Safari Packing Advice & Checklist

Your dream trip: a safari in Africa is booked. You’ve made your count down calendar and then it occurs to you that you’re not sure what you should take.

Don’t worry, we at FlashMc Tours have got you covered. In this article, we unpack what to pack, along with a few suggestions based on our experience, having hosted thousands of people just like you.

Going on a safari holiday is quite different from booking into a beach resort, so read on to learn how to prepare and pack for one of the greatest adventures you’ll ever have.

Limited Luggage

Most airlines have luggage restrictions. When going on safari, there may be other limitationswhen traveling within the country.

Depending on the type of safari you’ve booked, you may fly in light aircraft between camps. With limited space and weight limits, be sure to check with your tour operator.

It is suggested that luggage be limited to a soft-sided duffel bag and one piece of carry-on luggage. Most air charter companies are not flexible in this regard.

If your journey is mostly by road, there will be fewer limitations but we suggest keeping your luggage to a minimum for practical purposes.

Carry your valuables and essentials for each day’s travel in a daypack. This includes travel documents, currency, electronic gear and extra items of clothing. If you are traveling to another destination afterwards, or your luggage exceeds limits, ask your tour operator whether they offer a left-luggage service.

Weather

Depending on when you travel, it will either be in the wet or dry season. That doesn’t mean it won’t rain in the dry season, so be prepared.

Our best suggestion is to pack clothing for all eventualities, which is easiest done by being able to layer your clothing. That way you can addor remove layers according to your comfort level.

It can get VERY cold on morning game drives in open vehicles, so a light down jacket is both warm and compact, while gloves, a scarf and abeanie will keep you snug. Extra blankets and ponchos are often provided in your safari vehicle.

If you have any other weather-related questions, please consult FlashMc Tours.

Sun Protection

The African sun can cause severe sunburn.

Regularly apply a high-SPF sunscreen before and during activities. A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses add extra protection.

After-sun lotion is a good idea in case of accidental sunburn.

Camera Gear & Electronic Devices

If you are a keen photographer with a lot of equipment, it is best to find out if any limits are inplace. Safari vehicles have limited space, so excessive gear could be problematic.

While useful for candid shots of people and scenery, cell phone cameras are insufficient for wildlife photography.

If you are not a serious photographer, we recommend bridge cameras, as they are compact with excellent zoom capabilities. Don’t forget your camera charger and other accessories. While there are binoculars on our vehicles, many people prefer to bring their own.

Please note that drones are forbidden in all national parks for security reasons. You may also consider bringing an extra cell phone to use with a local SIM card, significantly reducing costs for local use.

Most lodges and camps have adequate coverage although Wifi speeds vary greatly.

Destination-Specific Equipment

Consider the type of activities you will do on safari, as these may require special equipment.

Ask your tour operator for any recommendations.

Clothing

Limit yourself to one smart-casual outfit. Pack clothing that is lightweight, breathable and, preferably, neutral colored (green, gray, brown).

Avoid white or brightly colored clothing. Plan your wardrobe with layering of clothing in mind, so that you can keep comfortable as the temperature varies throughout the day.

Skirts and dresses can be impractical. It is suggested that visitors refrain from wearing clothing that is revealing or has a camouflage pattern.

Pack comfortable walking shoes and sandals/flip-flops. If you are trekking or climbing, it is best to consult us regarding specific clothing and gear recommended for these activities.

Laundry

There are often basic laundry facilities available at the lodges and camps.

For convenience’s sake, quick-drying fabrics that don’t require ironing are best. You may be asked to wash your underwear.

Insects

Biting insects, including mosquitoes and biting flies, are a fact of life on safari.

Pack bug spray and medication for stings and allergies. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are recommended after dark.

Consult your medical practitioner or travel clinic about the appropriate anti-malaria medication and follow usage instructions carefully.

Medication

Certain prescription drugs may not be available locally, so bring an adequate supply of any prescribed medication.

