Kaokoland, Namibia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Kaokoland, Namibia? If you're planning to go to Kaokoland, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kaokoland, Namibia

Based on the climate and weather in Kaokoland, Namibia, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kaokoland, Namibia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kaokoland, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kaokoland, Namibia by month

January

January in this region is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. It's important that you choose the right type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

February

If you are traveling to Kaokoland in February, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Check that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

March

March here is warm. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be sure to get the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

May

If you are traveling to Kaokoland in May, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Take care to get the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

Traveling to Kaokoland in June, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. It's important that you get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

July

July here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Take care to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Kaokoland very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

September

September in this region very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Take care to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

Traveling to Kaokoland in October, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Check that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you go to Kaokoland in November, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December for Kaokoland is warm. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Namibia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Kaokoland may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and M. Be sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Kaokoland, Namibia

Kaokoland is a region of staggering natural beauty that is often referred to as the ‘last wild frontier’ of Namibia. Bounded by the Kunene River to the north and the Skeleton Coast to the west, this remote area is a treat for any adventurer seeking an authentic experience. It is inhabited by semi-nomadic Himba people, who still maintain their rich cultural customs, as well as diverse wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Kaokoland, Namibia.

1) Epupa Falls

Epupa Falls is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Northern Namibia. The waterfalls are formed by the Kunene River, which drops over a series of cascades, creating a mesmerizing array of veils and mists. Visitors can also see the traditional villages of the Himba people who inhabit the area, where visitors can learn about their customs and way of life.

2) Marienfluss Valley

Marienfluss Valley is an isolated desert wilderness in the heart of Kaokoland, which offers stunning landscapes of pristine beauty. Travellers can enjoy adventures like tracking desert-adapted elephants, birdwatching or exploring the rugged terrain by 4x4 vehicles, motorcycle or bicycle.

3) Palmwag Concession

At Palmwag Concession, visitors can have an unforgettable experience by tracking and sighting black rhinos, which are among Namibia's most endangered species. This wildlife reserve offers a range of activities such as game viewing, hiking trails, horseback riding, and bird watching.

4) Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast, a 500km long stretch of desolate coastline from Ugab River to the Angolan border, is a land of contrasts, combining the beauty of the desert, the fury of the Atlantic Ocean, and the remains of shipwrecks, which contributed to its moniker, “The Gates to Hell”. The aerial view of the coastline is simply breath-taking.

5) Himba Communities

One of the main things that make Namibia special is the diversity of people that call it home, and the Himba are one of the most fascinating. They live a semi-nomadic life, and visitors can engage with them to discuss their lifestyles, customs, and unique fashion sense.

In conclusion, Kaokoland is a hidden gem that showcases Namibia's diversity for those seeking adventure and the desire to connect with nature and local culture. With spectacular landscapes, wandering wildlife, and cultural experiences, it's no surprise that this “last wild frontier” of Namibia has become increasingly popular with travellers seeking an escape from modern life.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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