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
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
80% 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
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.
Travel with peace of mind
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.
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther ideas for Namibia trips
Look at these ideas in Namibia: then talk to us. Will will design a trip that's perfect for you.
Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive
12 days • 7 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.
Visiting Okonjima, Etosha and 4 other areas
US$3,600 - US$5,130 per person
Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari
14 days • 7 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.
Visiting Luderitz & Aus, Fish River Canyon and 5 other areas
US$3,060 - US$3,670 per person
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations • 2 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.
Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 7 other areas
US$4,140 - US$4,250 per person
Hartebeest Self-drive Safari
16 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.
Visiting Bushmanland, Central Highlands and 3 other areas
US$4,420 - US$4,830 per person
Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.
Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas
US$5,270 - US$5,760 per person
Flamingo Fly-in Safari
6 days • 3 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Short on time but big on experience, this luxury fly-in safari takes in Sossusvlei’s famous dunes and Etosha National Park’s captivating wildlife with stays at two excellent luxury lodges.
Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Etosha and 1 other area
US$5,340 - US$6,750 per person
Pelican Fly & Drive Safari
10 days • 5 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.
Visiting Namib-Naukluft, Damaraland and 3 other areas
US$7,100 - US$8,580 per person
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations • 3 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
Visiting Etosha, Victoria Falls and 6 other areas
US$6,920 - US$10,400 per person
Hoopoe Fly-in Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This relaxed fly-in safari reveals Namibia at its best. Generous timings and a wide choice of activities help travellers to enjoy the best of the country’s most spectacular areas.
Visiting Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft and 2 other areas
US$7,080 - US$10,240 per person
Chongololo Self-drive Safari
21 days • 11 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.
Visiting Central Highlands, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas
US$8,240 - US$9,900 per person
Other trip ideas across Africa
Talk to us: help us to understand what you like and we can create a trip that will really suit you.
Cape Genet Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.
US$3,650 - US$4,370 per person
Waterbuck self-drive
12 days • 6 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.
US$2,980 - US$3,380 per person
Red Zebra Cichlid Safari
7 days • 2 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
US$3,400 - US$4,500 per person
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.
US$4,530 - US$7,630 per person
Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.
US$4,810 - US$7,250 per person
Bontebok Self-drive Safari
12 days • 5 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.
US$1,800 - US$1,940 per person
Utaka Cichlid Safari
10 days • 3 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT
Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.
US$4,340 - US$5,700 per person
Elephant Safari
10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.
US$5,670 - US$6,200 per person
Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.
US$5,730 - US$6,830 per person
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.
US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person