This guide to packing light for Namibia will include everything you’ll need to get to basics with this rather simple yet beautiful country. When I say simple, by the way, I mean that the majority of the things you, as a tourist, or a visitor, will see and do will be in nature, in the great outdoors…. At least the best things will be if you ask me! 😉
What goes along well with simplicity? Yes, predictability! Which is another thing you can expect.
For example, it’s going to be sunny tomorrow. How do I know this? Well, I don’t. I’ve got about a 90% chance of being correct on any given day though, at the worst. 😉
This means you should be able to prepare well for a trip. Making it is especially easy to pack light and effectively for your holiday, trip or whatever the other objectives you may have for your visit.
There may, however, be an exception to this whole packing light list if you’re planning on visiting to shoot some heavy National Geographic films or to take the photo of the year. It’s quite difficult to classify a range of telephoto lenses, tripods & other camera equipment as light for example. 😉 This list is still useful, you’ll just need to bring along some extra muscle for those fluid heads, batteries & stabilizers.
Related: 10 Best places to see in Namibia.
Before we get started, we’re going to need to split this up into 3 groups, Clothing, Accessories & Gear.
Packing light for Namibia – Clothing:
Underwear
This should go without saying, pack at least one pair per day. There are laundry services, but best to avoid them as to not get caught up in delays on your trip.
Tops & Shirts
Best to pack light clothing, one per day. During the day it can reach very high temperatures. It’s not uncommon for 30+ Degrees Celsius all year round, whilst during the winter months (June-August) the temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius at night.
Jackets
Unless you’re traveling during the winter, one jacket is usually sufficient for a trip of 2 weeks. More as a precautionary measure than anything else. Even in the winter, a single well-insulated jacket will keep you warm on those cold winters nights when you’re not sitting around a bonfire.
Pants
The good old pair of jeans is a must! For the rest, feel free to include mostly shorts/skirts for those sunny, hot days.
Shoes
Depending on what you’re planning to undertake on your trip, throw in a pair of hiking shoes for those moments when you’ll be able to get a little bit closer to the action…
Not when you’re in a nature reserve… I’m thinking more along the lines of going up designated dunes, the coastline, or a walking safari.
Other than that, a pair of sneakers for your day-to-day activities & sandals for those relaxing moments on the beach or poolside.
Headwear
Whilst not a necessity, if you’re highly susceptible to sunburns, a good hat is a must in the Namibian sun.
Pro tip: Pack and wear light-colored clothing. Darker colors pick up temperature much quicker. If you plan on tackling some dunes, a white long sleeve shirt will be a great plus. Preferably moisture-wicking, this will keep you cool and protect you from dangerous sunburn.
Related: 14 essentials to save money road tripping through Namibia.
Accessories for your trip to Namibia:
Sunglasses
One pair of sunglasses with a good UV level is a must. I wouldn’t recommend picking the most expensive pair in the shop, due to possible pickpockets
Backpack
If your backpack isn’t your main luggage bag, a smaller day bag is a good addition. This is a place you can store souvenirs, gear & valuables whilst on the go. Make sure the bag is secure and if it has a lock, even better.
Wallet
Generally, you can withdraw cash from most of the ATM’s in Namibia without too many worries. Check with your bank before your trip though, to avoid any nasty surprise fees upon your return.
Medication
Don’t forget to refresh your subscription before your trip.
Sunblock
This should probably be the first thing you pack. Sunblock is widely available in Namibia though, with most of the convenience and grocery stores carrying plenty.
Gear:
Camera
What type of camera and what type of accessories you should take with is largely dependent on the goals of your trip. If you’re an avid photographer and are looking forward to nature and wildlife, a good DSLR/Mirrorless Camera with your best Telephoto lenses is a must, let’s just ignore the packing light part for now. 😉
If you’re just going to experience the culture, the country and are not looking to make any national geographic submissions, a modern smartphone camera will be able to capture the moment quite well as well. They won’t get the close-up animal shots whilst on safari though. In which case I’d recommend a well-priced compact camera with a good zoom, like the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K. Here you get good zoom without the hassles of having to take up a course in photography…
If you are interested in a photography course though, the Landscape & Nature photography course offered by the Digital Photography School is one of the best around.
Find out more about by clicking here.
Packing Light for Namibia – Gear Continued:
Chargers/Adapters
If you’re bringing along your camera, smartphone, laptop, etc. you’re going to need chargers. You most likely will need to get a 2 or 3-prong travel adapter for Southern Africa, these you can source easily from Amazon, by clicking here. South Africa & Namibia have the same electrical standards, so your travel adapter is useful throughout Southern Africa.
Laptop
Taking a lot of photos? Plan on doing some work on the go? Your laptop is probably going to be coming with them. Try to keep it small & leave any unnecessary attachments behind. I.e. USB-Fan, Giant Headphones, etc.
Binoculars
Whilst, not something I generally travel with (mainly because of my telephoto lenses), they’re actually very useful on the go and can save you tons of battery life if you’re on Safari and notice something from a distance. They’re also great if you’re just looking to take in your surroundings. If you’re not a photographer with some longer lenses, then binoculars will help you get closer to this incredible landscape whilst still packing light for Namibia.
Power bank
If you’re going to be staying in remote places, camping, there may not be power. In which case you will need something to power your gear. Check out the camping places before you go or ask at the reception/office if you desperately need a quick charge. I wouldn’t leave anything unattended to at the reception/office though.
This compact model from Anker provides plenty of punch to keep your devices going far into the Namibian landscape.
All that’s left to do is make sure your passport is up to date!
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So, when is your trip to Namibia? 😉
Cheers
David & Maike
Padkos.co
