Namibia holiday and safari packing list

Namibia holidays and safaris: What to pack and wear

Most travellers will visit Namibia in the winter, as this is the peak season. During the winter months (mid June to end of August), days are generally mild to warm, so pack light summer clothes for the middle of the day. Conversely, the evenings, nights and early mornings can get very cold indeed (surprising many travellers), so make sure you pack a warm jumper and fleece or jacket, long trousers and warm socks if you are travelling during these months. A woollen hat and gloves may also come in handy.

Even during the summer months (November to April), parts of Namibia – such as along the coast – can be cool, so some warm clothing should also be included then.

Most lodges have an informal evening dress code; casual clothing goes down best, though there are a few hotels where men are encouraged to wear trousers and a collared shirt at dinner.

Sunglasses, suntan lotion, lipsalve, a shady hat, insect repellent and a torch are all essentials. Binoculars and an animal/bird guidebook are highly recommended for game-park visits. All of these can be purchased locally if need be. Don't forget your swimming costume, as many places have pools. Please call the team at Expert Africa if you are in any doubt as to what to take.

Many of the hire vehicles in Namibia have USB and/or AUX ports, so it’s a good idea to bring an MP3 player and cable so you can listen to music when driving.

Much of Namibia is desert so can be quite dusty. We suggest that you take a few large bin liners to cover luggage while it’s in your car boot or the back of a 4WD vehicle. We also recommend that you pack a couple of plastic bags to use as extra protection for your camera when you are in desert areas.

Packing checklist

Passport
Driving licence (if self-driving); this must be in English
Visa (if required)
Insurance details (please see our travel insurance page for more information)
Credit card (needed for car-hire deposit)
Cash (South African rand is the most useful currency in both Namibia )
Warm clothes (possibly including hat and gloves)
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Footwear (including walking shoes/boots if appropriate)
Swimwear
Binoculars
Camera
Mobile (cell) phone (see below)
Chargers and adapters (South Africa and Namibia tend to use type M plugs, with three round pins)
Torch / flashlight
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Prescription medicines & prescription (if needed)

Mobile (cell) phones on safari

It is a good idea to have a mobile with you on your trip in case of an emergency. If you have ‘global roaming’ enabled, your phone will probably work in most towns in Namibia. This can be very useful – for booking restaurants, calling home, or getting in touch with anyone in a hurry. Your phone can be set to include ‘global roaming’ by your network provider so contact them before you depart.

As an alternative to global roaming, which can be quite pricy, bring a cheap/old mobile phone with you and buy a local SIM card and some call minutes when you arrive. (Do make sure that this spare phone is not locked against SIM cards from other providers/countries.) Or, buy a cheap phone and SIM card on arrival. Windhoek Airport has outlets where you can arrange this.

NB: Regardless of whether you use a local SIM card or not, it is unlikely that you will have a consistent signal throughout your trip: many areas are remote, sparsely populated and without cellphone coverage.

Our top picks for holidays to Namibia

We'll always tailor-make your Town for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.

Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

US$8,800 - US$9,860 per person

Hartebeest Self-drive Safari

16 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.

US$4,400 - US$4,810 per person

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$6,540 - US$8,300 per person

Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$3,000 - US$4,100 per person

Dune Lark Fly & Drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A combination fly-in self-drive exploration of Namibia, with quick, easy and scenic flights in and out of Sossusvlei before a classic road trip adventure of the country’s rugged north.

US$5,250 - US$5,740 per person

Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$8,800 - US$9,840 per person

Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

US$3,050 - US$3,650 per person

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$4,120 - US$4,230 per person

Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

US$11,400 - US$13,280 per person

Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.

US$13,340 - US$15,550 per person

View all holidays in Namibia

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