Do you have any upcoming plans to travel on a magnificent African safari? Going for a full-on safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is nothing short of amazing to have access to such beautiful, unspoiled nature, and going on a vacation will be astonishing. What you will experience differs from a usual vacation, so you need a packing checklist. Stay calm, we, Africa incoming, are here to help you with things to pack for your African safari. Following are the essentials and optional things you should carry on your next African safari. Travelers frequently choose Africa; well-known safari locations include the Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg National park, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Mabula Private Game Reserve, Tsitsikamma National Park, and world-class reserves in the Eastern Cape. East African nations Tanzania and Kenya are renowned worldwide for their safari experiences and access to wildlife. You will find general and specific packing tips here. Read our complete safari packing list for African safaris on a budget below.
General tip: Before we dive into depths about the essentials and packing tips, please keep in mind that African domestic flights tightly enforce baggage weight restrictions and only allow soft-exterior bags. Be sure you are within the limit when flying to a national park.
What to pack for a Safari in Africa
Here is your Essential Safari kit list:-
Binoculars
Binoculars can be very helpful for your game viewing. Although you can only sometimes approach every animal, you see up close, owning a binocular can ease the job. Binoculars allow you to “zoom in” and increase the level of detail you can see. Although some game rangers might have extra pairs for visitors, bringing your own pair is always a good idea. Therefore, you can take up-close views of elusive animals and birds in their natural settings.
Insect repellent
Wearing insect repellent on safari and while exploring Southern Africa will benefit you. While Africa may not experience the same mosquito or malaria problems as the rest of Africa, this insect repellent works on more than just mosquitoes. On a safari, there are so many flies, some of which can sting. Insect repellent will work in these situations as prevention. Using bug sprays is an excellent idea if you are outside around sunset! Travel-sized insect repellant is available online. Take care to confirm while purchasing whether it contains DEET( N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide).
Glasses and Sunglasses
Your eyes may be harmed by the solid and bright sun. Moreover, here comes your life savior, SUNGLASSES. Consider using prescription sunglasses if you require eyewear and sunglasses. Take anything you require to maintain your focus and safeguard your eye. The most important factor to consider when choosing a pair of sunglasses is the level of UV protection.
Sunscreen
Be sure you take into account the strength of the African sun! During your safari adventure, you must pack sun protection items like sunscreen, a cap, and lip balm. Protecting your skin from sunburn can be a primary responsibility during your safari. Make sure you choose something with more than 40 SPF.
Photography gear
During safari game drives, cameras are usually quickly shot anytime exciting game encounters happen. A zoom lens is an essential item you need to shoot fantastic images on safari. For capturing games, the standard lens will not work in all cases; you need a lens that can zoom up to 300mm and can function correctly. Bring your camera or phone and any extra lenses, batteries, or memory cards you require to take pictures.
Water bottle and snacks
Different safari options include morning, evening, half-day, and full-day. You can have your snacks before going on a drive. Carrying some in hand may be an advantage. If you choose a private game drive, they will take care of the water but save something like yours. Also, try to avoid plastic materials; you can take a steel water bottle instead of plastic. Snacks like biscuits and cakes are recommended.
Tip – Before taking anything, please consult with your game reserve and make sure they allow snacks.
Day bag
It is a must-have in your safari packing kit. You will need a small day bag for the safari if you bring camera equipment. This bag may contain extra lenses, batteries, and other accessories. You do not have to worry about the weight or difficulty of carrying a bag; since you will be inside a vehicle the whole time, you are good to go.
Tip – Keep your hand luggage to just one item, if only because carrying more than one thing makes traveling more challenging.
Bring a book
There is a high chance that you will get some free time during the safari. You can effectively utilize the time to collect information about the place you are visiting. Given below are some of the suggestions you could use.
- Memoirs About Africa and its Wildlife – Karen Blixen
- Gorillas in the Mist – Dian Fossey
- Cry of the Kalahari: Seven Years in Africa’s Last Great Wilderness – Mark and Delia Owens
- Green Hills of Africa – Ernest Hemingway
Waterproof bags and Rain Jackets
No matter where you go, taking a raincoat is a good idea. Summer is typically the rainiest time of year in places like the Kruger National Park. Even while traveling during the dry season, preparing is wise. Also, a waterproof bag will help with the dust.
Medical kit
Remember to include your prescription medicines in your checklist. Since you are going to a new country, you are still determining what things you might be allergic to there. Prepare yourself with antihistamines. It is good to carry Painkillers, allergy medication, bandages, and anything else you might need. Following is a list of precautions you can take in your medical kit other than first aid.
