What to Pack for your African Safari

What to Pack for Your African Safari

 

 

This is part of the packing list we give to clients heading to Africa. Since you are going to be outdoors a lot of the time you need to have comfortable clothes that protect you from the elements so you can enjoy the animal viewing

 

Clothing

Natural colors like khaki, olive, grey and light brown are perfect. Bright colors and white will scare away animals since you will stand out in the African landscape, while dark colors like navy, black and brown attract insects.

Also need to look for “performance” fabric that are comfortable, lightweight for packing purposes.

 

Packing List

Casual slacks

Walking shorts

Polo shirts, casual short-sleeve shirts, or blouses

 Long sleeve shirts or blouses

 Comfortable  closed toe walking shoes with traction

 A pair of rubber beach sandals to use as slippers.

 

 Travelling during Africa's winter months of mid-May through early September, bring warmer garments to layer, light weight sweater, hat, gloves, lined jacket — to protect against chilly early morning and evening temperatures.

 

Brimmed hat for sun protection with a chin strap to keep it from blowing off in an open-air vehicle.

 Swimwear/cover-up

 Underwear/socks

 Sports bra for women for bumpy roads

 PJ’s

Resort casual clothes for city and resort dining (if on your itinerary)

 

 

Other Essentials

Sunblock

Prescriptions and medications(in their original bottles and/or packaging). 

Extra glasses/contact lenses

Charging cables for electronics

Small LED flashlight

Binoculars

Inflatable pillow or stadium cushion can make bumpy roads a little easier to take(a must for Uganda)

Insect repellent with high % of DEET

Simple first aid kit

Global travel adapter

Extra batteries for camera

Folding walking stick

Small daypack

Low suds detergent for washing underwear/socks. Laundry service is available at most lodges, camps and hotels, but some do not accept underwear.

 

Also need to note that plastic bags have been banned in Kenya and Tanzania, and Botswana has a law pending also.  This would include your quart Ziploc you use for TSA here in the states. There are reusable bags available in stores for that. Also, if you use tall kitchen bags for dirty clothes, you’ll need to find an alternative.

 

Depending on destination there are luggage restrictions on intra Africa flights, we will advise use per your itinerary the weight and size  restrictions of your checked luggage. Duffle and soft side is luggage is preferred.