You just found an amazing safari lodge, made a booking and are counting the days until you set foot on African soil. Anxiously waiting to soak up the extra vitamin D and maybe, just maybe experience the thrill of witnessing a leopard taking down a gazelle, or a pack of lions stalking near a watering hole in preparation for a kill – a true African experience to die for – pun intended.
That all happens at the destination though, and right now you are at phase: preparation, preparation, preparation!
So, what do you pack and how do you prepare to make the most of your trip? It can be a bit overwhelming to navigate all the tips and tricks the internet has to offerso we put together a few essential tips and things to keep in mind on your next safari trip.
Keeping location in mind is key when packing for a safari.
Africa = sun, heat, nature, insects, chilly evenings, awesome game drives, the list goes on but what does that mean for your suitcase and stay:
Sun
You have probably heard this before but the African sun is potent and has a reputation for inflicting some serious burns on unsuspecting travellers. Packing a wide-brim hat that covers both your face and neck is essential to keep the sun off of your face and prevent sunburn.
Sunscreen that you re-apply throughout the day if spending a lot of time outside, in pools or on game drivesis also recommended. You might also want to pack a bottle of after sun for in case the hat and sunscreen let you down. There’s nothing worse than being on day 2 of your vacation in the capital of sun and being sunburnt, not wanting to step foot out of the shade. You can thank us later – just pack the bottle. The African sun has a reputation for a reason and is not to be underestimated. Sunglasses will come in handy too.
Heat
If you are visiting during the summer months, the heat – much like the sun - may be intense. Lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton is ideal.
To prevent sticking out like a sore thumb and to blend with nature, keep your clothing colour pallet earthy with neutral colours including white, beige, khaki, blue etc. Avoid packing any camouflage clothing items as it is illegal to wear camouflage/military clothing in certain African countries. It’s not necessary to pack your whole wardrobe, just check if your lodge offers a laundry service and feel free to use that to avoid overpacking. If you don’t have a laundry service available, cotton is easy to rinse out and dries quickly.
Now for the obvious sentence, your mother would remind you of: Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will not only prevent dehydration but will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the activities and game drives you have planned. When in doubt – drink water, if you think you are drinking enough water – drink some more. Think of it as Africa’s practical drinking game if you wish.
Nature
Vast open spaces,crispy sunrises, golden sunsets, the beautiful big 5 and little 5 (elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and the leopard tortoise). Not to mention the vast amount of bird and insect species. Africa truly has something for everyone, so don’t forget your camera. You don’t want to miss out on capturing the perfect moment, view or animal sighting.
Before your trip, make a list of animals you would like to see and keep it interesting, don’t stick to just the big 5, why not include the little 5 or a certain bird species as well? Even the dung beetle has its part to play in the ecosystem and is a creature to behold “dancing” around on its little ball. Keep in mind that you might not see everything on your list, but it’s better to go expectant and appreciate all you do get to see. Besides, if you don’t cross everything off your list during your first trip, it’s the perfect excuse to visit Africa again.
While a camera is essential, it is recommended to check with your resort or lodge regarding their drone policy as most parks prohibit the use of drones. So, while the camera is a must, it might be safer to leave the drones at home.
Insects and smaller animals
Yes, Africa has amazing wildlife and the big animals are breathtaking but don’t forget about the little insects, they won’t forget about you. Long clothing for the evenings and insect repellent will help keep the mosquitos at bay and closed shoes are recommended even when wearing shorts or dresses. Smaller creatures like scorpions, spiders and snakes also inhabit the area and it's best to protect your feet from critters you are likely to see only after it is too late.
Storing your shoes upright against a wall, or stuffing them with socks will also keep critters from seeking shelter there if you don’t have access to closet space. It’s best to check your shoes before putting them on regardless.
While we are on the topic of insects, when staying in a canvas glamping tent, always ensure that the zips are properly closed when entering and exiting. This will keep unwanted house guests out and might save you from a terrifying experience.
Game drives
Game drives are an amazing way to experience the beauty of nature and get up close to animals you would only otherwise see on national geographic narrated by David Attenborough or similar.
Check with your lodge regarding the times when game drives are available, but we would recommend early morning or around sunset as more animals are active then. They, like us, prefer to conserve energy during the heat of the day.
Also, don’t shy away from asking questions during your game drives. The guides are experienced and know the area and animals well. It’s the perfect time to not only experience nature up close but also to learn a lot regarding behaviour, the specific animals in that area and patterns that they might follow. The guides are also excellent at spotting animals that the untrained eye would easily miss. Engaging with guides and sharing what you would like to see can often lead to a more personalised drive when in small enough groups as the guides know where certain animals and birds tend to be at certain times and can take you directly to them, increasing your chances of amazing sightings.
If offered by the Lodge we also recommend a sunset dinner in the bushveld. What can be more idyllic than watching the sunset over the African plains, sipping a sundowner and enjoying a delicious meal?
Chilly evenings
While Africa is known for its heat, the evenings can still be quite chilly so pack a few layering items that can double as sun protection during the day and can add a layer of warmth in the evening.
Make the most of the chilly evenings and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere by the fire, sharing stories of the day’s sightings and experiences while spending quality time with your travel companions.
Africa is a wild and beautiful place to experience, filled with rich culture and breath-taking views.
If you haven’t booked your stay yet and this post gave you an African itch you need to scratch – check outsome of our amazing safari lodges here:
