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3 Day Budget Namibia Safaris

Many things make Namibia a great place to go on a budget safari.

Namibia is home to a huge range of animals, such as elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and many more. On your safari, you might see some of these animals, especially in Etosha National Park, which is one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife.

Namibia has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, from tall sand dunes to lush green mountains. On your tour, you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful places in Africa, like the Fish River Canyon, the Namib Desert, and the Skeleton Coast.

Here are a few of the best places in Namibia to go on safari:

Etosha National Park: Etosha is a great place to see African wildlife. Animals like elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and many others live in the park.

In Damaraland you can find elephants, rhinos, and giraffes that are used to living in the desert. In Damaraland, you can also see the well-known ancient rock art sites.

The Namib Desert is one of the world’s largest deserts.

The Skeleton Coast is a remote stretch of coast known for its shipwrecks.

The Fish River Canyon is the second biggest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon.

Some of the well-known budget lodges and camping spots are:

  • Etosha Village Campsite
  • Etosha Trading Post Campsite
  • Sossus Oasis Campsite
  • Namib Desert Campsite
  • Palmwag Campsite
  • Madisa Campsite

What to Expect on a 3 Day Budget Safari in Namibia

On a 3 day budget safari in Namibia, you may visit one of the following most popular safari destinations:

  • Game drives in Etosha National Park in search for lions, elephants, rhinos and more
  • Experience the famous red sand dunes of the Namib Desert around Sossusvlei and opt to join a 2.6km hike to the barren clay pan of the nearby famous Deadvlei
  • Relaxing days in Swakopmund, the former German colonial town nowadays known as Namibia’s “adventure capital”

Types of budget accommodation available in Namibia

In Namibia, there are various hostels that provide shared rooms for as little as $10 USD each night. These are a wonderful option for budget-conscious visitors who want to meet new people while still saving money.

Guesthouses are yet another low-cost option for vacationers. Private rooms with access to communal toilets usually cost about $20 USD extra each night. Guesthouses, as opposed to hostels, often have a cosier environment, and staying in one could be a fantastic opportunity to meet locals.

Namibia has a plethora of campgrounds, some of which provide camping places for as cheap as $5 USD per night. This is a wonderful option for individuals on a small budget who nevertheless wish to be immersed in nature. The majority of campgrounds now have facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and even laundry rooms.

Backpacker lodges are a distinct type of lodging that caters exclusively to low-cost travelers. In most cases, they offer individual rooms as well as dormitory-style beds and shared restrooms. Backpacker resorts often place an emphasis on community, making them a perfect location for striking up conversations with other travellers.

Best Time for a 3 Day Budget Safari in Namibia

May or June are ideal months for a 3 day budget safari in Namibia. Although temperatures in June can be relatively low, the weather is often great for outdoor exploration, and high-season prices do not begin until July.

July through October are also ideal months, with dry, clear weather and fantastic visibility, but you will pay high-season costs and encounter more visitors.

Temperatures might be uncomfortable between October and March or April. It is also wet season, so there is plenty of birds, but certain off-road trails may be difficult to navigate, and low-water bridges may have spilled.

 

Popular Itineraries for a 3 Day Budget Safari in Namibia

Itinerary 1 – Namib Naukluft Park Highlights

 

  • Day 1 – Travel from Windhoek to the Sesriem Camp in the national park.
    • Visit the unique Sesriem Canyon
  • Day 2 – Watch the breath-taking sunrise on Dune 45 and explore the fascinating Deadvlei, and Sossusvlei
  • Day 3 Travel back to Windhoek

Itinerary 2 – A Taste of Etosha

Day 1 – Travel from Windhoek to Etosha Village Campsite or Etosha Trading Post Campsite near the Andersson Gate to the Etosha National Park

Day 2 – Do a full day game viewing safari into Etosha, visiting the Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni Rest Camps.

Day 3 – Travel back to Windhoek with a detour to the Waterberg Plateau Park for a quick walking safari in the private reserve.

What to Pack for a 3 Day Budget Safari in Namibia

For a 3 day budget safari you should pack about 2 sets of light-weight clothing such as shorts and t-shirts, with long pants for the evenings.

