Your African safari packing guide starts here
Before your first safari, it’s only natural that you might have questions about your dream African vacation. One of the most common queries we receive is about what to pack when venturing to Africa. The answer in a nutshell is ‘less is more’, but in this safari packing guide blog we’ll dig a little deeper into what you should bring – and what you can leave behind.
Luxury travel is light travel
On a luxury safari, you can expect to find many of the items you would normally have provided in a top city hotel, including shampoo, shower gel, and travel adaptors for charging your devices. While many of the properties we recommend are very stylish, the dress code tends to be a variation of ‘whatever you feel comfortable in’. South African luxury train services are one notable example of where a dress code still applies. However when it comes to the African bush comfortability and light clothing is key when it comes to your safari packing guide.
Safari packing guide check list
Most lodges offer a full laundry service, which means you can bring fewer changes of clothing. This is important, as you’ll often be transferring between lodges by light aircraft, and on these short flights, smaller, soft-sided pieces of luggage are much more practical than large, rigid suitcases. Extra bags can be transported, but often only at the cost of booking an additional seat on the charter flight, or even a larger aircraft.
Loose-fitting clothing in natural fabrics is your best bet for your safari wardrobe – and as always, opt for layers, so that you can add or remove them as the temperatures change during the day. We definitely recommend neutral, earth colors rather than white or bright clothes – these will help you blend in, which is particularly important on guided walking safaris.
Clothes that cover your ankles and wrists will help deter mosquitoes in the evenings, while it’s important to remember that especially in the African winter, it can be very fresh on early morning game drives. So much so, in fact, that gloves, scarves and beanies will not be out of place.
If you do happen to forget anything, many lodges sell branded clothing items in their curio stores. Depending on your itinerary, you may also be able to take advantage of the excellent shopping on offer in cities like Cape Town and Nairobi.
Safari packing guide essentials
Get a hat – and wear it! The same goes for sunglasses, and high-SPF sun cream. No matter where you live, the sun in Africa may well be more intense than you’re used to, and it can be easy to burn.
Safaris with sole
Footwear is another important consideration for your safari packing guide. Flip-flops or thongs are useful in and around the lodge, while hiking shoes or boots are essential for walking safaris. For general wear, trainers or sneakers provide a great blend of comfort and support.
When it comes to accessories, a scarf/shawl or kikoi (sarong) makes for a lightweight, multi-purpose option that will come in handy in many different ways, from deflecting dust to complying with dress codes in more conservative areas.
In the frame
While smartphones can take great pictures, and guides excel at getting you close to wildlife, if you want truly great images, you’ll need a digital camera with a zoom lens. We’d also recommend a good book to read during siesta time, plus a journal to record all your experiences.
If you would like to dive a little deeper than what to pack – have a look at our Essential Travel Information.
For more advice on the ultimate safari packing guide for your African safari, contact the travel experts at Journey Beyond today.