What to Bring with you when you going on Safari
When preparing for a safari, it’s helpful to think about comfort, safety, and practicality. Here’s a checklist of essentials to assist your planning:
Summer: mid September|October to May – Winter: June to mid September
1. Clothing and Footwear:
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing – Think beiges, khakis, or greens that blend with the surroundings and don’t attract insects.
- Long sleeves and long pants (cotton + fleece) – Essential for cooler evenings and protection from the sun and insects.
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots – Ideal for those exploring uneven, rocky, or sandy terrain. If you’re a runner, bring trainers.
- Flip-flops/thongs (Australian) or slip-on sandals – Great for hot days and public showers. If camping in the wild, closed shoes are recommended after dark for protection against scorpions and snakes.
- Wide-brimmed hat – Essential for sun protection.
- Thick Winter jacket and fleece – Mornings and evenings can be very chilly, especially on open vehicle game drives. Don’t forget a hoodie|beanie and gloves for added warmth. (down or feather jackets are not recommended for bush hiking – as they rip easily – but they are perfect for cold nights and early game drives.)
- Light Summer jacket or fleece & light rain jacket – Useful during the summer months in case of unexpected showers.
2. Protection from Sun and Bugs:
- Sunscreen: SPF 30+ is ideal. Namibia is hot – so make sure your sunscreen can be used for your face as well and does not burn your eyes. Zink is always a good idea for sensitive lips.
- Sunglasses: Polarized to reduce glare.
- Insect repellent: Preferably with DEET or other effective ingredients, especially for mosquitoes.
[DEET: is a highly effective ingredient found in insect repellents. It helps repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects, reducing the risk of bites and insect-borne diseases.] - ‘Aspivenom’ – A suction device for stings, snake bites, and thorns that have penetrated your hiking shoes.
3. Personal Health and First Aid:
- Always inform agent|guide of any medical condition and allergies.
- Prescription medications – Bring enough for your entire trip and pack them in your carry-on.
First aid kit – Include essentials like band-aids, crepe bandage, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. - Antimalarial medication – Check with a healthcare provider if you’re traveling to a malaria-risk area.
- Anti-diarrheal medication – Helpful in case of stomach issues from unfamiliar food or water.
- Prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Syringe.
- Rehydration salts – Drink at least two liters of water per day, even in winter (mid-May to mid-September).
- Rehydration salts – Drink at least two liters of water per day, even in winter (mid-May to mid-September).
Medication for:
- General pain relief & inflammation.
- Allergies (antihistamines for insects, bees, pollen, dust, etc.).
- Diarrhea, nausea, headaches, heat stroke.
- Stomach cramps & heartburn.
- Constipation.
- Ear & eye infections.
- Nosebleeds – Nasal lubrication ointments help prevent them in dry weather.
- Influenza – Vitamin C & throat inflammation relief.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Burn shield.
Additional Items:
- Thermometer, tweezers, scissors.
- Optional: Wrist guard, ankle guard, neck brace.
Namibia does have well-stocked food stores and pharmacies, but it’s best to come prepared.
4. Gadgets and Gear:
- Headlamp or flashlight: Essential for evenings and early mornings. If you are camping – a spotlight is important for game spotting at a distance. Headlights are more practical because they give you 2 hands free- and because the light is at eyelevel and that means you can pick up eye reflections of animals at night.
- Binoculars: To get a closer view of wildlife, especially the smaller species.
- Camera and extra batteries: Capture memories, but don’t forget to charge.
- Correct adaptors for specific country to charge your gadgets – Namibia and South Africa have the same system (3point – round or 2 point round) some lodges might have usb and usb-c ports, but no garuantees.
5. Documents and Money:
- Passport and copies of important documents: Keep digital and physical backups.
- Check if you need an entry visa for Namibia?
- Cash in local currency: For tips or small purchases.
- Travel insurance info: that will assist you with flight delays – lodge cancellation polocies and medical aid, preferably one covering emergency evacuation.
6. Comfort and Practical Extras:
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is key.
- Small daypack: To carry your essentials on excursions.
- Hiking-sticks and recomemded back-pack with waist belt for avid hikers
- Books or journal: Great for downtime and early am meditaion as Namibia free’s to your soul.
7. Optional, but Handy
- Dry bag or zip-lock bags: To protect electronics from dust and rain.
- Portable power bank: For charging devices on the go.
- Satelaite phone for emergencies, as not all areas in Namibia have cellphone coverage.
- If you hire a vehicle – we recommend a 4×4 that includes 2x spare wheels and at least 2x 20liter water containers. (if you are camping – a fully-kitted-out 4×4 will have all the additional extra’s)
8. Checklist before you travel:
- Visas are required for travellers from most countries. It is therefore advisable to contact your local embassy to find out the exact requirements, well ahead of your travel dates. It is advisable to travel with all relevant documentation, as well as printed photocopies and certified photocopies saved.
- When does your passport expire? | How many pages does your passport have open (needs to be a min. of 6 pages for most immigration check-throughs | What vaccinations does Namibia require you get vaccinated against? | Number of check-in bags your airline allows? | check on all your routes and maps once you arrive in our Capital Windhoek – download a live map | always buy a local sim card for your phone | Confirm your ETA with next destination – so that the lodge or camp is expecting your arrival
Happy Travels & See You Soon
Related Posts
While You Were Sleeping – March 2026
When night falls at Okonjima, a hidden world emerges. Through AfriCat’s extensive camera trap network, While You Were Sleeping reveals rare nocturnal moments that shape conservation research and deepen our understanding of wildlife after dark.
Namibia’s Medicinal Plants: Traditional Knowledge, Conservation and World Wildlife Day 2026
When preparing for a safari, it’s helpful to think about comfort, safety, and practicality. Here’s a checklist of essentials to assist your planning.
While You Were Sleeping – February 2026
When night falls at Okonjima, a hidden world emerges. Through AfriCat’s extensive camera trap network, While You Were Sleeping reveals rare nocturnal moments that shape conservation research and deepen our understanding of wildlife after dark.
While You Were Sleeping – January 2026
When night falls at Okonjima, a hidden world emerges. Through AfriCat’s extensive camera trap network, While You Were Sleeping reveals rare nocturnal moments that shape conservation research and deepen our understanding of wildlife after dark.
Behind the Lens: Photographing Leopard, Brown Hyena and Pangolin at Okonjima, Namibia | Part 1
An in-depth look at ethical wildlife photography at Okonjima Nature Reserve, exploring leopard research, guided encounters, and research-led photographic practices shaped by time, knowledge, and restraint.
From Zambezi Boyhood to Okonjima’s Head Guide: How Curiosity & Passion Forged a Leader
In wildlife conservation, the decision to intervene is never taken lightly. At AfriCat and within the Okonjima Nature Reserve, we operate under the principle that nature should, as far as possible, take its course. However, when an injury fails to heal, causes undue suffering, or poses a significant risk to an animal’s survival, targeted intervention becomes not only justified but essential.