Getting ready for your first safari is an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. Packing for a safari is not like packing for most other trips. There are surprisingly a lot of do’s and don’ts, and quite a few important details to keep in mind. That’s why I’ve put together a list of tips and packing essentials to help you get ready for your first (or next) safari!
An African safari really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That’s why Chris and I decided to spend our honeymoon in South Africa and Mauritius, which included a safari in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, 3 days in Cape Town and a luxurious beach resort in Mauritius. Between the high number of flights we had to take, the weight restrictions on the safari airlines, and the 3 different climates we would be experiencing, packing was quite the process.
Packing for a Safari: General Tips
- It’s best to wear neutral colors for a few reasons. Safari guides believe that white scares or provokes elephants. Tsetse flies are attracted to blue and black. And also, the most obvious, neutral colors help you blend into the surroundings more, which makes game viewing more successful. I had a few neutral colored hiking pants, so I bought a few neutral colored t-shirts to mix and match.
- Avoid any strong scented toiletries. It attracts insects.
- Pack layers. Game drives are typically at dusk and dawn, so layers are a must. In the morning, when you start your drive, it will probably be chilly. You’ll want at least a fleece and maybe even gloves or hat, especially if you’re going in the winter months. The same is true for the end of your night drive.
- Long sleeves and pants can help protect against bugs and sun. I mostly wore pants and t-shirts with a light zip-up on game drives and changed into shorts and tanks when back at the lodge.
- I had hiking boots because we were hiking in Cape Town, but they aren’t necessary on the safari unless you’re doing walking safaris. Regular sneakers will be just fine.
- Domestic flights often have luggage restrictions. All have weight restrictions and some even require soft bags without wheels. Check with your air carrier to make sure you are meeting the requirements.
- Most safari lodges have laundry service available. Keep this in mind when deciding how much to bring. Less is definitely more.
Packing for a Safari: The Essentials
- Passport and visas (if applicable)
- Cash for tipping (US dollar or South African rand for South Africa)
- Neutral-colored clothing (I recommend bringing both, pants and shorts. I wore pants on the drives and changed into shorts at the lodge.)
- One or two dinner outfits (smart casual, nothing too fancy)
- Swimsuit (most safari lodges have a pool)
- Fleece or warm layer
- Rain jacket
- Sneakers/hiking boots
- Sandals (for daytime use around the lodge)
- Under garments (including sports bras)
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries (such as toothbrush, travel size toothpaste and deodorant)
- Camera
- Other electronics and chargers (this depends on you and what you feel you need – we had our laptop to back up our pictures)
- Appropriate adaptors
- Any medications you need, including anti-malarial meds
Packing for a Safari: Optional Accessories
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Hat, scarf and/or gloves if you’re going in the winter
- Binoculars
- A book for down time during the day
- Certain toiletries (the lodge will have basics like soap, shampoo, lotion and insect repellent, so if you need to save space in your luggage, you don’t need to pack these)
- Flashlight (our lodge had these as well)
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