What You Actually Need to Pack for Namibia (and What Will Just Get in the Way)

Planning your Namibia trip? Great. Now pack light, pack smart — and pack like someone who knows the roads are long, the dust is real, and comfort beats style every time. Whether you’re self-driving or hopping on a fly-in safari, here’s what deserves a spot in your bag — and what doesn’t.

The Rule of Three: Heat, Cold, Dust

Namibia plays rough with weather. You’re either sweating through your shirt, layering up against the desert chill, or wiping red sand off everything.

  • Cold? Morning game drives (especially May to August) are freezing. Not cool — ice-on-your-seat cold. Bring a fleece, beanie, gloves, and a windbreaker that blocks air.

  • Hot? By 11am, you’ll be stripping down. Light, loose cotton or linen clothing is gold. Avoid synthetics — they trap heat and smell.

  • Dusty? It’s everywhere. Neutral tones are good for wildlife viewing (less alarming to animals), but avoid white — it turns beige by day two.

Clothes: Think Layers, Not Looks

Namibia’s dress code is “clean-ish and comfortable.” Here’s our wardrobe reccommendation:

  • A hat – the sun is strong

  • 2–3 breathable tops

  • 1 long-sleeve for sun (and covering up if the mosquitos are out)

  • 1 lightweight jacket (plus a fleece in winter)

  • Shorts and 1 pair of long trousers

  • Something you can wear to dinner if you feel like dressing up a bit (just one outfit — really)

  • Swimsuit (lots of lodges & campsites have pools)

  • A scarf– useful for dust, sun, or wrapping your head on a bad hair day

Footwear: Gravel-Ready, Not Glam

  • Closed shoes for walking on sand – Namib Desert Sand can get so hot walking in sandals is impossible) or sharp gravel

  • Sandals or slip-ons for camp/lodge wear

  • Hiking boots? Only if you’re doing serious trails (like Naukluft or Etendeka Hiking Trail)

Don’t Be That Tourist: Cultural & Practical Respect

  • Always greet people – It’s a norm. “Hello, how are you?” goes a long way.

  • Cover up a bit in rural villages — no need to overdress, but skip skimpy shorts or crop tops.

  • No drones – Totally banned in national parks and requires permits elsewhere. Confiscations happen.

  • Ask before photographing people — especially in traditional communities.

Gear You’ll Be Glad You Brought

These aren’t optional; they’re sanity-savers:

  • Power bank – Charging outlets are rare on the road.

  • Torch– Torchlight etiquette is real. Don’t blind your tentmate, and don’t shine it at wildlife that may visit your camp.

  • Binoculars – Small pair (8×32) for your own animal spotting

  • Universal plug adaptor – Type M (same as South Africa)

  • Camera + zoom lens – A phone camera won’t cut it for distant leopards

  • Daypack – For drives, short walks, and water bottles

  • Zip bags/dry sacks – Keeps dust out of electronics

Toiletries: It’s Dry. Like Really Dry.

  • High SPF sunscreen

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Moisturiser – You’ll thank yourself

  • Insect repellent – Especially if you’re heading to Etosha or Zambezi

  • Basic meds – Think anti-diarrhoeals, antihistamines, painkillers

  • Reusable water bottle – Most places will refill for you

Unexpected items

These are the sleeper hits — the things people end up loving most:

  • Sarong or kikoi – Towel, shade cloth, privacy screen, emergency skirt — it does it all

  • Sports bra – Gravel roads + 4x4s = bounce

  • Wet wipes – Long drive, no sink? Sorted.

  • Small soft duffel bag – Required on fly-in safaris and easier to shove into 4x4s

  • A few laundry pegs – For hanging wet stuff on lodge fences (yes, really)

Things You Definitely Don’t Need

  • Hair tools – It’s dry and dusty. Just wear a hat.

  • Valuables/jewellery – You won’t wear them and they’re just extra risk.

  • Multiple gadgets – One phone + camera is enough.

  • Fancy clothes – Namibia doesn’t care.

  • Extra shoes – Two pairs max

One Last Piece of Advice

You’re not packing for Instagram. You’re packing for 6am drives, red dust, long roads, real silence, and vast skies. The more you bring, the more you carry. The less you bring, the more you notice.

Travel light. Bring the right stuff. And save space for souvenirs that matter — the kind you remember, not the kind you pack.

If you want more advice or info – please contact us at Okaume Travel – your local Namibian expert.