Safari and children … there is some controversy around it. Having already visited eight safari parks ourselves and done a great many game drives in Africa, we know roughly how it works. For us, Etosha is one of our favourite places for a safari with the whole family!
Why go on safari in Etosha?
The essence of safari is seeing animals in their natural environment. There are beautiful game reserves with babbling rivers, high mountains, lots of greenery … Etosha is different. It is very open and has gigantic plains where you can see a very long way. There are also a lot of animals living there. An untold number of animals. Where you often have to search a bit on a game drive, in Etosha you see animals continuously. Zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, antelopes, warthogs, lions, white and black rhinos, elephants, meerkats and mongooses, various big cats, … and also countless bird species.
Furthermore, the park is self-drive friendly and there are beautiful lodges nearby.
The nicest safari accommodation for a family in Etosha – Etosha safari lodge
We stayed at Etosha Gondwana Safarilodge. A deliberate choice. The lodges inside the park offer little shelter from the heat, even in our autumn. I think that in our winter or spring it may be better, because everything is in bloom then.
I also heard later that you can't take part in safaris with children under six through the official operators of Etosha itself. If you stay in the lodges around Etosha, they organise their own safaris from their reserve, so children are no problem.
The Gondwana reserve is also incredibly beautiful. You can go on wonderful walks there, there are lots of animals to see and in 10 minutes you're at the gate to enter Etosha.
The lodge sits high on a mountain and just below it lies a watering hole. In other words, wonderful views from your pool, at the sundowners in the lodge and during dinner.
It's also a very cosy lodge where children can play happily and where, even at the hottest time of the day, it's pleasant to relax under the covered terrace.
Epic game drives
The game drives in Etosha are epic. Because of the landscape you can see a very long way, which makes it a great place to spot wildlife. Both on self-drives and on guided safaris. At the entrances you can often meet Himba people selling their beautiful wares, and there are plenty of picnic spots where you can also buy something to eat.
We did a half-day game drive. The guide brought along a big cool box with drinks and snacks were also provided. Apart from the leopard we saw most of the well-known large mammals and also experienced a few real Lion King moments.
We found Etosha a wonderful place to enjoy a safari. We will definitely come back and spend more time here.
