Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari: Summary
Black Wildebeest Safari in a nutshell
This self-driven safari takes its travellers on an exciting journey, traversing two countries.
Beginning in South Africa’s stunning and cosmopolitan Cape Town, the journey then progresses through the heathlands of Namaqualand. Here, the hilltops burst with colour during the famous flower season (between late August and early September), offering stark contrast to the dramatic formations encountered along Namibia’s Fish River Canyon.
After the deep-red granite boulders of the canyon comes the fine sands surrounding Namtib Desert Lodge, which occupies a stunning location in a valley on the edge of the Namib Desert. Then comes the Namib-Naukluft National Park’s enormous desert dunes and stretching plains, before your arrival at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Here, Cornerstone Guesthouse offers comfortable relaxation and gentle exploration of the surrounding area before your journey continues into Namibia’s central highlands, where gently rolling hills are set before the backdrop of Erongo Mountains.
Etosha National Park’s vast salt pans are the penultimate stop before your adventure concludes amidst the rolling hills of central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve.
As much as the excitement of the journey itself, this trip reveals a stunning progression of landscapes and habitats as you journey further north. Alongside this variety, you can expect a wonderful mixture of relaxation, hiking, ancient rock-art, wildlife safari and cultural discovery.
At a glance
| Starts: | Cape Town International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | Vineyard Hotel - Cape Town, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Ndedema Lodge - Namaqualand, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| 1 night | Annie's Cottage - Namaqualand, South Africa | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Canyon Lodge - Fish River Canyon, Namibia | Half Board |
| 1 night | Namtib Desert Lodge - Southern Namibia, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Hoodia Desert Lodge - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Cornerstone Guesthouse - Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 1 night | Ai Aiba Lodge - Central Highlands, Namibia | Half Board |
| 3 nights | Okaukuejo Camp - Etosha National Park, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Okonjima Plains Camp - Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia | Half Board |
| Ends: | Windhoek International Airport |
Vineyard Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
Ndedema Lodge
Namaqualand, South Africa
Annie's Cottage
Namaqualand, South Africa
Canyon Lodge
Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Namtib Desert Lodge
Southern Namibia, Namibia
Hoodia Desert Lodge
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Cornerstone Guesthouse
Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia
Ai Aiba Lodge
Central Highlands, Namibia
Okaukuejo Camp
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Okonjima Plains Camp
Okonjima Nature Reserve, Namibia
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari.
- Taking in Cape Town from Table Mountain
- Walking through Namaqualand's wildflower reserves
- Exploring Fish River Canyon with a sunrise hike
- Seeing ancient Bushman rock art in Erongo Mountains
- Watching black rhino drink at a waterhole in Etosha
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Kayaking
Microlight
Mountain biking
Night drive
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Key species to see on the Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
98% chance
97% chance
89% chance
89% chance
82% chance
78% chance
77% chance
72% chance
68% chance
30% chance
12% chance
11% chance
5% chance
Side-trips whilst on this trip
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Ballooning in the Namib Desert
Half day, including breakfast
Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.
More about Ballooning
Kayaking with seals
Morning incl. tea, coffee & sandwiches
Get up close and personal with a colony of Cape fur seals on a kayaking excursion from Walvis Bay. Enjoy a gentle morning’s paddle in Walvis Bay Lagoon as seals surround and interact with you and your kayak. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of some Heaviside’s or bottlenose dolphins.
More about Kayaking with seals
Coast and Sandwich Harbour
Full day
Experience this usually inaccessible part of the Skeleton Coast, where the dunes of the Namib plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. One of our top recommendations, this is an adventurous 4WD trip, guided by experts. You'll explore the Kuiseb Delta and (tides permitting) traverse dunes and the beach to reach Sandwich Harbour, a remote freshwater lagoon with abundant birdlife.
More about Coastal tour
Dolphin and seal cruise
Half-day inc brunch
A boat cruise around Walvis Bay lagoon is a must for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors. Seek out the ‘marine big five’ – from Cape fur seals to bottlenose dolphins – and marvel at the range of bird species for whom this haven on the Skeleton Coast is home. Then round off the morning with an oyster brunch.
More about Dolphin & seal cruise
Desert tour
Variable, depending on the tour
Discover the unexpected on a trip into the desert surrounding the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A must for wilderness lovers, this extraordinary landscape encompasses the Welwitschia Plains, sculpted dunes, the magic of the Kuiseb Delta – and much more. There are plenty of options, each with its own unique focus.
More about Desert tour
Scenic flights in Namibia
Variable, depending on the flight
Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.
More about Scenic flights
Winelands Private Tour
Full day
Spend a day exploring the beautiful vineyards, mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands and sample some of the well-known wines they have to offer
More about Winelands Private Tour
Cape Point and Peninsula Tour
Full day - normally nine hours
Get your camera ready for one of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal drives in the company of an informative guide. Take in magnificent beaches, stunning scenery, wildlife on land and at sea, and the meeting of two great oceans, then round off your day in the tranquillity of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
More about Cape Point and Peninsula
City and Table Mountain Tour
Approximately four hours - AM or PM
From atop the iconic Table Mountain, the panoramic views of Cape Town can be breathtaking – and if the cable car isn’t operating, they’re just as good from nearby Signal Hill. Back at sea level, explore the highlights of this fascinating and pretty city, including the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the Houses of Parliament.
More about City and Table MountainPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
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After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
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