Namibia What to Pack

 
by DAO
 
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    by DAO
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    by Gili_S
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  • YES, I HAVE WATER IN MY CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED
      YES, I HAVE WATER IN MY CAR WHEN THIS...
    by DAO
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

PREPARE FOR THE DESERT!

by DAO

Namibia is mostly desert. You need a strong rucksack that can hold lots of water, especially if you go to Sossusvlei. Don't take a cheap bag. BOOTS! Ladies - boots! Look at the pictures. Fashion shoes will have to be taken off, then the sand, stones, thorns and rocks cut your feet. You need socks and bandages for the before and after arrival of blisters. Wet wipes. Not much water here to wash your hands. WATER You need to have at least 2 litres on you at all times and at least 10 litres in a car. The country is very dry during most of the year and your vehicle could break down. I met a man with a broken down vehicle on a deserted road at 8pm who said he rang the breakdown company at 8am. And he was still waiting. Buy water as soon as you arrive. You will drink it.

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Wind up (battry-less) torches

by smirnofforiginal

In the winter months you WILL need winter clothes for the night or you will freeze. We thought we were prepared but we soon bought wooly hats. I wish I had had a much thicker jacket and a hooder sweater and gloves.... I could not recharge the batteries for my camera quickly enough - take as many as you can as there is so much to photogrpah.If your camera has one a filter may be nice especially with places such as Sossusvlei in mind.You will need a tripod if you have any intention of shooting at water holes because even flood lit you need a loooong exposure time. Our wind-up (battery-less) torches proved absolutely invaluable....

Malaria tablets

by Gili_S

Malaria tablets: Only the northern part of Namibia and the Caprivi area are malaria zone and if you are planning to visit there it is recommended very much to consult an expert and to take such tablets during your visit there.

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What to pack

by Gili_S

Backpack is more comfortable maybe then a suitcase, depends on your travel style, in many places you will not carry your stuff much anyway, some will do it for ya. Good walking shoes especially if you plan to do some hiking and walking safari. Light safari cloths recommended for better camouflage. Be aware that colours as blue might attract insects, better leave your colourful cloths at home. Warm cloths for the nights, especially if visit during the winter which is June to August. Mosquito Repellent can be helpful, depends on the season you visit, we in the winter didn’t need it at all. I think this is very clear and no need to mention, you go all the way here to see the animals, have the best what you can get. Zoom is a must for good shots of birds and small animals. Polarized and UV filter are good for such sunny country. Warm sleeping bags in the winter as it will be cold at...

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Camping Safari

by tampa_shawn

Duffel bag is recommended. I found a great little waterproof number (figured it would be relatively dust proof which would be a big advantage here) I was trying to buy something less than 3300 cu but ended up with one about 4000 cu.Also bring a day back pack Nights are very cold here - be sure to bring several things that can be layered and a beanie (hat), scarves and gloves 2 button-down shirts (high tech wicking for misquotes)3 short sleeve knit shirts2 t-shirts with built in shelf braw Lightweight long sleeve tee shirt for warmth (Patagonia “wick” shirt)1 long skirt3 pairs pants3-5 pair underwear2 sports bras (necessary for African roads)BandannaSun hatShower Sandals (for everyday use)Tennis shoes and/or hiking boots (maybe)Shoes - Keens3 pair socks Medications Malaria MedsNeosporin cream (antibiotic ointment)Imodium AD (diarrhea relief)Pepto Bismal (upset stomach)Benadryl pills...

Chilly nights

by toonsarah

Namibia can be pretty cold at night in July, which is when we visited, so you need to pack some warm clothes and things that can be worn in layers. We found we often started the day with three layers (t-shirt, thin jumper, fleece) and by mid-morning would be down to one! At night you'll need long trousers and a warm jacket or fleece. Most of the lodges do their best to keep things cosy with log fires and hot water bottles, for which we were very grateful. Don't let what I've said about the cold fool you though - you need good strong sun protection too. The middle of the day is hot and sunny, even in winter, and as you're near the equator the sun is fierce. One of the joys of a Namibian holiday is the wildlife, and if you want to capture that on film you really do need a zoom lens. Having said that though, most of the pictures on my pages were taken with a basic digital camera, so it...

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I like to travel light

by Gili_S

I like to travel light, no need for big luggage, just the basic stuff as you can see in the photo ;-)There are obviously things you need to bring from home and I will indicate details more later, other stuff like food etc you can purchase all locally.

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Travel light but be prepared!

by SanguiniA

I always recommend backpack, especially if camping. For sure leave any posh suitcase at home, it will get very very dusty! Nights are surprisingly cold, and days are hot - so layering is the best approach. Warm jacket is a must! As are good sunglasses and a hat Anywhere in Africa it is best to carry certain medical basics with you - antibiotics, panadols, immodium, motilium, dehydration sachets etc etc. Good idea to bring along eye-drops since the dust and the dryness can have a nasty effect on the eyes This is always a must :-) Long lens for the animals, wide lens for the landscapes. UV filter to protect the lens and get better pics & VERY VERY IMPORTANT - lens cleaning kit!!! There will be so much dust you will constantly be cleaning!! Also, many memory cards .... Zip-Lock freezer bags of various sizes to store anything you don't want to get dustyLarge garbage bags for the...

Batteries are hard to find when in the bush.

by Acirfa

Take easy mouldable luggage, the kind that can get battered and squashed into car boots, covered in dust and lugged into the bush. Walking shoes are a must, flip flops too. Shorts, t- shirts, a warm jersey or windbreaker for cooler evenings and early mornings.Leave the high heels and make up at home, it's surplus to requirements. Hair conditioner, hair dries out badly in the dry heat and this helps keep some sort of condition to it. Plenty of sun cream, antiseptic for bites and cuts, malaria tabs, plasters, hayfever pills if applicable. Moisturiser, again a very drying atmosphere, so the skin needs lots of care. DO remember your video camera, camera, plenty of cards or film...........take an adapter to recharge batteries or plenty of batteries, they are like gold dust in the bush believe me. A polarizer and wide angled lens. Mkae sure you keep equipment well covered and cared for, it...

A warm jumper or fleece is a must...

by TracyG

A rucksack is probably best and as light as you can get away with. A warm jumper/fleece if you are going to be along the coast, because it can get quite chilly, and even cold in the winter monthes.. The usual first aid kit, including re-hydration salts, and anti-malarials (but only if going to the Etosha area or further north.) Film, batteries etc. are readily available everywhere and is pretty well priced, but remember to take more than you will need into the national parks as film can be rather expensive here. A waterproof jacket will probably come in handy, particularly along the coast. A water bottle is a must if trekking in Fish river Canyon and on the dunes, also a torch comes in very handy wherever you are.

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Questions and Answers

ZeekLTK profile photo

Q:  Hi, I've been looking into planning a trip to Namibia and Botswana, but I haven't been finding much useful information as to how... 

KakapoTheParrot profile photo

A: The two countries share a huge border. I've been through the crossings at either end of the Caprivi Strip so could offer general comments (although better travelled... 

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