Packing Your Bag for a Safari

The safari is the trendy trip of the moment. Once your destination and safari route are chosen, and all practical advice in hand (price, duration, Visa, flights, agency...), it's time to prepare for it. You are about to observe and coexist with the big 5. But often when packing, we don't really know what's necessary. Here is a guide to help you pack your special safari suitcase for Africa.

Composition of the suitcase

The composition of your suitcase may slightly vary depending on the season or the country you're visiting, so don't hesitate to check the temperatures of the seasons and countries directly on our site. But know that even in summer and with high daytime temperatures, sweaters, fleeces, parkas, and raincoats are necessary because safaris often start before dawn and the temperature levels can drop very low. Some regions are also very humid, especially in summer. This guide will help you pack your suitcase with peace of mind no matter what season you are departing.

Suitcase or Bag?

The question often arises when going on safaris, is it possible to take a suitcase? Not always; you should know that your luggage will be strapped to the roof of a 4x4 vehicle during your circuit. Some companies organizing safaris do not allow you to have a hard suitcase that takes up space and is not practical. We therefore advise you to use soft travel bags rather than suitcases. You will certainly make several transfers, and it will be easier to have a soft travel bag than a hard suitcase.

Attention, a backpack is essential for the day, to be able to carry all your personal belongings listed below.

Clothing? What should I take?

• A Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun and avoid sunstroke
• A Scarf, another essential multi-use accessory; the scarf can help avoid too much sun on the head, prevent sunburn, rain, cold, and mosquitoes. It's up to you to find the best use for it.
• A Sweater and/or fleece, it can be very cold at sunrise in the national park.
• A Parka or Raincoat: Like the fleece, the parka can be useful at sunrise or sunset but also in case of rain.
• Light and functional clothing in which you feel comfortable and ESPECIALLY clothing in neutral colors. Absolutely avoid white which is visible from afar and gets dirty very quickly with dust and bright colors which attract mosquitoes and tsetse flies. Remember to take both sleeved and sleeveless t-shirts as well as short and long pants.
• A Swimsuit if you have access to a pool upon returning from the parks in the evening.
• A Sports Bra to be more comfortable especially with the bumps of the 4x4s.

To find clothing suitable for safaris you can go to sports stores or look directly online.

What type of shoes?

Comfortable and closed shoes are most recommended during 4x4 safaris.

If you are doing a walking safari, however, it is crucial to choose hiking or walking shoes. We advise you to break in your shoes before leaving, to avoid pain and discomfort.

A pair of sandals or flip-flops can also be considered for returning to the lodge in the evening, allowing your feet to breathe.

Equipment and Accessories?

• Important documents: Passport and Visa
• A guide on different animals (birds and mammals) to follow and understand your safari better.
• A practical Le Petit Futé guide to orient yourself and get advice wherever you go.
• An insect repellent, mosquito repellent is essential on safari.
• Sunscreen, to avoid coming back red as a lobster due to the blazing heat in the heart of the parks.
• Lip balm, between heat, wind, cold, your lips will tend to dry out, which is never pleasant.
• Sunglasses for obvious reasons and dust.
• A Lamp or a headlamp: whether you choose camping or lodge options, a lamp will be useful in case of a light curfew.
• A Bottle or filtered bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you're staying in lodges, a simple bottle will suffice. However, if you're doing your safari independently, potable water may be scarce; a filtered bottle will then be useful. A filtered bottle includes one or more water filters directly integrated into the bottle. This way you can drink clean and healthy water; you can fill your bottle from any non-saline water source.
• Binoculars, an essential accessory for safaris; indeed some animals may be quite far away and thus difficult to see with the naked eye. Binoculars will help you appreciate this spectacle with more precision and detail.
• A Camera to immortalize these precious memories with beautiful photos.
• Adapters so you can recharge your electronic devices at night.
• A First aid kit with medications. Check with your doctor before leaving; some safari areas are risk zones for malaria or other diseases. Also consider checking if any vaccines need to be done before your departure.

To Do List

To help you remember everything, we have made a list of essentials you need for departure. Simply check off what you've already packed in your suitcase.

To download the list in French Click here

Para descargar la lista en español Pulse aquí

To download the To Do List in English Click here

And there you go, your suitcase is complete. You are fully ready for an expedition. Have a good trip!

If you haven't booked your Safari in Africa yet: request a free quote from our local agencies

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