You're heading to the Mother Land for the trip of a lifetime. You can't wait to see elephants, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, birds and all of the other animals that live in the grasslands of Africa. But you're at a loss for what to pack. Take a look at the following checklist for what to pack on your African safari.
Packing is difficult even under the best of circumstances. You need to know what the weather's going to be like, if you need options and what's appropriate for the location. For most African safaris, your best bet is to pack light layers. You need warm clothes for the early mornings and evenings because it tends to be cool. Pack a jacket, vest or fleece as well as a couple of long-sleeved shirts for any excursions during these times. The rest of the time you can get away with pants and cotton shirts.
You should opt for clothing in light colors that aren't bright, such as khaki and olive green. Bright colors can distract the animals and dark blues (such as blue jeans) attract flies. Don't forget to also include sunglasses and a hat because the sun is bright and there isn't a lot of shade.
You don't need to go too out of the box on this aspect of your packing. Include all of your normal toiletries, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste. You also should find sunscreen with a high SPF that fits in your suitcase for your outdoor activities (a hat and sunglasses won't be enough to protect your skin). While most safaris have first aid kits, you may want to bring your own with some bandages, antibacterial wipes and aspirin.
Sunset Game Drive
Don't think that just because you're out in the grasslands, you can't bring your electronics on your trip. In fact, they'll probably come in handy. First things first, you need a plug converter that matches the country you're visiting, otherwise you won't be able to recharge any of your devices.
Make sure your cellphone is up to the task of taking amazing photos and keeping you, and everyone back home, up to date with your trip. You should also talk to your cellphone provider about a plan to use your phone abroad without racking up huge charges. For example, with an LG G6 from T-Mobile, you can use your phone in a wide variety of countries just like you would in the United States without paying extra. Don't forget to pack an extra SD card so you have plenty of space for your photos and videos.
Now that you have the essentials packed, it's time to think about all the other random items you need. Most importantly, you need to keep yourself safe. Consult your doctor before your trip to see if you need to get any shots or take any medicine, such as antimalarial or yellow fever pills. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers travel suggestions and health notices so you can ensure that you are well-prepared. You should also invest in a heavy-duty bug spray.
Binoculars are a must-have when it comes to your actual safari time so you can see faraway animals. Consider packing a waterproof bag to keep your electronics and important documents safe and dry throughout your trip. And finally, pack a few extra batteries because you never know when you may need them.
Do you have any other tips for what to pack on your African safari .
See here for what to expect on a safari .
Note: This is a guest post.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
An African safari is one of my biggest bucket list experiences