What to Pack for a Safari
Delve into some of the most important items to include on your safari packing list
Mike
Safari holidays promise an extraordinary getaway like no other, introducing you to some of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes and wildlife species. However, given the unique and active nature of this kind of trip, it’s crucial to pack effectively in preparation for such an adventure.
No matter which destination you choose, whether it’s Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa or elsewhere, there are essential items you should bring to ensure you have the most comfortable and enjoyable experience possible.
Let’s delve into some of the most important items to include on your safari packing list.
1. Passport, Itinerary, Travel Insurance Docs and E-Tickets
Wondering what to pack for a safari holiday? The most important thing to remember is your travel essentials, such as your passport, travel insurance documents, and e-tickets. While these may seem obvious, forgetting such crucial items could put a stop to your adventure in no time.
To stay organised and ensure you have everything you need, consider keeping all of these essentials together in a dedicated document holder. This way, you can prevent them from getting lost among other items in your luggage and have easy access to them when needed.
2. Glasses and Sunglasses
Do not forget your glasses or sunglasses while packing for a safari. Classic wildlife destinations such as Tanzania and Kenya tend to get very hot. Wearing sunglasses not only protects your eyes from harmful UV rays but also enhances your visibility, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the wildlife and landscapes around you.
For those with prescription spectacles, remembering to pack them is even more crucial. Safari holidays involve spending extended periods scanning wide expanses in the hopes of spotting unique wildlife species. The last thing you want is to miss out on seeing some of the world’s most impressive creatures or have a blurry view due to forgetting your glasses.
3. First Aid Kit
While packing for a safari, it’s crucial to keep in mind that you’ll be spending much of your time outside, surrounded by untamed nature. With health and safety being a top concern, it’s best to arrive prepared and equipped to handle any common sicknesses that can arise with a first aid kit.
Be sure to include essentials such as hand sanitiser to maintain good hygiene, antibacterial cream that is for treating cuts or insect bites and bandages or plasters to treat minor wounds and prevent infections. Being prepared with these items will help you stay comfortable and safe throughout your adventure.
On the majority of safari tours, your guides will carry their own comprehensive first aid kits to deal with any illnesses or injury that occur whilst you’re out in the wild. But you may benefit from your own if you have any allergies or medicine preferences, and a first aid kit might come in handy if you need something when you’re back at your accommodation.
4. Bug Repellent
Insect repellent is an essential when packing for an African safari. As you explore the wild landscapes, you’ll inevitably encounter a wide variety of bugs, many of which can bite and sting. Among these pests, flies can be especially bothersome.
To fully enjoy your dream safari adventure without any unnecessary discomfort, come prepared with repellent. Taking this simple precaution can save you the annoyance of being constantly bothered by insects. Instead, your focus can remain solely on the glorious scenery and creatures around you.
5. Suncream
If there’s one item you should absolutely include on your safari packing list, it’s suncream. No matter the time of year, it’s important to remember you’ll be spending an extended period of time outside in the sun. Intense temperatures can quickly lead to sunburn and potential skin damage when you are not properly shielded.
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is paramount. Opt for a high SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen and apply it generously and frequently throughout the day. Additionally, it may be worth bringing a protective balm to protect your lips as well.
6. Binoculars
When going to see some of the world’s most incredible creatures, you’ll want to give yourself the best viewing experience possible. That’s why binoculars are a must-have accessory for any safari enthusiast.
Binoculars offer real-time magnification, allowing you to clearly observe animals in their natural habitats from a distance without disturbing them. Whether it’s spotting elusive creatures or observing detailed behaviour, binoculars provide you with a fantastic view, making your safari experience all the more exciting.
7. Camera and Video Recorder
You’ll undoubtedly want to capture some of the extraordinary wildlife scenes you come across on game drives and walking tours. So, do not forget to pack your camera or video recorder.
Being able to snap a picture of the incredible landscapes and creatures you encounter will preserve the scenes you come across, allowing you to cherish these awe-inspiring moments and look back upon them when you return home. Having a video recorder to hand enables you to record not just the sights but the sounds and movements of the animals, creating lasting memories of your safari experience.
To truly capture the scenery in its full glory, equip your camera with a zoom lens. This way, even if the animals are several metres away, you can still get up-close shots, bringing those majestic creatures right into focus.
8. Headwear
When packing for a safari, be sure to remember your most protective sun hat. Throwing in some reliable headwear will shield your eyes from the glare of the African sun, while also protecting your skin from the rays.
Caps can be a good option as they shield your face. However, wide-brimmed options such as bucket hats are even better as they provide comprehensive coverage for your neck and ears as well.
