What To Wear In Namibia
To sum it up - Casual and cool
- Casual, comfortable clothes are the key. Dress down rather than up here.
- During the day it is hot, so our advice is to pack lightweight loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen and cotton that will keep you cool and are easier to wash and dry.
- We suggest keeping to light, neutral colours; khaki, green and brown, but not white as it will get dirty and dusty very quickly.
- Avoid blue clothing - the tsetse flies are drawn to the colour blue, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved tops will protect you from the harsh sun and protect against mosquitoes at night.
- A wide brimmed sun hat and lots of sunscreen and sunblock are essential.
- If you plan to do much walking, either on safari or with a backpack, then lightweight walking shoes or trainers are fine. The bush is not always smooth and even, and anything that minimises the chance of a twisted ankle has got to be a good idea.
- This is a semi-desert climate - so it's hot during the day and cold at night.
- Whenever you travel you will need warm clothes for the evenings - add in a fleece, pashmina or jumper/pullover.
- If you are on safari, the idea is to relax and enjoy your time under the African sky, and listen to the calls of the wild all around you! Dinner dress is therefore casual and comfortable.
- It is very important to avoid camouflage or military clothing.
- Leave your valuables and jewellery at home, you really won't need them.
- Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee - this elasticated strap will secure it to your bag or pocket, so you don't need to worry about dropping it anywhere.
- Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a waterstraw water purifier or safe water drinking bottle.
- Keep bottled water out of the sun as the plastic bottles can release dioxins when they heat up, which is not healthy. An alternative is to use a 100% BPA-free foldable water bottle. Reusing your water bottle will also help you do your bit for the planet - millions of plastic water bottles end up in landfill every year.
- If you would like to give something back on your holiday, the local community projects are very grateful for new materials. See the Pack for a Purpose website for ideas of things you could pop in your suitcase.
- You may also want to look at our Safari packing advice page.
- And for more pictures and ideas, see our Pinterest board: What to Wear on Safari.
See below to download your FREE detailed packing list for Namibia >
From Our Shop
Great products to pack for a holiday in Namibia:
Safe Drinking Water Bottle - Flip Spout
To purify and filter water instantly for safe drinking more >
