What to take on a safari? It is very important to plan, back and carry the only necessary items when going for a safari adventure in Africa. This is to avoid carrying too much luggage, this is because you’ll leave your bags in the hotel room during the day and just carry the necessary items you’ll be needing in the park. The weight of luggage is sometimes restricted I most of the charted planes in Africa, which are 44 pounds per person in soft duffers for southern Africa and 34 pounds per checked bag per person for East Africa.
Safari tour important note
The most important factor to consider when packing for a safari tour is moderation. There is no need of carrying too much unnecessary luggage or being too minimalist. Tourist on a safari tour are always on a constant move and will move with their luggage in the safari vehicle throughout the tour.
The tour safari packing list
It is very important to always keep in mind that on a tour safari, you will spend most of your time in the safari car, viewing wildlife. The tour safari may include varying activities on different days of your tour such as a walking safari or a cultural safari tours throughout your safari, you should have a practical and comfortable shoes. Do not carry high heels ,fashion sneakers and occasional shoes .
The weather in East Africa can vary depending on the altitude and the time of the day . It is wise to carry thick layer clothes for warmth especially in the early mornings and late nights.
Safari packing list
- 1-2 long-sleeved shirts
- warm sweater or light jacket
- Regular light shirts or T shirts preferably one piece per day
- 1-2 pairs of light cotton trousers
- Shorts or a loose skirt, for the ladies
- Swimsuit/ trunks
- A hat for the sun ( Visor or other cap is also acceptable)
You may have noticed that most tourists on safari do wear khaki or neutral colours ,they tend to avoid bright whites or flourishing colours. This is because khaki colours blend perfectly with nature and camouflage with the parks environment. You should avoid shirts, that are purple ,red or royal blue and other selection of bright colours because they seem to make the animals shy away. Some of the biting insects such as Tse-Tse flies are attracted to striped patterns of royal blue and black ,so it is advisable that don’t wear this combination if possible.
Medical items to take while on a safari
Most safari vehicles are equipped with First Aid kits and if you have prescribed medication or special needs, kindly come prepared with your necessary medication.
- Antimalarial drugs such as Malarone and Lariam.
- Tablets from motion sickness
- Antihistamines for allergies such as Claritin ,Loratadine ,Azelastine .
- Inhaler for asthma remedy as the dusty roads may aggravate asthmatic conditions
- Any prescribed medication you may require.
The other recommended items to carry during your safari are the insect repellents. These insects are mostly active during early morning and evening when you are already back to your accommodation facility for the evening. It is also Important that wearing long sleeve shirts help prevent mosquitoes.
Sunscreen is important for its help the skin from strong direct sunlight because most parts of Africa experience equatorial sun which is sometimes too strong.
Other important tips to note on the African Safari
Most hotels and lodges in most of tourist rich countries such as Tanzania and Kenya have well established hospitality industry. The hotels have different set up to suit your needs ,they can offer Full board service which means 3 meals in the day including mid meals snacks ,Half board which means two main meals per day and the Bed and Breakfast service for the quest to choose from. However in Africa the excitement and fresh air of a safari is known for building up a good appetite.
Other items you may consider carrying them during safari tour are;
- Biscuit, chips, cookies or other packed snacks
- Fruit pre-washed or dried varieties are the best.
- Chocolate Bars
- Various varieties of mixed and dried nuts
Some of these items such as bananas, Oranges, Apples or the varieties of Nuts such as Cashew ,peanuts among others can be locally purchased from nearby villages, shops or even supermarkets.
Necessary items to have in your safari tour
Sometimes the weather may seem alright ,but it is also Important to wear sunglasses even on a not too sunny day to protect the eyes from wind, dust and small insects while popping out of the window or through the open roof of a moving car in search of objects for observation. Put in your backpack . Most of tour operators have pairs of binoculars for guest convenience. They also have several charging pots in the vehicle from which you can charge your devices while on the road travelling.
Here are that are recommended to carry:
- Sunglasses , to protect the eyes from strong sunlight, flying insects or the dust.
- Bandana or a handkerchief which when dipped in waters very refreshing around your neck
- Adapter for electric plugs, Tanzania and Kenya uses three-pronged plugs.
- Photocopies of your passport and other necessary travel documents although most of the hotels and lodges have photocopy machines.
- Camera and all photo equipment, together with its waterproof/ dust-proof bag / cover for your camera.
- Hand sanitizer or disinfectant
- Personal hygiene items which includes sunscreen and insect repellents
- Note book and a pen.
- A flashlight of head lamp
It is very important to note that plastic bags made from polythene are banned and illegal in Kenya and Rwanda countries.
Camouflage clothes are not recommended for travel in Southern African countries. In Zimbabwe, camouflage or military-inspired clothing is prohibited.
Please note that no drones are allowed any camp in East Africa.
Do not carry a portable hair dryer because most camps electrical system cannot take the drain, but if you must bring ,you should make sure that it is a travel version with capabilities at 220-240.
