Don’t stress about the planning and packing for a safari because with a little preplanning, it’s easy!
You have chosen where to go and how you’re going to experience your safari (and side destinations?). You have the all those moving pieces in place including how many days you will be gone. Last but, not least you need to know what to bring on your luxury South African safari. Just because it takes forever to get there from the States, don’t pack everything including the kitchen sink. Just pack what you need.
If your safari adventure is to be with a safari private company and reserve they will have a list of suggested things to bring. They most likely will say that they provide many items as well. Definitely go over their suggestions, particularly if they suggest something you will most likely not find readily there. If you are planning a self guided or partially guided safari our list will be helpful. Either way we will go over the basic must haves to pack.
Bug Spray??
Yes! Bring some with you. You will most likely be able to buy bug/mosquito spray at your destination, however, I would not throw caution to the wind and assume that indeed will be conveniently available. Last thing you want to do is to spend time trying to find it and in the meantime getting munched on. Bring your own spray with DEET. If your physician has prescribed anti malaria meds, that’s great, but you still do not want to get bit.
Vaccinations and Medications
Traveling to any country you will definitely want to check your vaccination records and talk with your travel M.D. for any other vaccinations or medications recommended for your destination. I highly recommend you do this at least a month prior to your departure. Anti-malaria medications would be the exception. It is taking daily while in a malaria prone area and some days after. Also, discuss with your doctor about medications you are currently taking and taking precautions to make sure you have sufficient supply for entirety of your trip.
Wardrobe and packing add ins.
Pack light comfortable clothing that can easily be layered. While game driving you are just sitting and mornings can be cool as well as the evenings. Columbia Sportswear makes a huge assortment of clothing that works fantastic. Many of their shirts and pants also have a SPF rating with is nice. If you plan to do any day hikes with a guide then you will need a pair of walking boots or comfortable closed toe shoes. However, the term “hike” is loosely used for the most part. I liken those hikes as more of a nature walks.
Bring binoculars. Private safari companies do provide binoculars. But we found that if you have your own you don’t have to share! On our second safari, I sadly found out that our binoculars had broke and we had to use the ones provided. I didn’t realize how much I really used them until then. Bring your own.
Hat, sunglasses, camera, chargers and adapters. These are definite musts! Make sure you have enough adapters for all that you will need to charge. Amazon sells adapters that have multiple all in one plug ins. If you must bring any appliances (mostly hairdryers), you will need to bring a converter to convert the wattage. Last thing you want to do is start a fire from your hair dryer torch! I have actually done that once.
Sunscreen and Dopp Bag additions
South Africa has plenty of sunny warm, even hot days. Don’t let a sunburn ruin your trip. Bring sunscreen for your skin and lips. If you plan on traveling with a carryon only, bring the maximum allowed and purchase more there when you’re at a pharmacy. If you are checking bags, bring more!
Same is true with additions to your Dopp Kit (toiletry bag). We have the luxury of having a plethora of Walgreens and CVS’s here in the USA, however, international countries may not have the same go to OTC items that we have. These three things are definite additions. 1. Zicam; 2. Anti itch or After bite cream; 3. liquid cold medicine (I transfer 3oz to a travel tube to stay within TSA guidelines). These items are near impossible to find in most countries and the efficacy we have found is questionable.