camp as much. Its location is not as dramatic but we loved the family accommodation with some family suites with a sofa bed in a separate sitting room for children.

Why these family lodges in Namibia shine

These family orientated lodges in Namibia were chosen for their welcoming policies – (most offer free stays for kids under 5) – family-sized accommodations, and activities that spark joy across ages—whether it’s dune-climbing in Sossusvlei or meeting cheetahs in the Kalahari. They balance adventure with comfort, ensuring parents can unwind while kids explore safely. From pools to play areas, each spot caters to family needs, with staff who go the extra mile to make your trip special.

Planning Tips

• Best Time to Visit: April–September for cooler weather and better wildlife viewing.
• Booking: Reserve early, especially for family rooms or suites, as they’re limited (e.g., Kulala’s two tents, Bagatelle’s family suite).
• Packing: Bring sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles for desert days; swimsuits for every lodge with a pool. And warm tops- the evenignc can get very chilly!
• Mix It Up: Combine regions for variety—try Sossusvlei for dunes, Etosha for safaris, and Swakopmund for coastal fun.
• Road Trips: Namibia’s lodges are spread out, so plan drives (e.g. at least 4 hours from Sesriem to Swakopmund) with kid-friendly stops such as picnics.

Namibia’s family-friendly lodges turn a trip into a story your kids will tell for years. Whether you’re stargazing or splashing in a refreshing pool after a day’s adventure, these spots make every moment magical.

Other articles about family safaris & family lodges in Namibia:

Namibia Family Safari Ideas

“Top Family Lodges in Namibia” – was written by safari specialist Cedarberg Africa

Cedarberg Africa is a specialist tour operator for Southern and East Africa. We focus on upmarket tailormade safaris for discerning and inquiring people. Several of us have visited Namibia and so we can chat to you about a possible trip from personal experience, weighing up the different options, to plan a trip that is just right for you. Contact us if you’d like a tailormade safari quote for your next family trip.