What to Pack

What should you pack for Namibia?

The short answer is: layers.

Namibia has an impressive ability to give you a hot afternoon, a cold evening, an even colder pre-dawn game drive and several hours of wind and dust in between. Add a few days on the coast and you may start wondering whether you packed for the same country.

You do not need an enormous wardrobe, but you do need clothing that can adapt.

Clothing

Lightweight, breathable clothing works well during the day for much of the year. Neutral colours are practical for dusty conditions and useful if you are spending time on game drives or walking in nature.

Even in summer, include at least one warmer layer. In winter, particularly between June and August, a warm jacket or fleece is important. Early-morning game drives and desert excursions can be very cold before sunrise, even when the afternoon becomes pleasantly warm.

A light windproof jacket is also useful, especially at the coast and during Namibia's windier months.

The coast is cooler than you think

If your route includes Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz or the Skeleton Coast, pack something warm regardless of the season.

Coastal fog and the cold Benguela Current can keep temperatures surprisingly low while the interior is hot. A fleece, sweater or light jacket earns its place in your luggage very quickly.

Shoes

Comfortable closed walking shoes or trainers will cover most Namibia trips. If your itinerary includes hiking or rough terrain, bring suitable walking or hiking shoes that you have already worn in.

Sand gets everywhere, red dust gets into almost everything, and white shoes rarely remain white for long. Consider yourself warned.

Sandals or flip-flops are useful around accommodation, pools and campsites, but they are not ideal for walking through bush or rocky terrain.

Sun protection

Namibian sunshine is strong throughout the year. Bring a broad-brimmed hat or cap, good sunscreen, sunglasses and lightweight clothing that provides some protection from the sun.

Lip balm and moisturiser are also useful. Namibia's low humidity, wind and dust can be surprisingly drying, particularly if you are travelling for several weeks.

For game drives

Early-morning and evening game drives can become cold once the vehicle starts moving. Layers are far more useful than one heavy coat because temperatures may rise quickly after sunrise.

Binoculars are worth bringing if wildlife is an important part of your trip. A small pair can completely change what you see from a vehicle or waterhole.

For the rainy season

If you travel during the summer rainfall period, a lightweight rain jacket can be useful. Namibia's rain often arrives in short, dramatic thunderstorms rather than endless grey days, so there is generally no need to pack as though you are heading into a monsoon.

A waterproof pouch or dry bag for electronics can nevertheless be useful if you are camping or travelling in remote areas.

For a self-drive trip

Keep drinking water accessible in the vehicle and carry additional water when travelling through remote areas. Distances between settlements can be considerable and mobile coverage is not universal.

A reusable water bottle, charging cables, a power bank and offline maps are useful additions. If you are travelling well beyond the main routes, your vehicle-hire company should advise what emergency and recovery equipment is supplied with the vehicle.

Do not assume that buying forgotten essentials will always be easy once you leave the larger towns.

Medication and personal items

Bring enough prescription medication for your entire journey, ideally in its original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription where appropriate.

Personal toiletries and common medicines are readily available in Namibia's larger towns, but choice becomes much more limited in remote areas.

Camera equipment

Namibia is not kind to camera equipment. Dust, sand and very fine particles are simply part of travelling here.

Bring suitable lens and equipment protection, cleaning materials and enough memory or storage for considerably more photographs than you currently think you will take.

Spare batteries are useful on long travel days and in remote accommodation, although charging facilities are now widespread at most established lodges and camps.

What you probably do not need

Formal clothing is unnecessary for most Namibia holidays. Even higher-end lodges generally favour comfortable, relaxed dress rather than formal evening wear.

Likewise, there is little benefit in packing half your wardrobe. Laundry services are available at many lodges and hotels, and clothes that work in layers will take you through most conditions.

The useful little things

A torch or headlamp, reusable water bottle, small day bag, insect repellent, power bank, sunglasses and a good hat are among the items travellers tend to use repeatedly.

And if you are travelling in winter, believe the Namibian who tells you to pack a jacket. You may laugh at us while packing it. You will probably thank us at 06:00 the next morning.