When it comes to your Namibia safari, packing your bag with everything you need is perhaps the biggest brain teaser of all! 

What do you take with you and what do you leave behind? An easy place to start is with your luggage and making sure it's going to be right for the job...

Bags: The ideal bag for travelling in Africa is a soft, lightweight duffel-type bag, especially if you are going to be using small charter-type planes between destinations when luggage weight is going to become an issue. 

With small planes the usual weight allowance is between 12kg and 15kg per person. That's between 26lbs and 33lbs. 

For your Namibian  adventure we will tell you if there are any such restrictions on any of your connecting flights. If you are using standard commercial aircraft, or self-driving, then weight is not such an issue and a normal suitcase or travel bag will be fine. Check with your airline of choice on any limitations that may apply or ask us for advice.

Try and choose hardy, well-made luggage that will withstand the often rough handling that airline ground handlers dish out these days. Ensure that locks conform to airport and airline security requirements and make sure that items like scissors, nail clippers and pen knives are packed in your check-in luggage. 

Check the security requirements for cosmetics and any fluids you require for your journey. Do not pack cameras or anything valuable in your check-in luggage but rather bring valuables in your carry-on baggage. 

Choose a lightweight, back-pack type carry-on bag and check weight restrictions with your airline.

Clothes for your safari: There's an old saying that clothes maketh the man (or woman). Well, when it comes to Africa, clothes maketh the safari! It's important that you select the right clothing to bring with you on your Namibian safari so that you are both comfortable and dressed appropriately. 

The main rule of thumb for safari gear is neutral colours. That generally means any shade of khaki, beige or brown! Try and avoid bright colours and white, which although cool, can make you stand out a little too much when it's important to blend in. 

Long pants are good for walking as they protect your legs. Shorts and cut-off or "cargo" pants are also excellent choices. T-shirts, vests and long-sleeved shirts are also must-brings, as are a sweater and a fleece or wind-breaker. 

Even in summer, early morning and late-night game drives can prove chilly, so pack for all eventualities and you should be fine. Night time in the desert can be bitterly cold, even at the height of summer, so pack something warm or lots of layers. 

Try and get your clothes to co-ordinate with one another to maximise the number of outfits you can put together and minimise your footwear to a good pair of hardy walking shoes, trainers and flip flops or sandals. 

There's really no need for heels in the bush! And don't forget your swimsuit and a hat - one of the absolute essentials on any safari.

When it comes to selecting your clothing think "layers" first, especially if you are travelling to Namibia in the winter months. Select items that can easily be taken off and put on to either cool down or warm up, so that you can easily adjust to the rise and fall in temperatures, particularly when on game drives...

Equipment:  You're going to need a camera! For the non-serious photographer, choose one that is going to give you zoom capabilities in the bush for those up-close-and-personal wildlife portraits and wide angles for the incredible landscapes you're going to witness. 

If you're more serious about your photography, then bring a range of lenses and a monopod or tripod, together with batteries or battery charger and lots of memory cards.

A good pair of binoculars is also desirable. For the bush, something in the region of an 8 x 40 or 10 x 50 focal range should be perfect, especially if you are a keen birder. 

It's always a good idea to bring a range of plug adapters with you - handy travel kits are widely available offering these. The voltage in Namibia is 230V / 50Hz. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong with round pins or 

Where cellphones are concerned, currently there is 98 % network coverage in Namibia.

Namibia has more than adequate satellite coverage for GPS purposes, one can however also save a routing where connection is available, for later use offline in areas which are possibly ‘off the beaten track’.

The currency of Namibia is the Namibia Dollar. This is tied to the South African Rand and 1 ZAR = 1 N$. Both are used freely in Namibia. It is possible to buy South African Rand in the UK prior to departure, but not Namibian Dollars. 

Many hotels and lodges accept payment in US dollars as well as Namibian Dollars and South African Rands. 

Note that petrol must always be paid for in cash (N$ or ZAR), this also applies to park fees and in government lodges. 

However major shops and restaurants accept credit cards. Bank cash machines can be found in most major towns.

Your health: Namibia is considered one of the safest travel destinations in Africa but its always wise to take certain precautions before travelling.

Malaria precautions are essential when traveling to Namibia. There is a risk of Malaria during the year in the north and north-eastern regions but is at its highest during November to June. There is a lower risk in other areas as well as the Skeleton Coast.

Be sure to speak to your doctor about malaria prophylaxis before departing for your trip.

Please check with the latest COVID-19 updates with the Namibian Government in terms of travel to Namibia during the pandemic.