Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Children
Many parents regard Africa as just too dangerous for travel with children, but in reality,
Namibia presents few problems to families travelling with children. As a destination it's
relatively safe healthwise, largely due to its dry climate and good medical services; there's
a good network of affordable accommodation, and an excellent infrastructure of well-
maintained roads. In addition, foreigners who visit Namibia with children are usually
treated with great kindness, and a widespread local affection for the younger set opens up
all sorts of social interaction.
Still, it has to be said that travelling around Namibia with very small children (under-
fives) will present some problems, not least because it's hot and distances can be vast. It's
also difficult to see what very small children will take away from the experience, and par-
ents will probably spend most of their time fretting over safety.
For invaluable general advice on taking the family abroad, see Lonely Planet's
Travel
with Children
.
PRACTICALITIES
While there are few attractions or facilities designed specifically for children, Namibian
food and lodgings are mostly quite familiar and manageable. Family rooms and chalets
are normally available for only slightly more than double rooms; these normally consist of
one double bed and two single beds. Other wise, it's usually easy to arrange more beds in
a standard adult double room for a minimal extra charge.
Camping can be exciting, but you'll need to be extra vigilant so your kids don't just
wander off unsupervised, and you'll also need to be alert to potential hazards such as mos-
quitoes and campfires. Most mosquito repellents with high levels of DEET may be unsuit-
able for young children. They should also wear sturdy enclosed shoes to protect them
from thorns, bees and scorpion stings.
If you're travelling with kids, you should always invest in a hire car, unless you want to
be stuck for hours on public transport. Functional seatbelts are rare even in taxis, and acci-
dents are common - a child seat brought from home is a good idea if you're hiring a car or
going on safari. Even with your own car, distances between towns and parks can be long,
so parents will need to provide essential supplemental entertainment (toys, books, games,
a Nintendo DS etc).
Canned baby foods, powdered milk, disposable nappies and the like are available in
most large supermarkets.
