Namibia
What to pack for Namibia: clothing, plugs and season-by-season list
Pack light, breathable layers for hot days, a warm fleece or jacket for cool evenings and highlands, sturdy closed shoes, sun hat, sunscreen and a Type M/D plug adapter; skip heavy winter gear unless you’ll be in the far north or highlands during June‑September.
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GuideNamibia
Key facts
- Plugs
- Type M and D
- Voltage
- 220–230 V, 50 Hz
- Currency
- Namibian dollar (NAD), 1 : 1 with South African rand
- Climatecheck
- Hot dry in lowlands Apr–Oct, cooler in Jun–Sep especially north‑highlands
Packing overview
Travel light: 7‑10 kg of luggage for a two‑week self‑drive loop. Bring versatile clothing that can be layered, a good pair of walking shoes, and a reliable hat.
Essentials: sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, reusable water bottle, basic first‑aid kit, and a power bank for phones on long drives.
- Clothing: 2‑3 T‑shirts, 1‑2 long‑sleeve shirts, 1 lightweight fleece, 1 insulated jacket (if visiting highlands Jun‑Sep), 2 pairs of trousers (one convertible), 1 pair of shorts.
- Footwear: sturdy closed‑toe hiking shoes, sandals for town use.
- Accessories: wide‑brim hat, sunglasses, scarf or buff, lightweight gloves for early mornings in desert.
Season‑by‑season checklist
Lowland desert (Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund) stays hot (25‑35 °C) Apr‑Oct; evenings drop to 10‑15 °C. Bring a fleece and a warm jacket for night drives.
Northern highlands (Kunene, Epupa Falls) can be 5‑10 °C in Jun‑Sep; a insulated jacket, hat and gloves become necessary.
Coastal towns (Swakopmund, Walvis Bay) have cooler breezes year‑round; a wind‑proof jacket is useful.
| Month range | Day temp | Night temp | Extra gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr–Oct | 25‑35 °C | 10‑15 °C | Fleece, light jacket |
| Nov–Mar | 20‑30 °C | 15‑20 °C | Sun hat, sunscreen |
| Jun–Sep (north) | 15‑25 °C | 5‑10 °C | Insulated jacket, gloves |
Temperatures are averages; altitude can make nights colder.
Practical tips
Use a Type M/D plug adapter for all chargers; many lodges provide 220 V sockets.
Carry a small daypack for water, snacks and a rain jacket on game drives.
If you plan a desert trek, bring a sleeping bag rated to 0 °C and a headlamp.
Questions people ask
What should I know about packing list in Namibia?
Pack light layers for hot days, a fleece and windproof jacket for cold desert nights and the coast, sturdy closed shoes, a wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen and a Type M/D plug adapter. Add an insulated jacket and gloves for the far north in June–September.
How much does it cost?
A Type M/D adapter, sunscreen and basic toiletries run about N$200–300 (roughly US$12–18) bought locally in 2026; buying them at home is usually cheaper. Clothing and gear are personal costs, and rental cars come with a spare tyre and jack.
When should I plan for it?
Pack by season, not by date. April–October lowlands are hot by day (25–35 °C) and cold at night (10–15 °C); November–March is warmer at night but wetter in the north; June–September in Kunene and Epupa can drop to 5–10 °C at night.
Do I need a plug adapter in Namibia?
Yes for most home countries. Namibia uses Type M (large round three-pin) and Type D sockets at 220–230 V, 50 Hz. UK, US, EU and Australian plugs all need an adapter; check your device handles 220 V before plugging in.
What should I pack for a Namibia self-drive?
Two spare litres of water per person per day, a paper map or offline maps, a power bank, a headlamp, a basic first-aid kit and cash in Namibian dollars for fuel stops. Fuel up whenever you can outside towns; distances between stations are long.
Is a rain jacket needed in Namibia?
Rarely, but it earns its space. The rainy season runs roughly November–March, mostly in the north and central plateau, and coastal Swakopmund and Walvis Bay stay cool and breezy year-round, so a windproof layer is more useful than a heavy waterproof.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialNamibia Tourism Board
Ask about Namibia
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