SAFARI PACKING LIST
You Must Bring:
- Valid passport (International arrival)
- Valid visa – if required
- One other picture ID (e.g. driver’s licence)
- Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet
- Air tickets
- Expense money
- Recommended innoculations
- Travel insurance
Packing for Your Safari – Clothing and equipment :
Dressing for Safaris
On safari most people wear shorts and a T-shirt during the day and put on long sleeved shirts and long pants in the evening for warmth as well as protection from mosquitoes. Should you be particularly sensitive to the sun a loose cotton shirt is essential during the day.
White is not a suitable colour for these activities. Firstly it increases your visibility to the animals you are wanting to get a closer look at, and secondly, it will get dirty very quickly.
Neutral colors are best for Safaris – khaki – brown – green
Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives, because it is highly possible that you may go out on a hot day, but be faced with a chilly evening on your return. Some areas have a steep temperature gradient, ie. Very hot days and very cool nights.
Remember that layering your clothing will keep you warmer than relying on one thick item.
Clothing To Pack
- khaki cotton pants and/or jeans
- sturdy shorts
- long sleeved shirts (for sun protection as well as warmth).
- light sweater or sweatshirt
- lightweight, waterproof windbreaker
- 1 or 2 pair sturdy walking or hiking boots or running shoes
- short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
- hat with a brim (baseball caps might cover your nose but not your ears and neck).
The African sun can be very harsh. Sunburn on safari, in the heat, is not fun.
Essentials
- Toilet kit including shampoo and soap, toothpaste
- Insect repellent
- Good quality sunglasses plus protective case
- Handiwipes or ‘Babywipes’,
- Repair kit: needle and thread, nylon cord, rip-stop tape
- Personal first aid kit; see further down this list
Optional
- Binoculars
- Paperback reading and writing material
- Bird and animal checklist/book
- Extra sweater
- Wool or Leather gloves (if you really feel the cold)
- Down vest or jacket (if you really feel the cold)
Definitely Required
- Camera and film or memory card. And batteries.
- Sunscreen or block. Sun can be very strong a #10 or higher screen will be needed for the first few days if you are pale; #4 or 5 may be adequate thereafter. The African sun is harsh most of the year
- Pain medication for mild pain or headache
- Moisturizer, lip balm
- Topical antibiotic for cuts, bites or sores.
- Insect repellent. The principal active ingredient is N, N-Diethyl-Metatoluamide (DEET), an effective repellent will have 75% content or higher. Liquid drops are best for skin application unless your skin is sensitive, sprays may be taken for clothes.
Personal First Aid Supplies List
Bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience and preferences will influence your choices. If you take prescription medicines, bring a supply for the duration of your entire trip.
Suggested items
Cold capsules and/or allergy capsules . Diarrhea prophylactics. Medication for nausea. Eye drops, foot powder, spare glasses or contact lenses, personal drugs, properly labeled, with prescriptive forms.
Feminine protection: may not be readily available for purchase.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required for your trip; be sure to check the expiry date. It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as an additional piece of identification.
YOUR PHOTO-COPIES SHOULD BE STORED IN A DIFFERENT PLACE TO YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
If your passport is in a hotel safe, or in an embassy for visas, or if you were to lose your passport this precaution would prove invaluable.
Visas
Please check with your own Internal Foreign Affairs Department, passport office, or local travel agent as to what visas you require.
Travel Insurance
It is your responsibility to provide for your own travel insurance. It is imperative that you accomplish this prior to your arrival in Africa, since you will be unable to participate in any travelling activities without it.
Photography
Africa is an extrememly photo-opportunistic continent. From panoramic scenery, wildlife and birds to people and vibrant ceremonies. Rich colour and good low lighting conditions abound. Always carry enough film, memory sticks, batteries etc, as it is difficult to get in some remote places. Keep your cameras in a dust resistant, padded case and out of the midday sun.
A 200 mm (or longer) telephoto lens will prove very useful on safari. In most African cultures it is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking them first.
Personal Medical Conditions
Should you have any particular ailments requiring specialised medication, you should ensure that sufficient stocks are carried by you, during your stay.
Speak to your Doctor if you are visiting a malaria area.
If you are carrying prescription medicine, you must carry a copy of the prescription with you.
Have a wonderful safari!
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