Find Out What To Pack For A Desert Namibia Safari

Namib Desert Links:
Desert Namibia | Namib Naukluft National Park & Sossusvlei | Namib Desert and Namibrand | What To Pack For A Desert Namibia Safari | Quick Tips For The Namib Desert & a Desert Namibia Safari |

What To Pack For A Desert Namibia Safari: Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert

When one imagines paradise, deserts tend not to feature at the top of the list. Namibian deserts, however, have a particular pull among African travellers. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world, with distinctive scarlet dunes, gravel landscapes, and picturesque vleis and coastal panoramas. Add the chance of seeing desert wildlife and an incredible sense of remoteness and, for many travellers, this is paradise found.

Desert travel demands a very special kind of wardrobe. For many, a visit to the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei forms part of an itinerary that includes more traditional savannah safaris, the Okavango and Victoria Falls, South African city and bushveld destinations. The key is to pack cleverly with cross-over clothing and accessories that are lightweight and functional. Use our desert Namibia safari packing guidelines to get started and use our comprehensive, intuitive safari packing list tool for a comprehensive checklist.

Dressing For The Desert: A Safari-Goer's Guide
Preparing for changing conditions should guide what you pack for the desert. There is always one certainty in Namibia's deserts, however - and that is the need for sun protection. From sun protective clothing, hats, and the right sunscreen, we're unpacking the best advice on what to put in your suitcase for a desert safari to Namibia.

Shop Safari Clothing >

What To Pack For a Desert Namibia Safari

• Pack Clothing With Built-In Sun Protection: The best way to prevent sunburn is to cover up - and wearing sun protective clothing adds to the protection you enjoy from your clothing. To cover up and stay comfortable at the peak of the sun's heat, pick clothing in lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like SAFARITech or BUGTech™. Design features like long-sleeved shirts with roll-up sleeve tabs and zip-off trousers give you flexible clothing options for changing conditions throughout the day. The built-in UPF50+ sun protection is the highest rating for fabric.


• Pack Sun Protective Accessories: Simple sun protection accessories can make a big difference to prevent sunburn. A wide-brimmed hat protects your face and neck - especially when you're out exploring. Investing in a reliable sunscreen is a sun protection starting point. Apply and re-apply regularly to prevent sunburn. A top accessory is the Mara&Meru™ Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf. With eight ways to wear it, it's going to come in handy on every leg of your travels. The fabric with nanoweave technology also has built-in UPF50+ for extra protection as the day heats up.


• Always Pack a Warm Layer: It is a myth that it is always hot in Africa - or always hot in the desert. The Namib Desert is classified as a cold coastal desert - and the air that blows in from the Atlantic can be biting. In winter, temperatures can plunge to below freezing. No matter what time of year you visit, it is always a good idea to have a warm layer handy for game drives in open game viewers in the early morning or evening - or time next to the campfire as you take in the stars from Africa's Dark Sky Reserves. Our jackets and fleeces are snug and safari-suitable for every element of your African travels. Layering up is key. Mix and match jackets and fleeces with non-technical safari clothing like our Savute and Serengeti ranges for comfort whether you're on a plane or out in the wilderness.


• Weight and Colour Matter: Whether you are planning a charter to a luxury camp or are overlanding, weight matters. Lightweight safari clothing helps you to pack light for luggage restrictions or to reduce the burden of your daypack as you remove layers during the day. Our range of safari clothing offers performance technologies that are a match for African travel conditions and are feather-light and a pleasure to wear in hot temperatures. They are also in safari-friendly colours, so you are assured of being appropriately dressed for every activity.


• Pack For Activities: Whether you are planning to immerse yourself in one of the multi-day hikes on offer in the Namib Desert and Naukluft Mountains or simply have to stroll down to Deadvlei, expect to spend some time on your feet. Comfortable walking shoes are essential - and we recommend a lace-up boot like the lace-up Rufiji APU Combat Boots or, as the name suggests, the Rufiji Veldskoen Desert Boots. Anti-blister socks are the best way to ensure comfortable walking and to reduce the chance of blisters - especially if sand creeps into your shoes and causes friction.


• Don't Let Insects Bug You: While some parts of Namibia have a low risk of malaria, packing for insect protection is your greatest assurance of staying bite-free and removing the annoyance of flying, buzzing bugs. Pack a tried and trusted insect repellent and cover up in BUGTech™ anti-insect clothing.


• Desert Distances Demand Binoculars: Loosely translated, the Namib means wide open spaces. Whether you're spotting a bird among the dunes or watching wildlife, the action isn't always close (thank goodness). High-quality binoculars from top brands remove the frustration of this and ensure you get the best views no matter the distance.


• Flashlights For Dark Nights: Namib Rand is a Dark Sky Reserve, which means the night skies are some of the darkest in the world, with minimal interference from artificial light sources. Of course, you will want to spend time taking in the magnificence of the stars, which makes a torch or flashlight essential to move around safely. We stock the best selection of travel friendly LedLenser Torches.