Pack comfortable sandals or shoes with thick soles for hiking and a rain jacket or hooded windbreaker for the evenings.

Bring your camera together with its charger, charging cables for portable electronic devices, flashlights complete with batteries, and a power bank.

Additionally, you can pack a local guidebook, binoculars, a small day bag, snacks, insect repellent, a hat or another kind of head protection, sunscreen, sunglasses, and personal care items.

Tips for a successful 3 day budget safari in Namibia

Take note of these tips to ensure a hazard-free budget safari in Namibia:

  • Make advance reservations for your flights and accommodations. This way you may get fare discounts and save money while ensuring availability.
  • Camping is a very affordable option and a fantastic opportunity to spend less money while travelling through the African bush.
  • Take advantage of the many free activities that are available in Namibia, such as swimming, hiking, and bicycling.
  • You will always save when camping instead of staying at lodges or guesthouses
  • Packing and preparing your own food is a fun way for saving on costs
  • Avoid expensive activities, such as hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours
  • Travel during the off-season (June-August or November-December) if possible.

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

When it comes to planning a 3 day budget safari in Namibia, the first step should be to select a reliable tour operator.

Benefits of employing a reputed tour operator include:

Peace of mind: When you book a tour with a recognised operator, you can expect your trip to be well-planned and performed. This means you won’t have to deal with any surprises, such as travel cancellations or misplaced luggage.

Tour operators frequently have access to discounts and packages that you would not be able to find on your own. This can help you save money on your trip.

Flexibility: If your plans change, a smart tour operator will work with you to ensure that your trip continues to go smoothly.

Expertise: Tour operators have extensive knowledge of the destination and can assist you in making the most of your vacation. They can recommend the best places to visit, restaurants to eat at, and activities to participate in.

This will ensure that you will be able to observe the greatest number of different attractions in a short time.

Discuss all your needs with any operator with whom you are considering travelling. Because even a short visit can be costly, you have the right to be fully informed about what you are paying for during your time there.

Ask many questions and evaluate the answers properly.

Thakadu River Camp

Popular Itineraries for a 3 Day Budget Safari in Namibia

Itinerary 1 – Namib Naukluft Park Highlights

 

  • Day 1 – Travel from Windhoek to the Sesriem Camp in the national park.
    • Visit the unique Sesriem Canyon
  • Day 2 – Watch the breath-taking sunrise on Dune 45 and explore the fascinating Deadvlei, and Sossusvlei
  • Day 3 Travel back to Windhoek

Itinerary 2 – A Taste of Etosha

Day 1 – Travel from Windhoek to Etosha Village Campsite or Etosha Trading Post Campsite near the Andersson Gate to the Etosha National Park

Day 2 – Do a full day game viewing safari into Etosha, visiting the Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni Rest Camps.

Day 3 – Travel back to Windhoek with a detour to the Waterberg Plateau Park for a quick walking safari in the private reserve.

FAQ

What type of budget safari can I do in Namibia?

A budget tour in Namibia can include many different activities, such as game drives, desert excursions, and wildlife viewing, while staying in comfortable tents in designated campsites.

What type of wildlife will I see on a 3 day budget safari tour in Namibia?

During a 3 day budget safari tour in Namibia, guests typically have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of African wildlife including giraffes, lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, cheetahs, hippos, zebras, antelopes, and more.

Are there age restrictions for 3 day budget safari tours in Namibia?

Generally speaking, very few age restrictions are in place for 3 day budget safari tours in Namibia. However, it is always best to check with the tour operator before booking, especially if children younger than 6 years of age are involved.

Are meals included on budget safari tours in Namibia?

Yes, meals are usually included on 3 day budget safari tours in Namibia. Guests can expect to enjoy a variety of delicious African-inspired dishes, as well as traditional local delicacies.

How safe is it to go on a 3 day budget safari tour in Namibia?

3 day budget safari tours in Namibia are very safe due to the presence of knowledgeable and e3perienced guides and the presence of strict safety regulations.

Are there any activities available apart from game drives on 3 day budget safari tours in Namibia?

Yes, in addition to game drives, most 3 day budget safari tours in Namibia also include other activities such as guided walks.