Namibia Packing List – Our Tips for Luggage for Camping, Safari & Self-Drive Trips
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!
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.
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)
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.
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)
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_mser! If you have questions about our routes, feel free to reach out to us there.
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