What Do You Need To Pack For A Safari In South Africa?

Packing for your safari is such a fun part of the travel process! Deciding what to bring will depend on what time of the year you are visiting, and what other activities you have included during your stay. To help you out a little, we have created a list of safari essentials to get you started on the next step of your journey.

The Essential Safari Packing List

Now, before you get excited and start piling your bag with everything and anything, please check with your safari consultant the bag weight limit for local or chartered flights you may be taking during your trip. You may discover that your international flight allows more weight than domestic or chartered flights within South Africa and this will impact what, and how, you choose to pack for the adventure that lies ahead.

What To Wear On Safari?

• Wearing colours that blend into nature is recommended for a safari; an example of these neutral tones would be khaki, shades of green, or beiges and browns

• Cotton or waterproof wear in the form of shorts, safari trousers, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts are great options for game drives or walking safaris (the trick is to wear light, cool materials for those warm days in the bush)

• Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of longer socks if you decide to go on a walking safari. Many private lodges offer guests the option of doing a bush walk after their morning game drive to discover the smaller, intricate parts of the bush that may be missed from a vehicle. This is a fantastic experience so coming prepared with the correct attire will make your walk more comfortable

• Afternoon rain showers, along with chilly morning and evenings game drives, can be expected in all seasons so it is advised to pack either, or all, of the following: rain jacket; warm fleece; a sweater; warm hat and scarf if you are traveling in winter. Many of the luxury lodges have a boutique safari store on site, and these are great places to pick up souvenirs or special clothing items to remind you of your holiday

• Dinner time at most lodges is a casual occasion, with dresses, trousers or jeans, and cool cotton shirts working well in the evenings. Keeping yourself covered will also give you protection against mosquitos

• Your lodge will most likely have a swimming pool so pack your swimwear and flip flops for those daytime chill sessions

Toiletries & Medication

• Standard toiletries apply; however, most lodges will provide body wash and shampoo

• Remember to pack any chronic medications and keep a copy of your prescription should you need to obtain supplies during your travels

• Sun cream, sun hat and sunglasses - the South African sun is a lot stronger than other parts of the world and even on winter days you will need to protect yourself while in an open safari vehicle in the African bush

• Preventative treatments such as plasters; pain tablets; antihistamine tablets; malaria tablets (please discuss with your doctor); insect repellent; anti-nausea tablets; anti-diarrheal tablets; and an antiseptic cream

Most safari destinations are in remote locations so getting to a pharmacy in a hurry may take longer than expected. Having preventative medications on hand is recommended for your own peace of mind. Please visit your doctor before traveling to South Africa so that you are aware of any vaccinations or treatments you should be taking.

Image by Jaan Fischer

Binoculars, Camera & Adapter

• If you have a pair of binocs, bring them! If not, not to worry - your ranger will most likely have a spare pair for those moments when animal sightings are too far for the naked eye. In some luxury lodges, binoculars are provided for the guests

• Safaris are one of the best places to practice photography – if you are using your phone, make sure it is on silent for the duration of the game drive

• Pack plugs and a universal adaptor for your gadgets and devices

Travelling Documents

• Passport, visa, travel insurance, vaccination certificates (if required) and your travel itinerary

Other Supplies You May Need For A Safari

• Between your morning and afternoon game drives there is plenty of time to relax and unwind so bring along a book or magazine

• A writing journal – the bush is a very soulful and inspirational place and having access to pen and paper may prove more beneficial than you realize!

• Depending on the location, you may have WIFI at your camp/lodge and this is useful to stay connected with friends and family, or get work done in-between game drives

• At certain luxury lodges there are gym facilities on site for those who need to let off some steam and keep their fitness up to par!

• At certain family-friendly lodges there will be activities for children to keep them preoccupied and entertained during their stay

• A small torch

• Please note longer walking safaris will require a specific list of supplies that will be sent to you for that particular safari package

• It is a common procedure when going on safari to tip the game ranger, tracker and staff when leaving the lodge if you are satisfied with the experience. South Africa’s International Airports will have facilities where you can draw money. Lodges also offer the option of using your card at reception to leave gratuities for your game ranger, tracker and general staff.  (For more info on the costs of a safari please visit our article ‘The cost breakdown of budget, middle-range & luxury safaris in South Africa’).

What You Do Not Need To Pack For A Safari:

• Hair dryer: most lodges come equipped with a hair dryer in each room and they will state this on their room specifications

• Excess clothing: common among lodges is a laundry service, which allows guests to have their clothes washed and ironed during their stay (this may be an additional cost)

Image by Jaan Fischer

These recommendations are for the safari section of your South African holiday. While most of the things we have suggested are also relevant for visiting other destinations in South Africa, you may want to leave a little space for those brighter items that the African bush doesn’t appreciate!