Think hot but also chilly!
Enjoying a subtropical desert climate, Namibia enjoys low rainfall and low humidity throughout the whole year.
The difference in rainfall between dry season (June-October) and wet season (November-May) is not prominent like in other countries, so also if visiting in the peak months of January and February you can expect the majority of days to be completely sunny.
As day temperatures top easily the 30°C and often scratch 40°C, night temperatures in desertic areas (such Sossuvlei or Etosha) go much lower, around 15-20°C with the possibility to fall under 10°C during certain days. This makes up for easily 20°C (!!) difference between night and day and requires smart packing!
Hereafter, I compiled a check-list of things you are gonna need on your Namibian road trip.
The first two categories (clothing and accessories) contain things you should pack at home.
The third is a list of the things you should buy from supermarkets before driving into the wild and the tools your car company should include in the rental service.
About fashion, I would not put too much emphasis. As you’re likely gonna be alone or with your group most of the time, choose something you feel comfortable with. Black/Dark clothes, in general, are not advised they increase your perception of heat and can potentially attract dangerous mosquitos.
For Day Time
- Light Shorts
- Light Trousers (for safari long trousers are better to avoid insect bites)
- Tank Tops/T-shirt/Tops (cotton or good transpirant materials, you’re gonna use more than one each day)
- Trainers or Hiking Shoes
- Flip Flops
- Towel (very important!)
- Cap/Hat
- Swimming suite
For Night Time
- Pyjamas
- Hoodie/Zipper
- Long trousers
- Gloves (if you the kind of person that always feels cold)
- Passport & International Driving Licence
- CASH (withdraw in Windhoek or change in the airport)
- Credit Card (as debit cards sometimes are not accepted)
- Have a paper map and an Offline Map on your phone (we suggest download Maps.me App)
- Powerbank
- Suncream Protection (a lot!)
- Universal Electricity Adaptor
- Small bag for daily excursions
- Re-usable Water Bottle
- Sunglasses
- Towel (you may get one with the car, but still better have your own too)
- Chargers
- Photocamera / Phone / GoPro
- Toiletries
- Medicines (your best option is buying everything you need before coming to Namibia)
- Mosquito Repellent (with a deet 75% or superior for long-lasting effect)
- Bottle Opener (just in case, better be prepared 😉
*EXTRA: before travelling to Namibia be sure to have all the required vaccines
To Buy in Supermarket (as you may go days without supermarkets and campings will over-charge you, you better be smart and stock up good quantities of food and water…and beer if you like it;)
- one local SIM card for emergency calls
- Water
- Food that require refrigeration (Meat, vegetables, fruit etc. be sure to buy what fits in your car’s fridge!)
- Longer-expiration foods
- Snacks for your long trips
- Salt, pepper, OIL! and anything you may need to cook
- Coffee or Tea
- Beer or Alcholic beverages (be aware that in Namibia you cannot buy alcholics on Sundays and Saturday Afternoons)
- Toilet Paper
- Toiletries
- Scottex
What you should get with your camping car (if the renting company is serious, they will make check every piece of equipment and sign a paper before letting you off).
- Fridge/Freezer
- Roof Tent
- Canvas Storage Bag
- Water Kettle
- Water tank with faucet
- Cups/Mugs
- Mattress with Cover sheet
- Pillow
- Plates
- Duvets
- Gas Bottles
- Gas Cooker
- Cutlery
- Led Light
- Bottle Opener (better having two than none 😉
- Cutting Board
- Foldable Table + Chairs
- Cooking Tools (Can opener, potato peeler etc.)
- BBQ Grill + Fork
- Full set of Cooking Pots/Pans
- Dish Towels/Sponges
All in all, packing for Namibia requires good preparation as once off on the road you will be on your own, goods are scarce and you should be able to take on any unexpected event coming your way (and believe me, it could be really anything!).
I hope my packing tips will help you get ready for your trip and help you in the case you’ll find yourself Lost on the Route 😉
Conclusion
Did you like my article and found it useful? Do you have any question or would you like to leave further information?
Leave a comment below and let’s get in touch! 🙂
Namibia Travel Guide
Content Summary
2) Namibia: Travelling on a 4×4 Camping Car
3) Namibia: The Best 5 Places you Need to Visit
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