PREPARATION FOR YOUR TRIP

Carry all valuables, essentials such as medications and one change of clothing plus your hunting boots, in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bags are delayed or lost. A money belt or travel pouch that you can wear around your waist under your clothing, and in which you can securely store some cash and important documents, is a good idea.

WHAT TO PACK

Light clothing made from breathable fabric such as cotton, in camouflage colours like greens, browns, khaki and olive, are most recommended for hunting. Think layers – daily temperature changes in Namibia can be extreme, varying by as much as 20°C (35° F) from day to night. In the rainy season we recommend you bring some fast-drying synthetic clothing that maintains its warmth when wet. (We do laundry daily, so bear that in mind when packing.)

Warm clothing is a must in the winter months, between May and September. You’ll need a warm jacket for relaxing around the open fire, and the addition of gloves, a woolly hat and a wind breaker will come in handy when travelling on the back of the hunting vehicle in the early mornings and late afternoons. Pack well fitted and comfortable walking shoes or boots.

While most shots are taken from about 110 yards (100m), they can range from fairly close in thicker bush to up to 250 yards (230m) on open plains, so a good variable scope would be most useful. A shooting stick is also a good idea (you can use one of ours if you don’t have your own).

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

  • Any prescription medications (plus a copy of the prescription in case the medicine gets lost)
  • A copy of your prescription for eye glasses or contact lenses (in case of loss or breakage of the originals)
  • A Copy of your passport and visa for trophy permit needs or in case you lose documents
  • A copy of your personal contact details and itinerary, packed in your checked bags, in case your luggage goes missing and your tags get torn off or otherwise removed in transit.
  • A short printed or written list of emergency contact phone numbers (don’t rely on the information contained in your cellphone!)

When leaving Namibia, make sure your luggage isn’t overweight (check with your airline what its upper limit is). The rules are strictly enforced and the excess baggage fees are high.

CHECKLISTS

HUNTING GEAR

  • Rifle
  • Scope
  • Sling
  • Range finder
  • Ammunition
  • Ammunition pouch or belt
  • Pocket knife or Leatherman tool
  • Binoculars
  • Shooting stick
  • Rifle cleaning kit
  • Small bag or backpack

CLOTHING

  • Sturdy, comfortable long pants (such as cargo pants)
  • Shorts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Wind-breaker/rain jacket
  • Well-broken-in hunting boots
  • Socks
  • Extra laces
  • Trail shoes
  • Casual shoes or sandals for in camp and travelling
  • Belt
  • Gaiters
  • Casual clothing for in camp and travelling
  • Underwear
  • Sleepwear
  • Swimwear

TOILETRIES

  • This is all up to you

IN WINTER

  • Warm jacket or heavyweight fleece
  • Warm wool sweater(s) or midweight fleece
  • Long underwear
  • Woolly hat, gloves and scarf

IN SUMMER

  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Bandana/scarf
  • High-SPF sunscreen

OTHER ESSENTIALS

  • Binoculars (minimum 8×30)
  • Camera (plus charger/batteries)
  • Electric converters/plug adaptors
  • Torch
  • Sunglasses, sunhat and sun-protection lotion (minimum SPF30)
  • Lip balm with a high SPF
  • Insect repellant
  • Ziplock bags
  • Earplugs
  • Small first-aid kit containing analgesics, antihistamines, antiseptic ointment and plasters, plus emergency medication for those with serious allergies (eg to bee stings)