3-Day Namibia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Namibia itineraries

Compiled by

SteffNamibia travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Namibia Desert Itinerary, incl. Sossusvlei and Windhoek

  The 790km route from Swakopmund winds through 5 major destinations over 3 days. Stunning sunrise at Dead Vlei, scaling Big Daddy dune, wandering Sesriem Canyon, and meeting cheetahs at Solitaire's project. Upscale lodges near Sesriem provide 2 nights' rest.

  

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  • Day 1

    Swakopmund to Sesriem (350 km)

    Start your day in Swakopmund with morning activities like sandboarding or quad biking before leaving at 11:30 AM. The drive east takes you across wide gravel plains and through two mountain passes: Kuiseb Pass and Gaub Canyon. You'll find a great photo spot at the Tropic of Capricorn marker before reaching your desert lodge near Sesriem in late afternoon. "The landscape transitions are incredible - from coastal desert to mountain passes to endless plains," one traveler shared.

    
  • Day 2

    Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei Exploration (120 km)

    Start before dawn to enter the park at sunrise when the dunes show their best orange colors. Drive 60km to the 2x4 parking area, then take the shuttle through sand to reach Dead Vlei and Sossusvlei. If you're up for a challenge, climb the massive 300m-high dunes like Big Daddy or Big Mama. Remember water and closed shoes the sand heats up quickly after sunrise. Visit Dune 45 and explore Sesriem Canyon, shaped by the old Tsauchab River. A recent visitor noted: "The early morning light on Dead Vlei's skeletal trees surrounded by towering red dunes created the most surreal landscape I've ever photographed."

    
  • Day 3

    Desert to Windhoek (320 km)

    The trip to Windhoek leads through beautiful mountain views as you climb to Namibia's central plateau. Take a break at Solitaire, a tiny spot known for excellent apple pie. You'll pass through Büllsport and Rehoboth before arriving in Windhoek mid-afternoon. If you're flying out the same day, book evening flights the desert drive often takes longer than expected.

    

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• 3 Day Namibia Itinerary, incl. Etosha and Swakopmund

  Natural wonders unfold across 1,080km of Namibia, showcasing Etosha National Park, Damaraland, and the Skeleton Coast. Halali Lodge hosts you while 6 meals and both sunrise and nocturnal game viewing create memorable experiences.

  

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  • Day 1

    Windhoek to Etosha National Park (500 km)

    Your journey begins with a 7 AM pickup in Windhoek for the drive north to Etosha. Take a break at Otjiwarongo to stock up on supplies before reaching the park in early afternoon. One traveler shared: "Although we'd been sitting in the truck for hours, seeing our first herd of elephants at the waterhole made the long drive worth it." The safari vehicles come with pop-up roofs which are great for taking photos. After checking into your lodge inside the park, visit the floodlit waterhole near Halali Camp. This spot often attracts black rhinos after dark so bring something warm to wear while you watch for wildlife.

    
  • Day 2

    Full Day Etosha Game Drives (70 km)

    Start at sunrise when you're most likely to spot predators. The park's 114 mammal species gather around waterholes, especially during dry season. Plan your day around these waterholes where animals come to drink. Make sure to see the enormous salt pan that gives Etosha its name - it's so big you can see it from space at 4,700 square km. Your guide will know the best times to visit each spot. As one visitor noted: "We'd wait patiently at different waterholes and were rewarded with incredible scenes of elephants, giraffes and zebras coming to drink."

    
  • Day 3

    Damaraland to Swakopmund (510 km)

    Get an early start for your scenic drive through Damaraland's impressive landscape. Stop at local markets to see Himba and Herero women selling traditional crafts. You'll pass by Brandberg Mountain before reaching the misty Skeleton Coast. Take some photos at the Zeila shipwreck near Henties Bay on your way to Swakopmund. This coastal town is fascinating with its mix of desert and ocean views plus German colonial buildings.

    

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• 3 Days in Namibia, incl. Windhoek and Sossusvlei

  A 3-day Namibian adventure links Windhoek and Sossusvlei. The route features 5 remarkable sites: Dead Vlei, Dune 45, Big Daddy, Sossusvlei, and Sesriem Canyon. Professional guides and all meals enhance the journey.

  

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  • Day 1

    Windhoek to Sossusvlei (5-6 hour drive)

    Leave Windhoek early to avoid heat and traffic. The journey takes 5-6 hours over mixed terrain including gravel roads. If you get car sick easily pack some motion sickness medication. Make sure you have enough water and strong sun protection. The desert temperatures often rise above 40°C (104°F). You'll get to your campsite near Solitaire with enough time to set up before dark. One visitor noted: "The campsite was quite a distance from Sossusvlei itself, so plan accordingly for early morning starts."

    
  • Day 2

    Sossusvlei Dunes Exploration

    Get up around 4:30 AM to reach the Namib-Naukluft National Park when it opens. Head to Dune 45 first. It's best to climb it before the sand heats up. The climb takes about 30 minutes. Make sure to wear closed shoes because the sand gets scorching hot by mid-morning. Next stop is Dead Vlei. You can either walk 1km through deep sand or take a 4x4 shuttle. If you want to tackle Big Daddy dune start no later than 9 AM. It's a challenging 325-meter climb that takes about 1.5 hours total. Spend your afternoon at Sesriem Canyon where you can walk in the shade.

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Windhoek

    Start your day early and drive back to Windhoek through Spreetshoogte Pass. The pass offers incredible desert views but includes some steep drops. If heights make you nervous sit on the inside of the vehicle. Take a break in Solitaire to try their well-known apple pie and fill up your gas tank. You should reach Windhoek around lunch time. Watch out for wildlife crossing the roads especially during early morning hours.

    

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