Packing For Your African Safari Holiday

The essential thing to remember is to travel light!Good quality sunglasses plus protective case
Be Certain to Have with You:Hand wipes or 'Baby wipes'
Valid passportStuff-sacks or plastic packets; to
Valid visa - if requiredcompartmentalise items within your travel bag
One other picture identification (e.g. driver'sRepair kit: needle and thread, nylon cord, rip-stop
licence)tape
Photocopy of passport page to carry in walletCamera, film or memory card
Air ticketsSpare batteries. Film and batteries can generally
Expense moneybe obtained at lodges, but at a price of course, so
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policyplease be sure to have sufficient supplies for your
Dressing for Safarisneeds
On safari, most people wear shorts and a T-shirtBinoculars
during the day and put on long sleeved shirts andPaperback reading, writing material (keep weight
long pants in the evening for warmth as well asat a minimum)
protection from mosquitoes. Should you beSunscreen or block
particularly sensitive to the sun a loose cottonMoisturizer, lip balm
shirt is essential during the day. Khaki, brown, olivePersonal first-aid kit (headache pills, antihistamine
and beige colours are best for and safaris andcream etc)
game walks.Large towel and washcloth (thin, quick-drying) - if
White is not a suitable colour for these activities,required for camping/overland safari
as it increases your visibility to wildlife you wantIf you take prescription medication, be sure to
to get a closer look at and it will get dirty verybring a sufficient supply with you. If you are on a
quickly. Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker forlengthy holiday, we suggest that you carry a
game drives, because it is highly possible that youcopy of your prescription with you.
may go out on a hot day, but be faced with aLuggage for a Mobile Safari
chill evening on your return. Remember thatFor Safari travel, the best type of luggage to
layering your clothing will keep you warmer thanbring is a soft bag, or backpack with an internal
relying on one thick item.frame. As packing space in Safari vehicles is
Clothing to Pack for Safarislimited, only one bag is allowed, but you should
2 pairs khaki cotton pantsalso have a daypack for all of your personal items
2 pairs khaki shortscamera/binoculars. Hard suitcases are usually
2 long sleeved shirts/ blouses (for sun protectionscuffed or damaged in transit and are
as well as warmth)inappropriate for a game safari.
1 light sweater or sweatshirtLight aircraft: Important note
1 lightweight, waterproof windbreakerIf part of your itinerary includes light aircraft
Swimming costumeflights, there are serious weight restrictions. You
Sturdy walking or hiking bootsare usually restricted to 10 or 12kg (22 or 26 lbs),
Sandalsper person, in a soft bag. Storage space in a light
3-5 short-sleeved shirts or T-shirtsaircraft is at a premium, and the pilot may refuse
5 changes underwear and socksto take on bulky or excessive luggage. The most
Hat with a brim (baseball caps might cover yourcommon aircraft types used for charter work are
nose but not your ears and neck)Cessna 206 or 210, and Cessna 208 Caravans.
Gloves (if you really feel the cold)Slightly larger aircraft are often used in East
Down vest or jacket (if you really feel the cold)Africa, but luggage is still restricted.
A sarong or kikoi type garmentA reasonable amount of hand luggage and camera
Most lodges and safari camps offer laundry asequipment is generally allowed.
part of their service. Hotels all offer laundry, atRemember that the charter pilot has the final say
additional cost.in terms of taking the luggage and you will be
Essentials:responsible for costs should your luggage need to
Toilet kit including shampoo and soapbe forwarded for you, or should an extra aircraft
Insect repellentbe required for transportation.