What to bring on your hunting trip to Namibia: packing list

Be sure to bring shoes that are comfortable and broken in, because you will be stalking long distances. The sole should also protect you from the so-called “dubbeltjies” (pronounced: dibbelkies).
Dubbeltjies are seed buds from the “morning star” plant that are all over the ground. They can pierce through the soles of inappropriate footwear, making for a painful tread.

The terrain is very dry in Namibia. Your footwear will be critical to whether or not you are heard by the animal and the hunt is successful.

For decades, light, comfortable leather shoes that rise to the ankle have proven their worth. They have a sturdy sole, which provides a quiet tread and through which no “Dubbeltjies” can sting. These are the so-called “vellies” (field shoes). They are not only our recommendation, but are also worn by every farmer and safari guide in Namibia and South Africa, as they are ideally suited to the terrain of southern Africa.

The country is very dry, most of the rain falls in the summer months. Therefore, it is important to pack clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable during the day. If you go hunting during the dry season from April to October, you can expect temperatures of 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to about 5 degrees Celsius at night. If you go hunting during the rainy season from November to March, be prepared for higher temperatures of 25-30 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to about 10 degrees Celsius at night. However, temperatures are highly dependent on the region where you are hunting.

In the bush you will need clothes that do not stand out. Brown, beige & green tones are ideal. Clothing should be loose fitting and breathable – e.g. made of light fabrics like cotton or linen. Some warm layers are also recommended, especially if you hunt in the early morning or late evening.

Clothing must be allowed to rip! Thorn bushes are everywhere in Namibia, so clothing should be sturdy.

Engelbert&Strauß work pants with a high cotton content have proven particularly effective.

Short (leather) gaiters are also highly recommended – Velcro grass & grass seed will otherwise stick to your socks. This itches terribly, because they can not be removed again from the socks. Therefore: gaiters made of leather, because nothing can stick to leather.

From experience, we can only advise you to wear a hat with a brim. The back of your neck will burn in a flash in the African sun – and that can be a painful affair.

Absolutely. It can get very cold in the mornings and evenings, especially with a cold wind when you sit in the back of the open SUV.

It is often underestimated how strong the sun really is in Namibia. Especially in the first days many hunters burn themselves. Because of the wind they do not notice how strong the burns are. No matter how well your skin normally copes with the sun – we recommend in any case – especially in the first days on the neck and face – always apply sunscreen, at least with an SPF 50. We recommend to bring the sunscreen from your country of origin, because it is often more expensive in Namibia. ist.

Here we recommend to rather get the insect repellent in Namibia, such as “Tabard” or “Peaceful Sleep”. It works effectively against the “Namibian mosquitoes” ;-). Usually the hunting farms always have something on site or in the room.

To protect yourself additionally, you can wear long clothes, especially in the evening hours. By the way: there is not malaria everywhere in Namibia. Some parts of the country are considered malaria-free, others have a low risk. We have indicated on our pages on which farms there is a risk.

This is a real insider tip: The air in Namibia is so dry in some months that we have often seen someone get a nosebleed. A greasy cream, such as Bepanthen Eye & Nose Ointment, prevents a dry nose.

Hands also become chapped after just a few days. It’s best to bring a greasy cream that is quickly absorbed and intensively moisturizes your skin.

The climate in Namibia is so dry in some months – especially in the winter months – that your lips can quickly become chapped, so we recommend a lip balm.

Already experienced too often to let it go unmentioned: The more artificial and unnatural your body odor is, the higher the probability that animals will notice you. Ideally, avoid perfume and intensely scented after shave or deodorant. Meanwhile, there are great alternatives, e.g. perfume-free hygiene products.