What to Pack For an African Safari

Packing for an African safari can be a big undertaking, but with the right advice you can be prepared and comfortable on your safari. Don't over-pack (see left)--packing light is key!

It's important to remember that not all of Africa is tropical and hot year-round. Game drives often start before dawn and end after dusk when the temperatures quickly drop. The sun is very strong and having adequate sun protection in crucial. On a typical safari light weight hiking shoes or trail shoes tend to be a good option. Trekking trips and gorilla tracking require comfortable boots. Attire while on safari is casual, although people in Cape Town and other cities in Africa tend to dress nicely. Camps have shampoo and soap in the rooms, so pack light and remember to note the baggage limits on flights--many light aircraft transfers limit your bags to 33 lbs!

Expert Packing Tip from Lyndsay, our Director of Sales & Marketing: "Use a soft-sided rolling duffel with compartments so you can keep your "city" and "safari" clothes separate. And be sure to wear your heaviest jacket and/or shoes on the plane."

Here are several of our most highly recommended packing suggestions:

• Pack clothing that can be layered easily. The mornings are cool, but daytime temperatures are usually comfortably warm year-round. Taking off and adding layers is the best way to stay comfortable.

• Take a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunblock.

• Convertible (zip-off) pants and quick dry fabrics are a great way to stay cool and they also wash and dry quickly.

• Bring a day pack for your wildlife guides & binoculars. Vehicles do not carry binocs and wildlife guides for each traveler.
  

• Be prepared for rain showers with a light-weight poncho or waterproof windbreaker.

• During our summer months (May/June-August/September) Southern Africa is experiencing their winter and morning and evening game drive can be cold (in the 50F's) so be prepared with mittens and a woolen hat. Daytime is comfortable and short sleeves should be fine.

• Almost all camps and lodges offer laundry service (many include it in the rates) and will wash everything but womens' "smalls" (underwear). Pack light and plan to have your safari outfits washed every few days.

• If you like to use binoculars, we highly recommend taking your own as there are not usually enough sets in the vehicles for everyone to use them at the same time.

• Carry plug adaptor in East Africa, especially, many lodges in Southern Africa provide plug adaptor. All of Africa is on 220V power so if you are traveling with a laptop you may need a power converter, as well.

Every Africa Adventure Consultants traveler receives a detailed packing list prior to trip departure, and our staff is always ready and willing to assist with any packing questions.