Whether you’re travelling by vehicle overland or staying in a lodge, going on Safari in Africa is one of the best experiences you can have in your lifetime. We’ve compiled this kit list to guide you on your quest towards getting all the kit you need to make your trip run smoothly.
Safari Essentials
There are a number of items that are vital for your health and wellbeing on safari, not least sun protection and protection for your valuables. There are also accessories that are important for maintaining customary hygene standards when far from home, and for keeping your tech in working conditon!
- Sunhat
- Beanie
- High Factor Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Wildlife / Local Guide Book
- Wash bag
- Travel Towel
- Document Wallet
- All purpose soap
- Dry Wash
- Bath/Sink Plug
- Insect Repellent- Deet Based
- First Aid Kit (with sterile needles and blister plasters)
- Head Torch (remember to take spare batteries)
- Water Bottle/Bladder-based Hydration System
- Water Purification and Neutraliser
- Travel Adaptor
- Multi Tool
- Dry Bags
Clothing
Travel Clothing is designed to be lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, quick drying and tough. Most are designed to have a high sun protection factor built in, added ventilation, and many have hidden security pockets. Layering up travel clothing will allow you to wear layers on their own if it’s hot, or several pieces at once if it’s cold, for maximum versatility.
- Underwear
- Lightweight Trousers
- Convertible Trousers
- Shorts
- Long Sleeve Shirt
- Short Sleeve Shirt/T-Shirt
- Lightweight Fleece
- Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
- Sarong
Sleeping
Finding the right sleeping bag for a trip with multiple destinations can be difficult, when temperatures can vary from over hot on the savanna to near-freezing at high altitude. Remember to find out what the coldest temperature is likely to be on your trip, and choose your sleeping bag accordingly. If you need more help deciding which bag to go for, consult the Gear Guru guide to choosing a sleeping bag. A silk sleeping bag liner will also have the effect of adding around 5 degrees C onto the overall warmth of your bag, as well as acting to keep the inside of your sleeping bag clean. If it’s really hot, you can sleep in a sleeping bag liner on its own too.
If you’re likely to be camping or sleeping on hard floors, it’s a good idea to take a self-inflating clipping mat such as those made by Thermarest. They pack down to a small size, weigh very little, and provide great comfort. You may also want to take a Thermarest puncture repair kit. If storage space is not such an issue and you don’t want to worry about punctures, foam sleeping mats are a viable option.
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Pillow Case (for hygiene reasons)
- Mosquito Net
Luggage
There’s a diverse range of choices when it comes to bags, and there’s no right or wrong option. You can choose from front loading packs that sometimes come with their own day pack, a wheeled bag for versatile transportation or a duffle bag if you have loads of kit to carry. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits you and your individual travel needs.
- Travel Pack / Rolling Bag / Duffel Bag
- 15-20 Litre Daypack, if your main pack doesn’t come with one
- Daypack Rain Cover
- Luggage Padlocks
- Dry Bags (to protect water-sensitive kit)
Footwear
We advise taking two footwear options: a comfortable and supportive pair of walking shoes, and a pair of good walking sandals. A multi purpose pair of shoes is ideal for walking safaris and for keeping your feet warm on cooler evening. Sandals are what you will probably get the most wear out of so make sure they are just as sturdy as your shoes. As with all shoes and sandals, make sure you leave plenty of time to choose the right pair for you and your feet as blisters can be painful and unnecessary. As geeky as it sounds, socks are great to wear with your sandals in the evening to stop anything nasty biting you. Don’t forget your flip flops for the end of the day and in the showers.