Useful packing list for your next African safari

What you need to bring will vary according to the type of tour you have chosen, the countries you will be visiting, and also the time of year in which you are travelling.  Generally speaking, however, you should try to pack as light as possible. Please note that this packing list is a guide only, and is not meant to be a complete packing list.

Travel documents:

  • Passport incl. any visas required (Please check if any member in your group requires a visa. If you don't require a visa it does not mean your partner or travelling companion is also visa exempt).
  • Vaccination certificates if required
  • PCR Certificates if required
  • Health Questionnaires if required
  • Travel Insurance details

Proper travel insurance in now strongly recommended to protect you financially in the event of personal accident, medical expenses, flight cancellation, baggage loss and loss of certain valuables as well as trip cancellation.

  • Flight tickets / e-tickets NB: return ticket home.
  • Tour confirmation voucher
  • Credit card & cash
  • Emergency funds
  • Copies of important docs
  • Spare passport photos
  • Driving licence
  • Important contact names and numbers

NB: Do not keep all your cards and cash in one wallet!! Have a spare card and cash that you keep separate in a safe place!

Personal health:

  • Toiletries
  • Personal medication / prescriptions / prescription glasses or contact lenses
  • Personal medical kit
  • High factor sunscreen in summer
  • Sun hat
  • Sun glasses
  • Malaria prophylaxis if necessary (please check with your doctor or travel clinic regarding the area you are travelling to)
  • Insect repellent
  • Lip balm / lip salve
  • Antihistamine / insect bite cream
  • Antibacterial gel / wipes
  • Travel sickness tablets
  • Aspirin / Paracetamol
  • Rehydration sachets
  • Anti-diarrhoea pills
  • Any chronic medication
  • Face Masks

Clothing:

  • Clothes that are easy to wash and fast drying are recommended, especially for longer trips
  • Ex-military or military-style clothing is not recommended in any areas
  • If going on safari, please bring some neutral-coloured clothing, such as beige, green, brown (no bright colours please)
  • Some smarter clothes are also recommended for nights out
  • Warm windbreaker/fleece for winter and cool days and game drives
  • Long-sleeved top and trousers for evenings when mosquitoes are out
  • Jeans / trousers / shorts
  • T-shirts / cotton shirts
  • Sarong
  • Rain coat / Umbrella for rainy season
  • Some warm clothes for sunrise / sunset game drives
  • Hiking shoes / closed-in shoes for walking safaris, especially in the Kruger (sandals are not allowed) and the Okavango Delta
  • Sandals / flip flops

Swimming:

  • Swimming costume in summer
  • Beach towel
  • Snorkel & mask if you want to bring your own

Camping:

  • We provide the tents, camping gear and equipment. We can also provide sleeping bags. However do bring a travel pillow.

Travel accessories:

  • International plug adapter
  • Mobile phone* and charger
  • Notebook or Tablet or smartphone for Internet*
* PLEASE NOTE: We strongly advise you, however, to disable the geotagging function before posting any animal sightings as this could help poachers find their next kill.
  • Photographic :Video / Camera and charger / spare batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Flash Light
  • Eye mask
  • Ear plugs
  • Alarm clock
  • Towel (even on accommodated tours, some places do not necessarily provide towels)
  • Water bottle / bottled water (can buy en route and in various parks such as Kruger National Park)
  • Guide books for the areas to be visited
  • Reading material / travel games
  • Pen & paper
  • Diary / travel journal
  • Postcards & photos from home to share with the locals

Diving:

  • Please bring along your mask, fins and wet suit if you have. If not, all the places we visit have equipment available for rent.  Cylinder and weight belts are usually included.

Valuables:

  • Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables

NB:  Please do not keep all your cards and cash in one wallet. Keep a backup card and some cash separate.  It is your responsibility to ensure you keep your valuables safe at all times.