Select your clothing based on comfort. Safari clothes should be washable, cotton or the new fabrics (not synthetics like rayon), and loose fitting. Some of the new fabrics like Coolmax, supplex, and polypropylene are excellent, and can be found in the TravelSmith catalog we send to you. Clothing should be light colored (tan, khaki, or neutral colors) on safari; it keeps you comfortable and is unobtrusive and non-threatening to wildlife. Remember, there is laundry service at each camp.
MIND ABOUT THE COLOUR WHEN PACKING FOR AFRICA
Neutrally toned colours are the order of the day. The aim of any safari is to blend in as much as possible, so that you do not disturb the wildlife you are viewing. This ensures that you are able to watch animals behaving naturally, and not running away from you (or towards you, which is certainly not ideal!). The ideal colours for safari travel include Olive, Stone, Khaki, Mushroom, and Acacia. For the majority of African countries please do not pack camouflage safari clothing as camouflage clothing is illegal attire for civilians, and this law is strictly enforced.
SAFARI EQUIPMENTS
Going for a safari requires good prior planning and preparations, the last thing you would ever wish for on an African safari is to realise that you have left any important safari equipment behind.
- Binoculars (essential)
- Torch
- Camera and film and extra flash batteries and lens cleaner
- If taking a digital camera: memory stick(s)/data card(s), charger and extra batteries
- Small bean bag to substitute a tripod
- Sleeping bag (may be supplied by safari company so check first)
- Travel pillow, or you can use your polar fleece/windbreaker
- Small calculator for currency calculations
- Money belt
- Safari hats
- Clothing in neutral colours: khaki, light brown/green, tan. Avoid bright colours & white for improved game viewing.
- A safari Jacket
- Comfortable non-synthetic short- and long sleeved safari shirts
- Comfortable non-synthetic shorts and long trousers
- About 5 sets of underwear
- Pyjamas
- Swimming costume
- Flip-flops or sport sandals
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes (not white). These are very important on a walking safari.
- About 5 pairs of socks
- Extra shoelaces
TOILETRIES & FIRST AID
- Sun block and after sun
- Towel – travel towel is light and takes very little space
- Skin cream
- Insect repellent/mosquito coils (do not use coils in tent)
- Anti-malaria medication
- Citronella or other body soap/shower gel
- Wet wipes/hand sanitizer or no-water/antibacterial soap
- Band aids and moleskin
- Pocket knife
- Small scissors, if not on your Leatherman/Swiss knife
- Small unbreakable mirror
- Plastic bags for wet clothes and muddy shoes
- Book to read between game viewing and other leisure time
- String/rope
- Cold/flu tablets
- Allergy remedy
- Some people take a basic antibiotic in case
- Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip)
DOCUMENTS
Visa requirements are an important consideration especially if you are going on safari in multiple African countries as some of them have different visa terms.
- Passport and correct visas
- Emergency phone numbers
- Insurance policy
- Guide book(s) covering the area you’re visiting – it should include animals/birds pages for easy identification
- Your itinerary
- Addresses and mobile numbers (postcards/e-mails/texts)
- Any vaccinations certificates