1. Documents and Devices

Think requirements

Gather together your passports and visas, tickets and currency, details of insurance and proof of any necessary vaccinations. Keeping these safe and together in a lightweight document wallet is a good idea, and if you need any assistance with exactly what documentation you’ll need for your particular trip, please let us know – our experts are here to help!

Think tech

We know that you’ll want to document your amazing safari adventure, so don’t forget to pack something to capture all that breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

Cameras on our phones have greatly improved in capability, but for snapping the ultimate shots of animals and landscapes that might be in middle to far distance there’s nothing better than a DSLR.

Think digital vs paper:

When it comes to the ultimate safari packing list, it’s important to be conscientious. Many adventurers choose to capture their travel diary on their phones, and also use them for mid journey/ evening reading – there are also some excellent e-books available, perfect for downloading and swatting up on the delights you’ll encounter on your Tanzanian or Namibian adventure.

It’s worth mentioning though, that the whole vibe of Africa means that you may well want to ditch the screen completely, so a lightweight notebook, pen and paperback might suit the ambiance of your dream holiday far better.

Either way, remember the charging cables for any devices that are coming with you and check local voltages to ensure you have the correct plug converter.

2. Toiletries

Think essentials

There’s always the temptation to pack the entire chemist’s shop when travelling somewhere new, but for your safari holiday it is important to focus on lightweight and essential items to keep you clean and healthy, not forgetting the all-important sun cream and insect repellant.

Think travel sizes

Once you’ve decided on what you really need to take, shop for travel sizes that will be used up by the end of your vacation. If your must-haves don’t come in mini sizes, they are easily decanted into smaller travel bottles that are available at most toiletry retailers.

Think medication and healthcare basics

You’ll know the important medication that must come with you, but be assured that every camp, lodge, and hotel will have first aid basics on hand, as well as on board the safari vehicles themselves.

Think plastic-free

More than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries have adopted anti-plastic bag policies since 2000, so this is something that you need to be mindful of as you pack. Some nations make exceptions for Ziplock bags that are exclusively used for the storage of healthcare and toiletry items, and which return home with the traveler, but with so many waterproof fabric alternatives on offer it’s best to steer clear.

3. Clothes for an African Safari

Think light

Clothes for an African safari will probably be top of your list when it comes to packing. These thoughts about packing for a special holiday often come with the excitement around some guilt-free retail therapy, but for safari clothing it is important to focus on lightweight fabrics that will see you through the heat, and that are great at wicking away moisture.

Light is also a vital consideration when it comes to colour – avoid bright and vibrant shades and be aware that dark tones are known to attract insects. Sticking to a pale and neutral palette will be most appropriate, and please avoid camouflage as some African countries reserve this pattern for military personnel only.

Think leisurely

There’s nothing worse that feeling restricted when you are travelling, and your ultimate safari itinerary will include a fair deal of time spent on the move. When it comes to selecting clothes for an African Safari, concentrate on choosing practical and comfortable clothing, being mindful of the relaxed and informal vibe of your destination, and it’s always advisable to break in new footwear and put any new clothing through a wash cycle first.

Think capsule

When your clothes are from a similar colour palette and fabric composition it is easy to coordinate outfits across what you pack, and don’t forget that many lodges and hotels will have on-site washing facilities.

Think layers

We all have our own individual heat and cold tolerances, so wearing a combination of short and long-sleeved layers is the ideal way to adjust to the range of temperatures you may experience during the day and night on your African adventure.

Finally, when considering your clothes for an African safari, remember that some excursions may require a jumper or jacket for comfort depending on their timing and position above sea level, and of course you’ll always need your sun hat! At Speke Travel we’ve used our extensive knowledge to take the guess work out of weather-related worries – check out the best time to travel sections we’ve included in our destination guides.

4. Packing and Luggage

Think light

In this ultimate safari packing guide we’ve talked a lot about keeping it light, and this is absolutely vital when you are considering your luggage. Unlike holidays where your journeys there and back are the only ones you’ll be taking, your safari vacation will see you spending plenty of time on the move.

Bulky and heavy cases are definitely a no-no and you may have different baggage weight restrictions across your itinerary, depending on what highlights you have included. It’s bad enough packing at the beginning of a holiday and having to squeeze your bag closed – you do not want to be having to do this over and over again!

Think portability

You will do a fair amount of carrying your own luggage whilst on your safari holiday, so make sure straps are comfortable and fit for purpose, and small hands-free bags such as those that work cross body or attach around the waist might be useful for short excursions or when you need to keep valuables close at hand.

Summary

We have used our Speke Travel collective experience of much enjoyed African encounters to put together this ultimate safari packing list, which we hope will prove useful as you prepare for your thrilling adventure. For any support or advice please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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