WHAT TO PACK FOR AN AFRICAN SAFARI

African safari / Image: Dariusz Sankowski

Visa’s? Foreign currency? And a phone with a great camera? Is there anything else to remember to bring on your up and coming African safari?

In a word ‘Yes’ - there are quite a few items which could be pretty important to take with you on your forthcoming voyage.

Africa is a beautiful country but it’s very different from the rest of the world and one that requires a little more preparation in packing for.

Below we have our helpful guide which outlines 13 ‘What to Pack’ items for you to help and guide you to pack and prepare for your future adventure……

Your up and coming African safari will be a whole lot easier, simpler and enjoyable if you follow our comprehensive guide.

CASUAL CLOTHING + LAYERS

Packing comfortable and casual clothing is key for when you go on an African Safari. Weather conditions and climates in Africa can vary as well as their seasons being opposite to that of most of the world. Safari weather can change significantly if you are choosing to go on an African safari during the rainy seasons or dry seasons. From day time temperatures to night time temperatures, weather can vary. It's always advisable to pack comfortable and casual clothing because, like on every African safari, you will be spending a lot of time in a safari vehicle driving from location to location so comfort is key. Layers are also encouraged due to weather changes too.

PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS

When traveling on an African safari - it's not guaranteed to be able to find and buy personal hygiene products or women's hygiene items at will or accessible as it is in other countries. Stores and shops in Africa are unpredictable in what they sell and it's best not to rely on buying hygiene items whilst you are there. When packing for your African safari - make sure you pack your desired personal hygiene items before you leave. This enables you to have peace of mind but it also gives you valuable time to enjoy your trip stress free.

We recommend reading Pebble Mag’s ‘17 must have eco-friendly toiletries for travel’ HERE

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

We like to adopt a ‘leave no trace’ approach to our trips, and if you care about the world - you should too. This starts with not littering the region in which you are traveling to and being kind to the environment. Going on an African safari means being proactive when packing your suitcase which includes taking biodegradable bathroom products. Biodegradable, otherwise known as zero-waste or eco-friendly, is advised when taking shampoos, shaving gel, creams, contact solution, toothpaste, moisturizers and body washes etc. It's a whole lot better for the environment and the wildlife that live within this region too.

We love Captain Blankenship. Sustainable, cruelty-free and vegan products are amazing! Check them out HERE

CAMERA

If you would like to bring back unique memories from your trip - a camera is the most important thing to remember. whether you are a photographic novis or a beginner - a phone camera or a more sophisticated camera will be one of the most important things to take with youon this magnificent adventure you have before you. If you go on an African safari within a group, there will always be a chance to share images too.

INSECT REPELLANT

Insect repellant will be your loyal friend when you go on an African safari. Don’t chance going on safari without it. There will be plenty of bugs and critters that you will want to deter from biting you throughout the duration of your African safari journey.

If you are unsure of what insect repellant you should purchase, speak to your doctor or ask your local pharmacy.

Even if you venture out to Africa during the rainy or colder months, all safari weathers require you to bring insect repellent.

We recommend Parakito for mosquito repellent wrist bands.

PHONE CHARGER

Going on an African safari means that you will be in regions where there is no cell service or in areas with extremely limited WiFi. It’s something that many travelers dread but is typical when going on safari in Africa. However, because WiFi can be spotty and many people rely on their phones to take pictures - it's a good idea to take a portable phone charger that you can use in case there is no accessible power anywhere.

MEDICATION FOR SICKNESS

Be prepared for the unpredictable. When traveling to Africa, it’s a good idea to bring sickness medication with you in an event you may need it. Sickness medication such as allergy medication, rehydration salts, pain reliever, antiseptic cream, Dramamine, Anti-diarrhea medicine as well as anti nausea are all really useful to bring just in case. Always speak to your doctor about being prepared when traveling to Africa.

FIRST AID KIT

Blisters, cuts and grazes are usually dealt with by the individual traveler so it's a great idea to bring a first aid kit with you on your next African safari. You will probably spend the majority of time in the middle of the savannah or bush so it's a good idea to be prepared for any occasion.

BLANKET

Wherever you find yourself in Africa on Safari - whether you are in a beautiful outside lodge or rustic camping underneath the stars, in all safari weathers - you will almost always experience an evening sitting outside gazing at the navy midnight sky or around a campfire with your fellow travelers. Blankets are a great idea and give you an added layer of luxury and warmth throughout your trip. Safari weather can be a little predictable so as well as bringing layers, it's a great idea to bring a blanket just in case.

JOURNAL

Many travelers love documenting their expeditions on their African safaris and a journal is a great way to tell your story for you to remember for years to come. For many people an African safari is a once in a lifetime experience and one that can be told in an array of different ways, from captivating to enchanting. Journaling is a unique way of expressing your own experience of travels that will last for years and years. Coupling it with images is a beautiful way to depict your memories.

SUNSCREEN / HAT

In all types of safari weather, a hat and sunscreen with a high SPF of over 30 are really helpful and useful to have with you at all times. The sun’s rays in Africa are pretty strong, come rain or shine. If you are journeying on your African safari, you may be traveling most of the day in open-topped safari jeeps observing the wildlife - sunscreen and a hat are important when the sun is particularly strong.

SANITIZER

Sanitizers are highly encouraged when traveling to Africa. Bathrooms and area’s to wash your hands are seldom on an African safari, so bringing sanitizer with you can give you that extra comfort and hygiene that you require.

PLUG ADAPTORS

Plug adaptors are really important on your African safari. Every country uses different plug adaptors and Africa is no different. Make sure to take with you a few adaptors with you as hotels and lodges don’t always supply them and when on an African safari, it can be extremely challenging to find a place to buy them.

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What To Pack For An African Safari