9. Footwear
It is worth bearing in mind when packing for a safari that you’ll be spending a significant portion of your time walking on cracked plains or by untamed vegetation. For this reason, you’ll want to bring your sturdiest and most breathable pair of hiking boots.
While this may come as disappointing news, given the size and weight of such items, it is paramount to prioritise comfort and functionality as you’ll be facing challenging terrain and high temperatures. Wearing appropriate footwear will keep you as comfortable as possible, allowing you to fully enjoy and embrace every aspect of your safari adventure.
10. Comfortable Clothing
When it comes to witnessing awe-inspiring natural phenomena like the great migration of wildebeests or observing tree-climbing lions, your focus will naturally be on the incredible sights and experiences, rather than on your outfit.
However, it’s very normal to struggle with deciding what clothes to bring on your adventure. To help you with this, we have shared some key safari clothing tips below.
- Dress Casually
Casual clothing is the way to go when it comes to a safari wardrobe. Opt for lightweight, breathable garments that will keep you cool and comfortable during day and night time excursions. Fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics are perfect for staying dry and at ease in the African heat.
Comfort is also key, as safari holidays can be quite active. Opt for loose-fitting clothing that allows you to fully enjoy your wildlife experience without any restrictions.
- Neutral Colours
One of the most important things to remember when organising your safari packing list is to restrict your wardrobe to dull, neutral colours. Light browns, tans and greens are the ideal shades to go for.
While many species are colour-blind, they’re also highly sensitive to high contrasts such as those produced by bright colours and loud patterns. As a result, you will stand out very dramatically to animals as something unfamiliar.
As a result, they may be cautious, wary of making themselves visible to you or approaching your vehicle. This could significantly reduce your opportunities for wildlife spotting during the safari.
- Use the Laundry Service
Many luxury safari lodges provide a convenient same-day laundry service. This means you can leave your dirty clothes with the staff at your accommodation, head out on your exciting adventures and return to find freshly cleaned outfits waiting for you.
Utilising the lodge’s laundry service is a game-changer when it comes to packing; you won’t require a fresh outfit for every day of your safari. This can significantly reduce the amount of clothing you need to carry in your luggage and the amount of baggage you need to bring with you.
- Dress in Layers
When packing for a safari, it’s essential to include layerable garments. The temperatures in classic safari destinations can vary dramatically throughout the day. Mornings can be quite cool, before getting extremely hot in the afternoon and then very chilly in the evening.
It’s essential to include layerable garments while packing. Classic safari destinations often experience dramatic temperature variations throughout the day. Mornings can be quite cool, followed by scorching heat in the afternoon and finally, a chilly evening.
To adapt to these changing conditions, layering becomes crucial during safari holidays. Dress warmly in the morning. As the day heats up, you can peel off a jumper or two. In the evening, you’ll want to put them back on to stay comfortable.
Make sure to pack easy-layering items such as fleeces, warm jackets and scarves to accommodate the varying temperatures and enjoy your safari experience to the fullest.
- Don’t Overpack
Along with considering what to pack for a safari, it’s also worth thinking about items that would be better left at home. These kinds of holidays typically entail travelling between different national parks so, lugging around excessive luggage can be quite cumbersome.
Unlike other types of travel, even on luxury safaris, fashion takes a backseat to practicality and comfort.
- Bring a Raincoat
You should always pop a waterproof layer in your suitcase, especially if you’re planning to visit during the rainy season. Even in the dry months, occasional showers can catch you off guard.
To ensure absolute comfort during your expeditions, remember to include a high-quality raincoat in your safari packing list. With a reliable waterproof by your side, you can confidently explore the breathtaking landscapes and encounter incredible wildlife without any worries about sudden showers.
- Pack One or Two Nice Outfits
While comfortable clothing is undoubtedly the priority when packing for a safari, don’t forget to include one or two nice outfits in your packing list. Your adventure may begin and end with stays in big cities like Cape Town, where you might want to enjoy a nice meal in the evening.
Additionally, you may be wanting to pop on a nice outfit for dining at the restaurant of a luxury lodge. By packing some smarter clothes, you’ll be ready to indulge in both the thrill of the wild and the charm of a plush dining experience during your safari journey.
Summary
Whether you embark on a solo adventure or head off with family or friends, safari holidays require careful consideration and planning. However, all the effort put into the preparation is instantly rewarded the moment your adventure begins.
From witnessing some of the world’s rarest and most magnificent wildlife species in their natural habitats to exploring breathtaking landscapes on foot, there are few quite as magical experiences as a safari holiday.
Considering embarking on a safari adventure? Take a look at Coral Tree’s wonderful selection of itineraries and accommodation that are available everywhere from Tanzania to Seychelles. Get in touch today to turn your safari dreams into a reality.
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