You need to think carefully about what you pack, as airlines now charge for extra luggage and chrater flights between lodges will often place strict weight limits on the luggage. The last thing you want to do is overpack and ruin your trip, especially since most of the clothes and accessories we bring are rarely or never even used.
Space will be limited on your international flight, charter flights and even in the safari vehicles. Therefore, the proper safari packing list below will ensure you pack only the necessary and correct items.
We have compiled a long list of items and depending on your specific needs and the type of trip you have booked, some of the items probably will not be neccessaru and you can leave them at home!
This safari packing list is based on my personal experience, and the advice and recommendations from numerous others who have gone on safaris in Africa over the years. This collective wisdom is found in the list below.
Essential Safari Gear
- People often make clothing mistakes when deciding what to pack for a safari.
- A Safari hat has to have five essentials things to be effective.
- We recommend neutral colours for your clothing, such as light brown, khaki,green and tan. Avoiding bright colours is better for game viewing.
- Comfortable shorts and/or pants in nuetral colors (2 or 3 of each)
- Safari shirts should be long sleeved to protected aginst the strong sun and mosquitos and in nuetral colors (three to four should suffice depending on the duration of your trip).
- Swimming outfit - many lodges have wading pools, and it is very refreshing after a long day of game drives.
- Safari jackets make a great addition for your trip.
- Sleeping clothes (i.e. PJ's) that do well in both warm and cool climates.
- Flip-flops or sandals for use around the lodges/pools
- Comfortable walking shoes. If you plan on a walking safari, be prepared for mud and tall grass.
Safari Supplies
Basic first aid supplies should be available from your safari company and or lodge where you are staying, but if you have specific needs, you may want to check with them before packing.
- Insect repellent - products with DEET provide the most effective means of determing mosquitos. If you are going to use a natural repellent, you may want to bring a couple of different varieties in case one doesn't prove effective.
- Sunblock - Essentail if you plan on sunbathing after your sfari drives, and is often a good idea to apply even when on a safari drive.
- Travel alarm clock
- A travel towel doesn't take up much space and is nice to have
- Malaria tablets - consult with your local travel center or physician, as this is an absolute neccisity. Mosquitoes have becomine immunie in certain areas to some older tablets, so choose wisely.
- Unscented body soap/shower gel (scents can attract mosquitos)
- Sunglasses - it should be sunny there and you don't want to miss the animals because of the sun (polarised lenses help)!
- Hand sanitizer or the antibacterial soap that doesn't require water – our bodies are not used to the germs and bacteria in Africa and the last thing you want is to get sick on your vacation.
- Soap/Shampoo/Conditioner - Unlike hotels in the western world, many lodges will not provides soap and shampoo
- Lip balm - grab some with sun protected, like SPF 10
- Wet-naps or toilet paper - bathrooms outside of the lodges may be hard to come by, or lacking toilet paper.
- If you plan on hiking safaris, bring some band aids or moleskin in case of blisters.
- Antibiotics and anti-diarrhoea medicine
- Plastic bags for wet clothes or muddy shoes
- Digital Camera and enough flash memory cards for the thousands of pictures you will take!
- Convertor for electrical equipment
- Travel boardgames or deck of cards for down time
- Books for downtime/pleasure, and you may want to consider a book on the wildlife to help with identification and to learn more (your guides will be a wealth of knowledge too)
- Travel pillow for airplane and long drives.
- Travel alarm clock
- Combination locks for luggage (your gear should be safe, but this gives you some piece of mind)
- Passportand neccessary visas
- Emergency phone numbers
- Travel insurance
- Travel guide book if you plan on venturing off on your own
- Detailed itinerary with phone numbers, email addresses and physical addresses
- Vaccination records
- Copy of your passport kept kept seperately from passport
Documents for your Safari
Hopefully this detailed list will ensure you pack the right gear for your safari. Let us know if you think we missed anything!