Passport, Itinerary, Travel Insurance Docs & Etickets
It seems obvious, but we would be remiss if we didn't put this at the top of the list of what you must pack for your safari.
Prescription Meds
Remember to put your prescription medications
in your hand luggage (in case your check-in bag goes astray...
it happens!) and make sure you have enough of each type to last
your entire safari.
Prescription Glasses (Sunglasses, Hat, Sunblock Et Al)
If you wear prescription glasses, be sure to
pack more than one set (in case you lose one or they get broken).
You will be outdoors for much of the time, so be prepared. Pack
a hat, sunblock, long sleeves, and lip balm.
Camera, Video and Binoculars
Whilst most people will remember to take their
camera and/or video (or will use their mobile phone), not everyone
thinks they need to take binoculars! Binoculars are ESSENTIAL
for optimum wildlife viewing on safari (and a GOOD pair of binoculars
will make a BIG difference to your safari). We strongly recommend
a pair of binoculars on safari. Get the most expensive you can
afford (at least 8x or better still 10x magnification). Africa
is a photographers dream. Not only does the boundless wildlife
come in all shapes and sizes, but the continent is also blessed
with stunning landscapes, colorful people and fabulous light!
Do not miss out. Buy a camera, if you do not have one already.
Clothes & Toiletries
Of course you are not going to forget clothes.
But are you taking the right clothes-and are you within those
weight restrictions your travel agent told you about for those
light aircraft flights? Most international airlines will restrict
your check-in luggage to around 20 to 30kgs (55lbs). However,
if your safari itinerary includes any light aircraft flights,
then this can mean as little as 12 to 15 kgs (sometimes including
your hand luggage!). Do not panic! Remember, a same-day laundry
service is usually available in most safari camps and lodges.
This means you DO NOT need a change of clothes for each day you
are on safari! The exception will be for mobile tented safaris
where it is often difficult, due the mobile nature, to offer a
laundry service. It may also be possible to leave a bag with the
charter company, or person meeting you, for the duration of the
safari portion. When in doubt, ask your travel agent.
Phone, Music, Tablet or Laptop
What you must pack for your safari are your phone, music, tablet or laptop - and their respective chargers, country-specific adaptor plugs.
Preventative Pharmaceuticals
This is just a fancy way of saying "meds", stuff
you need, just in case the worst happens: diarrhea, headaches,
heartburn, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, bites (antihistamine),
indigestion, sore throat (lozenges), eye drops, and most important,
anti-malarial tablets.
Odds & Ends
A good torch (flashlight) is a must. It can be
pitch black in the bush or in your tent in the middle of the night.
A rechargeable torch is ideal but a small battery-powered torch
is sufficient. The new LED miners lights that fit on your head
(and leave your hands free) are also a good option. A smaller
(pencil) torch for emergencies or looking at star maps is also
worth considering. Most camps will provide a torch, or will walk
you back to your tent as required, but being self-sufficient is
always a good idea.
A good book. It never hurts to have an interesting book when
travelling. You never know when you are going to be delayed at
the airport or fall victim to Africa time! A travel diary or journal
is something we recommend. You will see and experience so much
in such a short period of time on safari, that the only way to
maintain a good record of it will be to write it down. It does
require discipline, but will serve as an invaluable record of
your safari adventure.
Hand Luggage
Firstly, try to restrict your hand luggage to
one item only, if for no other reason than more than one item
makes travel that much harder. And, yes, a handbag qualifies as
a second item! Obviously, that one item should be of a size that
is acceptable as carry-on luggage by the airlines. If you are
a photographer, then this will mean you must have sufficient space
in your camera bag for travel documents, your prescription medication
and/or glasses, binoculars and even a change of clothes. Bear
in mind that restrictions on what can and cannot be taken on board
an aircraft are still in place-including for liquids, flammables
and sharp objects. The rules change frequently, so please double-check
and take heed.
Finally, Don't Forget Your Sense of Humor, Patience and Some Common Sense!
It is not advisable to wear any form of clothing
that may be construed as "camouflage". By this we mean any form
of brown/green "combat" style coloring. Even if it is the latest
fashion statement-and even if it is your 14 year old wearing
it-and even if it is just a cap. Many African authorities have
a disproportionate phobia about such garments and this could conceivably
result in you being questioned or harassed by the police. It has
the potential to cause you grief, so don't do it. Do not take
any expensive personal jewelry on safari. Be minimalist or take
only those everyday items that you normally wear, like your wedding
band, inexpensive earrings. With regard to securing your luggage,
we would strongly suggest using one or more combination locks
to secure zips together if your suitcase does not have its own
locking mechanism. Luggage tampering in airports does occur, unfortunately.
Luggage straps that wrap around your suitcase can also deter,
whilst shrink-wrapping facilities are available at some airports.
