The Ultimate Namibia Safari Packing Guide

So you’ve finally booked your Namibia safari and you’re counting down the days before you head off on the adventure of a lifetime! The only thing left to do now is pack but where should you start?

Packing for a Namibia safari, whether it’s a self-drive safari or private guided tour, can be a little different to packing for a regular vacation; there’s the climate to consider, the type of activities you will be undertaking, and even the availability of some goods and products that you might take for granted in your native country.

If you’re stuck where to start fear not because here at SecretNamibia we’re hear to help. From travel documents to clothes, toiletries and more, here’s our ultimate Namibia safari packing list:

Travel Documents for Namibia

The number one rule you should always abide by when packing for a trip abroad is to gather, organise and pack your travel documents. Firstly, ensure that you have your passport stored away safely and make sure that it is valid and in date for the duration of your trip.

Further, depending on where you’re travelling from, some visitors to Namibia require a visa to enter so always check the latest travel information and guidance from your embassy before you set off, or check out this information here.

Whenever you travel abroad it’s vital to obtain medical/travel insurance so make sure you’re covered and that you have all the necessary documents printed off before you depart. With Covid 19 still prevalent across some parts of the world it’s also wise to check whether or not you need a vaccination certificate, and the latest Covid travel information can be found on your embassy’s website.

Finally, you won’t get very far without your travel tickets; be sure to print off any plane tickets and keep them safe and secure at all times!

What Clothing Should I Pack for a Namibia Safari?

Most people travel to Namibia between May-October, which is the dry season. As you might expect daytime temperatures in Namibia are extremely warm. However, in the night-time the weather cools off so it’s important to bring outfits that are suited to both day, and after-dark, temperatures.

Here is a brief list of the type of clothes you should consider packing:

• Loose fitting cotton t-shirts, beige, green and neutral colours are advisable
• Long-sleeved shirts/jackets to guard against mosquitoes
• Shorts or skirts
• Cargo pants or safari trousers for cooler days and the night-time
• Sweaters for early morning/late afternoon
• A lightweight waterproof jacket in case it rains
• Swimwear
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Sandals
• Plenty of underwear and thin socks!

Toiletries for a Namibia Safari

Although Namibia has plenty of grocery stores scattered across the country, depending on your safari itinerary you may find yourself perched in some remote spots, and nobody wants to be stuck without their essential health and beauty products! Before you zip up that suitcase consider packing:

• Plenty of sunscreen (Factor 50+)
• Baby wipes
• Insect repellent
• Hand and body lotion
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Shower gel
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush
• Toothbrush, floss and toothpaste
• Feminine hygiene products
• Shaver
• Lip balm
• A Travel hairdryer

Electronics to bring on a Namibia Safari

No Namibian safari packing list would be complete without mentioning some essential electronics that you’ll need for your trip. We are not necessarily encouraging you to pack your entire stash (do your really need to bring both your iPad and your laptop?) but we would advise bringing some digital items, particularly a camera so you can take some amazing wildlife shots! Consider bringing along the following electronics:

• Mobile phone
• Mobile phone charger
• Torch (with batteries)
• Powerbank charger
• Travel Adapter (plug type M)
• Binoculars with strong magnification
• A digital Camera with adequate zoom lense
• Extension lead for multiple sockets
• Smartwatch/tablet/laptop (optional)

First-aid products for a Namibia Safari

Adjusting to a new country and climate can be a challenge for some visitors initially so it’s important to bring a number of medications and first-aid products to help you battle any ailments, particularly an upset stomach! As well as bringing any essential medication related to your individual health needs, we advise you to pack:

• Hand sanitizer and anti-bac wipes
• Painkillers (i.e. paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen)
• Diarrhoea medication (i.e. Imodium or charcoal tablets)
• Anti-septic cream
• Plasters and blister plasters (ideally waterproof)
• Iodine disinfection tablets
• Travel Sickness tablets
• Bandages
• Eye drops

Additional Items

We’ve covered most of the essential items needed for your Namibian safari adventure but there are also a number of additional items and products you could consider bringing to help make your trip more comfortable. These include:

• Sunglasses
• A sturdy backpack
• Earplugs
• Headgear/sun hat/cap
• Sleep mask
• Books or magazines
• Travel pillow
• Snacks for the flight!

There you have it, that’s the SecretNamibia guide to packing for your Namibia safari adventure. If you have any questions or queries about what else you should bring feel free to get in touch with a member of expert team and we’ll do our best to help!