Porcupine Self-Drive

Porcupine Self-Drive

12 Days

This 12 day self-drive safari is designed to take in the best of central & northern Namibia. Big cat conservation, wildlife activity, archaeology, a few days at the seaside and a trip into the desert are the main highlights. Porcupines are widespread throughout Namibia, usually identifiable by their unique covering of black and white quills and flattened bristly hairs.

Your first day's drive will take you halfway between Windhoek and Etosha National Park to Okonjima, home to The AfriCat Foundation. This is a non-profit organization, committed to the long-term conservation of Namibia's largest carnivores notably cheetahs and leopards. Witness some of AfriCat's outstanding work, which includes rehabilitation.

The wildlife intensity will now increase substantially with a couple of days set aside to drive around Namibia's main draw-card, Etosha National Park. Although you will be staying at Etosha Safari Camp on the western side, there is plenty of time to explore eastwards. The drive along the southern edge of the pan has numerous waterholes. Both Halali and Namutoni have their own attractions as well, with plenty of mammal and bird species to try and spot.

Your drive into the rugged and therefore more adventurous terrain of Damaraland is likely to reveal both animal and natural sightings. Black rhino have adapted to the regions inhospitable conditions so well, that it hosts the largest population of this species outside of a national park. Other features that can dominate the landscape are the Ugab Vingerklip and Brandberg Mountain, Namibia's highest. Twyfelfontein (meaning doubtful fountain) is an enormous outdoor art gallery of over 2,000 rock engravings, now classed as a World Heritage Site. The Petrified Forest and the Organ Pipes must also be included on the Damaraland itinerary.

A relatively short drive into the Erongo Mountains comes next. They are located between the towns of Omaruru and Usakos. The Spitzkoppe massif, a popular climbing destination, is also in the region. The Erongo Wilderness Lodge is not only one of the great places to stay in the area, but also in Namibia. It is hidden amongst huge, granite boulders. Some of the country's endemic species of plant, reptile, mammal and birds can be observed locally.

Totally relaxed after your Erongo experience, you can now head for the coast to Namibia's premier seaside resort of Swakopmund. A fine example of outstanding German architecture can be observed at Hohenzollern-Haus, embellished with a frieze of angels and lions. The building used to accommodate the visiting Teutonic aristocracy and was also a brothel. Once you've finished annoying the people who now live there, Swakopmund also offers a host of day trips and activities to keep you occupied.

The clay pan called Sossusvlei sits in the confines of a number of star-shaped dunes, of which some reach 325 high. The vastness and isolation of the area continues into Dead Vlei, Hiddenvlei and Sesriem Canyon. After your dunes experience, you take a final scenic drive back to Windhoek.

Although it is possible to book this itinerary 'as is', as with all our self drive trips this is entirely customisable. We can add or delete days, change the accommodation used and generally design the tour to suit your individual requirements. Visitors who might prefer a break from driving themselves can arrange a guided safari.