Packing for any trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, isn’t the most relaxing way to spend your afternoons and nights prior to your departure. The stress of forgetting something important or packing too much is always on the back-burner of your mind. But now, you’re days away from departing on your next big trip: a 10 day safari vacation in Africa. And the sheer thought of packing sends your stress levels sky rocketing.
But with the right packing tips, the only emotion you’ll feel in the weeks, days, and seconds prior to your trip to Africa is sheer excitement!
Rest assured that with the below packing tips, you’ll be relaxed and ready for your trip of a lifetime in the few weeks leading up to your departure.
Packing tips
1. Know the climate: Because you don’t want to over-stuff your bag with unnecessary items, ask your safari travel agent what the climate will be like in the country(s) you’ll be visiting in Africa.
Ask the following:
- Is it winter time or summer time?
- Is it the dry season or the wet season?
This should give you a better idea of what to pack in terms of heavy clothing or lighter attire.
2. Clothing: Whether you plan on partaking in walking safaris, canoe safaris, or game drives during your stay in Africa, long-sleeve shirts and pants are essential to prevent bugs, small scratches (walking safaris), and sunburns.
If you are traveling to Africa in the summer months, a rule of thumb is to bring light-cotton clothing, and if you’re traveling to Africa in the winter, bring heavier items in addition to a few lighter items so that you can remove layers if necessary.
For each item you choose to put in your suitcase, ask yourself:
- Is it comfortable and semi-casual / casual?
- Is it a neutral color? (Bright colors and white alert the animals; therefore, stick to basic colors such as khaki, tan, brown, off-white, forest green, etc.).
Because it depends on the time of year you travel to Africa and the duration of your trip, here are a few suggestions / guidelines to keep in mind while packing clothing:
- 2 pairs of long, casual pants.
- 2 – 4 pairs of shorts.
- 7 – 10 shirts (a mixture of long-sleeve and short-sleeve).
- 2 sweaters for chilly evenings / mornings.
- Thick jacket (only if you are visiting in the winter months).
- Hiking boots for walking safaris and game drives.
- Flip flops or waterproof shoes for canoe safaris (only if you are traveling in the summer should you pack flip flops).
- 1 cocktail dress / light-weight suit ONLY if you have plans to attend an event that requires this attire.
- 1 – 2 bathing suits.
- 1 light rain jacket.
- Clean underwear, socks, and undershirts for each day. Some accommodations offer complimentary or non-complimentary laundry services. Check before packing.
3. Sun and Bug Protection:
In addition to wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent bug bites and sunburns, you will also need some other items for proper preventative measures:
For Bugs: One bottle of bug repellent and a bug repellent designed to treat clothing.
For the Sun: Sunglasses with high UV protection, sunscreen (SPF 15 or 30) for your face and body, and a wide brim hat.
4. Documents:
If you are a U.S. citizen, South Africa doesn’t require you to have a visa. It’s crucial for you to have at least two blank pages per entry into South Africa for entry stamping. It’s also a requirement that your passport be valid for six months after date of travel.
Before you leave for your trip to Africa, make two copies of your passport and driver’s license. Take your original documents and a copy of your passport and driver’s license and give the other copy of these items to a responsible and readily available individual at home. Also leave a copy of your itinerary with this person so that they can contact you if an emergency should arise.
5. Money / Credit Cards:
Most establishments accept international credit cards as a standard form of payment. Major international credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted throughout the region, with VISA being the most widely used. In addition, ATMs are easily accessible in all major cities.
The U.S. dollar is accepted at many safari accommodations.
6. Toiletries (pack all liquid / powder toiletries in a sturdy, plastic zip lock bag):
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Shampoo and conditioner.
- Deodorant.
- Hair brush.
- Disposable shavers.
- Face / body lotions.
- Aloe (to soothe any sunburns).
- Tweezers.
- Body soap.
- Makeup.
- Hair ties.
- You may bring your hairdryer and appliance chargers, but be sure to bring appropriate adaptors. Check with your safari travel agent for a list of appropriate adaptors.
7. Additional Accessories:
- Pen and notebook.
- Camera, lenses (if needed), and extra batteries / charger.
- Reading glasses or any other type of glasses. Contacts can often get dry and can be irritating to your eyes.
- Reading materials or field guide books.
- Binoculars.
- Wet wipes.
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer for traveling.
8. Medications: If you are in a malaria-prone region, be sure to bring necessary antibiotics / medications to prevent against the disease. Your doctor can advise you on / prescribe you with malaria prevention medications.
For muscle soreness, headaches, and other small aches and pains, bring Tylenol / Advil, anti-diarrhea medicine, and bug bite soothing cream.
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