• The Best Bags For Safari: If you are planning a fly-in safari or to use a charter to get to your camp, be aware of the strict luggage conditions attached to these light aircraft. Packing light is essential to keep luggage weight low, but you also need to use a soft and squashable bag rather than a hard-sided suitcase. Our luggage range includes safari stylish canvas and leather duffels, satchels, backpacks, and daypacks - just what you need for every adventure.

Desert Namibia Safari Packing Guide

The Safari Store is home to the best safari and warm-weather outdoor apparel and accessories. Our safari clothing has been designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and stylish - whether you're exploring the desert, enjoying a river trip, jungle trekking to see gorillas, or sitting on the back of a game-viewer. Shop now for the desert essentials or contact us for more information.

Long-Sleeved Safari Shirts
Feather-light long-sleeved shirts in technical fabrics are a top essential for the desert. Choose shirts with built-in UPF50+ for the highest level of protection - and our BUGTech™ and SAFARITech shirts have plenty of extra features for comfort, cooling, and protection evn in peak desert heat.
Shop now >

Lightweight Technical Safari Trousers
Protect your legs in technical BUGTech™ trousers with built-in UPF50+. Convertibles are best for packing light, giving you shorts and longs in one. The zip-off functionality also means you can adapt your wardrobe to conditions - without change rooms or access to your bags.
Shop now >

Sun Protective Clothing and Accessories
Effective sun protection is essential every day in Africa - especially in the desert. The best way to prevent sunburn is to cover up but, in the desert, only the lightest fabrics will do. Our BUGTech™ and SAFARITech safari clothing have built-in UPF50+ sun protection with design features for versatility through the day - including convertible trousers and roll-up sleeve tabs. Remember to apply sunscreen (and re-apply throughout the day). Add other sun protection accessories like the Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf and sunglasses to maximise protection.
Shop now >

Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat
A safari-styled wide-brimmed hat makes you look the part on adventures - and provides valuable sun protection for the face and neck. If you're looking for a hat style that is fully foldable and packable for day trips, the Adventurer Hat is the best option for compact packing.
Shop now >

Binoculars
Take in the detail of African birds and wildlife with high-quality binoculars. Whether they are far off in the dunes or you simply want to watch them undisturbed and for longer, binoculars are the number one essential for anyone looking to maximise the quality of their experiences in the world's wildest places.
Shop now >

Insect Repellent
Insect repellent is a must for every African traveller. Whether you are visiting a malaria area or not, the best policy is to remain bite-free for total comfort and peace of mind. Our top insect repellent brands have been tested in Africa to repel biting, buzzing insects - and includes DEET-based and natural varieties. Bolster protection by covering up in anti-insect BUGTech™ clothing.
Shop now >

A Warm Layer
Desert conditions can be unexpectedly cold. In winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing. The rule of thumb for dressing for the desert and safari is to layer up. Make sure you pack a fleece or jacket - and tuck away woolen knitwear accessories for added warmth for every activity.
Shop now >

Anti-Blister Socks
Whether you are a keen walker or not, there are plenty of attractions that involve short walks. Blisters make every step painful. Don't let pain taint your memories. Our double-layered blister-free socks combine high-performance yarns and a tactel layer for wicking, breathability, and quick drying - the perfect adventure sock!
Shop now >

Comfortable Boots and Shoes
Make sure a pair of comfortable walking shoes makes it into your suitcase. Walking in the desert is always a sandy affair. High-top, laced boots like the Rufiji™ APU Combat Boots are a good match for all walking conditions. Alternatively, our Rufiji™ Veldskoen Desert Boots are the high-top suede shoes that are made for comfort for long days in the desert. Adding a pair of gaiters can help to reduce the amount of sand you collect along the way
Shop now >

Non-Technical Clothing
While technical clothing is the best for desert travels, add a bit of diversity to your wardrobe with super-comfy non-technical items like the Savute range for men and the Serengeti range for women.
Shop now >

Safari Bags
Whether you are planning a fly-in safari or simply want safari-styled bags for your overland adventure, our canvas and leather duffels, satchels, and daypacks are classics! Designed for lightweight, clever packing, they have loads of space and timeless style that you will enjoy for a lifetime of travels.
Shop now >

Desert Namibia Safari Links:
Desert Namibia | Namib Naukluft National Park & Sossusvlei | Namib Desert and Namibrand | What To Pack For A Desert Namibia Safari | Quick Tips For The Namib Desert & a Desert Namibia Safari | Damaraland: Hobatere to Palmwag | Damaraland: Twyfelfontein Along the Khowarib Schlucht | Damaraland: The Skeleton Coast and Ugab | What To Pack For Damaraland | Damaraland Quick Travel Tips |