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What to pack for your safari

You've waited months for your safari to finally come around…now you have to decide what you should take, what clothes to pack…and how to fit it all in. Here are a few tips:

Clothes and toiletries

Hello! Of course you’re not going to forget clothes – duh! But are you taking the right clothes…and are you within those weight restrictions your travel agent told you about for those light aircraft flights?

Most international airlines will restrict your check-in luggage to around 20 to 30kgs (44 to 66lbs), but if your safari itinerary includes any light aircraft flights then this can mean as little as 12 to 15 kgs (sometimes including your hand luggage!).

Don’t panic! Remember, a same-day laundry service is usually available in most safari camps and lodges. This means you do NOT need a change of clothes for each day you are on safari! The exception will be for mobile tented safaris where it is often difficult, due the mobile nature, to offer a laundry service. It may also be possible to leave a bag with the charter company, or person meeting you, for the duration of the safari portion – ask your travel agent.

Generally speaking, casual, comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year when on safari. Whilst you may elect to start a completely new safari ‘wardrobe’ it is really not necessary to look like an extra on the set of Out of Africa! Apart from selecting reasonably neutral or ‘non-bright’ coloured clothing, safari-wear is generally casual and practical. Be sure you take clothes that you feel comfortable in – especially when it comes to your walking/hiking boots. The newer quick-drying fabrics, shirts with ventilation and trousers that convert into shorts are all worth considering.

Wearing clothes in layers is the most practical way to cope with fluctuating day/night temperatures and cool evenings whilst on safari. As the day warms up you can peel off another layer, then as it begins to cool toward evening, so they can go back on. A T-shirt, shirt or blouse (long sleeves help to protect from the sun and mosquitoes), plus a fleece or warm jacket along with a pair of safari trousers (those that zip off at the knees are very handy too), shoes (or boots) and socks should about complete the ensemble. Don’t forget that shirts with collars are far better for protecting the back of your neck from the sun. Always be careful to ‘cover up’ around the camp fire in the evenings to avoid mosquitoes (trousers and long sleeves).

Ask your travel agent (or get onto the internet) and find out what the weather will be like where you are going – you may not need any serious cold weather gear at all (and that will really help with the luggage limit!). Alternatively, if you are going anywhere in winter where the temperature drops dramatically when the sun goes down you may need gloves, a scarf, a thick jacket and a beanie! I mean it! Places like Hwange, Okavango, Linyanti and even Kruger are freezing in the early morning and late evening during the winter months (June through August), and this is magnified by a significant wind-chill factor once on the back of an open game-drive vehicle. Most camps will provide blankets and/or a warm poncho-style covering - but don’t count on it.

Some suggestions:

 A wide brimmed hat. Yes, a cap is OK, but for proper protection from the sun you need something that will protect the back of your neck too!

 Don't forget a pair of comfortable walking shoes which you have ‘worn in’ before you leave home.

 You might also like to consider a pair of open sports sandals (Tevas or similar) for general daytime use in the warmer months (my choice of footwear – comfortable and cool).

 Take a swimming costume too - a number of lodges and camps have swimming pools.

 Dull and/or neutral colours are more suitable for safari, white and/or bright colours are not practical as they tend to stand out – definitely not advisable on a walking safari.

 Cotton clothing is recommended although the newer synthetic safari clothing lines are quick drying and extremely comfortable.

 Ladies – despite being loathe to offer advice in this area, I should mention that game drives can be VERY bumpy and a good (sports) bra would probably not go amiss!

 Think about packing a bandanna or cotton scarf and a sarong (kanga, pareo, kikoi). They might just be the most useful and versatile items you take on safari.

 Bring an elegantly casual outfit for dinner at the smarter hotels.

 Consider a light, compact raincoat if it is likely you will encounter rain (gorilla and chimp trekking). Fantastic lightweight raincoats are available these days.

 Pith helmets and zebra-striped pyjamas are no longer mandatory!

Camera, video and binoculars

Whilst most people will remember to take their camera and/or video (or will use their mobile phone) not everyone thinks they need to take binoculars! In my opinion, binoculars are ESSENTIAL for optimum wildlife viewing on safari (and a GOOD pair of binoculars will make a BIG difference to your safari). I strongly recommend a pair of binoculars on safari – get the most expensive you can afford, at least 8x or better still 10x magnification*. You WILL thank me.

Africa is a photographer’s dream. Not only does the boundless wildlife come in all shapes and sizes but the continent is also blessed with stunning landscapes, colourful people and fabulous light! Don’t miss out – buy a camera if you don’t already have one.

For more insights on what camera equipment to take on safari, or if you are considering taking a 'drone' (UAV) for aerial photography, please refer to the section below on Digital photography.

* If you wear prescription glasses, look for binoculars that have dioptric compensation (allowing you to set each side independently to match your prescription for left and right eyes) and twist-in eye cups for a more comfortable fit. Size (and weight) should also be a consideration - too heavy a pair of binoculars will come to be somewhat uncomfortable over time (if worn around your neck).

Phone, music, tablet or laptop

Again, I doubt you will leave these behind but don’t forget their respective chargers and the correct adaptor plugs for the countries you are visiting (and perhaps even a double-adaptor if you have multiple devices plus a camera or video which will also require charging).

Passport, itinerary, travel insurance docs and etickets

I know, I know. Not rocket science…but we do need to have these on the list.

Prescription glasses (sunglasses, hat, sunblock et al)

If you wear prescription glasses be sure to pack more than one set (in case you lose one or they get broken). You will be outdoors for much of the time, so be prepared – hat, sunblock, long sleeves, and lip balm.

Prescription meds

Do not forget to put your prescription medications in your hand luggage (in case your check-in bag goes astray – it happens!)…and make sure you have enough of each type to last your entire safari.

Preventative pharmaceuticals

Here I am talking about 'meds' that you might need if the worst happens: diarrhoea, headaches, heartburn, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, bites (antihistamine), indigestion, sore throat (lozenges), eye drops, and most important – anti-malarial tablets.

A ban on ALL plastic bags

Plastic bags are now banned in Rwanda, Kenya and Botswana (including duty free bags) and all visitors to these countries need to be aware of this. I suspect that this prohibition may soon spread to other countries in the region. Please respect these initiatives.

Odds & ends

A good torch (flashlight) is a must - it can be pitch black in the bush or in your tent in the middle of the night. A rechargeable torch is ideal but a small battery-powered torch is sufficient. The new LED miner’s lights that fit on your head (and leaves your hands free) are also a good option. A smaller (pencil) torch for your camera bag or looking at star maps is also worth considering. Most camps will provide a torch, or will walk you back to your tent as required, but being self-sufficient is always a good idea.

A good book. It never hurts to have an interesting book when travelling – you never know when you are going to be delayed at the airport or fall victim to Africa time!

A travel diary or journal is something I do recommend. You will see and experience so much in such a short period of time on safari that the only way to maintain a good record, and the correct chronology, will be to write it down. It does require discipline, but will serve as an invaluable record of your safari adventure.

Finally, don’t forget your sense of humour, patience and some common sense!

A word of warning:

It is not advisable to wear any form of clothing that may be construed as “camouflage”. By this I mean any form of brown/green “combat” style colouring. Even if it is the latest fashion statement - and even if it is only your 12 year old wearing it - and even if it is just a cap. Many African authorities have a disproportionate phobia about such garments and this could conceivably result in you being questioned or harassed by the police. It has the potential to cause you grief – don’t do it.