I have been fortunate enough to have visited Africa on 13 different countries from Egypt at the very top down to South Africa at the bottom. Every country in Africa offers a different experience and culture and not all trips are the same. Each trip will require you to pack differently as temperatures vary and the types of safari can vary. I have put together some safari packing tips that I hope you find useful!
Pack a good camera with decent zoom
Big isn’t always best, it doesn’t need to be a big camera, in fact I prefer a compact camera with a 30x optical zoom. Compact camera's can fit in your pocket but still take an amazing shot from a distance. Keep your phone handy for video and your phone will often be best when trying to capture the amazing African sunset! Cameras these days allow you to transfer your pics via WiFi or Bluetooth to your phone which is great to post onto social media so you can share your adventure with friends.
A portable battery charger is always handy
Great for your flights and when on safari (always put it in your hand luggage when flying). Your phone or camera will at some point need charging and it’s a shame to miss a shot because you hadn’t charged your gear. You will find you phone will use more battery on safari when you have it out and ready to capture the perfect pic!
Warm clothes and layers for morning and afternoon game drives
I don’t worry too much about having the khakis. I like to wear a long sleeve shirt over a t-shirt mainly for sun-protection; a light scarf is also useful for this. Warm jackets, jumpers, scarves and beanies are also a must particularly in the morning. Many vehicles are open and offer no protection from the elements so either dress accordingly or you’ll freeze.
Ladies a sports bra is a good option for the bumpy roads particularly in the East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania where the distances are long and roads particularly bumpy in the Masai Mara and Serengeti (some of the worst I've experienced).
Take a day pack/backpack
Your day pack should have a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, tissues (also good as toilet paper) DEET mosquito repellent, anti-nausea and gastro stop…..oh and perhaps a bag of lollies and some snacks, the guides always seem to appreciate a sweet treat!
Around the camp or lodge
Pack your thongs or something comfortable to wear around the lodge. You can also wear them on game drives, but if doing a cultural village visit best to wear covered shoes, prickles and animal dung can be a challenge otherwise. This is where wet wipes come in handy!
Keep it soft and light
For your luggage I recommend using a soft bag and keeping your luggage to a minimum (around 15kg is good if you don’t have charter flights then it’s around 10kg). Soft bags are easier to pack into your safari vehicle and charter flight if you have one. Your soft bag can still have wheels. Consider using packing cells they are a game changer. Keep all your t-shirts in one, pants in another etc. it is easier to find things keeps everything a lot tidier. Keep in mind there that you will likely be able to get washing done and it's often not expensive. Often you will come back from your game drive in the evening and go straight to dinner in your safari clothes so you wont need many nicer options for dinner.
A little something to give back
You may like to take a charity bag with you. Things like stationary, pencils, crayons, toys, books and clothes etc. are good. It can be anything really in an old bag or back pack. If you don’t have anything at home then perhaps see what is available at your local Op Shop or Salvos. Your guide can recommend the best way to distribute the goods. This of course is optional but it is always appreciated.