If you have allergies, carry the appropriate treatment with you. Ensure vaccinations are current and have copies of vaccination certificates.

Pack a small first-aid kit.

Diet

When booking, advise your tour operator of special dietary requirements and ask them to notify the various destinations.

State any food allergies.

Documents

Keep travel documents safe and in your possession continuously.

Keep a backup on a cloud service or digital storage device. Keep copies of your passport, tickets and vouchers.

Cash & Valuables

Carry local currency and US Dollars in various denominations for incidental expenses.

Prepay all major expenses, where possible. Divide your cash into small amounts to be stored separately.

Do not take expensive jewelry and avoid displaying luxury items, like cameras and tablets, unnecessarily.

Insurance

Have adequate insurance (including travel and medical repatriation insurance).

Keep relevant contact details at hand. Ask a friend or relative to keep an extra copy at home.

Traveling with Children

Keep children occupied with activity packs (toys, books, tablets, etc.) to keep them occupied during travel. Internet access can be erratic in Africa, so download games, music, etc. so that it can be used without WiFi.

Game drives can be several hours long, so consider your child’s temperament for these. Find out if there are child-minding services or child-friendly program’s available. If you have an infant/toddler, you will need a baby carrier and portable baby monitor.

Have a sufficient supply of baby-related products.

Travel for Seniors

Safaris are generally senior-friendly, however, it is best to notify your tour operator if you have mobility or health issues.

Have a medical check up before travel.

Here are detailed lists of what to pack.

Do not over or under-pack, relative to the duration of your safari. Overall weight and size of luggage are key considerations.

Remember, you may want to bring back souvenirs.

Adult Luggage

1. If traveling by road, limit yourself to one suitcase/duffel bag per person
2. If traveling by light aircraft, then one soft-sided duffel bag without wheels
3. Use luggage locks to secure bags
4. One small backpack (daypack) or handbag (not both)

Adult Clothing

(Per Person) – Keep layering of clothing and neutral colors in mind

1. Wide-brimmed hat (for sun protection)
2. Sufficient underwear
3. Socks (Hiking socks if you will be doing long walks)
4. Sleepwear (if desired)
5. Belt
6. 2x Trousers (preferably with zip-off legs)
7. 2x Shorts (knee length are recommended and only if you do not have zip-off trousers)
8. 3x Long-sleeved shirts (with collar for sun protection)
9. 1x Long-sleeved and short-sleeved T-shirt
10. 1x Sweater/Jersey
11. 1x Light down jacket/Fleece jacket
12. 1x Lightweight wind and a waterproof jacket (Windbreaker)
13. 1x Fleece Beanie/Toque
14. Light gloves, buff and/or scarf are useful in the early morning
15. Sandals/Flip-flops to wear around camp
16. Toiletry bag with personalized contents
17. Bag for wet clothing
18. Micro-fiber (quick-drying) towel

Note: Dresses and skirts are often impractical on safari. Pack one for a special occasion, ifdesired.

If you use compression socks or other specialist clothing, pack this too.

Senior travelers can consider taking a portable chair

Gadgets & Accessories

(Per Person) – Keep layering of clothing and neutral colors in mind

1. Powerbank
2. Camera
3. Small bean bag (for camera stability)
4. Lightweight tripod (optional)
5. Memory cards and other storage devices
6. Chargers for all devices
7. Plug adaptors and power-strip/multi-adaptor
8. Binoculars (per person) – 8-10×42 optics are recommended
9. Tablet and/or Kindle (or a book to read)
10. Small torch or headlamp
11. Journal

First aid kit

1. Paracetamol
2. Anti-allergy medication and ointments
3. Band-Aids
4. Disinfectant
5. Tweezers & scissors
6. Eye drops
7. Antihistamine ointment/tablets
8. Heartburn and indigestion medication
9. Prescribed prophylaxis for malaria
10. Stomach medication for diarrhea and constipation
11. Hand sanitizer
12. Epi-Pen (if applicable)
13. Medical Alert Information (if applicable)

Adult Daypack Contents

Travel Documents

(Passport, vouchers, vaccine certificates etc.)

