3-Week Namibia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Namibia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffNamibia travel expert at TourRadar

• 20 Day Southern Africa Itinerary, incl. Windhoek and Victoria Falls

  Spanning 20 days, this tour links 12 major Namibian destinations from the world's oldest desert to its premier wildlife sanctuary. The route includes the Skeleton Coast, UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein, four full days in Etosha National Park, and meetings with the Himba people.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Windhoek & Kalahari Desert

    Begin your trip in Windhoek. The drive to the Kalahari Desert takes about 45 minutes from the airport. Make sure to buy water and snacks in Windhoek since prices get much higher outside the city.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Fish River Canyon & Lüderitz

    Visit Fish River Canyon, the world's second-largest canyon, in the early morning for the best photos. Head to Lüderitz to see Kolmanskop, an old diamond mining town. Get there before 9AM to photograph the sand-filled buildings before other tourists arrive.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei

    Experience the massive dunes of Sossusvlei. A local guide recommends visiting Dead Vlei right after sunrise: "The ancient clay pan creates dramatic shadows against the orange dunes." Wear closed shoes because the sand gets very hot by mid-morning.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

    Stay in Swakopmund, a town with German colonial architecture. Take a morning boat trip from Walvis Bay to watch dolphins and seals. The coastal fog usually lifts by noon, so plan desert activities for the afternoon.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Damaraland

    Check out the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and visit a Himba village. One visitor shares: "The Himba village visit was incredibly authentic. Bring small gifts like sugar or tea instead of money for a more meaningful exchange."

    
  • Days 11-14

    Etosha National Park

    Take four full days to explore Namibia's best wildlife park. Stay at different lodges around Etosha to see more animals. Get to the Okaukuejo waterhole by 6PM for excellent nighttime wildlife viewing.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Kavango Region

    Visit the green Kavango region. Take a mokoro ride on the Okavango River at sunset. You'll notice how different the landscape is from the desert areas you've seen.

    
  • Days 17-18

    Chobe National Park, Botswana

    Enter Botswana to see Chobe, which has Africa's biggest elephant population. The afternoon boat trips are perfect for wildlife photography when animals come to drink.

  • Days 19-20

    Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

    Finish your trip at Victoria Falls. Bring a raincoat since you'll get wet from the spray. Plan for the $30 Zimbabwe visa fee when you arrive. Book a flight after 2PM on your last day to enjoy a final morning at the falls.

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• 16 Days in Namibia, incl. Windhoek and Etosha

  The 16-day tour winds through 14 destinations across Namibia, from Fish River Canyon to Epupa Falls. Highlights include scaling Sossusvlei's dunes, visiting Himba tribes in Opuwo, and two full days of game drives in Etosha National Park.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Windhoek & Kalahari

    Your Namibian adventure starts in Windhoek. The airport transfer to the city center takes about an hour. Spend your first morning at the Independence Memorial Museum to learn about Namibian history. On Day 2, head south into the Kalahari Desert. A recent visitor shared: "The transition from city to desert landscape is dramatic - keep your camera ready for those rust-red dunes appearing on the horizon."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Fish River Canyon & Lüderitz

    Stop at the ancient Quiver Tree Forest on your way to Fish River Canyon. Try to reach the canyon's main viewpoint before 10 AM for the best light and cooler temperatures. It gets windy at the canyon rim so pack a light jacket. The drive to the coastal town of Lüderitz shows off German colonial architecture against the Namib Desert backdrop. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle as the road has rough patches and sand drifts.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Sossusvlei & Namib Desert

    Stay near Sossusvlei to make the most of the desert. Plan early morning desert trips when the Namib-Naukluft National Park gates open at sunrise. Get to Dune 45 before 8 AM while the sand is cool enough for barefoot climbing. Visit Dead Vlei's iconic dead trees in mid-morning for the best photos. Take at least 4 liters of water per person into the desert.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

    The coast offers a refreshing change. Take a morning boat trip from Walvis Bay to spot dolphins and seals. Swakopmund's German buildings and cool ocean breezes make a nice break from the desert heat. One traveler noted: "The morning fog rolling in from the ocean creates an ethereal atmosphere - it usually clears by midday."

    
  • Days 10-12

    Damaraland & Himba Territory

    See Twyfelfontein's rock engravings early before the sun heats the rocks. The drive to Opuwo takes you off the beaten path so fill up with fuel when you can. Visit Himba communities respectfully with local guides who know the customs. Budget extra time for the Epupa Falls drive as the road can be tricky.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Etosha National Park

    Give yourself two full days in Etosha. Wildlife viewing is best at waterholes during dry season (May to December). Start game drives at sunrise but bring warm clothes for open vehicles. Animals seek shade in the midday heat. Use this time to rest or visit the information center before afternoon wildlife watching.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Grootfontein & Return to Windhoek

    Learn about San people's traditional life and tracking skills. Make a quick stop at the Hoba Meteorite. Plan your 5-hour drive back to Windhoek to arrive before dark since wildlife on roads can be dangerous at night. Browse Okahandja's woodcarvers' market for authentic souvenirs.

    

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• 17 Day Namibia Itinerary, incl. Windhoek and Etosha National Park

  A 17-day route through Namibia showcases 2 nights at Fish River Canyon, 2 nights at Sossusvlei's dunes, 2 nights in Swakopmund, and multiple nights in Etosha National Park. Luxury lodges and expert-guided game drives enhance the experience.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Windhoek & Fish River Canyon:

    Pick up a local SIM card in Windhoek for essential connectivity in remote areas. The drive to Fish River Canyon takes 6-7 hours, so leave Windhoek early to arrive before sunset. Make time for the Mesosaurus Fossil Site to see rare quiver trees. The light is best for photos in late afternoon.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Sossusvlei Desert Region:

    Stay near Sesriem Gate to access Sossusvlei's red dunes early. Start climbing Dune 45 by 5:30 AM in summer to avoid heat and crowds. Wear closed shoes since the sand gets very hot. Visit Deadvlei's white clay pan in the morning. Take shelter at your lodge during the hot midday hours.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Swakopmund & Walvis Bay:

    The coastal route shows off dramatic changes in landscape. Visit Walvis Bay's lagoons in the morning to see thousands of flamingos and get the best photos. Book desert tours in Swakopmund for the morning since afternoon winds can disrupt activities. Take evening walks to see the German colonial architecture when it's cooler.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Etendeka Concession:

    This private area offers close-up wildlife experiences. Take morning walks to track desert animals. Bring warm layers for surprisingly cold mornings. Plan your schedule around the camp's bucket shower hot water availability.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Opuwo & Himba Territory:

    Visit Himba communities in the morning when daily life is bustling. The trip to Epupa Falls takes 2 hours on rough roads. You'll need a 4x4. Bring small Namibian bills if you want to buy traditional crafts.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Etosha National Park:

    Watch for wildlife early morning and late afternoon. Spend midday near waterholes when animals come to drink. Get an experienced guide for game drives who knows the seasonal hotspots. Stay at Onguma Fort to see animals visit the lit waterhole at night.

  • Days 14-15

    Damaraland:

    Look for desert elephants along dry riverbeds early morning. Visit Twyfelfontein's rock engravings before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid intense sun. Wear good walking shoes to explore the 2,500 ancient petroglyphs.

  • Days 16-17

    Return to Windhoek:

    The drive back takes about 6 hours. Stop at Okahandja's wood carving market where prices are negotiable. Get to Windhoek by mid-afternoon to shop for souvenirs at the Namibia Craft Centre.

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