Camping with a 4×4 and rooftop tent in Namibia is fantastic, plain and simple. With its many unique campsites, it’s the perfect destination for camping. During the day, you’ll drive many miles through breathtaking landscapes, and in the evenings, you’ll sleep in the most unique spots, right in the heart of the wilderness. Just before you tuck into your tent, you’ll enjoy the clear night sky filled with stars. As soon as the sun rises, the sky paints itself in beautiful shades of red and yellow, and the enjoyment starts all over again. Camping in Namibia requires some preparation, so here are 10 handy tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for camping in Namibia!
#1 Camping at the Most Beautiful Campsites in Namibia
You can find campsites at every destination in Namibia, whether in cities, deep in the desert, or in national parks. There are hundreds of campsites scattered across the country. Many campsites are located in the wilderness, adding an extra adventurous feeling. If you camp in Etosha National Park, you’ll hear lions roaring at night. If you camp in Spitzkoppe, you’ll wake up in an indescribably beautiful natural setting.
Many campsites are fenced, providing safety from large animals. Each camping spot has a braai where you can make a fire for cooking. Some campsites are luxurious with private facilities, a swimming pool, and even a small kitchen. Others are more basic with shared facilities, and not every campsite has electricity. We traveled with Namibia Nomads and camped at many beautiful campsites. They know the best spots and provide the 4×4 with rooftop tent and all necessary camping gear. This way, you hardly need to prepare anything yourself, and you’re assured of having everything you need while staying at the most beautiful campsites.
#2 Bring a Headlamp
A headlamp is indispensable when camping in Namibia. When the sun goes down, you often still need to cook, set up your rooftop tent, or go to the bathroom. It’s handy to have a good lamp for these tasks. A flashlight can work too, but with a headlamp, you have both hands free, which is very convenient.
#3 Level the Car when Setting Up Your Rooftop Tent
When you arrive at the campsite and find a spot, look for the flattest possible area to park your car. It’s very uncomfortable to sleep on an incline in your rooftop tent. Use the level app on your phone to check if the car is level.
#4 Don’t Leave Your Shoes Outside the Car at Night
You’re camping in the African wilderness, where many animals and insects live naturally. If you leave your shoes outside, a scorpion, for example, might crawl into them. It’s wise not to leave closed shoes outside. Also, be careful when walking barefoot in the dark.
#5 Bring a Quick-Drying Towel
Instead of a terry towel, it’s smart to bring a hammam towel or microfiber towel when camping in Namibia. These towels dry quickly, which is handy since you often move on to the next campsite after just one night.
#6 Earplugs and a Sleep Mask Are Essential
Many campsites in Namibia offer plenty of privacy, with neighbors camping tens of meters (feet) away. However, some campsites, such as those in Etosha, have camping spots close together. Therefore, it’s wise to bring earplugs and a sleep mask to increase the chances of a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, it’s often very quiet on the campsite because everyone gets up early for safari.
#7 Prepare Your Own Meals at the Campsite or On the Go
With your 4×4 with rooftop tent from Namibia Nomads, the complete camping equipment is included, including a gas stove, pots, cutlery, cooking utensils, chairs, table, and even a refrigerator. The refrigerator has a battery that charges when the car is running and stays cold for up to 12 hours when the car is stationary. With this equipment, you can easily prepare delicious meals yourself and save a lot of money. Do your big shopping at the supermarket and don’t forget the general cooking necessities like oil, pepper, and salt. The Spar supermarket is a nice – often large – supermarket in Namibia. Especially in the big cities, the stock of this supermarket is comparable to supermarkets at home.
Tip: Prepare dishes that only require one or two pans, like pasta or curry. You can also bring spice mix packets from home for spaghetti, noodles, curry, etc.
#8 Ensure You Can Always Make a Fire
As we mentioned earlier, every campsite has its own braai. Here, you can make a cozy fire and barbecue. Buy wood and firelighters on the first day of your trip so that you can always make a fire. Bring a long lighter from home as this makes lighting a fire much easier, especially in windy conditions.
#9 Bring Warm Clothing for Cold Evenings
Namibia has multiple climates, so it’s not always warm everywhere. In places like Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and even in the desert, it can get quite cold at night. Therefore, pack a thick sweater and long pants. If you’re visiting Namibia during the rainy season, a raincoat is also essential. It often doesn’t rain all day but usually one short heavy shower in the morning or evening. It’s nice to have a raincoat in your bag for those moments.
#10 Be Prepared for Lots of Dust While Camping
During your road trip through Namibia, you’ll travel on many unpaved roads, causing a lot of dust to accumulate in the back of your 4×4. Therefore, be prepared for all items placed in the back to become dusty. Store your backpack or suitcase closed to keep your clothes clean. While driving, you can open a small vent on the side to let as much dust out as possible.
