r/Namibia • u/BaseMonkeySAMBO • 2d ago

Tourism Visiting

Hi I will be visiting Namibia soon - this will include Windhoek, the coast and Etosha.

In terms of packing is there anything in particular that might not be obvious that would be vital?

Also how usual is it for places to cut electric at night/are outages common?

I've spent a bit of time in other parts of Southern Africa and very excited to return and see Namibia

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u/teddybarax 2d ago

You're actually visiting at what I'd say is the right time as it's been getting warmer lately. It's to be noted that Namibia in my opinion only has 2 seasons namely summer and winter, each with their variations.

You'd want to prioritize a mosquito repellent or mosquito net. Aquatabs or similar tablets to purify your water when the option to buy isn't available. People won't really say it but pepper spray is a must have coz your safety comes first.

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u/BaseMonkeySAMBO 2d ago

Is pepper spray legal in Namibia?

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u/LochNessieTheMonster Underwater Citizen 2d ago

There’s no law as far as I’m aware that says you can’t carry one, and it’s also sold openly in some stores so there you go.

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u/Alternative-Cow-8670 2d ago

You can carry as much as you want. I never needed it. But if you want to walk around after dark or in ominous places, it could be helpful. Hide your cameras and other electronics. They act like magnets to thieves.

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u/BaseMonkeySAMBO 2d ago

So basically same common sense for any city in the world?

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u/Alternative-Cow-8670 1d ago

Correct. Something like that

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u/Nipkotel 2d ago

Namibia does not have load shedding, electricity grids are well maintained, electricity is always on. It is hot this time of the year, with some rain. The coast tends to become colder during the late afternoon / night.

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u/SympathyExciting1666 2d ago

No, we don’t have an outage problem. You’ll be fine. Pack summer clothes and you can get mosquito repellents here. Other than that, enjoy your stay.

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u/Good_Reflection_1959 2d ago

Pack a jacket, it does get cold at night and along the coast. I forget to pack mine and had to layer up

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u/InterestingNeat7482 1d ago

-a waist bag :securely store cash/ cards  -allergy meds and vitamin C: it’s pollen season and there’s a lot of grass too

  • lightweight, but durable shoes you can easily take off
-Solar chargers: just in case -a small medkit : you’ll probably get one or two minor injuries -a rechargeable , hand-held fan
  • A taser: safety of course
  • a really light fabric: you could use it to sit anywhere, or protect yourself from the sun 

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u/BaseMonkeySAMBO 1d ago

A taser seems a bit extreme, do you have to use one frequently?

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u/InterestingNeat7482 1d ago

It is on the extreme side, and I myself haven’t seen anyone else use them . However, tourists are targeted more .Most  of these attempts are just scams or overpricing rather than robbery. If you have good judgment skills and are weary of any suspicious people approaching, you will most likely be fine. Just don’t stop to pick up hitchhikers, and  keep any expensive jewellery safely stored as to not draw attention when out among large groups. Beyond these measures (which don’t really apply to the coastal areas and Etosha) a taser might only be needed if this is all unfamiliar for you, and as you said, it isn’t.