What to pack for an African safari??

 

(1)Your Luggage:

Your luggage is limited to one backpack and one daypack weighing no more than 25kg.  As a general rule, if you cannot lift your own luggage, you’ve got too much stuff!  Most people make the mistake of bringing too many clothes on Safari, less is more in this instance.

Please keep in mind that the Safari vehicle’s main storage or cargo compartment, make sure the  luggage should not include any Samsonite style suitcases.  As the wheelie / trolley bags have a solid frame, they don’t squeeze into spaces the same way a backpack or a duffel bag does, our vehicle boots are not that big.  If the frame does not fit in the van boot, there aren’t many other places to put your bag and it will inconvenience everyone else on safari.  Also, by day two, the mud and stones will get into the little wheels on your wheelie bag and the novelty will be over and you’ll be carrying your suitcase from A to B.  They aren’t as comfortable to carry as a duffel bag and as you think you don’t have to carry it, you end up packing a lot more than you normally would.

A compact & flexible duffel bag is perfect for stashing into the boot(Recommended).

Example of a Duffel bag (Recommended)

NOTE: Wheelie leather or plastic Hard shell are not recommended on an African safari.

As the wheelie / trolley leather and hard plastic suitcase have a solid frame are not a good idea to bring this kind of wheelie hard shell suite case on a safari. They don’t squeeze into spaces the same way a backpack or a duffel bag does, wheelie suitcase is not a good idea

suitcase is not a good idea
Leather wheelie suitcase is not a good idea

(2)Waist money belt bags

A money belt is an excellent way to carry your important travel documents, cash and cards.

Waist money belt bag (recommended)

(3)Duffle bag combination padlock:

Buy a small combination lock to put on your locker – this way there will be no keys that may get lost.

good example of a combination lock for your duffle bag

(3)Water proof Day Pack:

Day Packs On safari you will generally need to take along a smaller day pack for excursions.  For example, on gorilla, chimpanzee tracking, hikes trekking you will need a smaller bag, big enough to bring basic equipment like camera, water, insect repellants and others.

 

(4)You should pack the following:

Kit for all weather conditions including:

Your clothing should be easy to wash and dry and should preferably not need ironing.  Avoid synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather.  Many people underestimate how cold Africa can be – remember your jersey/jacket!  There are also nights that are warm but you must still wear clothes that cover arms and legs from mosquitoes, or there are days that are warm but nights that are freezing so plan carefully.  Take a set of casual but smart clothes for the occasional evening out in a restaurant or club.  If you wear glasses (or contacts) it is also advisable to bring a spare pair along.

(5)CHECK LIST:

  • Wet Wipes
  • Personal toiletries
  • Torch & enough spare batteries (head torch is best)
  • Camera & spare batteries and memory cards
  • Insect and Mosquito repellent
  • Suntan lotion, sun block & after sun lotion
  • Sunglasses
  • Passport (plus 3 color photo copies of your passport & visas)
  • Vaccination certificate( yellow fever, covid19, )
  • Money
  • Zip lock Plastic bags 
  • A small padlock for your luggage
  • Small basic First Aid kit (painkillers, band aids, after-sun lotion, eye drops
  • 2/3 shorts/skirts
  • 1 jacket/anorak
  • Tracksuit/pullover
  • 2 long pants or jeans
  • Open walking shoes/hiking boots/
  • 1 pair of sandals
  •  4 T-shirts/short sleeve shirts or sundresses
  • 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
  •  one Sun Hat
  •  one Raincoat
  • one pair of” Gordini Promo Gauntlet Gore gloves”