Advice on itinerary between Windhoek and Swakopmund

Hello everyone,

As explained in a previous topic, we are 2 families with kids (between 4 and 12) and we will come to Namibia for almost a month next July or August, mostly camping.

We won't be going any further south than the NamibRand Nature Reserve, and we’d rather take our time, even though long driving days are manageable.

I have a few questions regarding our route between Windhoek and Swakopmund, keeping in mind that we want to spend two nights at the NamibRand Family Hideout (non-negotiable) and that I’d love to fit in a night at Camp Gecko if possible.

We will pick up the cars in the morning in Windhoek (staying there the night before); is it realistic to drive straight to NamibRand Family Hideout, or is it better to break up the journey with a stopover? If we do make a stop, I'm torn between Camp Gecko (which could also work for a night between Sesriem and Swakopmund) and Bagatelle (which would offer the kids their first glimpse of the wildlife).

After two nights at NamibRand Family Hideout, do you think two nights in Sesriem are really necessary, or would a single night be enough? (knowing that we’ll already have some time to explore the area on the first day, arriving quite early from NamibRand, and I’m not sure we can get the kids up before sunrise two mornings in a row).

Thanks in advance for your thoughts !

Ben

Ben51 schrieb:

We will pick up the cars in the morning in Windhoek (staying there the night before); is it realistic to drive straight to NamibRand Family Hideout, or is it better to break up the journey with a stopover? If we do make a stop, I'm torn between Camp Gecko (which could also work for a night between Sesriem and Swakopmund) and Bagatelle (which would offer the kids their first glimpse of the wildlife).

You can do it in one day if you pick up the car early and do not still have to do loads of shopping. If you opt to stay in the Kalahari (Bagatelle) on the way to Namib Rand FH, then plan for two nights.