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Namibia Packing List – Our Tips for Luggage for Camping, Safari & Self-Drive Trips

Updated: Nov 28

A road trip through Namibia is a true adventure—especially when you’re exploring with a rooftop tent. The stunning landscapes, vast open spaces, and diverse wildlife make Namibia a dream destination. However, Namibia also has highly varied climatic conditions. To ensure you’re well-prepared and won’t forget any essentials, we’ve put together a comprehensive packing list for you, divided into categories. This way, you’ll start your Namibia adventure relaxed and well-prepared!


Landschaft Namibia


1. Documents for Your Trip to Namibia


Namibia is a safe and relatively easy travel destination, but it’s still essential to carry the proper documents. From visas to an international driver’s license—here’s everything you’ll need.


  • Passport (valid for at least six months)

  • Copies of passport and visa

  • International driver’s license

  • Car rental confirmation

  • Flight tickets

  • Insurance documents (health and vehicle insurance)

  • Credit card + cash (Namibian Dollar/NAD)



Tip: Make digital copies of all important documents and save them in a cloud or email them to yourself in case something gets lost.

In Namibia, you can pay by card almost everywhere, so large amounts of cash are unnecessary. It’s best to exchange money at the airport and request smaller NAD bills for tips.



2. Camping Essentials for Your Namibia Self-Drive Vehicle


Your rooftop tent-equipped vehicle will be your mobile home throughout the trip. For the best experience, focus on comfort and functionality. Most rental companies provide quality equipment (camping stove, camping chairs and table, dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils like pots, pans, cutting board, bedding, etc.) either included or as an additional option. However, you should bring the following items from home:


  • Sleeping bag (the rental company’s sleeping bag may be too warm for most nights)

  • Towels (one large and one small per person)

  • Flashlight or even better: headlamp

  • Plug adapter to charge your devices

  • Power bank (to charge your phone overnight in the rooftop tent or at campsites without power)

  • Flip-flops or slides (especially for showering at campsites)



Tip: As soon as you get your rental vehicle, plan a stop at the supermarket to stock up for the next few days. Make sure to buy enough water, especially for remote areas like the Namib Desert, as you’ll often be on the road for long periods with no opportunity to buy supplies.


Essential Items for a Supermarket Stop:


  • Water (for drinking, brushing teeth, etc.)

  • Food (snacks, bread, pasta, rice, etc.)

  • Toilet paper

  • Sponge, dish towel, and dish soap

  • Matches or lighter (for campfires)



3. Clothing for Your Namibia Trip


Packing the right clothing is essential since temperatures can fluctuate significantly depending on the time of day and location. The sun may burn intensely during the day, while nights in the desert can get quite cold. So, pack for both heat and chill.


  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot days

  • Warm clothing for chilly nights (fleece jacket, long pants)

  • Functional clothing (quick-drying and light)

  • Ankle-high hiking boots or sturdy sneakers

  • Sandals

  • Hat or cap (we recommend wide-brimmed hats)

  • Beanie (for early morning safaris)

  • Scarf

  • Sunglasses

  • Swimwear


Tip: Wear neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive green) if you plan to go on safaris. Early mornings and evenings can be quite cool, so pack accordingly. We can recommend these clothes.



4. Travel Health Kit and Hygiene for Namibia


On a road trip through Namibia, you may not always have access to well-equipped sanitary facilities or medical care, so it’s important to bring the right hygiene items and medication.


  • Hand sanitizer

  • Wet wipes (for quick freshening up on the go)

  • Shampoo and shower gel

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Moisturizer for your face

  • Body lotion

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)

  • Hair oil for longer hair (Namibia is very dry, which affects skin and hair quickly)

  • Vaseline (for dry lips—an absolute must)

  • Moisturizing nasal spray

  • Insect repellent (especially for mosquitoes)

  • Basic first aid kit (bandages, painkillers, stomach remedies)


We have put together a detailed travel health kit for Namibia here.


Köcherbäume in Namibia


5. Technology and Electronics


Namibia offers incredible photo opportunities, so don’t forget your camera and other electronic gear to capture your experiences.


  • Phone and charger (you can buy a local SIM card at the airport in Windhoek)

  • Camera with memory cards & spare batteries

  • Drone (optional, but great for landscape shots; however, a drone permit is required. Find more info here)

  • Power banks

  • Car charger adapter to charge multiple devices during drives

  • Plug adapter (Namibia uses the British socket type)



6. Miscellaneous


In addition to the usual equipment, there are some "small items" that may easily be forgotten but are highly useful on a Namibia road trip.


  • Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)

  • Books, e-reader, or travel games (such as Uno, Phase 10)

  • Notebook and pens

  • Sunglasses


Tip: A pair of binoculars is perfect for observing wildlife in Etosha National Park or other safari areas. Bringing one from home gives you an excellent view of wildlife and helps you scan watering holes for animals in the distance.


 

Do you want more insights into our trips? Check out our Instagram channels @tom_rbg_ and @anna_rbg_! If you have questions about our routes, feel free to reach out to us there.

 

*This post contains affiliate links. There are no additional costs for you, but you’ll be supporting our work through any purchases made via these links.


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