For those who want to get away from it all, the best kind of safaris are the ones that are so remote they’re only accessible by charter plane. The problem with charter planes is that they’re small, with severe packing restrictions.
In most cases, 44lbs of luggage or less in a soft-sided bag is about as much as you’re going to get. So how do you know what should be on your safari packing list, and what to leave off.
Here’s the drill:
Non-Negotiable Safari Packing List Items
There are some things that you have to have when travelling, no matter where you’re going. These are your travel documents, passport and ID, credit cards, cash, your smartphone, camera and medications.
Of course, travel-size toiletries are a must. The average safari is hardly ever longer than a week, why not free yourself from the burden of your rigorous beauty routine for a while? You can always catch up when you get back to civilization. Master the art of quick and easy skincare and minimize makeup.
You will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and a small bottle of all-in-one body/hair wash to tide you over until you can get to a shop. Most lodges have complimentary shampoo, soap, shower caps, and lotion for their guests.
Clothes
If you’ve never been on safari, here’s what to expect:
You’ll be woken before dawn with coffee and cookies; then you’ll depart on your first game drive of the day. The next thing on your agenda is breakfast, either al fresco in the bush or back at camp. A light lunch, afternoon tea and a late dinner around the fire are the only other set activities for the day. In between, you could lounge by the pool, nap, or indulge in extra activities like birdwatching or hot air ballooning.
This structured routine means there’s little reason or time to dress up. The one thing you will never need while on safari is high heel shoes. If your destination of choice offers a laundry service, you can get by with very little in the way of clothing.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A set of underwear and socks for each day of your safari
- 1 swim suit
- 1 pair of flat leather sandals
- 1 pair of sturdy walking shoes (i.e. sneakers/tennis shoes)
- 2 lightweight breathable shirts
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of long pants for hiking
- 1 pair of pyjamas
- A hat and sunglasses
- A warm lightweight jacket
Choose items in neutral colours so you can mix and match. Bright colours and white items aren’t suitable for safaris; you want to blend in while game watching.
Extra Essentials include:
- Malaria prophylactics if prescribed by your doctor
- Insect repellent (often also provided by the lodge)
- Binoculars
- A small good quality camera or a smartphone with a camera
It won’t take you long to figure out that a safari is a laid-back affair with no glamour expectations. Enjoy not having to worry about how you look for once.
Get in touch to book your safari with our expert southern African travel experts or for more advice about what should be on your safari packing list.
