What to Pack for an African Safari

What to Pack for a African Safari

If you have never travelled to Africa before or been on safari, packing can be a daunting task! Having been on countless trips ourselves, both as clients, for research and as guides, our packing list is down to a fine art. Often clients bring more than they need, from water purification to food and bed linen. Unless you are camping or climbing Mt Kilimanjaro (in which case we will advise you on your packing list), then the packing list is quite simple:

• Camera. You will DEFINITELY want a good quality camera to capture the marvels you will encounter
• Light coloured clothes – you do not need to be dressed from head to toe in khaki with pockets that you will never use (unless you want to look the part!) BUT loose, light coloured clothes are advised. There are some pesky bugs that are attracted to dark (note JEANS!) colours. If you have more than 1 night in any accommodation, washing can be done – so you do not need a new outfit for each day.
• Lotions and potions – sunscreen, insect repellent and a basic first aid kit are advised, however each vehicle has a full first aid kit as do all of the camps and lodges.
• An adaptor. Tanzania uses the 3-prong UK style plugs – so bring an adaptor for your phones and camera batteries. You can change in our vehicles while on the way to game drives or in your camp in the evening.
• Covered shoes and warm clothes for the evenings. Yes, it gets chilly in Africa and you are in the open air a lot of the time.
• Swimming costume and sarong – lots of lodges and camps have a pool
• Donations for community projects like Umoja Tanzania (you can request a guide / wish list from your tour operator

Items that are best left at home:

• Water purification tablets or devices or water bottle – we supply clean drinking water and a steel water bottle
• Mosquito net
• Towels or bed linen
• Sweets / candy for children – we prefer donations made through organisations and/or communities to discourage begging and risky behaviours.
• Food – unless you have a snack that you can’t live without – there is usually too much food on offer for most people!
• Plastic bags – they are banned in Tanzania. Small ones for toiletries (for airport security) are permitted.

Always ask your tour company for a suggested packing list if you are unsure!