Pack list recommendations

Essential items for your Safari...

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

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  • 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.