Prevention Kit

1. Hydrocortisone or calamine lotion (for insect bites and skin irritation)
2. Mosquito repellant
3. Sunblock
4. Motion-sickness tablets or wristbands
5. Paracetamol
6. Prescription medication for the day

Other Essentials

1. Power bank
2. Binoculars
3. Hand-sanitizer, tissues, sanitary wipes
4. Feminine hygiene products
5. US Dollars cash in various denominations for tips and incidental expenses

Children’s Luggage

1. One soft-sided duffel bag without wheels, with luggage locks
2. One small backpack (daypack)

Children’s Clothing

(Per Person) – Remember to keep layering of clothing and neutral colors in mind

1. Sufficient underwear
2. Socks (including for walking)
3. Sleepwear/Pyjamas
4. Wind and waterproof jacket
5. Zip-off type trousers
6. Shorts and T-shirts (Fast drying fabrics)
7. Light fabric long-sleeved shirt and pants for the evening – to protect from mosquitoes
8. Swimwear
9. Wide-brimmed hat or cap
10. Fleece Beanie/Touque
11. Light gloves, buff and/or scarf are useful in Winter
12. Closed shoes suitable for walking
13. Sandals/Flip-flops
14. Toiletry bag with personalized contents
15. A big bandana/multipurpose muslin to cover for the sun, use as a mat etc…
16. Travel soap
17. Diaper bag packed with extra clothes, sufficient diapers, diaper bags, changing pad

Prevention Kit

1. Hydrocortisone or calamine lotion
2. Insect repellent and mosquito patches
3. Sunblock
4. Motion-sickness medication/wristbands
5. Lip balm with SPF
6. Tissues or wipes
7. Hand sanitizer

Other Optional Items

1. A small digital camera
2. Binoculars (preferably one pair per child)
3. Activity book, notebook and checklists
4. Tablet (with games etc. downloaded and headphones)
5. Small toys

Gadgets & Accessories

pack as applicable to your child

1. Baby monitor
2. Reading material for night-time stories
3. Headlamp or torch
4. Binoculars (each child should have their own)
5. Chargers and spare batteries
6. Luggage locks
7. Power bank
8. Copies of all passports and travel documents (including travel insurance and visas)
9. A small blanket
10. Water bottle
11. Snuggle cushion for traveling
12. Back-up pacifiers (attachable to clothing)
13. Fan or a battery-operated/rechargeable mini fan
14. Emergency snacks – if your child has particular tastes, you can consider bringing a supply as many “Western” foods are not available in East Africa
15. Travel baby utensils and bib if applicable

First Aid Kit for Children

Some items may be duplicated in the adult list

1. Band-Aids
2. Bandages
3. Thermometer
4. Age-appropriate paracetamol
5. Tweezers
6. Disposable gloves
7. Eye-wash/eye bath
8. Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for stings
9. After-sun lotion
10. Burn dressing
11. Antibacterial ointment
12. Yellow Fever vaccination cards
13. Chewable probiotic tablets
14. Motion sickness pills if required (for flying on small aircraft)
15. A broad-spectrum antibiotic
16. Anti-malaria medication (as prescribed by your healthcare practitioner)
17. Insect repellant
18. Anti-nausea or diarrhea medication
19. Antihistamine cream (for bites) and tablets for any allergies
20. Epi-Pen (if applicable)
21. Antiseptic cream
22. Rehydration sachets

If you are doing a lot of walking, bring muscle rub or anti-inflammatory cream.

Remember to alert your hosts to any allergies the children may have at the start of your safari, and keep any emergency medication easily available if it must be taken immediately.

The above information represents our best guidance based on our experience but you should feel free to modify it to your unique needs. At some point, you’re going to have to handle your luggage, so keep it as light and compact as possible.

The team at FlashMc Tours are ready to assist should you have any further questions.