Caracal Self-drive Safari: Summary
Caracal Self-drive in a nutshell
This self-drive trip is the perfect introduction to Namibia. A two-week adventure taking in all the best bits and staying in a great mix of lodges, the Caracal Safari is our "go to" for first timers here.
Begin in Windhoek, picking up your rental car for an easy drive into Namibia’s small capital for the night before setting off into the wilderness. The first stop is BüllsPort Lodge & Farm, a welcoming spot offering scenic hikes and horse rides in the rugged Naukluft Mountains. Then continue west to the edge of the Namib Sand Sea and a stay at Kulala Desert Lodge. With its private entrance to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, be among the first to arrive at the surreal Sossusvlei pan for the best of the morning light and a chance to climb one of the world’s tallest sand dunes before things heat up.
Turning north, stop as and when you like en route to the quirky seaside town of Swakopmund, where you can try your hand at sandboarding or kayak among its seal colony. Cross Damaraland’s rolling hills to Doro Nawas. Highlights here include tracking desert adapted elephants and a visit to the ancient rock engravings at Twyfelfontein.
Reach Etosha National Park for two nights at Okaukuejo Camp, whose somewhat basic nature is more than made up for by a waterhole which is the best spot in Africa for wild black rhino sightings, with another two nights at the excellent Mushara Bush Camp. Spend your time exploring Etosha completely at your own pace, spending as much on safari as you fancy. Finally, return south with one final night at Ai Aiba Lodge en route to Windhoek.
At a glance
| Starts: | Windhoek International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night | Galton House - Windhoek, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | BullsPort Lodge & Farm - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Kulala Desert Lodge - Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Cornerstone Guesthouse - Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Doro Nawas - Damaraland, Namibia | Half Board |
| 2 nights | Okaukuejo Camp - Etosha National Park, Namibia | Bed & Breakfast |
| 2 nights | Mushara Bush Camp - Etosha National Park, Namibia | Half Board |
| 1 night | Ai Aiba Lodge - Central Highlands, Namibia | Half Board |
| Ends: | Windhoek International Airport |
Galton House
Windhoek, Namibia
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Kulala Desert Lodge
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Cornerstone Guesthouse
Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia
Doro Nawas
Damaraland, Namibia
Okaukuejo Camp
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Mushara Bush Camp
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Ai Aiba Lodge
Central Highlands, Namibia
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Caracal Self-drive Safari.
- Climbing Sossusvlei’s dunes at dawn
- Watching wildlife at Okaukuejo waterhole
- Tracking desert elephants in Damaraland
- Hiking in Namibia’s Central Highlands
- Experiencing an Etosha safari at your own pace
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Caracal Self-drive Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Night drive
Private activities
Quad-biking
Self-guided walking
Sleeping under the stars
Key species to see on the Caracal Self-drive Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Caracal Self-drive Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
94% chance
85% chance
82% chance
81% chance
59% chance
58% chance
53% chance
40% chance
34% chance
34% chance
7% chance
0% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this trip
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Caracal 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
Windhoek City Tour
three hour Windhoek City Tour
Windhoek city tours offer a mix of history, culture, and local flavour, showcasing Namibia’s colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and cuisine.
More about Windhoek City TourPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
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