How to Pack for Your Safari: Lucille Sive’s Expert Guide to Packing

I have been on numerous safaris over the past years, and I have my packing down to a fine art! So, I thought I would share some of my suggestions and packing experience with you.

The weather conditions on safari can be cool at one time of day and mild later. I have found that being prepared with the right kind of clothing to protect you against dust, insects and hours of direct sunlight allows you to focus on your safari experience in comfort and style.

The summer months are November to April, with the hottest period being between October and February. Summers are generally warm to extremely hot but may still be cool in the early mornings. I highly recommend packing a light jacket and warm cap (especially for game drives). By noon, the temperature is often very hot.

During winter (around May to August depending on the area) early mornings and evenings may be very cold, so pack a thick jacket, scarf, and cap if you are visiting in winter, along with closed shoes and socks. A pair of warm gloves will be useful, especially on game drives. Blankets are provided on vehicles for your use. In the event of rain, the safari vehicle is equipped with ponchos.

Most game drives are approximately 3 hours, there will be a break to stretch your legs and have morning coffee, tea, or afternoon sundowner.

For first time safari goers, you may be unsure what to pack. My advice: don’t over pack! International flights have a higher luggage allowance than many of the smaller planes and safari vehicles, where the amount of luggage you can bring is limited, so with that in mind my safari packing guideline below will help you to pack only the necessary items. 

Pick the Right Safari Luggage
The thing to remember when choosing safari luggage is mobility. You will probably be moving between several different modes of transport so plan accordingly. Suitcases with wheels don't work very well in the African bush. Soft-sided bags are always a good choice because they can fit into a variety of storage compartments. A daypack is very handy to carry the items you need while driving around in the safari vehicle or walking through the bush.

A Few Important Points To Keep In Mind Before You Start Packing:
1.    Most safari lodges in Africa offer reasonably priced 24-hour laundry service 
2.    Meals are informal at most safari lodges, so formal attire is not required
3.    A pair of binoculars may be useful
4.    There are curio shops at all the lodges, and these also stock basic travel accessories
5.    With only a 15kg allowance be sure to keep space for shopping

Bring Safari Ready Clothing
It is important to pack as sensibly as you can. Keep clothing colors as neutral and as light as possible. Pack lightweight and airy fabrics that are breathable and have moisture wicking properties. You will feel much more comfortable. The temperatures out in the bush can vary greatly, so I say dress like an onion, in layers. Some of the camps offer a laundry service at a charge and some include the service, but certain camps will not wash underwear.

My Suggested Packing List:

• Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized
• Sun hat that has a wide brim to provide complete coverage, it should allow your head to "breathe" – choose one that can be packed flat
• Golf-shirts, T-shirts - short and long-sleeved cotton shirts 
• Shorts 
• Long trousers and pants as the evenings can be cool (they are also good for keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay)
• Warm sweater / sweatshirt
• Warm waterproof jacket and scarf / gloves for cold winter months for the early mornings and after sunset
• Light rain gear for summer months
• Underwear, socks and pajamas
• A pair of comfortable walking shoes for bush walks or when off the game drive vehicle, and a pair of slip-on shoes or sandals to wear around the lodge or to meals. 
• Bathing suit (towels are supplied by the lodges)
• Copy of your passport, kept in a separate place than your passport

And Then Some Of The Other Important Items That Are Very Useful And Necessary:

• Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip) - keep this packed in your hand luggage in case of baggage delays. Make copies of prescriptions just in case you need to refill.
• Consult your doctor about Malaria medication before your trip and do not forget to pack it.
• An extra pair of glasses can be a lifesaver. It can be very dusty on safari, so if you wear contact lenses ensure that you have sufficient contact lens cleaning solution, as the dusty outdoor environment may require more frequent lens cleaning.
• Remember – your cell phone has a flashlight. 
• Laundry bags and packing cubes (for wet washing/muddy shoes/organize clothes in suitcase)
• Lodges supply you with amenities such as soap, shampoo and body lotion. You may, however, wish to bring your favorite toiletries with you.
• Toothbrush/toothpaste/dental floss, tweezers, lip balm, Q-tips and cotton balls, razor and shaving cream/gel.
• High SPF sunscreen (between 30 and 50) 
• Hand sanitizer.
• Insect repellent is provided by most game lodges - once the sun goes down the bugs come out. Basic medical kit (aspirin, band aid, Imodium, antiseptic cream, after-bite type of cream and antihistamine cream). Some supplies might be available in the first aid kit that every safari company should carry. But just remember that while you are on safari, shops are few and far between, and very basic.
• Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras
• Plug adaptors - generally in Africa it's 3-prong round or square. International adaptors are available for purchase at the lodges.

Essential Game Viewing Items: Binoculars and Cameras
On safari everything you see is exciting, even the birds. Sometimes the animals are a little further away, so a pair of binoculars is always a good idea to bring, if you can afford the weight in your luggage. On the other hand, many lodges and guides will have binoculars in the vehicles. I suggest Newman's bird book if you are a keen birder. Remember to pack a telephoto lens for your camera, if you have one, along with all the necessary plugs, chargers and memory cards.