3-day Namibia Safaris

Namibia is a beautiful and diverse country to visit, with deserts, mountains, coastal plains, and wilderness areas among its many beautiful views.

Namibia is home to the famous 55 million year old Namib Desert, of the largest deserts in the world.

Visitors to Namibia can go on safaris and see the country’s many animals. They can also visit its sandy beaches, rough desert, and different ecosystems.

Namibia is also known for its amazing night skies full of stars and its attempts to protect the environment.

You can’t spend just three days in Namibia and see all of its beautiful wildlife, different landscapes, and rich culture. Because Namibia is so big, it would take a lot more time to see everything it has to offer.

But, if you only have time for a three-day trip, it’s best to focus on one place and try to see as much as you can in that area.

Plan your route carefully and hire a knowledgeable guide from a reputable tour operator to help you get the most out of your trip.

What to Expect from a 3-day Safari in Namibia

If you just have three days available for a safari in Namibia, you can expect to visit one of the following attractions:

The coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, located a few kilometers from each other on Namibia’s coast, where you can indulge in history, relaxation, exploring the desert and skydiving sports.

Etosha National Park in the north. Apart from being home to a wide range of species, including elephants, black and white rhinos, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes, the park is located around a big salt flat. Also, the area around the pan can be dry and dusty for most of the year, but in the summer it can fill with water and turn into a small lake that draws a lot of animals.

Dead Vlei a massive white claypan with skeletons of long-dead trees, and Sossusvlei, where the Tsauchab River is stopped in its tracks on an original way to the ocean. Both are located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and are bordered by some of the world’s highest sand dunes.

Best Time to Go on a 3-day Safari in Namibia

The best time of year to go on safari in Namibia is during the months of May and June.

The season is cold and dry, and this is the best time to see wildlife and enjoy the great outdoors in the national parks.

Since the weather is cooler at this time of year, it is a good time to go hiking and do other things that take place outside. Because there isn’t much greenery and it doesn’t rain as much, visibility is good and it’s easier to see wildlife from farther away.

The animals start to gather around the watering holes, making them easy to find.  Also, most animals, especially those that eat meat, are busier during the day.

Two Typical Itineraries of the Best 3-day / 2-Night Namibia Safari Packages

Itinerary 1 – Sossusvlei and the Coast

·         Day 1 – Get picked up from your accommodation in Windhoek and travel to Sesriem for the journey of about 320 km. The travelling time will be about 5 hours.

o   Stop at Solitaire for some refreshments, like the restaurant’s famous apple pie.

o   Travel through the Kuiseb Pass, arrive at you accommodation in Sesriem and check in.

o   Visit Tsauchab Canyon near Sesriem and overnight in a lodge or camp at Sesriem.

·         Day 2 – Weather permitting, you may wake up very early to be in time for a hot air balloon ride over the Namib Desert, that starts before the sun rise. Once on Mother Earth again, you will be treated on a breakfast with sparkling wine.

o   Alternately, you can enjoy breakfast at your lodge and check out.

o   Travel the 63 km to Sossusvlei, climb Dune 45 on your way there.

o   You will be taken in a 4×4 vehicle to Sossusvlei, where you may one of the very few lucky people to see water from the Tsauchab River that reached the vlei.

o   After exploring Sossusvlei, walk to the Deadvlei and experience the wonder of the vast clay pan with skeletons of trees that are several hundreds of years old.

o   You may be treated on a bush lunch before traveling to Walvis Bay.

o   You will arrive at your accommodation fairly late.

o   Day 3 – Watch the flamingos and pelicans from the promenade before travelling to the nearby Swakopmund

o   Explore the historical architecture of the town, visit the Mole and walk on the world-famous jetty and visit the National Marine Aquarium.

o   Enjoy dinner at your hotel or lodge.

o   Travel back to Windhoek through the towns of Usakos, Karibib and Okahandja, with a half-way stop at the well-known Oasis Food Stall near Usakos for a bathroom break and snacks.

 

o   You may do a quick detour to see the famous Spitzkoppen from nearby.

 

 

Itinerary 2 – Etosha National Park

 

  • Day 1 – Rise early and travel from Windhoek via Otjiwarongo and Outjo to Etosha, a stretch of about 450 km. It will take you about 5 hours, with a halfway stop at Otjiwarongo.
    • You should reach the Okaukuejo Rest Camp in the early afternoon, with enough time for some game viewing before dinner.
    • Visit the well-known waterhole at the camp for some exciting night-time sightings before going to bed.
  • Day 2 – Travel from Okaukuejo to Namutoni Rest Camp, famous for the old German Fort which forms part of the camp. The route goes all along the edge of the pan, with exciting game viewing possible.
    • Overnight at Namutoni.
  • Day 3 – Travel from Namutoni and visit the Otjikoto Lake and Waterberg Plateau Park on your way to Windhoek.

Luxury vs Budget 3-day Safaris in Namibia

On a Luxury 3-day Safari in Namibia, you will stay at a luxury lodge.

Most of the time, the accommodation will be of the best quality, with private bathrooms and all possible comforts. You’ll eat gourmet food and be spoiled in many ways.

On a 3-day budget safari in Namibia, you will usually stay in a lodge that is simple but safe. You’ll still stay in accommodation with en suite bathrooms but may have to go without some other luxuries.

Your mode of travelling will most probably be by bus or open safari vehicle.

Tips for Going on a 3-day Safari in Namibia

Think about the scenery as well as the animals you want to see when you plan your 3-day trip. Namibia has a lot of different attractions, so make sure you pick one that fits your needs.

Namibia can be hot and sticky, so pack carefully and lightly. Bring only what you need to be comfortable and keep going over the long miles you’ll be travelling.

Bring a camera with you so you can remember the best parts of your adventure trip.

Selecting a Tour Operator for a 3-Day Safari in Namibia

If you want to go on a safari in Namibia, the first thing you should do is find a good tour operator.

If you are thinking about going with an operator, you should discuss your needs and wishes in depth. You have the right to know exactly what you’re paying for. A short safari will still be expensive, so you should be able to get all of your questions answered.

Make sure you know what you want to get out of your trip. Is it the animals or the scenery that you want to see the most? In your lifetime, what kinds of wild animals do you hope to see? How many hours a day, on average, are you willing to spend in a vehicle?

FAQ’s

What will I be able to visit during a 3-day safari in Namibia?

During a 3-day safari in Namibia you can either visit a game park where you can enjoy one or two game drives and perhaps a nature walk.

Alternatively, you can visit the coastal towns of another of the country’s iconic landmarks.

What must-see wildlife viewing locations in Namibia will I be able to visit on a 3-day safari?

On a 3-day safari in Namibia you may only be able to visit the country’s famous wildlife viewing location, the Etosha National Park,.

What kind of accommodations can I expect while on a 3-day safari in Namibia?

You can expect accommodation options that range from basic camping to opulent safari lodges.

How long does it take to travel between destinations in Namibia?

It can take from a few hours to a whole day to travel between the popular tourism destinations in Namibia.

Is a 3-day safari in Namibia feasible?

No, a 3-day safari in Namibia is not really feasible. It will only allow you to visit one or two of the country’s iconic attractions. Due to vast distances, you should ideally spend at least 7 days to explore most of the tourist attractions.