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Packing list for Namibia – What you need to pack

A holiday in Namibia is a wonderful adventure. To ensure your trip is stress-free, good preparation is essential – especially if you plan to explore Namibia independently.

Our packing and equipment list will help you remember everything important – from clothing and electronics to your vehicle's features. However, it serves only as a guide – what you actually need depends on your travel style, route, and personal preferences.

So pack what will support you on your journey. Happy packing!

Clothing & shoes (Tip: light or natural colors, breathable)

  • Short-sleeved T-shirts/tank tops (for daytime)

  • Long-sleeved T-shirts/blouses (for evenings and potential insect protection)

  • Lightweight outdoor trousers

  • Shorts/skirts

  • Sweater or fleece (for cool evenings or coastal areas)

  • Rain jacket (only during the rainy season - December to March)

  • Lightweight windbreaker (for coastal areas like Swakopmund, Walvis Bay)

  • Jogging suit/trousers

  • Sleepwear

  • Underwear

  • Quick-drying socks

  • Swimwear

  • Sturdy shoes or hiking boots (comfortable and broken in!)

  • Comfortable sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops

  • Hat/cap

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Cosmetics, sun protection & health

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  • Toiletries / Shaving kit

  • Toothbrush / Toothpaste

  • Bath towels & bath towel

  • Tissues

  • Facial care

  • Body lotion & cream for dry skin

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & after-sun lotion

  • Lip balm with UV protection

  • Sunglasses (UV400)

  • Insect repellent

  • Mosquito net (if needed)

  • Travel first-aid kit including:
    - Pain reliever (e.g., ibuprofen)
    - Anti-diarrheal medication & electrolytes
    - Eye drops (for dry eyes/conjunctivitis)
    - Bandages, wound disinfectant & antiseptic ointment
    - Antihistamine
    - Malaria prophylaxis (if needed, please consult your doctor)

  • Personal medications & vaccination record

  • Wet wipes, hand sanitizer

  • Glasses + spare / Contact lenses + solution

Practical outdoor items

  • Lighter/Matches

  • Pocket knife (including corkscrew and can opener)

  • Water bottles (it's important to drink plenty of water in hot Namibia)

  • Flashlights/Headlamps (essential when traveling in the dark)

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Technology & Navigation

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  • Binoculars (for safaris!)

  • Smartphone with offline maps (e.g., Maps.me, Organic Maps)

  • Road and topographic maps (for use on the go and as a backup!)

  • Local SIM card (MTC) + top-up card

  • GPS device or navigation app with Namibia maps

  • Power bank (10,000+ mAh)

  • Camera + memory cards + spare batteries

  • Chargers & adapters (Type D/M plugs!)

  • Power strip (for lodges/camps)

  • USB car adapter

Other useful items

  • Travel journal / pen

  • Towel bags / packing cubes (for organization)

  • Clothesline + clothespins

  • Travel-friendly laundry detergent

  • Earplugs (for campsites)

  • Namibia guidebook or app

  • National park map / Permit copies

  • Small gifts for locals (e.g. pencils, notebooks)

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Documents & Finances

  • Passport (valid for 6 months, at least 2 blank pages)

  • Driver's license + international driving permit

  • Booking confirmations (accommodations, rental cars)

  • Insurance documents (travel health insurance, rental car insurance)

  • Credit card(s) + some cash (NAD & ZAR)

  • Copies of all important documents (digital + printed)

Food & Camping (if relevant)

  • Camping stove + gas

  • Pots, plates, cutlery, cups

  • Chopping board, knife, sponge, dish soap

  • Lighter/matches

  • Drinking water (always at least 5-10 liters in reserve)

  • Dry food, snacks, emergency rations

  • Cooler with ice packs (if there is no electricity)

  • Trash bags (you must dispose of your own trash)

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Equipment for the vehicle / Off-road travel

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  • Spare tires (at least 1, preferably 2)

  • Tire repair kit & compressor

  • Jack, lug wrench, tow rope

  • Jerry canisters (water & possibly gasoline/diesel – 20L)

  • Flashlight / headlamp (with spare batteries)

  • Multitool / knife

  • Cable ties, adhesive tape, duct tape

  • High-visibility vest, warning triangle

  • Cooler (ideally a compressor cooler)

  • Shovel (for sandy terrain)

  • Sand ladders (optional)

  • Camping chair & table (for self-catering)

  • Dust bags for luggage in the trunk

Should we have forgotten anything important, please feel free to contact us via email. Warm regards, Claudia & Wynand

(all photos by Claudia & Wynand du Plessis)

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