Packing to go on Safari in Africa is not difficult, assuming you follow a few basic rules.
- Most Safaris require you to travel on at least one smaller aeroplane, such as a Cessna Caravan. Almost all light planes need to limit their baggage, therefore usually it is a requirement that you travel with no more than 15kg per person and that it is a soft bag such as a soft duffle.
- Tse Tse flies are attracted to dark blue and black, and animals are startled by brighter colours, therefore it is best to pack muted colours such as Khaki, grey, cream or brown.
- Almost all safari lodges will launder your clothes each night and this is often included in the price of the accommodation, therefore you don’t need many outfits as often you find your previous days outfit pressed and fresh in the wardrobe in record time. It goes without saying, dry cleaning is non-existent, so it is best to travel with washable cottons and linens.
- Depending on the time of year you travel and the location in Africa, the temperatures may vary widely. For example, I was recently in Tanzania in January. The day time temperatures were about 28-30 degrees Celsius, however the early morning game drive was quite chilly and I preferred long pants and a light jumper, at least until the sun was up. The evenings were also cool.
- Long sleeves can be beneficial as they protect you from sunburn and from insect bites while driving.
- A hat and/or a cap is essential for protection from the strong African sun. Caps are a little easier to pack and definitely easier to keep on while driving. Sunscreen is also required.
- Most lodges provide insect repellent, however I would still advise that you pack a very good quality repellent and take it. These are often found at a Travel Doctor.
- Taking basic medications is also a sensible idea. You will need to visit A Travel Doctor to discuss your exact itinerary and will then be advised as to what vaccinations you require and/or what tablets you should also take. Remember to visit the Travel Doctor at least 6 weeks prior to your departure. A vaccination booklet will be given to you and should be packed with your passport as many countries don’t allow you to enter without proof that you have been vaccinated. I would also suggest discussing Anti-malaria tablets with your travel specialist and any other medicines such as anti-diarrhoea or antibiotics, as they suggest. Often specialist Travel Doctors sell basic medical kits to take away with you.
- Depending on the season and time of year you are on Safari, most days you will require a morning safari outfit, clothes to relax or swim in during the day, an afternoon game drive outfit (the same one will generally suffice), and something to wear to dinner.
Safari Packing List
Please refer below to my perfect Safari Packing List ; (Summer in Tanzania)
Game Drive (am) – Khaki cotton cargo pants, brown sandals, brown belt, long sleeved white linen blouse, cotton sweater (muted colour), cap or hat
Game drive (pm) – Khaki cotton cargo shorts, white linen sleeveless blouse, brown belt, sandals, cap or hat, light sweater for the drive home.
Cargo pants – 1-2 pairs
Shorts – 1-2 pairs of cargo shorts / denim shorts
Shirts – extra linen shirts (1-2) plus 1-2 T-shirts (white, cream , grey or Khaki)
Sneakers and/or training clothing, as many lodges provide Gymnasiums
Swimmers and/or a beach throw, a hat and/or a cap
PJ’s, underwear, belt, a small clutch for dinners
1-2 suitable dinner outfits (eg. Cream linen trousers, black silk top, light jacket, sandals, and maybe a light scarf)
Itinerary, passport, Vaccination booklet, phone, wallet, cash in US dollars as you may need to pay for a Visa on entry to a country, phone charger, and a great book on Africa!!
Sunscreen, medications, toiletries, make up, Malaria medication
Camera, camera bag, lenses, lap top or iPad, chargers and power point adaptors
What you pack depends on the time of year you are travelling, the season, the quality of the lodge and/or campsite you are staying in, and of course your personal preference. Most of all, pack what feels light and comfortable. And if all else fails load ‘Out of Africa’ on Netflix and channel the divine style of the aristocratic Karen Blixen played by Meryl Streep…….
“I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills….”