- Headache tablets
- Anti-diarrhoeal
- Antihistamine tablets and cream
- Antiseptic cream
- Tweezers
- For traveler’s diarrhea, an antibiotic
- Sunscreen
- Burn shield
- Alcohol swabs
- Gauze pads
- If you have a serious allergy, use an Epipen
- Anti-nausea tablets
- Rehydration sachets
- Rubber gloves
- Plasters, bandage and blister pads
- Insect repellent
- Iodine tablets to treat water
Adapter
African adapters differ from other adapters in different parts of the world. Kinds C, D, M, and N of plugs are the corresponding plug types for Africa. Three round pins are arranged in a triangle on plug type D, whereas plug types M and N each have three round pins. Plug type C has two round pins.
Important documents
Wherever you go in Africa, ensure you carry all your essential documents, such as passport, Itinerary, travel insurance, medical forms, and emergency contact information. Make sure you have copies of these documents with you.
What not to pack for an African Safari
When you are on a safari in Africa, there are certain things you can avoid while packing. This can help you to save space and extra weightage. Avoid taking the following items on your safari in Africa:
- Disposable plastic: Many nations have banned it, particularly in East Africa. Also, remember you are going back to nature. Avoid carrying anything that can hurt mother nature.
- Single-use water bottles: Please don’t use plastic water bottles; try to carry Steel or glass water bottles which you can reuse throughout the trip. For reusing water bottles, most safari vans and hotels feature water dispensers. Get a large 5- or 10-liter water jug, and fill it up.
- Airlines banning – Airlines forbid wearing excessive jewelry and pricey accessories; verify your airline’s restrictions. There is also a restriction for specific seeds, plants, certain foods, etc.
- Most camps forbid the use of drones.
- In many camps, electricity is not available for hair dryers.
- On walking safaris, in particular, avoid wearing perfume and sprays with strong odors.
Safari Packing Tips
- Pick a neck-protecting peak or one of those classic safari hats that go well with khaki shorts.
- Packaging insect repellents are advised with malaria medication, especially in places with a high risk of malaria.
- Headlamps are the best because they leave both hands free for other tasks. Moreover, headlamps with red lights can observe nocturnal animals without scaring them off.
- You’ll be well-equipped for an African safari with athletic apparel and outdoor gear. Consider terms like durable, breathable, and comfortable.
- Dress respectfully and remember that certain cultures are more conservative than others.
- Put your electronics and toiletries in wet bags to keep them dry.
- Keep your camera with you or in your daypack.
- For safari travel, soft bags are advised. Choose a durable, dependable, lightweight duffel bag that is lockable. Even soft bags with wheels and handles are available. Just make sure your bag can be adequately locked with robust locks.
- Check when booking your safari to see if towels, sleeping bags, and basic toiletries are included in the tour.
- Never put your valuables in your main bag, which is kept in the plane’s overhead bin, as this can cause your bag to go missing.
- A little journal to keep track of your trip adventures and write the names of any animals or birds you see while on a game drive.
- Headphones help you listen to audiobooks, watch a soundtrack while driving, or drift off to sleep.
- Leave some extra goods from the safari packing list at home if your suitcase is overstuffed.
- Remember that Africa has shops and that many safari lodges have tiny libraries that you can use.
Useful things to pack for a Safari
Listed below are some more useful things, that have the potential to be your lifesaver!
- You’ll have plenty of fun opportunities to use your pocket knife and experience what it’s like to be a true outdoor survivor.
- Wet bags are so helpful that you’ll always come up with new uses.
- A fantastic method to waterproof stuff, keep food fresh and shield the environment and wildlife from your munchies.
- A multipurpose ointment for small bites, scratches, and burns is antiseptic cream (like Zam-buk).
- Lip ice is excellent for preventing and healing chapped lips because it is often hot and dry outside.
- Applications and guides to the local flora and fauna provide insight into and helpful knowledge of the wild animals you may encounter in Africa.
What to wear on safari
Comfortable walking shoes
If you choose a walking safari or bush walk, you must walk for hours straight. You should select very comfortable walking shoes. Hiking boots might be helpful for you in this situation. You should wear comfortable walking shoes when exploring your lodge or hotel and taking quick walks. Bring some casual sandals to the lodge or hotel pool between wildlife drives. Breathable socks and some extras are crucial.
Long Sleeves and Full pants
Try to wear something casual; it will be easy to pack and wash. Wearing long sleeves and pants keeps your skin covered and protects you from sunburns, insect bites, and wind. Although many African areas might get hot, remember that some can also get extremely cold. This is particularly true of many inland locations when you go on a safari early in the morning or late at night. Long pants are beneficial if you’re going on a walking safari or a game drive, where you may occasionally be allowed to exit the car. This is so they can prevent your legs from getting bit or scraped. One important thing you should practice for a safari is Layering your clothes. The best colors for game viewing are neutral hues like green, khaki, beige, light browns, and impartial checks. Also, avoid dark blue and black colors that may attract tsetse flies to you.
