African Safari Essentials Packing List

Safaris are not your typical relaxing vacation.

You’ll come in close contact with the unforgiving African wilderness and, even from the safety and comfort of a 4x4 vehicle, you can be sure it will leave its mark on you if you’re not careful. 

Because of this there are a few essentials it is important you pack, so that you can properly enjoy this amazing adventure! 

#1 - The right clothing!

Depending on the country and season, Africa can be freezing cold or blistering hot. Always take a look at the forecast to have an idea of the weather conditions during your stay. 

• Pack some thermal undies and shirts, especially for drives in the early morning.

• A long sleeved shirt to keep the bugs away is also recommended.

• As for your pants, I would choose comfortable and breathable hiking pants and shorts over jeans. 

• Be sure to top it all off with a waterproof jacket, just in case the rain sneaks up on you. 

• For your head, a wide brim or baseball hat and sunglasses to protect you from the scorching heat are also a must!

• I also like to use a cotton scarf or a bandana to wear around my mouth if I need to protect myself from the dust. 
  

Another thing to remember is colours:

• Avoid bright colours such as bright red, blue and pink.

• Opt for more neutral colours such as dark green, beige and brown. You won’t look as fashionable, but you’ll also avoid spooking the animals around you, giving you a better chance to admire them. 

• Finally, avoid white, black and blue. You know the red dirt and sand you find in many countries throughout Africa? Yeah, it stains like you wouldn’t believe, even on black clothes. I have some jumpers that have been permanently stained for several years already. So you can imagine what it will do to nice white shirts. Black and blue, on the other hand, are known to attract tze-tze flies, large biting insects found throughout the whole of Central Africa.

• Oh, and don’t wear camouflage. In many regions of the continent it’s not well seen, and is reserved for the military. It is even illegal in Zimbabwe!

#2 - The appropriate footwear!

• If your vacation only involves drives around the reserves, then simply wear something comfortable and breathable, like a light pair of sneakers.

• If you’re planning on going on a few walks while you’re there, I suggest you check out our guide on hiking shoes, you’ll need a good pair!

Beware of flip flops when walking around at dusk and at night, even when at the lodge!

Some creepy crawlies are nocturnal, and could give your toes a nasty sting if you’re not careful. The biggest risk is scorpions, as some species can be fairly aggressive and difficult to spot at night. 

#3 - A digital camera!  

Safaris present some of the most incredible photo and video opportunities you’ll ever see in your life, so a camera is an absolute must!

• Ideally, bring a camera with interchangeable lenses, and a good telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 300mm. That way you’ll be able to catch all of the action, even if it’s further away!

• Make sure you bring extra batteries and SD cards with you, as well as a microfiber cloth to wipe any dust from your lens.

#4 - Bring a travel plug adapter and a powerbank!

Bring a travel plug adaptor so that you can charge your devices. Be sure that the adaptor corresponds to the country you’re visiting, as the plugs are not universal in Africa. 

A powerbank is also extremely useful, just in case you run out of power at the wrong moment!

#5 - Don’t forget your sunscreen!

The African sun can be absolutely unforgiving, and may roast you in a matter of hours. Make sure to regularly cover yourself with sunscreen!

#6 - Pack the right medications!

You won’t have to pack an entire first aid kit, safari guides and lodges will have them close by at all times.

What you should take with you is some essential personal medications:

• Take some painkillers, for example in case of sunburn or sun induced headaches, some stomach medicine in case your digestive system doesn’t agree with the local food, antihistamines for allergies and anti-malaria tablets (get a prescription from your doctor) if you’re in a high risk area. 
  

• Another extra that is good to have on hand is oral rehydration salts, in case the heat takes a toll on you. 

#7 - Insect repellants!

No matter where you go in Africa mosquitoes will be there, and a lot of them!

They are mainly an issue at dusk and during the night, so you won’t have too much trouble during your game drives. 

Be sure to pack a good mosquito repellant, especially if you’re visiting countries where malaria is prevalent. A DEET spray will be the most effective but, if you’re concerned about any possible side effects or environmental issues, a repellant containing citronella and other essential oils such as eucalyptus and lavender should also be effective.

We have created a free PDF of this Safari Packing list to help you prepare for your next trip!

No e-mail or personal information is required, you just need to press the button below!

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These are the items that must be on your packing list!

Safaris are a unique travel opportunity, and shouldn’t be ruined because you forgot an essential piece of gear or you packed the wrong clothes. 

Are there any more items that you find essential for your safari travels? 

I’ll see you on the trail and until next time this is Luca, signing off.

𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙡𝙚 ?

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 !

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