Rule No. 1
Travel as light as possible, without compromising your safety.
There is nothing worse than having to carry around too much luggage on holiday!
Clothing
- Short & long sleeve shirts – light coloured materials in cotton or linen are ideal.
- Shorts & trousers – long cotton trousers even in summer can protect from the sun & insects in the evenings. Avoid clothes in dark blue colours as this colour attracts tse tse flies.
- Safari hat – wide brimmed hats work best, but a cap is better than nothing.
- Safari jacket – great to have for those early morning or late afternoon game drives when the temperature drops especially if it is wind and waterproof.
- Shoes – be sensible, you will be in the bush, so no high heels. You will need some type of hiking or safari boot, if you plan on any walking safaris.
Safari equipment
- Binoculars – even more important than a camera.
- Camera – for video and/or pictures.
- Mini first-aid kit – though your safari guide and lodge should have them and a first aid certificate.
- Malaria prophylaxis – essential if you are travelling to a malaria area. Consult your GP / travel nurse.
Walking-safari equipment
- Safari boots – either specialized safari boots or hiking boots will do. Walk them in before coming on holiday!
- Compact binoculars – easy to carry with on a bush walk.
- Compact camera – especially if you also have your binoculars.
Accessories
- Small day pack which you should be able to carry on your back
- Money belt – discreet way for keeping your money safe, though a good lodge will have a safe
- Pair of sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- insect repellent
- Flashlight or head torch
- Refillable 1 litre bottle for drinking water – many hotels offer filtered water as a free service
- Adaptor plugs
- African mammals & bird book – if you want to know more about the wildlife around you
Safari Tips!
- Try to avoid wearing dark blue or similar colours in the national parks as this colour attracts Tse Tse flies whose bites can be very painful.
- Wear closed leather shoes or thick canvas shoes when on safari as Tse Tse flies love to bite feet, especially the ankle area – never wear open sandals or shoes.
- For large-busted women, it is advisable to invest in 1/2 good sports bras as the bumpy roads on safari can make for an uncomfortable ride.
- Bring a head torch with! They are always convenient at night time when walking around or, just for reading.
- If you suffer from asthma, bring a scarf/buff or anything similar which can be used on dusty roads as a mouth and nose guard.