Tip – Be prepared to wear clothes according to the weather. South Africa is one of the countries with unpredictable weather and also try not to overpack.
Sports bras
The safari trail’s surface could be smoother than you think; there is a high chance that you need a sports bra instead of a normal one. Avoid wearing items that will make you warmer than required, such as not breathable bras or clothing you are concerned will be challenging to remove sweat from. Try to wear comfortable clothes along with supporting bras.
A hat
A wide-brimmed hat is the best way to keep the sun away from you. Even if it is a morning or evening safari, sun rays will affect you heavily. Although most safari guides wear baseball hats, you can wear a sun hat or a hat in the Panama style.
Swimsuit
There will be plenty of chances to get in the water in Africa, so bring suitable swimwear. From beautiful beaches to blue lagoons to hotel pools, taking a dip is the perfect way to cool down when the heat gets too much. The safari lodge you choose will have a pool! Pack a swimsuit for that break in the middle of the day.
What to wear for protection from the cold on safari
Since animals like to move around and hunt during the more excellent portions of the day, game drives frequently take place early in the morning and around sunset. You should dress as follows for morning and evening game drives:
- Lengthy trousers
- A thick fleece
- Closed-toe shoes and socks.
The cold can be an even bigger problem if you’re going on a rare nighttime safari. The safari vehicles also have blankets. It’s better to carry a light jacket too.
What to wear for protection from heat
The sun can be mighty because many African safaris occur in scorching climates. To prevent sunburn, you must wear protective clothing. Wear a loose-fitting top with long sleeves and a hat with a wide brim to protect your face and neck. Even if you’re going on a midday safari drive, still advise wearing closed-toe shoes. Bring plenty of water to fight the heat and protect your skin, especially in humid areas where one sweats a lot. Remember that you need sunscreen that shields you from UVA and UVB rays. During an African safari, sunglasses are also a great advantage.
What to wear for protection from insects
The fact that they shield you from insect bites is one of the main justifications for suggesting long-sleeved clothing, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes. There are several malaria-prone safari destinations in Africa. Hence, avoiding mosquito bites is crucial. The tsetse fly is another insect you should avoid getting bitten by because it spreads the bacterial infection that results in sleeping sickness. Blue attracts them, so stay away from wearing it when on safari. While on a safari, there are three main strategies to prevent getting bitten by insects:
- Wearing closed clothes
- Applying insect repellant (lotion or spray on)
- Taking malaria prevention medicine
What NOT to wear on safari
It is equally important to note down what not to wear or carry as what to pack. You can avoid certain things while traveling to Africa for a safari.
Fancy dresses: While on a safari or general, you will be climbing, hiking, and walking kilometers. It is essential to ensure that your fancy dress stays within the bounds of being adventurous.
Bright colors: One of the first things your African safari guides will mention is that bright colors attract animals. Also, try not to wear colors like black and blue because these will attract insects too. It would help to pack plenty of neutral-colored t-shirts and shorts for your African safari to blend in with the surroundings. This is optional if you are in a closed vehicle, but we recommend it for open-vehicle safaris.
Camouflage patterns: In some countries of Africa, civilians are not advised to wear military clothes. So, please avoid these and stick with your natural casuals.
Nice to have on safari in Africa
Following are some items you can bring with you on your African safari. These are optional items to pack; try to carry these only if you have enough space.
- To pass the time on the road, while waiting for transfers, and while unwinding on your safari, bring a good book, an iPod, an iPad, or some games.
- Lightweight travel hammock—especially for beach excursions and bush safaris where you’ll want to unwind in the natural surroundings.
- A digital camcorder is a compact, handheld video recorder to make YouTube videos and personal films that document your travels.
- You won’t get lost with African Budget Safaris. Still, a GPS gadget or app on your phone helps locate nearby attractions and eateries and track your travels around Africa.
Safari packing list gifts and donations
If you are someone who wishes to donate, here are some ideas, though, if you’d like to give tangible presents and donations to individuals and locations on your safari.
- Notebooks, pens, pencils, and colored pencils
- Small trinkets or mementos specific to your country of origin
- Extra footwear or clothing
- Toiletries (soap, toothbrushes, and sanitary pads)
Do we need malaria pills to visit Africa?
Malaria is a communicable illness brought on by a parasite that is spread by infected mosquitoes. That resulted in a sickness that frequently has headaches and fever. Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas, including many African countries. Even the official website of Kruger national park notifies about the importance of malaria. Most safari areas are malarial, and taking preventative pills is highly recommended. Before taking, it is advisable to contact your game reserve or travel agent. Also, consider going to a doctor before taking pills; different people react to malaria prevention pills differently.
We wish you a happy and safe journey!