The Sea of Sand
Sossusvlei is the image that comes to mind when most people think of Namibia: monumental apricot-coloured dunes rising against a deep blue sky. Located within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, this is the oldest desert in the world. For families, the sheer scale of the sand mountains is a playground. The sand is clean and soft, making it safe for children to run, jump, and tumble. The area includes the clay pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, as well as the entry point at Sesriem.
Climbing the Dunes
Dune 45 is the most popular stop for families. It is situated near the road and is relatively easy to summit compared to the monstrous "Big Daddy." The climb is tiring, but the view from the top is rewarding, and the run down is exhilarating for kids. Deadvlei, with its 900-year-old camel thorn trees scorched black by the sun, offers a surreal landscape that looks like a Dr. Seuss illustration. To reach Deadvlei, you need a 4x4 vehicle for the last few kilometres of deep sand. If you are in a standard rental car, a convenient shuttle service runs from the parking area, which kids often find to be a fun adventure in itself.
Sesriem Canyon and Solitaire
At the park entrance, Sesriem Canyon is a small but impressive gorge carved by the Tsauchab River. It provides a cool respite from the sun and is easy to navigate on foot, with rock pools often remaining after rains. Nearby, the tiny settlement of Solitaire is a mandatory stop. It features a collection of rusted vintage cars that children enjoy climbing on and a bakery famous for its apple pie—a sweet treat in the middle of the desert.
Tips for Families
The heat here can be dangerous. It is vital to visit the dunes as soon as the gates open at sunrise. By 11:00 AM, the sand can become hot enough to burn feet, and temperatures soar. Carry double the water you think you need. Accommodation ranges from campsites inside the park (allowing earlier access to dunes) to luxury lodges with pools outside the gate.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the world's most iconic red dunes and the haunting Deadvlei, offering a peerless, high-contrast wilderness experience. Peak months (May-Sep) feature mild daytime temperatures ideal for climbing 300m dunes, whereas summer months (Nov-Mar) see extreme heat exceeding 33°C, making desert hiking strenuous for families.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Features world-class luxury lodges focused on silence, solitude, and stargazing within an International Dark Sky Reserve. The winter peak offers crisp, clear nights and pleasant days for outdoor relaxation, while the extreme summer heat can make even high-end desert suites feel oppressive during the day.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The drive through the Namib-Naukluft features some of the world's most dramatic desert scenery on high-quality, vast gravel plains. Cooler peak months provide the best visibility and safety for remote driving, while the off-season brings intense heat and occasional flash floods that can impact gravel road conditions.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides a fascinating 'living desert' classroom where families can learn about ancient geology and unique evolutionary adaptations of flora and fauna. These guided exploratory walks are best enjoyed in the cooler peak season to avoid the intense midday sun of the Namib summer.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers world-renowned hot air ballooning over the dunes and sandboarding in a pristine environment. Stable air and cooler temperatures in the peak months are critical for flight safety and the physical exertion required for sand-based activities.
