What to Take On Safari in Africa - Kasane Tours and Travel

A guide to what to pack when going on an African safari.

Lots of people going on safari for the first time ask me what to take on safari in africa. So here are 5 useful tips to smooth your journey, make packing easier, and ensure that you don't leave any essentials behind.

1. Clothes - First bear in mind that generally you are restricted to 12 kg in luggage (soft bags please) as you'll be flying in light aircraft, where the weight restriction is a serious matter. Comfort is essential, fashion statements immaterial. Shorts and pants are best as you'll be doing a lot of climbing in and out of small aircraft and 4 x 4's. Then a selection of tops to go with the bottoms

You don't need a lot of clothes, as laundry facilities are available and usually complimentary. Generally you'll be staying at least two to three nights in each place so getting these washed and ironed is no problem at all. Expect to wash your own underwear.

Something warm is very important as you'll be driving early morning and at night in an open vehicle - even in summer months the wind chill can be mighty cold. I always take a lightweight warm jersey and a windcheater.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must and ladies - please leave your high heels at home! I usually throw in a pair of slip on sandals for wandering round the camp. I know it seems a cliche to recommend khaki or neutral clothing as ideal but this really is true. You are in the bush to observe wildlife and the more you camouflage yourself the better. Creeping up on a shy animal kind of works better if you're not in a screaming pink T-shirt.

I personally like to freshen up and change for dinner in the bush, so often take a long skirt and a nice top for evening wear. However it's perfectly acceptable to go to dinner in what you were wearing on the game drive. Life in the bush is very casual and anything goes.

When thinking about what to take on safari in africa don't forget sunglasses and sunhat - the African sun can be vicious, especially if you come from a relatively sunless place.

2. Toiletries - You do not need stacks of creams and lotions in the bush. The more compact your selection of toiletry necessities the better. I usually take a moisturising cream in a tube and let it double up as a night cream. Avoid anything in glass bottles as this is just not practical in the bush and adds weight to your luggage. Take small tubes of toothpaste. Most camps supply basic toiletries - shampoo, body lotion etc in your room. Ladies - if you want to use cosmetics don't take the whole collection. Rather do as I do and be very selective. Don't take perfumes as they are not appropriate on safari.

3. Mosquitoes - these little biting bastards are a real nuisance that hit you at dusk. They are not such a problem in the winter months but are prolific during the hot, rainy season. These days there are good prophylaxis products on the market, without side effects, to help prevent you catching malaria. Best to consult your doctor or local Travel Clinic before you leave home. I always take a personal insect repellent in cream or stick form - easy to carry, easy to apply. The camps/lodges supply a spray insect repellent in your tent/chalet. Once on safari it's best to avoid getting bitten in the first place, so cover up as much skin as possible with long pants/skirts, and long-sleeved shirts/tops, then use insect repellent on your exposed bits.

4. Medication - Being in the bush involves being in the middle of nowhere, so if you are on medication don't forget to take it with you. Be sure that the people you are travelling with knows about your medical condition and where to find your medication, in case of emergency. Always take out travel insurance that covers medical mishaps and emergency evacuation.

5. Also important to pack - Remember that, on safari, you are a privileged visitor to the animal kingdom, an honoured guest. Wild animals need to be treated with great respect. In return you'll have a safari of a lifetime, with memories to treasure for ever.

Also just bear in mind that you run the chance of meeting something fourlegged and wild in the dark after dinner on the way to your room, so a trained ranger is usually provided to escort you between destinations.

Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and brings you these tips based on personal experience. For more insights on safari life visit http://www.kunjani.co.za