You can definitely leave the kitchen sink at home when travelling to Africa. As much as you might want to bring your Jimmy Choos, rather leave them at home.
And besides, the animals don’t care what you look like either.
Also remember, you are going to be moving from camp to camp, so even if you wear the same dress or pair of shorts for three or four days, no-one is going to notice.
Plus, most of the safari lodges include laundry in their rates. Or, worst case, they will provide the service but will charge for it.
Do you don’t need to bring a lot because you can have your laundry done while you are in camp.
Watch this space – soon there’ll be a great downloadable checklist of items you should be packing into your bag.
Luggage
If you are going on a safari that includes flights in small planes ie. bush planes, each airline has it’s own rules when it comes to your luggage. Find out these restrictions from your booking agent and make sure you get yourself luggage that fits in with these rules.
This includes:
>The type of luggage
>The dimensions
>The maximum weight
Small planes do not accept hard suitcases. You need to buy a duffel-type bag. This is because the bags need to be flexible so they can be ‘squashed’ down if necessary to fit into the pod of the plane, the overhead luggage compartments and also into the game vehicle.
Duffel bags made for safaris are also tough and more durable.
I recommend the following:
What to Pack
Clothing
Obviously, pack according to the season eg: light pjs in summer, thermals in winter. But generally on safari, the days are usually lovely, its just the nights vary a lot, so check which season you are travelling in.
Most suggest packing lists will tell you shirts, pants, shorts etc – honestly, wear what you wear every day, just TRY and keep the colours neutral.
However, my downloadable packing list will specify items for you to check off as you pack.
- Don’t wear white at night on safaris, but you can wear it during the day.
- Don’t wear navy blue or black if going to an area known for tsetse flies, as it attracts them.
- Sports bras for the ladies – some of the game drives can be pretty bumpy.
- Lightweight jacket, even in summer. Something like a K-Way is perfect.
- Sun hat or cap
- Beanie, scarf and even gloves if travelling in winter.
- Pack a Buff or bandana. These are lightweight, can easily be rolled up and are great for dusty areas. They are also good to keep damp and use them for the heat or to help you with air sickness.
- Wear closed shoes if the weather is going to be cold or wet, or if you are doing walking, or using the gym or going running.
I’ve just spent 8 days in Botswana in very high temps and there was no way I was going to wear closed shoes in that heat. I only wore sandals, and the other bonus is that sandal are light and don’t take up a lot of space.
Other Essentials
- Sunglasses (Polarized and UV protected are the best)
- Sun screen
- After Sun
- Lip balm
- Moistuiser
- Binoculars
- Small torch or flashlight
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Personal toiletries
- Bird book if you’re interested in knowing more about birds
- A good book to read. Either paperback or Kindle.
- Backpack for carry on luggage and for taking with you on game drives
Electronic Devices
- Camera (your own personal choice – your phone can work just as well, it depends on how serious a photographer you are
- Mobile phone and charger
- Powerbank
- Spare memory cards
- Spare batteries if your equipment needs them
- International adaptor (although most lodges do have this in the rooms)
‘Paperwork’
Most things are digital anyway, so make sure you either have the paper version, or have saved the following in your phone.
- Passport and take a photo of your passport as well incase you lose it
- Air tickets
- Itinerary and any vouchers you have received or need (not many companies give out vouchers any more)
- Your booking reference number
- The emergency contact number for the destination you are travelling to
- Visas
- Affidavits, unabridged birth certificates and any paperwork you might need if travelling with children under the age of 18 (check with the Consulate of the country you are going to)
- Any medical documents eg: yellow fever certificate if required
So there you have it, fellow wanderers!
Choosing the right luggage can make all the difference in your safari adventures, ensuring you travel in style while keeping your essentials safe and sound.
Now, pack those bags and get ready to explore the wild!
Who knows what incredible sights and experiences await you on the road ahead? Happy travels, and don’t forget to share your safari stories with us!