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It has always been difficult to find a safari suited to families with young children that was reasonably priced and didn't require a private guide. This simple camping adventure has been designed to offer just that and takes families with children from the age of five.
Guide
The Namibia Family Camping Adventure will be led by a professional guide, who also acts as your driver and helps around camp. The guides are terribly important to us, so we pick them carefully and train them well. All speak good English; almost all are Namibians. With them, you'll be able to learn a lot about the country and what you see - including much about the flora, fauna and local cultures. They will be able to identify all of the animals, many of the birds, and some of the plants that you see. However, don't expect them to be expert ornithologists or botanists, using Latin names for every species.
Camp assistant
The other vital person on this camping adventure is the camp assistant. It's his/her job to do most of the camp chores - so whilst you will help to put up and take down your tent (it's very easy!), you need not worry about cooking or washing up. This leaves you and your guide more time to relax and chat about Namibia and your experiences.
Camping equipment
Good-quality camping adventure equipment is transported in a custom-built trailer. Tents supplied are two-person igloo-style tents, about 2x2 metre, which are easy to assemble.
Each traveller has his/her own camp chair with backrest, and a mattress that is about 5cm thick, covered in thick fabric and very comfortable. Sleeping bags are included on a complimentary basis, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Pillows are not supplied so we recommend that you bring a small pillow or inflatable travel cushion with you on the camping safari.
Vehicles
For groups of up to about eight people, this camping adventure to Namibia usually uses Toyota Hi-Ace vehicles with a purpose built trailer. For groups up to about fourteen people, they usually use a Toyota Dyna. The latter has been purpose-built and adapted specifically for these camping adventures, including the provision of air-cushioned suspension, individual bucket seats and a pop-top roof.
Many of the Toyota Dynas are fitted with a strip of plugs where you are able to charge camera batteries. Note that as there are limited plugs, priority is given to charging camera and video batteries over mobile phones. Some of the camping sites will also have a plug point for use when charging batteries. Namibia uses the same plug as South Africa - a 15 amp with three large round pins. We recommend that you purchase an adaptor suitable for the conversion from UK to South Africa for use when you travel on your camping adventure to Namibia.
Campsites
Almost all of the campsites used on these adventures to Namibia are established rest camps. The facilities generally include ladies and gents' ablution blocks with hot and cold running water and a small kiosk or shop where you can buy drinks. Many of the camping sites also have a swimming pool. Some of Namibia's more remote camping sites are not well lit; while your adventure camp's equipment includes at least one gas lamp, this is turned off once everyone has settled for the night, so it's important that you bring a good torch with you. You'll find this useful within your tent and also if you need to walk around camp after dark.
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