3-Day Namibia Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Namibia tour 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Namibia 3 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
3 Day Sossusvlei Express Accommodated Safari
3 Day Etosha Express Accommodated Safari
3-Day Sossusvlei Camping Adventure
3-Day Sossusvlei Experience (lodging)
3 Days Etosha National Park | Private Guided Camping
Etosha Express Safari 3 Days / 2 Nights
3-Day Sossusvlei Express Lodge Safari * DEPARTING FRIDAYS
Etosha Highlights: 3-Day Private Safari Adventure
3-Day Namib Desert & Sossusvlei Safari Adventure
3 Days Himba Village Experience | Private Guided Lodge
What people love about 3-day Namibia tours
- 3 Day Sossusvlei Express Accommodated Safari
I had such a great time in my Sossusvlei Express tour I can't find words to describe! The guide Abel and driver Tulimo were really nice. Great food cooked by Abel himself. And the landscape was absolutely astonishing! I would definitely recommend it!
- 3 Day Etosha Express Accommodated Safari
In early September, I went on Chameleon’s accommodated safaris, the 3-Day Etosha Express. Although they have a multitude of offerings, ranging from day trips to 11-day tours, I chose one of their more popular options. I had not been on a multiday, company-arranged safari prior to this one, so I was unsure of what to expect. Since then, however, I have been on several, and have visited many different game reserves. In this write-up, I will focus on Chameleon, but I must caution you: Do not overlook Namibia as a premiere travel destination in Africa. From Fish River Canyon to the Caprivi Strip, this country is loaded with game, breathtaking landscapes, and amazing people. Now for the review: The whole group (about 12) met up at Chameleon Backpackers bright and early at 8am. Prior to the six hour drive, we were briefed by the staff about our route, the guides, and what to expect. The biggest takeaway I received was to drink lots of water. Even though we would be sitting in the truck for entire days, the sun would still get to us. After the briefing, we hopped into the truck. Although the seats are stiff and upright, it is the ideal safari truck. Apart from the time in Zambia when I made a personal seat on top of a Land Cruiser and game-viewed from my perch, this was my favorite game-viewing vehicle. Over 16 people fit in it, so it’s kind of sad if a leopard gets by all of you, as you have 32 eyes scouring the landscape. The windows are huge, and there is a removable roof to boot. The benefit of stiff seats is being able to stand on them and maintain balance easily while roof-viewing. During our entire time on safari, I don’t think anyone had to ask another to move so they could see. After driving for a couple hours (during which we were treated to a detailed history of Namibia by our guide), we made a pit stop to fuel up and grab some snacks. Although the meals are included, the ones eaten during driving time aren’t as filling as the all-you-can-eat buffets. Therefore, it’s recommended you buy snacks. And beer. There’s not much better than relaxing at a watering hole with a cold beer, or drinking with friends at night. They have a cooler in the car so you won’t have to worry about warm beer. If you don’t have a big bottle of water, you can buy one here as well. The next coupe days in Etosha were thrilling, as we saw herds of various animals, and a few of the Big-5. If you’re looking for the elusive cats, this tour might not be the best for you, as most of the time is spent on the usual suspects, including ellies, zebra, and giraffes. To be fair, one truck did have a leopard cross in front of them, and we did see a lion in the distance. No cheetahs though… In the evening, we rested our weary eyes at luxurious accommodations, had fantastic food, and learned more about the rest of the tour group. Inside Etosha, we sat and watched a mother and baby rhino scare off every animal from the watering hole, while a honey badger scavenged the campsite. During our final night, we tasted some game at a top-notch buffet, and then started the drinking games. We may or may not have received a complaint about our noise the next morning, so try to keep it down if you stay up late. When we bid farewell to Etosha, nobody was ready to leave. Even the seasoned game viewers in the truck were impressed with the park. The final day consisted of a lot of driving and a couple of sites (Himba roadside stands, shipwreck on Skeleton Coast). It may have had something to do with our hangovers, but we were a bit disappointed with this day. It seemed like we were driving forever to see mediocre sights, when we all still wanted to be game viewing. Some of the older members of the tour continued the route to Walvis Bay and Windhoek, but most of us remained in Swakopmound, sandboarded (recommended), and relaxed. Overall, I would give Chameleon Tours a 4/5 rating. It probably would’ve received a 4.5 if we stayed in Etosha all 3 days, and the last .5 could be earned by a lower price. As a budget backpacker though, you have the option to take a camping safari instead, and receive 10%* off from Huckleberry Guides on any safari. So technically, that .5 is in your hands. For those who are unsure of which tour operator to join, I can attest to the professionalism of the Chameleon staff. Throughout the booking process with several companies, Chameleon’s was by far and away the easiest and most trusted. You will have absolutely nothing to worry about from the minute you book until after the tour is finished, and peace of mind goes a long way in Africa, especially when you’re spending a decent sum of cash. *For 10% off Chameleon Safaris, download the Huckleberry Guides app, or sign up at www.huckleberryguides.com About the author: Chris Wloch traveled Africa from South Africa to Kenya as a route planner for Huckleberry Guides, reviewing companies along the way. He has been on over 30 game drives and to 7 national parks. Feel free to contact him or Huckleberry Guides at info@huckleberryguides.com.
Tate Lukas as our guide was very nice. He always drove safe, took care of us gently and kindly. He always asked our opinions. The tour was very simple, but we enjoyed Namib desert well enough. We had a great experince. When we found other tourists from Japan got stuck on a gravel road, he kindly supported them so that they could return back to WHK finally. It was Fantastic. Only what I mentioned is meals. Spaggetti was too soft and nostalgil, though it tasted nice. Lunch buget is too much to use it up, we ate a lot. We were satisfied with all honestly. Tangi unene!! Oshili nawa!! Hide
3-Day Sossusvlei Camping Adventure
